There are several ways to learn to snowboard, the exercises you can do, the cool tricks you can try, and the ways you need to focus on. There are also quite a few guides for skiing. Think of this guide as your own personal Colorado ski lesson.
The Basics: One of the first things you’ll learn when you start snowboarding is the simple process of buckling up, standing up, and adjusting your position. You should feel comfortable in the position you are in. Hopefully, you picked the right gear, like your board and board shoes. If you still need help with this, I suggest visiting a snowboard specialty shop.
Manners: When it comes to carrying your snowboard, you want to make sure you keep an eye out for people and other objects on the slope. The last thing you want to do is insult yourself or someone else. This means not wasting time and always having your eyes in front of you. In the same way that people take turns in a car at a traffic light, you must take turns and pay attention when it comes to clues.
Skating: This is a really novice position, it means keeping one foot in the boot and one foot out of the boot. This is a good position to follow when going over flat areas or sections, or when getting on or off a chairlift.
Climbing the slope: While most places have chair lifts, you can also walk up the slope on your own, as long as it’s not too steep. This can be done by walking slowly up the slope, with your feet in your boots and your hands on the ground in front of you.
Traverse – This is how you will essentially control your speed on the board, it will also help you learn to balance. The heel side is all about standing on your board in a “to the side” position. Try leaning to each side slowly and see how quickly you can regain your composure.
Turn Linking: This is obviously how you’re going to link your different turns. Your body should be to the side, along with your snowboard facing forward. Make sure you bend your knees! Your body (feet and legs) should be turned out when your body (waist, chest, shoulders) are turned in and vice versa. This is going to help keep your balance out of whack.
Lateral sliding (heel side and toe side): This is to control the descent down the slope. The heel side is used with the heel or back of the board, while the toe side is used with the toe or front of the board. In general, it is a matter of slowing down and “breaking” to a stop. Definitely a good thing to learn how to do!
Hopefully these few steps and exercises help you on your next winter ski vacation trip or snowboard exhibition! Snowboarding and skiing can be a lot of fun, but as stated above, it’s also important that you follow certain skill sets and practice. Be sure to check out some Colorado ski packages and Colorado snowboard packages online! And remember to have fun!
