Snowboarding Draft
Sliding down snowy slopes on a single board. The first days involve falls, but with a lesson and some patience most people link turns by their second or third day.
Open the app Find snowboarding games, places and shops near you.
How to start
What you need
- Snowboard sized to your height and weight (rent at first)
- Snowboard boots and bindings
- Helmet
- Waterproof jacket and pants, gloves or mittens, goggles
- Wrist guards and padded shorts for beginners
Typical cost
Lift tickets cost about $80 to $200 per day and rentals $40 to $70. A beginner lesson is about $80 to $200. Used boards and boots are cheaper than new ones (approximate, varies by resort and season).
Where to play
Ski resorts and local hills with beginner areas. Look for 'learn to ride' packages that include a lesson, rental and a limited lift ticket.
Rules
- Find your stance: regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward). A helpful test is to see which foot you instinctively step out with.
- Learn to stand up on your board: sit on the snow, strap in, roll onto your knees and push up.
- Practice sliding down a gentle slope on your heel edge (falling leaf) and your toe edge.
- Learn to turn by shifting your weight, looking where you want to go and gently pressing your front foot.
- To stop, dig your heel edge into the snow and lean back slightly.
- Use the Skier's Responsibility Code: people downhill have right of way, so look uphill before starting.
- Learn how to ride the chairlift safely, and ask lift attendants for help if you are unsure.
Drills
Strap-in and stand 10 min
Practice sitting, strapping in, and standing up on flat ground. Repeat 5 times.
Falling leaf 15 min
Slide down a gentle slope on one edge, sideways, swinging to either side like a leaf. 5 runs each edge.
Garland turns 15 min
Traverse across the slope, curling the board slightly uphill and downhill, working toward linking turns.
Linked turns 20 min
Make turns from toe edge to heel edge, looking where you want to go and keeping your shoulders level. 5 runs.
Chairlift practice 10 min
On a low-speed lift, practice loading, sitting and unloading with the board's rear foot free.
Etiquette
- Look uphill before you start and stay out of other riders' lines.
- Do not stop in the middle of a trail or just below a blind rollover.
- Yield to people who are downhill of you, and give beginners space.
Safety
- Wear a helmet, wrist guards and padded shorts, and use sunscreen and goggles.
- Stay within your ability and ride on marked trails.
- Take breaks when tired; most injuries happen late in the day.
Levels
- 1First day; learning to strap in, balance and slide on the beginner slope.
- 2Links turns on green runs and rides lifts comfortably.
- 3Rides blue runs, controls speed and tries basic carving.
- 4Handles black runs, trees or the terrain park with confidence.
- 5Expert rider in all terrain and conditions, backcountry or competitive.
Questions
How long does it take to learn?
Many people link turns by day two or three; day one is mostly learning to balance and stop.
Do I need lessons?
Lessons are strongly recommended. An instructor can teach good habits and help avoid frustration.
Is snowboarding harder than skiing?
Snowboarding is often harder on day one but easier to progress after the basics; skiing is the reverse.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays snowboarding. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.