Sit, stand or slide -- it’s downhill all the way

Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only ways to get your downhill thrills anymore. A new generation of “sit, stand and slide” vehicles, none of which lock your feet in place or require special footwear, are gradually gaining acceptance at ski resorts.

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Climb up, then zoom down -- fast

Airboard: An innovative inflatable snow boogie board.

Likes: Great fun for kids. Weighing just six pounds, it also is practical for snowshoers, who can hike uphill, inflate the board and slide down face-first. Inflate by mouth in about five minutes. Built-in handles provide adequate control. Deflate and store in a small case.

Dislikes: Head-first design is fun at slow speeds but gets scary on steep terrain. You’ll need a full-face motorcycle helmet, especially for jumps and daredevil stunts. Dragging your feet won’t stop this rocket. Not yet permitted by any Southern California ski resorts. Rather expensive for a relatively simple product.

Price: $269. (510) 225-7000; www.airboard.com.

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Trade the bike’s wheels for little skis

Winter X-bike: Convert your bike into a “ski bike” by replacing the wheels with little skis and pedals with foot pegs.

Likes: Exciting, easy and fast. You should feel comfortable and balanced by the end of the first run. Assembles in minutes with a BXW, cruiser or mountain-bike frame. Much less expensive than the dedicated ski bikes long popular in Europe. Faster than snowboarders and skiers over flat sections. Bikes with suspension have a very plush ride. No strain on knees.

Dislikes: You’ll need to cannibalize an old bike. Heavy and cumbersome to carry around if you can’t use the ski lift. You’re allowed to use them at about 50 U.S. ski resorts, including several in the Lake Tahoe area, but none in Southern California yet.

Price: $299 (for brackets and skis). (866) 766-2453; www.winterxbike.com.

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Scooter loses its wheels

Rage Sports SnowJack: A Razor-type scooter for the snow.

Likes: Fun for both downhill and cross-country. Handlebar steering provides good control and is fairly easy to master. Folds quickly for transport and storage.

Dislikes: Not yet allowed on Southern California ski resort lifts.

Price: $99. (800) 528-5872; www.ragesports.com.

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For the daredevil with unbreakable bones

Decept Snowskate: A new entry in the popular “snow skateboard” category.

Likes: Great handling. Has a wooden deck and grooved hull that is great for carving turns and skateboard-like tricks. Includes a leash, so is permitted at some Southern California resorts.

Dislikes: Designed for 15-year-old skateboarding daredevils. If that’s not you, prepare to take a tumble.

Price: $130. www.decept.com.

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-- Roy M. Wallack