Never thought I could part with my old snowboard. As a back-country boarder/skier I never felt that super sharp edges, great camber, and performance were all that important. After-all, I am usually in powder…Yeah…how wrong I was!

We are still very much experiencing winter here in the Tetons. Spring time in the Rockies can be incredibly unpredictable. Just when you think it is time to pump up those bike tires you get 12 inches of snow. Yesterday I had the honor to ride the Arbor Abacus. Maybe for the last time of the season I packed my back-country pack, put on my transceiver and headed up Glory for an amazing powder day.

It would have been fun with my old beat up board, but it was absolutely FABULOUS on the Arbor Abacus. Each heel side turn churned up a face full of beautiful snow. Each toe turn created a strong, solid carve. My lips were frozen to my gums at the bottom from smiling so hard.

Aside from the amazing performance the top sheet design of Arbor board is absolutely beautiful. The 06’ board was designed with a Hawaiian Koa wood top-sheet. THe 07’s will be a burled eucalyptus. Same board with a different look. Whether you get your hands on an end of season 06’ or you wait for the 07’ you will not be disappointed.

The Abacus is designed as a free-ride board able to contend with mixed conditions, varied terrain, and loads of powder. Though I have only reviewed it under extreme powder conditions I have no fret as to it’s performance in other environments. I am 5’5 and loved the 159.5. It also is offered in a 163.5. This board has made me want winter to last. Well…only for a little bit more.