While mountain snowboarding may seem intimidating at first, a few practice sessions will have you on the slopes in a few short weeks. Snowboards come in numerous styles to accommodate the needs of avid riders. The snowboarding experts at REI recommend an all-mountain board for beginners due to the versatile shape and design. Wearing the proper footwear and outerwear will keep you safe while snowboarding on a mountain slope. Most public snowboarding slopes feature a ski lift that can transport you to the top of the mountain.
Step 1
Lower your non-dominant foot into the lead binding of the snowboard. Fasten the ratchet straps of the binding around your boot. Push off the snow with your opposing boot to slide toward the ski lift.
Step 2
Exit the ski lift as you arrive at a beginner slope. Secure your dominant foot into the correlating binding of the snowboard. Extend your legs to stand in a stationary position.
Step 3
Rotate your legs to point the nose of the snowboard toward the bottom of the mountain. Lean back as you glide down the mountain slope. Bend your knees at a 45-degree angle to avoid losing balance.
Step 4
Stretch your arms out parallel to the mountain slope for better balance. Lean onto the toe-edge of the snowboard to traverse the mountain. Shift your body weight onto the heel-edge to turn in the opposing direction.
Step 5
Practice the turning technique to avoid high-speed collisions with fellow riders. Lean onto your back foot with your knees bent. Jump vertically to lift the underside of the snowboard above the slope.
Step 6
Lean forward to level out the snowboard in the air. Bend your knees as the snowboard makes contact with the slope, to complete an elementary maneuver known as the Ollie. Execute the Ollie over hazards in the terrain such as rocks or logs.
Step 7
Rotate your snowboard to a horizontal position with your chest facing forward. Lean back onto the heel-edge of the snowboard to decrease your momentum. Maintain this sideways riding stance until your snowboard slows to a complete stop.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear a snowboarding jacket that features a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Don a pair of snowboarding pants constructed of a tightly woven fabric such as nylon or polyester. Wear a breathable hat on your head to maintain body heat. Wear a pair of snowboarding goggles to protect your eyes from flying snow and ice particles. Adjust the safety straps to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. Wear a pair of snowboarding boots and insulated gloves or mittens.
- Avoid riding with your snowboard flat against the snow as this may cause you to catch an edge.
Things You'll Need
- Snowboard jacket
- Snowboard pants
- Insulated hat
- Goggles
- Snowboard Boots
- Gloves/mittens
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