If you’re planning a trip to the mountains this winter, you might add snowboarding to your to-do list. Even if you’re a complete beginner, the sport will get your adrenaline pumping and make for an unforgettable experience. To snowboard like you’ve been doing it for years, follow the tips below.

A Beginner’s Guide to Snowboarding

1. Get the Right Gear 

People learning to snowboard often fall at the beginning, which is why you need to wear the appropriate gear. Pros recommend lacrosse shorts, which have cushioning in the hips, thighs, and crotch, along with a plastic shield to protect the tailbone.

You should also make sure you have warm clothing, including thick socks that don’t bunch up and waterproof bibs to keep out the wet snow.

2. Adjust to the Board

Prior to heading down the slopes, get acquainted with your board on flat terrain.

Your dominant foot—the right one, if you’re right-handed—will be the one at the front of the board. Try staying balanced by keeping your body weight over the board and lean forward. To stay upright, don’t lean too far forward or backward. 

3. Stay on Softer Snow 

As a general rule, you should always avoid traversing on icy terrain, as it may cause you to slip, slide, and lose control of the board.

Powder snow is fluffier and less slippery, helping you move effortlessly and make smoother turns. 

4. Try Simple Turns First 

Once you feel comfortable navigating short distances, try making some simple turns. To do a toe-side turn, push your front foot into the board, then rotate your hips, shoulders, and head the way you want to go. Rotate until your body faces up the mountain, and the board should turn with you.

When you’re ready to try snowboarding for the first time, book a charter bus trip to the Hunter and Windham Mountains with Urban Sherpa Travel. They provide comfortable transportation services for snowboarding and ski trips in the area of New York and New Jersey. Their packages include options for gear rentals and accommodations. Call (917) 692-5222 to book a charter trip, or visit their website to learn more about the dates available for January.