Just as it seems every imaginable sliding device must have been invented by now, along comes the Dual Board. Founded in 2011, Dual Snowboards are, the manufacturers tell us, already "a recognisable part of the snowsports scene in the United States" and they're now moving in to Europe.
The basic concept is that riders travel sideways just like on a snowboard, but have two separate boards, just like skis. Dual boards (£225 per pair) are proving particularly popular in freestyle parks and on urban obstacles and some riders have already evolved into performing bigger tricks like frontflips, backflips and rodeos, all on dual boards.
Dual boards are suitable for all ages and are compatible with snowboard boots and bindings and you don't need to unstrap when getting on a ski lift, unlike most snowsports gear they can also fit in your backpack!
"Duals have opened up a whole new world of riding and tricks for me," said reviewer Jake Kirkwood, team rider, professional ski instructor and freestyle coach from Scotland, "We shot some urban stuff recently in the Alps and riding the duals in this environment was sick! We spent some days going to resorts and not even going up on the mountain, just shredding what we could find. We then hit the main slopes and it was so much fun playing about with them on a big mountain. I love the way in which I can take elements of snowboarding and skiing and transfer them to dual boards giving me a totally different way to enjoy the snow, everything opens up and there are just no rules. If I can give one bit of advice, just go out and give them a go. I was a sceptic at first but once I jumped on them for half an hour I was hooked!"
The Dual is distributed by StickYourTrick - you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stickyourtrick