Creating the Perfect Skis and Boards

Since 1990 Prior has been relentlessly Refining the Ride.  Handcrafting high-performance snowboards for more than two decades has given Prior the knowledge and skills to consistently produce boards and skis that stand up to the test of time, and the rigorous performance needs of the most dedicated local riders and elite athletes. 

FAQ's

General FAQ

Are all your boards and skis made at your factory in Whistler, Canada?

What differentiates your snowboards and skis from other manufacturers?

How does Hybrid Rocker affect the edge hold of my snowboard or skis?

How long will it take to get my snowboard or skis after I order it?

How will I know when my order has been shipped?

Where do you ship to?

Can I pick up my snowboard or skis in Whistler?

How do I get to the Prior Factory/Store in Whistler?

What is your exchange rate between Canadian and other currencies?

What is your warranty policy?

Can you repair non-warranty claims?

Do you make or sell bindings?

Are sintered graphite bases faster?

Do you rent or demo snowboards an skis ?

Do you have any used, factory seconds, or 'last years' snowboards and skis for sale at discount prices?

Can you tell me more about your factory in Whistler?

Snowboard Questions

Do you have wide boards for people with big feet?

What kinds of custom options are available?

My screws feel like they are stripping the inserts when I am attaching the bindings. What should I do?

Do you make any boards for kids?

What should I do to take care of my Prior snowboard?

Splitboard Questions

Does Hybrid Rocker affect my ability to ascend on a splitboard?

Is there a significant sacrifice in performance when using a Prior splitboard compared with a solid board?

How long does it take to do the splitboard changeover in the backcountry?

Do the heels have the capacity to lock down when in touring mode?

What can I do to help protect the nylon tip/tail clips on the Splitboards?

Do you have any suggestions on how to use and maintain my splitboard skins?

Can you downhill ski on the splitboard when it is in touring mode?

Ski Questions

How long has Prior been making skis?

What size of Prior skis are right for me?

What kinds of custom options are available?

Where should I position the bindings on the ski when having them mounted?

Do you stock ski poles?

The Prior Story

Prior's free factory tours are held every Saturday and Sunday at 5pm throughout the winter season. 

Tours are approximately 40 minutes. Please call 604-935-1923 to reserve.

Prior Demo Schedule - Winter 2011/12

Below is a full list of dates that Prior products will be available for demo outside of Whistler.

April 14th-15th & 21st-22nd Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Whistler, BC. @ The Roundhouse at the top of Whistler Gondola.

These dates are subject to change so please check back with the website as the dates approach.

All Prior skis and snowboards can be demo'd from the Prior Factory all winter long. The cost is C$25/day and we will take up to three days rental off the purchase price of a new board or skis. 

Please call us at 604-935-1923 to reserve.

Giving Back...

The Prior Mission Statement

Our mission statement at Prior is "To grow a lifestyle business through the construction of premium snowriding products while providing excellent service to our customers and positive support for our various stakeholders including the community in which we reside, the mountains, and the environment."

With that in mind, we at Prior try to give back when and however we can.

How Prior Supports the Environment

Recycle all paper, plastic, glass and cardboard.

Employees carpool, ride bikes or walk to work whenever possible.

Sell Organic cotton shirts.

Sponsor Hilltrip Events that raise environmental awareness and donates proceeds to various environmental organizations.

How Prior Supports the Local Whistler Community

Commission local artists to do paintings for topsheet graphics.

Utilize local businesses for graphic design, screening, embroidery, decals, etc. whenever possible.

Event Sponsorship:
Whistler Search & Rescue Fundraiser

Braveart Locals Night

Whistler Film Festival

Whistler Welcome Dinner

Playgroundbuilders.org

Terry Fox Run

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Cornucopia
Merlin's Diabetes Fundraiser
Whistler Arts Council Fundraisers
Hilltrip Fundraisers
Mountain Life local photographer Fundraiser
Hostelling International parties
RONA Multiple Sclerosis Bike Tour

Yoga in Action for UNICEF

HRTS Fundraiser for Imagine1day

Crankworx volunteer prizing

How Prior Supports the Ski & Snowboard Community

Prodeals offered to certified ski & snowboard instructors.

Prodeals offered to certified backcountry guides & industry professionals.

Sponsor Prior athletes

Event Sponsorship:
Avalanche Awareness Association fundraiser

Canadian Ski Museum/Hall of Fame fundraiser

Canadian Avalanche Foundation fundraiser

Canuck Splitfest

Mount Baker Splitfest

Grubfest

Tahoe Splitfest

Expression Session
Mount Baker Banked Slalom
Splitfest
Coldsmoke Powderfest

Board Tuning 101

It's important to keep your Prior snowboard performing and gliding like new. Simple tuning requires the following tools:

A vice or snowboard specific workstation Files and file guides Deburring stones Waxing iron and structuring brushes

Sharpening

Sooner or later, your edges will need some sort of sharpening to renew your ability to carve and ride in control. First you must choose between several file and file guide options. Side-edge tools come in various degree profiles. Picking the one that is right for you depends on your riding style. Three common choices:

Note: The file that usually comes with the tool is quite coarse and will take off quite a bit of edge material - use sparingly. Consider replacing with a less coarse file to increase edge life.

How to Sharpen

Side edge	With your board in the vice on its side, place the file guide on the board so the file is on the side edge and the guide can glide smoothly along the base (as an advanced technique, you can tape the base of your board so you don't grind filings into your base). Use long smooth strokes with the guide and make sure the guide part of your tool stays flat to the base, so after filing you will have a clean and smooth, consistent side edge.
Base edge	Your base edge is a much easier process. To start with, wrap your file's pointy end with 3-4 layers of masking tape. This gives you a bit of base edge bevel. This base edge bevel will lift your base edge off the snow a bit and make your board act a little more predictably on cat tracks and traverses. With the pointy end in one hand, start at one end and pull smoothly towards you, and note how your base edge gets cleaner and sharper. For best results we recommend to work from the tip to the tail.
Deburring	Your file, as it sharpens, creates a tiny micro-burr along the entire length of the board. It is a good idea to remove those tiny burrs with a diamond stone. Added precision is possible by inserting your diamond stone in your file guide.
Final test	The finished edge should still feel sharp, but will not cut your skin if you run a finger along the edge.

Note: Carry your diamond stone while you are on the hill so you can polish any nicks that you might put on your edge on the mountain.

Waxing

Regular waxing is crucial for snowboard performance and protection. Waxing is relatively easy to master.

Waxes	Racers can spend a fortune on wax. Temperature, snow moisture content, elevation, and type of snow all play a part in choosing the right wax. More technical information is available from wax companies such as Toko, Kuusport etc. For everyday riding, we recommend a reasonably priced, all-purpose, universal temperature wax.
Wax application	Using an iron, (preferably without steam vents) drip wax on the base of your board. Use a low to medium temperature on your iron to prevent the wax from burning and/or smoking. After dripping, iron and spread the wax onto the base of your board, making sure you keep the iron moving to avoid melting/burning your base. Spread/iron evenly from tip to tail over the entire board, and then let cool.
Scraping / structuring	After the board has cooled, scrape off the excess with a plastic scraper. To improve your glide, finish by brushing your base to bring out its structure. Scotchbrite, a hairbrush, or a special "structurebrush" will do the trick.

Splitboard Assembly Instructions

The Prior Splitboard comes complete with two board halves, Voile tip and tail clips and chinese hooks. You will have to add the mounting hardware along with skins and a binding mount to make the board fully operational. Below is a video that outlines how to setup a Voile mounting kit with universal slider tracks to mount a traditional snowboard binding to your splitboard. You may have decided to ride with a splitboard specific binding in which case you won't need to mount a slider track to your bindings, but you will still need to know how to mount the pucks to your board, and trim your skins. If you have any questions following the film and instructions below feel free to contact us.

Helpful notes for stance setup:
Discs may be used in any combination on heelside or toeside of board to obtain proper stance width and angles. If you cannot get the proper width or angles, try switching the parallel slot disc and the in-line slot disc.

1. Trimming the rubber matting under the pucks will help them "lego" into the holes. With an Exacto knife take about 2mm off the inside and top edges of the recto-triangular shape at the bottom corners of the rubber mat.

   It is also important to note that by using the indicators on the discs marked "A" results in different stance options than by using the indicators marked "B". If you cannot get the proper width or angles, try changing the discs from A to B or B to A.

2. To help the plates slide smoothly onto the pucks take a bit of snowboard wax and "wax" the groove on the plate that interfaces with the puck.

Mounting Bindings to Slider Tracks
Soft or hard bindings are compatible with slider tracks.

1.	Put Rubber Gaskets on top of each Slider Track.
2.	Place your binding on top of the Rubber Gaskets ensuring that the binding's disc holes, the gasket holes and the Slider Track holes are in alignment and that the binding is centered from front to back so that you can access the pin once together. Also ensure binding is not too far forward or overhang may impede performance while ascending.
3.	Using your regular binding screws, mount the binding to the Slider Track by inserting the screws in the holes and into the T-nuts which are placed in the corresponding holes underneath the Slider Track.
4.	Test your newly mounted binding by sliding it onto the Nylon Location Blocks. Note: Binding mounting screws may need to be shortened so they are flush with the T-nut bottom and do not interfere with the Nylon Location Blocks. This can be done by filing down the screws, adding a washer, or by purchasing shorter screws at a retail outlet.
5.	Once you are satisfied with the setup of the first binding, repeat the above steps for the second binding.
6.	Attach each pin's wire retention device to each binding and so you do not lose your pin.

Have fun, be safe, enjoy the ride!

Shipping Info 

Notes:

• Online orders receive 20% off shipping!

• FREE shipping on all clothing or accessory items with the order of a snowboard or skis.

• All binding orders placed with snowboard, splitboard or ski orders are shipped at half price.

• Additional snowboards or skis on multiple ski or board orders are shipped at half price.

• For multiple accessory only orders each additional accessory is shipped at half price.

• Shipping time is approximation only; exact time in transit may vary.

• FedEx overnight shipping from Monday to Friday. Some locations may not apply. Saturday deliveries available to major centers only.

• Coming to Whistler? You can choose to pick up your order at the Prior Factory and no shipping costs will apply. The option to 'Pick Up' will appear during the online order process. Note for Non-Canadian residents, standard HST (12% tax) will be applied to Pick Up orders.

Once all information is included in online order form exact shipping costs will appear.
If you have additional shipping questions, or would like to make special shipping arrangements, please email us via our Contact Us page.
*** Special rates may apply to certain remote areas.

Prior Snowboard Manufactory Ltd. (Prior) warrants all products sold by Prior to be free of defects in material or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase unless otherwise specified on the product. If a product is found to be defective by Prior, in its sole discretion, Prior's only responsibility shall be limited to repair or replacement of the defective product. Prior will not be responsible for any costs, losses or damages incurred as a result of loss or use of product or damages incurred in shipping.

This warranty is subject to the following limitations in addition to any imposed by virtue of applicable law.

1. The warranty applies only to Prior products purchased from Authorized Prior Dealers and is valid for the original purchaser only.

2. All products returned to Prior for warranty inspection must have a return authorization which can be given over the phone or via email. Ship products freight prepaid and insured. Prior assumes no responsibility for products during shipment from the customer to our Warranty Department. Shipping charges are not refundable.

3. Excluded from coverage under this warranty are the following:

a. Damage caused by misuse, abuse or neglect.

b. Damage caused by rocks or any other impact related damage.

c. Damage caused by improper mounting or adjustment of the bindings

d. Damage caused from chairlift breakage

e. Normal wear and tear.

f. Damage caused by anything other than defects in material or workmanship.

g. Damage caused by use of solvents, adhesives or LOC-TITE®

4. All coverage under this warranty is void if any modification, change or alteration has been made to the product that is not specifically performed by Prior or authorized by Prior.

5. Repaired or replaced products are covered for the remainder of the original warranty only.

6. All warranty claims must be accompanied by the original online order or purchase receipt.

7. Prior product is not covered by any verbal warranties. In all cases this warranty policy will take precedence.

Board Guidelines

Covered

• Lamination failure of top sheet, base, sidewall, edge.

• Spinning or stripped inserts. (Note: Inserts that are stripped due to improper mounting are repairable, but are not considered a material flaw).

• Structural cracks on fiberglass, topsheet, base, core, edge, sidewall and inserts.

Not Covered

• Any problem resulting from misuse, abuse, impact or neglect.

• Cosmetic issues including discolored graphics, top sheet dents or chips, edge oxidation (rust).

• Base dimples or protrusions under insert area

• Base or topsheet dimples or protrusions associated with alignment pins.

• Board damage resulting from improper mounting of bindings; the use of incorrect mounting hardware or cross threading inserts.

• Damage caused by any board modifications not performed by Prior unless otherwise authorized by Prior.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

STEP ONE

Evaluate the validity of the claim.

• Confirm that that product was purchased within the last 12 months.

• Confirm you are the original owner.

• If the issue is not a warranty claim but you would like it repaired by Prior please contact info@priorsnowboards.com.

STEP TWO

Bring the product to the store where it was purchased OR email info@priorsnowboards.com with digital photos of the issue in question. In either case, Prior must be contacted to receive a Return Authorization (RA) Number.

• Contact Prior at info@priorsnowboards.com or call toll free 1-877-93-PRIOR.

• Tell us WHAT you are sending back (describe the product).

• Tell us WHY you are sending it back (describe the problem).

• Record the RA# and details for future reference.

STEP THREE

Pack and ship the product immediately. Customer is responsible for shipping costs to Prior.

• Remove bindings from board before returning (for splitboards: do not return mounting hardware or skins).

• Use a cardboard box for shipping boards. Plastic wrap will not protect the board in transit.

• Include a copy of the original proof of purchase (receipt).

• Include a brief description of the problem and the RA#.

• Write RA# clearly on the outside of the box.

• Mark the defect clearly with a piece of masking tape (do not use permanent marker to outline the defect).

• Ship the claim to:

Prior Snowboard Manufactory Ltd.

Attention: Warranty RA#______________

#104-1410 Alpha Lake Road

Whistler, BC, Canada V0N 1B1

Phone: 604-935-1923

International Returns

If returning a board from outside of Canada, write 'Damaged Goods Returning to Manufacturer' in the 'Description of Goods' area of the waybill and value the returning goods at US$20.

Claim Receipt Procedure

Within 48 hours of receipt of product, the claim will be handled in one of the following ways:

• If the returned product is within the valid one-year warranty period and judged by Prior to be defective, we will contact the customer or contact person to confirm the warranty and advise timeline for repair or replacement. The warranty remains valid on repaired and replaced items for the balance of one year from the original purchase date.

• If the problem is determined to not be covered under warranty but can be repaired, we will contact the customer with an estimate for the repair and to get authorization to proceed with the repair.

• If the problem is not covered under warranty, nor repairable, the customer will be contacted with list of available options.

***We always work hard to have your claim repaired or replaced and returned as soon as possible so you get back on the snow with minimal downtime.

Shipping boards back to you from Prior

For all warranty approved boards we will return goods via the same method used to ship to the Prior factory (ie. if you use Express shipping to ship to us we will ship Express back to you; etc.) at our cost.

For all non-warranty boards the customer will be responsible for the return shipping costs. These will be outlined on our quote outlining the repair costs.

The Prior Flyer.

What is the Prior Flyer? 

By subscribing to the Prior Flyer, you'll receive email newsletters of the latest happenings at Prior Snowboards including new products, events, contests, tips, and other helpful information.

What about spam?
Prior Snowboards respects your privacy and will not share your email address with anyone, under any circumstances. You can be 100% confident that you will not receive any spam by subscribing to the Prior Flyer.

My email program doesn't read web-style emails...
The Prior Flyer works with web-style (HTML) email and regular text email. 

What if I change my email address?
By creating and logging into an account you can manage your newsletter subscriptions and email address.

Weather Links

Whistler-Blackcomb

• Weather Network
• Environment Canada Forecast for Whistler and Area
• Whistler-Blackcomb Weather & Cams

Canada

• Meteorological Service of Canada
  (French and English options available)

USA

• National Weather Service

World

Satellite Imagery

• NASA Climate Center

Conditions and Forecasts

• OnlineWeather.com
• IntelliCast.com

Avalanche Awareness

• Avalanche.ca
• Avalanche.org
• Avalanche Center
• Whistler Blackcomb Avalanche Advisory