Snowboarding is a popular winter sport that incorporates balancing and maneuvering on a snowboard while making your way down a trail or slope. Snowboarding originated in the United States and became a Winter Olympics sport in 1998. Although snowboarders are welcome at many ski slopes and hills worldwide, a more daring approach is off-trail snowboarding. If you are considering off-trail snowboarding, there are some important details to take into consideration first.
Basics
Snowboarding has three popular styles including alpine, free-riding and freestyle, according to Snowboarding-essentials. Some of the most popular include alpine, which allows you to ride on a groomed, prepared snow covered course. Generally, you can see the terrain ahead of you and the runs may be flagged to prevent you from veering off the path. When you are off-trail or riding in the backcountry, terrain can be uncertain. Drop-offs, hidden objects and the inability to determine distance is common. Free-riding takes place on ungroomed terrain and is popular for backcountry or off-trail riders. Freestyle allows you to perform tricks on certain man-made objects or boxes to perform tricks and maneuvers. You can also freestyle off-trail, using objects you come across in nature or that wouldn’t commonly be used in association with snowboarding such as rails, cars, barrels, trees and playground equipment.
Locations
If you are considering off-trail snowboarding, choose locations that are off the beaten path but still permitted to use. The Winter Wildlands Alliance suggests choosing trails and locations that are open to the public. Many state and national parks and forests offer designated areas for backcountry enthusiasts. Obey signs that state no trespassing or private property and ask for permission if needed.
Equipment
Make sure you have the right equipment when going off-trail. A safe and up-to-date snowboard that is in good working condition should be a priority. Choose a snowboard, such as an all-mountain snowboard, that can handle the wear and tear of a backcountry slope. Gloves, snowboard boots, helmet, avalanche beacon, goggles and proper impact clothing such as knee pads and elbow pads also are beneficial.
Precautions
When traveling through and down the off-trail runs with your snowboard, take specific precautions in case of an emergency. Always tell someone where you are going and if you can have another snowboarder with you, that is an advantage. Be prepared for an avalanche -- always have avalanche equipment with you in case you get buried. If you become injured, use a radio or avalanche beacon to call for help. Watch for weather conditions before venturing off the beaten path, to avoid storm squalls and wind storms.
References
- Thehistoryof.net; The History of Snowboarding – From Garages to the Olympics; Shannon Schwartz; September 10, 2008
- Snowboarding Essentials: Snowboarding Styles
- Winter Wildlands Alliance: Backcountry Etiquette
- Backcountry.com: Snowboard Equipment and Essentials
- Skiingmag.com: Lessons Learned From Montana Avalanche
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