Snowboarders, like surfers, glide on long, flat boards. Snowboarders must have strong lower bodies to maintain their balance as they carve sharp turns at high speeds. The difficulty you'll have snowboarding depends on many factors, such as your experience level, the condition of the slopes and the steepness of the incline.
Beginners
Though you might be able to learn how to snowboard by tackling the slopes immediately, the most effective approach is to take lessons from an expert. The lessons will introduce you to snowboarding basics, such as how to traverse back and forth across the slope and how to slow down if you gain too much momentum. After the lessons, you'll understand what skills you need to develop. With regular practice, snowboarding will become less difficult and more enjoyable.
Advanced
On steep inclines, it's easy to build up too much momentum. If you don't know how to slow down, you will probably hurt yourself. Hitting a bump or colliding into someone while traveling at a high speed can be deadly. Advanced snowboarders can handle difficult slopes by controlling their downward momentum. Some advanced riders opt for freestyle riding. They perform complex tricks and jumps, often in special half-pipes made of compacted snow.
Expert
Most snowboarders ride professionally groomed slopes, which are designed to be as safe as possible. But some snowboarders abandon the heavily populated slopes for dangerous backcountry areas. Only the most experienced riders can handle untouched mountain slopes, which might have hidden rocks, bare patches, protruding tree trunks, tall cliffs and many other hazards. Avalanches are also a serious risk. In professionally groomed areas, specialists monitor snow conditions for potential avalanches and use explosives to alleviate snow pressure. But backcountry snowboarders ride in areas no one maintains, so avalanches can occur at any time.
Warning
Snowboarding is a relaxing pastime, but you need to be fit enough to handle the vigorous activity. Certain medical problems can make snowboarding more difficult. For example, if you have joint problems, you won't be able to turn effectively while maintaining your balance. If you're not sure whether snowboarding is right for you, ask your doctor.
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