New year, new gear. The Rock on Snow Test Village (Above Photo: Ed Blomfield)

The Whitelines team have been out in La Clusaz, France, for the second annual Rock on Snow (formally Avant Premiere) industry event. This 3-day event kickstarts the testing season and provides European retailers with the first opportunity to get their hands – or, rather, their boots – on the next winter’s gear.

Despite an unseasonably dry spell in the French Alps this month, conditions were primed for testing. A combination of high pressure and cold temps at night resulted in lightning-fast groomers and a great opportunity to see how the latest snowboard products could rip up the mountains and hold a line on hardpack. 

“Feast your eyes on this first look at next season’s offerings”

More sneak peeks will follow imminently, as the Whitelines team head on to Shop’s First Try, ISPO and Outdoor Retailer over the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest additions and evolutions in next year’s toys. Expect to see a new signature series from Rome, with Stale Sandbech, a complete redesign of Ride’s bindings, and a new deck added to the Jones line, to name just a few. 

We will, of course, be bringing you a full low down on every product tested throughout this season in our Buyer’s Guide. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this first look at next season’s offerings.