Snow Tails
- Designer Gordon Lamont , Fraser Lamont
- Publisher Fragor Games , 25th Century Games , asmodee , Renegade Game Studios
- Illustration Bertrand Benoit , Andrew Bosley , Stéphane Gantiez , Gordon Lamont , Fraser Lamont , Judith Lamont
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You control a dog sled in an Arctic snow race testing skill and endurance. The track is made of modular pieces, offering varied courses. Hand management is key to controlling your dogs and brakes. Movement includes forward and lateral drifting, making the race dynamic and unpredictable. Exceeding speed limits or hitting obstacles causes damage that limits your hand size and can eliminate you from the race.
Who Is This Game For?
Snow Tails suits families and casual gamers aged 10 and up who enjoy fast-paced racing with tactical card management. With about a 60-minute playtime, it fits well into a game night. Beginners benefit from some familiarity with hand management mechanics, though the game also offers tactical depth for more experienced players.
How It Works
Each player commands a dog sled with two dogs and a brake controlled by card values. On your turn, you play 1-3 cards of the same value on dog 1, dog 2, or brakes to determine forward and lateral movement. The modular track changes every game. Taking damage from speeding or obstacles adds cards that reduce your hand size. Too much damage means elimination from the race.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Gordon and Fraser Lamont, Snow Tails was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2008 and multiple Golden Geek Awards in 2009. Its unique mix of modular board, hand management, and racing mechanics sets it apart. It belongs to the winter and dog sled racing family of games, featuring original lateral drifting movement.
Awards
2009
2009
- 2009 Gouden Ludo — Nominated
- 2009 JoTa Best Family Board Game — Nominated
- 2008 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Modular race board ensures high replayability
- Unique combination of hand management and racing mechanics
- Fast-paced and dynamic gameplay for 2-5 players
- Nominated for several awards including Meeples Choice Award 2008
Contra
- Player elimination may frustrate in longer games
- Not suitable for solo play (minimum 2 players)
- Complexity leans towards family level, less for experts
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the Arctic Circle with snowy racing tracks and dog sled races. The theme focuses on sled dog racing in an icy environment.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on efficient card use and balancing speed with control.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Snow Tails requires at least 2 players and is not designed for solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic hand management skills help, but the game is accessible to families aged 10 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
Snow Tails stands out with its modular tracks and unique lateral drift movement compared to classic racing games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, designed as a family game for ages 10+, combining simple rules with tactical depth.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of hand management, modular board, race, and player elimination mechanics makes Snow Tails special.
Fazit
Snow Tails offers a varied racing experience for families and casual players who enjoy tactical card management in a dynamic setting. The 2-5 player count and short playtime make it flexible. Experts may find the complexity moderate.
