The History of Snowskates and the Rise of Bi-Decks

Snowskating has evolved from a niche idea into a fully recognized winter sport. What began as simple one-piece boards for backyards and small hills has developed into modern bi-deck snowskates capable of carving groomed slopes, riding terrain parks and exploring the entire mountain. This article explains where snowskating came from, how equipment has changed over time and why bi-deck snowskates have become the standard for resort riding.

Early Beginnings: The First Snowskates

The earliest snowskate-like products appeared in the 1960s and 1970s under names such as Snurfer and other single-deck toys. These boards had no steel edges, no grip and no trucks. They were used mostly on small hills and were closer to sleds than to modern snowskates.

The concept was simple: stand on a flat board and slide downhill. While these early designs lacked control, they introduced the idea of binding-free riding on snow.

Snowskating in the 1990s and Early 2000s

As skateboarding and snowboarding grew in popularity, companies began experimenting with products that blended the two sports. Brands introduced small plastic decks with foam grip and simple bases. These early “flatdeck snowskates” became popular with skateboarders because they made it possible to practice skate-style tricks in winter.

Flatdecks were fun but limited:

• No steel edges
• Minimal stability
• Not suitable for resort slopes
• Best for backyard riding and terrain parks

They helped define the snowskate identity but did not yet offer true mountain performance.

The Introduction of Bi-Deck Snowskates

The major shift came with the introduction of bi-deck snowskates. Instead of a single board, these models used:

• A top deck similar to a skateboard
• A subdeck shaped like a miniature snowboard or ski
• Steel edges
• Sidecut for turning
• A binding-free riding platform

This design dramatically increased control, stability and versatility. For the first time, snowskates could carve, stop and hold an edge on groomed slopes.

Bi-decks also made lift-access more realistic. Resorts began acknowledging the equipment because it behaved more like a ski or snowboard and included essential safety features such as a leash.

The Rise of Resort-Friendly Snowskating

Through the 2010s and beyond, bi-deck snowskates gradually became accepted in ski resorts across North America and Europe. As riders demonstrated safe, predictable control, more resorts updated their policies to allow snowskates with steel edges.

During this period, several improvements took shape:

• Better subdeck shapes
• Stronger materials
• Top decks with concave and proper grip
• Reliable truck and mounting systems
• More predictable edge engagement

These refinements made bi-deck snowskates a legitimate tool for resort riding.

The Role of Hovland in Modern Snowskating

Hovland played an important role in advancing bi-deck snowskate technology. By focusing specifically on snowskates, the company refined subdeck profiles, improved edge performance and created models tailored for different types of terrain.

Today, Hovland offers a full lineup designed for everything from park riding to carving and powder:

Five-Oh

A compact, agile option for skate-style tricks and technical riding.

Ram

The best allround snowskate, suitable for groomers, park laps and mixed terrain.

Buckshot

A carving-focused board built for stability and speed on groomed slopes.

Bubba

A long, wide board designed for flotation and surf-style riding in soft snow.

These models represent the maturity of the sport, offering reliability and performance far beyond early snowskate designs.

Why Bi-Deck Snowskates Continue to Grow

Several factors have contributed to the growth of snowskating:

Accessibility

No bindings, no special boots and easy setup make snowskating approachable for beginners and appealing to snowboarders looking for variety.

Creativity

Snowskates make small hills, small jumps and everyday terrain interesting again. Riders progress quickly without needing steep slopes or large features.

Lower Impact

Snowskating tends to involve lower speeds and smaller jumps, reducing physical impact and injury risk compared to high-speed snowboard riding.

Resort Acceptance

As more resorts recognize the safety and control offered by bi-deck snowskates, the sport becomes easier to practice on lift-accessed terrain.

The Future of Snowskating

With continued innovation in subdeck technology, better materials and growing interest among snowboarders and skiers, snowskating is poised to expand further. Its unique blend of creativity, freedom and ease of access makes it an ideal complement to traditional winter sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first snowskate?

Early snowskate-like products such as the Snurfer appeared in the 1960s, but modern snowskates evolved significantly later.

When did bi-deck snowskates appear?

Bi-decks became widely recognized in the early 2000s and gained popularity as materials and construction improved.

Are bi-deck snowskates allowed in ski resorts?

Many resorts accept them as long as they have steel edges and a leash.

Do I need to be a skateboarder to snowskate?

No. Snowboarders are the largest snowskate user group, and skills transfer naturally.