You’ll never find a more supportive group of people than snowboarders. Everyone wants to help you get better, faster, stronger and more confident on the hill—and trust us when we say it gets easier every time you strap on your board. But before you can even think about progressing your skills, you need to learn fundamental safety tips that will keep you coming back for more. We all know there’s nothing like snowboarding first thing in the morning. The fresh powder is soft underfoot and the air is crisp enough to sting your cheeks red. The only problem is that everyone else seems to have had the same idea. The lift lines are long, other riders are tagging every obstacle they can find and even the greenest of greenhorn trail riders are cutting it pretty close out there—and with good reason! Luckily, we’ve compiled 18 simple tips to help you stay safe while riding a snowboard this winter.
Stay aware of your surroundings
You may be focused on how to do the next trick, what your plan for the rest of the day is, or what the best après-ski spot is in town. But you’ve got to stay on top of what’s going on around you at all times. Be aware of the people around you, where they’re going, and what they’re doing. If something doesn’t look right, get out of the way. That snowboarder barreling down the hill toward you may be a pro, but you can’t know that for sure. And those skiers? Yeah, they’re not looking where they’re going either, so stay aware and stay safe.
Watch out for other riders
There’s no other way to put it: not everyone on the hill gives a crap about your safety. You’re going to see reckless behaviour like people cutting you off, people not using the lift, people riding out of bounds, and people riding in a pack when they really shouldn’t. Stay away from other riders if you see any of this happening. And if you see someone about to do something that might endanger you or any other rider, call them out and try to avoid them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Always keep your headphones at safe listening level
If you’re rocking out to music on the hill, you need to be extra aware of your surroundings. You also need to make sure you’re not listening at an unsafe volume that could damage your hearing. Headphone noise is just not worth it. If you can’t hear what’s going on around you, you’re more likely to get hurt. So turn down the volume or just leave ‘em out completely.
Always wear a snowboarding helmet
Even if you’re riding a green run, you should always wear a helmet. It’s the most important piece of equipment you can own. You don’t want a headache, but you really don’t want to be seriously injured and miss out on the rest of your vacation. If you fall and hit your head without a helmet on, you run the risk of concussion, which can seriously affect your life for months, or even years, after. And even if you don’t fall, you could still hit your head on a tree or rock if you come off your board, so always wear a helmet.
Know how to fall – and actually do it!
This is a really important skill to master, not just for safety reasons but also so you don’t leave too many scars on the hill itself. There are a couple of ways to fall: you can tuck your knees close to your body to minimize the impact, or you can fall straight down like a plank. Either is fine, but you need to practice falling in order to get really good at it.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the lift operator or other riders
Even if you feel like a total newbie, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’ll be amazed at how many other riders are happy to help you. And if you’re on a lift and see someone struggling, offer your advice. If nothing else, it’ll help you feel like you’re contributing to the group, even if you’re the newest rider around.
Make sure all of your equipment is in working order
This goes for everything, from your board and bindings to your poles. If your board is too soft, it’ll be harder to control in the powder. And if your bindings are too tight, you could risk injury. Check your poles regularly for wear and tear and make sure your bindings are adjusted correctly for your boot size. And for Pete’s sake, don’t use duct tape on your gear!
Don’t eat before you ride. Just don’t.
This is a real thing, people! If you eat before riding, your stomach will be crunched up like a paper ball for the entirety of the ride. And that’s not good for you or your fellow riders. You want to avoid gas, bloating, and cramping. Avoid sugary foods and dairy, caffeine, and alcohol, too. And make sure you’re getting enough electrolytes. Nothing’s worse than cramps on the hill.
Dress in layers, and make sure you have a dry set of warm clothes for after you ride.
You never know how long your day will last. Make sure you have a dry set of warm clothes in your backpack in case the weather changes, or you decide to stay out later than planned. It’s also good to have a change of clothes at the end of the day to stay warm. And don’t forget your gloves, goggles and a warm beanie!
Check the trail conditions before you ride and be prepared to change course or exit if there are hazards.
This is the best way to avoid injury. You can check trail conditions before you ride and know if you should make any adjustments. If you see any hazards on the trail, make sure you’re prepared to exit the trail safely so you can avoid injury. And as always, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.