Curated Snowboarding Expert Arielle Busch got her hands on the 2024 Nidecker Ora Women’s Snowboard this spring. Check out how it performed in the carving, freestyle, and freeride categories, but consider the fact that each and every rider is different; if you have any questions about the Ora or need recommendations on which board would be best for you, reach out to a Snowboarding Expert here on Curated.

Before we get started, it's worth noting that Curated Experts are not sponsored by any brands. All of these reviews are completely unbiased.

Brand Claims

What does Nidecker claim about this board? [Arielle] The brand claims that the Ora is a versatile women’s board with all the tech you need to reach the next level quickly. It’s ideal for mastering the perfect turn or popping your first tricks in the park.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? [Arielle] It is approachable as a second board or as a first board for an intermediate rider who knows what they’re doing. It will be great on edge hold and hard pack, so some East Coast riders would enjoy this board. That’s not to say that it doesn’t do well out west.

Carving

How does it turn? [Arielle] This board is not the softest. It’s definitely stiffer than the Elle. However, where its flex points are makes a lot of sense on this snowboard. Because of that, it allows for a more approachable ride. It’s very easy to go edge to edge. It’s easy to get into those deeper carves, and it just wants to take people’s riding skills to that next level.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? [Arielle] It was really damp. I felt a lot of absorption, and it felt like it was meant to pop.

How does it perform at speed? [Arielle] This board is really easy to control at speed.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle snowboarding? [Arielle] I could do a lot of my 180s, and it popped right in the right area. It was very easy to manipulate in terms of getting some air.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? [Arielle] This board allowed me to be so playful because I thought it would ride and be like those boring intermediate-zone snowboards, but it really didn’t. It’s lively, it’s got a personality. So, for those intermediate riders out there looking to get a little sendy, get in the air a little bit, want to go in the park, there’s some camber in this. It’s definitely going to pop for you.

How is it for buttering? [Arielle] Although this board was a bit stiffer than the Elle, I could still press it. I definitely attempted some butters.

How is it on jumps? [Arielle] This board got pretty sendy with that camber underfoot, which I loved because I like to go on the air, and I loved that it was stable in the landings.

Freeride

How is it in powder? [Arielle] I took it to some powder, and my least favorite part about it was its floatability.

How is it in uneven terrain and chunder? [Arielle] Interestingly enough, it cut right through in the uneven terrain and a bit more of the chunder, which was impressive. I didn’t know what to expect, so I was glad this was a very reliable board for all conditions. I had powder this morning, uneven terrain, and some slush, and honestly, I would say it did a fine job in each.

How is it riding in the trees? How is its maneuverability? [Arielle] I would say that the terrain this board thrives in was bumps and trees.

What terrain is this board good for? [Arielle] It definitely thrives on groomed runs.

What kind of terrain should riders avoid with it? [Arielle] If I had one complaint, I would say that it was not the best floater.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? [Arielle] If you are a rider who is looking to be slightly more challenged but not overwhelmed by any means and want to take all of those more basic beginner skills to that next level and go in those blue runs, go on those green runs, get into those trees, and bumps, this thing is going to be responsive for all of those types of skills.

Who should avoid this board, are there other better options out there for them? [Arielle] There are some other boards in the Nidecker line that would be better for floatability on deeper days.

Snowboards work differently for different types of riders. If you want help finding the right board for you, reach out to Arielle or any other Snowboarding Expert here on Curated for free, personalized recommendations on the best board for you.