Getting Started: Snowboarding for Beginners
Getting started with snowboarding can seem intimidating, but the good news is that a little bit of upfront knowledge can really speed up the learning process. In this snowboarding for beginners guide, we’ll cover the basics of mountain and gear selection, tips for your first day, how to maximize fun, and what you can do to turn snowboarding into a lifelong pursuit.
But before we jump in, let’s put everything in context and think about snowboarding through the lens of these three truths:
- Snowboarding is about having fun. Period. If that’s all you need to know, feel free to stop reading now.
- Snowboarding is about enjoying the outdoors and connecting with the mountain.
- Snowboarding is about community and establishing relationships with people through a shared passion of the sport.
Whenever you strap in (or Step On), whether you’re a beginner or a pro, remember that these three truths will apply. Once you internalize these concepts, you’ll rarely have a bad day on the snow.
Snowboarding for Beginners
Now that you have the right frame of mind for snowboarding, let’s get into some specifics. When getting started with snowboarding, there are four main things beginners should consider.
Where to Go: Mountain Access
While some people are fortunate enough to live close to designated ski areas, plenty more must travel to get to the nearest resort. And if you’re new to downhill sports, you may not know where to go. To find the options in your area, check out this comprehensive list of global ski areas and resorts by region and compile a small list of tentative destinations. Once you have finalized your initial list, visit each location’s website (or shoot them a phone call) and answer the following questions:
- Does the resort offer a wide range of low-angle (not steep) slopes for beginners?
- Are there easy-to-use uphill options like tow ropes or J-bars?
- How much is a beginner lift ticket?
- What are the options/prices for snowboard rentals?
- Does the resort have a ski school? Are snowboarding lessons available? How much do lessons cost?
- What are the options for warming areas, restrooms, and food?
The bottom line is that resorts can vary significantly in terms of terrain, services, and amenities. In general, we recommend that beginners seek out mountains that are accommodating for new riders.
What Gear to Use: Rent before Buying
As generous as it is for a friend to loan you a snowboard, we strongly recommend renting some gear on your first time out. Rentals for beginners are specifically designed to flex easier and ride softer, providing a more forgiving experience while you get your bearings. Basically, beginner rental boards are the equivalent of a kids’ bike without pedals. Yes, you will outgrow it quickly, but it will help you build the skills and confidence you need to progress to something else and not break the bank in the process. Plus, you can lean on the experience of the rental crew to get you set up with the appropriate size and stance instead of having to figure it all out yourself.
If your destination mountain offers rentals, it will likely have several options that are ideal for beginners. If your destination mountain does not offer rentals, drop into your local authorized Burton snowboard shop beforehand and inquire about a rental/loaner. Alternatively, consider renting gear from a shop near your home so you can pick it up the night before your trip to the mountain (as an added bonus you can skip the lines in the rental shop the next morning).
If you’re set on purchasing your own gear, check out our related guides on sizing snowboards, selecting snowboard boots, and setting up your stance.
Pro tip: Prior to heading out, contact the resort or shop and talk to them about when you plan to arrive at the mountain and when the best time might be to get fitted for gear. Resort rental shops in the morning can be pure chaos.
Aside from hardgoods (snowboards, snowboard bindings, and snowboard boots), you will need proper outerwear (a jacket, snowboard pants, mittens/gloves), layers to keep warm (long underwear/base layers, a sweater), goggles, and a helmet. To be clear: we’re not suggesting you buy all this gear new and try to win the on-mountain fashion show on your first day (spoiler: that’s not a real thing). In fact, this is the gear that should be borrowed from a family member if possible, because any gear that keeps you warm, dry, and safe will suffice. When you decide that you love snowboarding (and you will), then you can invest in the exact jacket that speaks your style.
Pro tip: Some rental shops offer more than just hardgoods so make sure to ask about what is available before purchasing your own.
Who to Ride With: An Instructor
We already talked about the importance of community, and someday soon you’ll be joining that rad crew of riders who drop those untracked sidecountry bowls. But you’re not there yet. So, who should you ride with on your first day out snowboarding? A snowboard instructor. If you made the trip to the mountain with some friends, send them on their way and make a plan to meet up at lunchtime because taking a lesson from a complete stranger is one of the most important recommendations we can offer when it comes to snowboarding for beginners.
Professional snowboard instructors are ideal for a few reasons:
- Their sole interest is helping you learn how to snowboard, and they have the proper experience to help find your personal pathway to get there.
- Teaching someone to snowboard takes more than just knowing how to snowboard. Most coaches and instructors have worked with hundreds of mind/body/soul equations, so as unique as you are, they’ve probably taught someone just like you already.
- They know the mountain and can provide valuable tips for where to go and what to do (on and off the slopes).
Pro tip: Don’t ever take a lesson from your significant other. Your relationship may feel rock solid, but many partnerships have cracked under the pressure of an informal snowboarding lesson.
While individual one-on-one lessons may provide faster progression, many resorts offer group lessons that are often cheaper and allow you the opportunity to network with other beginners and potentially find a riding partner (and new friends).
After your lesson, connect with your crew and take a few runs. Focus on the basics you learned in your lesson and don’t be afraid to peel off on your own if you want to practice at slower speeds and not hold up the squad.
Pro tip: Check to see if there is an official Burton Learn To Ride Center near you.
How to Maximize Fun: Be Prepared
Snowboarding is (mostly) an outdoor winter sport, so it is important that you are prepared for unpredictable and potentially inclement weather, including snow, wind, rain, fog, and sun. Before heading to the mountain, check the forecast for the day and ensure that you have the proper outerwear and layers. Ultimately, you know your comfort zone better than anyone, so what you wear should be a personal decision. However, weather can change so it’s important to dress properly.
Layering allows for flexibility: lose a layer as you warm up and add a layer if you get cold. A wool sweater and a rain jacket will work in a pinch. No one is expecting you to outfit yourself for an expedition to the farthest northern outpost, but jeans are terrible in the snow (and a classic faux pas at nearly every resort). Plus, the quickest way to not have fun is to be cold and wet. Remember to dress for movement, so don’t overdo it.
Pro tip: No cotton layers. Period.
How to Maximize Fun: Go with the Flow
Relax. It’s snowboarding, and it’s supposed to be fun. That said, snowboarding is a physically demanding activity, so be prepared to get tired your first time out, and probably the second… or every time after that. And as with anything physical, make sure to listen to your body:
- Food: Eat a big hearty breakfast before you head out in the morning so you’ve got the energy you will need and make a plan for lunch (this is helpful because it also gives you an excuse to go in and warm up if you need to).
- Water: Drink lots of water on the drive out to the resort and hydrate regularly during the day.
- Stretching: Your first day may involve a good amount of walking uphill (while you learn the tow rope) and completely training new muscle memory, so it’s important to avoid overexertion. Limber up your calves, hamstrings, and thighs (quads) since it will probably be cold when you first get out on the slopes. If nothing else, a morning stretch will remind you that you are embarking on a physical effort.
Pro tip: Be prepared to be flexible with your day. If the sun comes out and the birds start singing right when you were about to leave, take a few more runs. If the wind picks up and it’s raining sideways, maybe grab some cocoa and try to wait it out. Things may not always go as planned, but that’s part of the experience (and fun).
How to Maximize Fun: Focus on the Fundamentals
Your instructor will teach you the basics, but if you want a head start on snowboarding for beginners, here’s a few fundamentals you should learn:
Walking (Skating) in a Snowboard
Perhaps one of the most unnatural feeling aspects of snowboarding, walking with only one foot attached to a snowboard requires balance and practice. While seated on flat ground, strap in your front foot and use your back foot to stand. Next, place your unstrapped foot in front if your strapped in foot to form a “T” and find your balance. Once you are comfortable, slide the snowboard forward with the foot that is strapped in. Repeat the process, making small slide-steps with your strapped in foot and taking regular steps with your unstrapped back foot.
Once you have mastered walking it is a small adjustment to advance to flat surface sliding, which is similar to kick-pushing on a skateboard. Once you have initiated a slide, place your foot on the board in between your bindings but pressed up against the rear binding for stability during the slide.
Standing Up on a Snowboard
When both feet are strapped in it can be a struggle to stand up, luckily there’s an easy trick that you can use every time. While seated on the ground facing downhill, dig your heel edge into the slope and strap in both feet. Now, extend your legs flat and roll over onto your stomach (it will feel a little awkward the first few times). Next, dig your toe edge into the slope and stand up by pushing off the snow with both hands. Generally speaking, it is easier to stand up on a snowboard while facing uphill on your toe edge.
Alternatively, to stand up while facing downhill on your heel edge, dig the edge into the slope, grab the toe edge with your hand and pull up with one hand while using the other hand to push off the snow.
Pro tip: Always be aware of your surroundings when rolling over to avoid hitting innocent bystanders with your board.
Snowboarding Downhill
When snowboarding downhill, using your edges to turn is the most effective way to manage speed. So, if you want to avoid bombing down the hill at top speed, you’ll need to learn how to turn. But you likely see the chicken/egg situation here: you have to learn to turn before you go safely down the hill but have to go straight down the hill to learn to turn.
With that in mind, the best way to learn going downhill is to improve edge control by practicing the falling leaf technique. Basically, with your body facing downhill and the snowboard perpendicular to downhill, shift your weight to point the board only slightly downhill and slide in one direction while maintaining the old of your heelside edge; then, stop and slide the other direction while maintaining your heelside edge.
Once you have mastered the heelside falling leaf, practice the same technique but with your toeside edge.
Snowboarding for Forever
The journey of a million vertical feet starts with that first bunny hill. Follow this advice and you are well on your way to riding the lift and understanding why people camp out in the parking lot to get the first chair on a pow day.
Give it a go, have fun, and never be afraid to ask for help. We’ll see you out there.
