Head Snowboards F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboards F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Head
Interviewee: Eva Knöpfle, Junior Marketing Manager Snowboards & Protection

How would you describe the 2024/25 snowboard season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
The 2024/25 season was a success across the board. Strong consumer demand, solid performance in Japan and North America, and steady momentum in Europe reflected the ongoing strength of the snowboarding segment. With more riders than ever investing in premium, high-performance gear, snowboarding continues to grow and inspire a new generation of enthusiasts.

What major trends are shaping the snowboard market (pricing, consumer preferences, rider demographics, retail shifts)?
The snowboard market continues to evolve toward higher value and performance-oriented products. Riders are increasingly looking for durable, technically advanced gear that enhances their experience on snow. This shift also reflects a growing willingness to invest in premium setups rather than entry-level options. At the same time, we see a rising share of younger and female riders entering the sport, driving more diverse product and size offerings. While online sales have become an integral part of the buying journey, in-store experiences and on-snow demos remain crucial for helping consumers find the right setup and ensuring long-term brand loyalty.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
The past seasons have shown that stability and flexibility must go hand in hand. While global logistics and sourcing costs continue to fluctuate, our long-established production partnerships have proven resilient, allowing us to maintain both quality and reliability. The more noticeable shift comes from the market itself — riders are purchasing more consciously, seeking durable, performance-driven products with lasting value. Rather than chasing short-term trends, we see this as an opportunity to strengthen our focus on premium design, longevity, and consistent brand trust.

BRAND FOCUS

What is your brand’s core mission or philosophy, and how does it influence snowboard design and development?
COME RIDE WITH US is more than just a slogan – it’s HEAD Snowboards’ core mission. We invite riders of all ages and skill levels to experience snowboarding in its most inspiring and enjoyable form. This philosophy defines the way we design our products: creating boards that strike the perfect balance between innovation, performance, and durability, while ensuring a dynamic and engaging ride. From versatile all-mountain models to high-performance machines, every board is built to help riders explore and enjoy the mountain to the fullest. Earlier this year, we also released our CRWU movie, featuring our global team riders and showcasing creativity, style, and the pure joy of snowboarding – the very values that lie at the heart of every HEAD Snowboard.

How has your brand’s role in the snowboard market evolved in recent years?
Over the past years, HEAD Snowboards has continuously strengthened its position in the snowboard market by offering a comprehensive range of all-mountain boards for every skill level and budget. From forgiving entry-level models that support confident progression to high-performance boards featuring LYT Tech, Hexagonal Core, Graphene, and sintered bases, our line covers the full spectrum of riders’ needs. Our mid-range models deliver enhanced precision and responsiveness, while cruiser shapes offer smooth carving and effortless float in powder. This ongoing evolution reflects our clear commitment to innovation, versatility, and durability — ensuring that every rider can enjoy the mountain to the fullest, regardless of style or level.

Who is your target rider for the 26/27 season, and how has this profile changed compared to the past?
For the 26/27 season, HEAD Snowboards is focusing on riders who value progression and versatility across all terrain. Our Zero Camber line continues to support beginners and intermediate riders with a stable, predictable, and forgiving ride, while the updated RUSH 2.0 and STELLA 2.0 models also now feature our unique Torsional Waist Construction with a soft flex for enhanced edge control and responsiveness. Compared to previous seasons, we are placing a stronger focus on boards that encourage learning and confident progression, while integrating features that appeal to more ambitious riders eager to refine their technique and explore the entire mountain.

Which product ranges or categories do you expect to drive the most growth in 26/27?
We expect continued growth across our all-mountain and cruiser segments, driven by riders who value control, flow, and versatility. In the mid-range, the updated RUSH 2.0 and STELLA 2.0 refresh our Zero Camber line with a Torsional Waist for increased flexibility, playful handling, and improved edge control — ideal for confident progression across the mountain. At the premium level, the POWERHOUSE LYT stands out as a top performer, offering speed, stability, and a surf-inspired ride for advanced snowboarders. Together, these models embody HEAD’s focus on performance-driven innovation that supports every level of rider.

SNOWBOARD SPECIFIC

What trends or developments in construction, shapes, and innovation are guiding your 26/27 snowboard range?
For 26/27, our snowboard range builds on refined constructions and shape innovations designed to deliver smoother control, stability, and progression. The updated RUSH 2.0 and STELLA 2.0 highlight this direction, now featuring our new Torsional Waist construction that adds torsional flexibility for a more playful and responsive feel. Combined with a Zero Camber profile and soft flex, these boards ensure consistent edge contact, smoother turn initiation, and a forgiving, approachable ride, perfect for riders developing their all-mountain skills with confidence. At the higher end, the POWERHOUSE LYT continues to lead our Cruiser Line, delivering speed, stability, and effortless float for advanced riders. Built with LYT Technology, New School Camber, and an Early Rise Nose, it combines precise edge hold with a surf-inspired flow across all snow conditions — a board trusted by our Freeride World Tour athletes. These developments emphasize HEAD’s commitment to lightweight engineering, functional design, and ride-specific flex, resulting in boards that perform intuitively and deliver maximum enjoyment across every terrain.

What new materials or material innovations are you using — inserts, edges, cores, sidewalls, resin, glues, base material, top sheet, wax, or others?
For the 26/27 season, HEAD snowboards continue to rely on proven materials to deliver consistent performance and durability. The POWERHOUSE LYT features high-end LYT Technology with a Hexagonal Core, providing lightweight strength, responsiveness, and precise control, as well as a sintered base and durable topsheet to ensure reliable performance across all terrains and riding styles.

How are you incorporating sustainability and ethical production into your boards (materials, processes, lifecycle, packaging)?
HEAD continues to embed sustainability and ethical practices into every aspect of snowboard production. From initial design to finished product, we focus on minimizing waste, improving efficiency, and extending the lifespan of each board through durable materials and thoughtful construction. Our processes prioritize environmentally conscious materials, including FSC-certified wood cores, recycled packaging, and water-based inks for graphics. We reduce plastic use wherever possible, avoid polybags, and offer bulk packaging solutions for rental programs. Production partners employ energy-efficient methods, such as solar-powered presses and optimized cooling systems, to further reduce environmental impact. By combining performance-driven design with responsible production practices, HEAD ensures that every snowboard not only delivers on quality and ride experience but also aligns with our long-term commitment to sustainability and ethical standards.

What design directions are you taking — graphics, patterns, collabs, or signature editions?
For the 26/27 season, HEAD continues to emphasize clean, contemporary snowboard designs that are visually cohesive with our boots and bindings. A thoughtful balance of matt and glossy finishes, combined with carefully coordinated color palettes, ensures that every rider can create a unified and stylish look on the mountain while enjoying high performance and reliable construction. In addition, our children’s line, Futureheads Boards, has been completely redesigned this season. Each board is tailored to different progression stages, from the soft, forgiving ROWDY KID for beginners, to the more responsive ROWDY FLEX, and the DEFY YOUTH for ambitious young riders exploring all-mountain and freestyle terrain. With playful flex, kid-friendly handling, tailored shapes, and colors designed specifically for children, these boards let young riders progress confidently while matching the aesthetics of our youth boots and bindings.

Are you focusing on particular rider groups (freeride, freestyle, all-mountain, women’s-specific, youth, beginner) for 26/27?
We maintain our focus on supporting riders across all levels for 26/27, from beginners to advanced snowboarders. Mid-range all-mountain boards like the updated RUSH 2.0 cater to progression-oriented riders seeking control, versatility, and ease of use, while the STELLA 2.0, a women-specific model, provides a tailored fit and flex to meet the needs of female riders. At the premium end, the POWERHOUSE LYT delivers speed, stability, and a surf-inspired ride for performance-focused riders. The youth segment remains a priority with completely redesigned Futureheads boards, offering stage-appropriate shapes, playful flex, and kid-friendly handling. This approach ensures every rider finds a board suited to their style, ability, and ambition.

Key Products:

RUSH 2.0 & STELLA 2.0:
The updated RUSH 2.0 and STELLA 2.0 refresh HEAD’s Zero Camber line, designed for progression-oriented riders. Both boards feature a soft flex and our unique Torsional Waist for increased torsional flexibility, playful handling, and improved edge control. The STELLA 2.0 is women-specific, offering tailored shapes and responsive performance. Together, they support confident progression across all-mountain terrain.

RUSH

POWERHOUSE LYT:
The POWERHOUSE LYT is a premium cruiser board designed for advanced riders who demand speed, stability, and a surf-inspired feel. Featuring LYT Technology and a Hexagonal Core for a lightweight yet highly responsive structure, it delivers effortless float in powder, smooth carving on groomers, and impressive speed thanks to its sintered base. Its versatile construction ensures consistent, high-performance riding across a wide range of conditions.

Powerhouse_LYT

ROWDY FLEX:
ROWDY FLEX is part of HEAD’s Futureheads line, dedicated to the next generation of snowboarders. HEAD developed this line to give kids a positive, confidence-building introduction to snowboarding, supporting them at every stage of progression. The goal is to make learning fun, safe, and intuitive, while fostering long-term passion for the sport. Designed for kids riding independently, ROWDY FLEX offers more stability, control, and torsional flex to link turns confidently. Its tailored shape, soft yet responsive flex, and playful handling ensure smooth progression from first turns to all-mountain and early freestyle adventures. With lightweight construction, kid-friendly designs, and durable performance, ROWDY FLEX helps young riders build skills, confidence, and joy on the snow.

Rowdy_Flex