Snow blades

Snowblade was the trademark name of little "skis." They are about half the length of standard alpine skis.
The term "snowblades" is often mis-used to describe the sport of skiboarding.
Snowbladers generally take up the activity as an alternative to alpine skiing. Because they are so short, snowblades can be transported and used very easily and flexibly, and carving with them is nearly automatic. They appeal in a semi-cultesque way to individuals of various ages and backgrounds, as was the case with snowboards, when they made their first appearances on ski slopes decades ago.
Snowblades are usually worn with hard alpine ski-type boots, typically do not have (nor need) safety bindings, and are originally meant to be used without poles. When going uphill with skins (and in icy terrrain, with ski crampons) they behave very similar to snowshoes. As they offer relatively little supporting area, snowblades do not work well in powder, requiring the rider to keep their weight very far back when going downhill. On the other hand, they are easily maneuverable on more firmly packed snow, slush, or ice, unlike snowboards.

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