It looks like Ullr has been hearing our prayers, as snow continues to hammer mountains across the country, keeping the backcountry open for business. If you’re into powder facials and spending endless hours in the white room, this round up is for you.

As backcountry boards tend to fall on the pricey end of the shopping spectrum, we did some research and found the top 5 most reliable backcountry boards under $500, to aid all you powder fiends continuously chasing down your next fix.

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Jones Mountain Twin

A directional twin shape along with a CamRock profile – camber in the center and rockered at the ends- the Jones Mountain Twin transforms the entire mountain into your personal playground. From the inside out you will find carbon stringers and Triax fiberglass from tip to tail, a combo that lends you some serious board control. Need more proof? One look at the board’s mind-altering graphics, created by the legendary Brian Iguchi, will have you convinced.

Price: $499.00

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Ride The Slackcountry

When the blower days arrive at the resorts, head out of bound and get back to that good old powder face-shot treatment with the Ride Slackcountry. A powder influenced HighRize Rocker lets you surf the snow and take it all in while the Slackcountry takes care of the rest even. Along with Ride’s Slimewall sidewall technology that quiets chatter, Carbon Array 3 Laminates increase stiffness throughout the board so you can slash massive rooster tails the entire run. Safe to say there won’t be any true slacking happening here.

Price: $459.95

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Yes The Hel Yes

Ladies that are badass enough to drop cliffs and charge hairy lines like Helen Schettini should be in possession of a Hel Yes. A slightly longer nose and a setback stance combined with a CamRock profile helps you surf powder with ease. And, since reliability is key when ripping through backcountry terrain, Yes utilizes a lightweight poplar core reinforced with beech Impact Blocks to prevent unpredictable blowouts. Get ‘er done, Schettini style.

Price: $499.00

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Burton Trick Pony

There will always be the guy that says he only rides park but once he straps into the Burton Trick Pony, he’ll take those words back. A member of the Burton freeride Family Tree line, the Trick Pony ensures predictable riding on takeoffs and stomps in deep powder with ease thanks to a Flat Top profile that provides a perfect balance of control with camber and hover of a rocker. Nothing is better than to have all the breaking-in done for you with Infinite ride and a Channel mounting system permits unlimited options to tweak the bindings to your preference.

Price: $499.95

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Salomon Women’s Idol

The Salomon Idol is the go-to board when the snow falls and the backcountry calls. The Cross Profile grants you the best of both worlds with both camber and rocker, while a directional twin contour gives you exceptional control even at high speeds.

Price: $449.95