.

Snowboarding Tips: Master the Slopes in Style.

Are you ready to master the slopes with style? If you’re just getting started with snowboarding or are a seasoned pro, it pays to brush up on your skills with the best snowboarding tips. From tips on how to slide through turns gracefully and how to stay safe whilst snowboarding, this guide will have you shredding in no time!

Snowboarding can be an incredibly rewarding sport, yet it can have considerable risks if the right precautions are not taken. So whether you are tackling slopes, cornices, and jumps or just cruising the pistes, these snowboarding tips and techniques will keep you safe and having a good time on the slopes!

1. Get The Right Equipment

Firstly, get yourself some appropriate snowboarding gear that’s designed for the mountain and your riding style. If you’re just beginning and don’t have a lot of tech gear, it’s fine to rent the gear you need. However, it’s best to eventually invest in a good set of your own equipment. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but it should at least consist of:

a) The right size snowboard that fits your body

b) Snowboard boots that are comfortable and will lock into the binding

c) Bindings that fit the style of snowboarding that you generally do

d) A warm snowboarding jacket and pants

e) Helmets, goggles, and gloves

2. Learn the Basics

Once you have the right gear, it’s time to head out for your first snowboarding outing. Start with the basics. Timing is a key factor, so practice in a flat area, away from the distraction of other riders. Here undisturbed you can focus on mastering even the most basic of movements. Start with body posture and positioning, which are the basics to all snowboarding maneuvers.

a) Position yourself on the snowboard with your weight evenly distributed, leaning slightly over your toes.

b) Bend your knees as much as you can, maximize ankle flexion and keep your attention span on the terrain ahead at all times.

c) To direct the snowboard point your toes in the direction you want to travel, using the edges of the snowboard to quiet the ride by leaning your weight into the edges of the snowboard.

d) It is also helpful to practice pushing with your feet, again using the edges of the snowboard to create a smooth ride.

3. Start the Slide

Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics, practice sliding across the slope in a straight line. Place a foot at a time on the snowboard, no more than a shoulder width apart. With more weight on the back foot, you can use the toes of the front foot to steer the snowboard.

Once you’ve got that down, practice making snow plow turns. Plow turns are a type of turning technique used to slow down and come to a standstill. Place the feet wider than shoulder-width and bend both knees, with the back foot pushing against the snow. You’ll notice the back of the snowboard pushing the snow aside as the board pivots from side to side.

4. Master Snowboarding Maneuvers

After mastering the basics, it’s time to start trying some maneuvers. Get comfortable with jumps and tall turns by practicing in a safe area free of big obstacles.

Firstly, as a more advanced turn, practice the heel-side edge turn. Find a nice open slope, begin to glide and turn with your back edge. As you ride, bend your legs and perform a gradual arc-shaped turn. Distribute your weight evenly between your left and right feet during the turn.

Once you’ve mastered toe turn and heel turn, let’s move on to the jump. Take a few speed runs and aim to jump off the lip and fly through the air whilst absorbing the impact on landing. Lean and take your body with you as you jump and stay centred, with the feet still pointing in the direction of travel. You can also perform different kinds of tricks, however, smaller jumps are generally recommended for beginners.

5. Adapt to Weather Conditions

Whether it’s snowing heavily or the sun is shining, the weather can change quickly and you’ll need to adapt. Make sure your equipment is prepared for the weather conditions before at the ski resort, and adjust it with the proper layers or protection if needed.

Whenever the weather changes, make sure to check trail conditions and the appropriate terrain, to keep those around you safe, and be prepared to adapt to all of the extreme conditions winter sports have to offer.

6. Know Your Limits

It’s important to know when it’s time to take a break. Snowboarding can be physically and mentally exhausting and it’s important to know when your body is reaching its limit. Don’t ride beyond the level you are prepared for, and never hesitate to rest if you’re feeling fatigued.

It’s also incredibly important to stay mindful of the conditions. Snowboarding conditions can change quickly, whether it’s the terrain, weather or other riders and skiers, so be prepared to adjust accordingly.

Finally, be mindful of other riders and be prepared to yield or stop if needed. Make sure to respect and follow the resort map and signage and remember to always wear a helmet for your safety.

Conclusion

Mastering the mountains with style can be a fantastic experience, so long as you remember these vital snowboarding tips! From the right equipment and learning the basics, to manoeuvres and adapting to the conditions, all that’s left is for you to get out and enjoy yourself on the slopes. So what are you waiting for? Gear up and hit the mountain to hone your skills and start shredding in style!

Image Credit: Pexels