When In Rome best of it .” To that end , the Rome team frequently tests prototypes on the local slopes and seeks feedback from nearby riders and shop owners . “ We take all of the feedback from community members pretty seriously , especially when it comes to making decisions that inform our products and their design ,” shares Wassick .
When In Rome best of it .” To that end , the Rome team frequently tests prototypes on the local slopes and seeks feedback from nearby riders and shop owners . “ We take all of the feedback from community members pretty seriously , especially when it comes to making decisions that inform our products and their design ,” shares Wassick .
This hands-on , community-driven approach is reflected in Rome ’ s boards , bindings , and boots , which cater to riders across all levels and styles , from park enthusiasts to powder mavens . Rome ’ s flagship board models , like the Ravine and Ravine Pro , embody the rugged spirit of Vermont ’ s terrain , with a shape specifically designed for backcountry riding .
TJ THRAN
For Rome Snowboards Graphic Designer Portia Wassick , Rome ’ s commitment to Vermont ’ s snowboarding scene resonates on a deeply personal level . Growing up in Southern Vermont and immersed in the world of snowboarding from an early age , Wassick now carries on that legacy through her work . Her journey , along with Rome ’ s connection to Vermont , embodies the essence of what makes the brand unique : authenticity , creativity , and an unwavering dedication to the Vermont snowboarding community . In the weeks leading up to the start of the winter snowboarding season , Wassick sat down with VERMONT Magazine to speak on the underpinning philosophy behind Rome Snowboards and how it translates into their products , cutting edge technology , and her work there as a designer .
According to Wassick , Rome ’ s roots in Vermont go beyond geographic ties ; they inform every aspect of their product design . “ Our snowboarding scene here in Vermont is very , very down to earth , and everybody ’ s always down to do whatever they can to make the
One of Rome ’ s most remarkable snowboarding gear innovations is its HotRod technology . This feature consists of thin rods embedded into the core of the boards , which are designed to give riders enhanced power and responsiveness . Wassick explains how these rods work : “ They add torsional stability , while also allowing you to ollie a little bit higher and get a little bit more ‘ pop ’ out of your jumps . There are four different kinds , but the carbon Omega HotRods are the beefiest .” The HotRods system is more than just a simple enhancement ; it ’ s a critical tool for delivering a dynamic riding experience . With multiple configurations available , each board can be fine-tuned for specific performance needs . The Directional Single HotRod offers stability at high speeds and smooth turn initiation for all-mountain riders , and the Twin Double V HotRod provides maximum ollie power for freestyle riders who love hitting jumps and rails .
True to Wassick ’ s words , the Ome-
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