In the world of snowboarding, there are a lot of do’s and don’ts. There is no right way to snowboard, and everyone rides just a little bit differently, but there is some knowledge that every snowboarder should keep in their back pocket!

To make sure you start riding with some information and awareness of the sport, there are some skills and basic mountain knowledge every snowboarder should know before going to the mountain. Whether you're riding the easiest trails or the most difficult parts of the mountain, these tips are good for everyone, but beginner riders especially can benefit from extra tips while learning.

1. How to Ride the Wave of the Mountain

Snowboarding is an incredibly dynamic sport. You are always moving in some way or another, and your body position is continuously changing due to terrain, conditions, and other factors. “Riding the wave” of the mountain is a term conveying the idea to ride with the shape of the mountain.

This is a skill that takes time to learn, but it's necessary, especially for riders who spend a lot of time off-trail and in the backcountry. If you can learn how to dynamically ride with the shape and slopes of the mountain, you will find a great flow in your riding and increase your riding versatility.

2. How to Fall Properly

Falling properly is a super important skill that most beginner snowboarders learn the hard way. Falling may seem pretty simple, but if you don’t do it correctly, you could hurt your wrists.

When falling on your front side, you want to try to fall to your knees, then catch your fall with your forearms rather than putting out your hands to try and catch yourself. When falling on your back, try to bend down and almost roll into it. The biggest thing to remember is that don’t catch your fall with your wrists! It's one of the most common mistakes made when you're first learning and it's a good way to break or injure your wrist. If you're consistently using your wrists to break your fall or just want some extra protection, consider investing in wrist guards.

Obviously, we can't have control over our falls all the time, but when able to it can save you from a potential injury.

3. The Early Birds Get the Powder

Let's be honest, powder is probably the most fun condition. When it comes to actually being able to ride those fresh powder lines, it can definitely be a bit of a competition. Get to the chair lift early to ensure you get some of the first tracks after that fresh storm!

So get to the mountain early to catch the powder! This doesn't mean an hour after opening—it means being some of the first in line on the lift and on the mountain before they even open!

If you want to catch the next big dump on the mountain, it's a great idea to check the weather before going, as well as pre-plan how you are going to get to the mountain and when you are going to leave. This will help you with timing and getting to the mountain as early as possible in order to catch some of those fresh lines.

4. How to Install Bindings on a Board

Installing bindings on a board can for sure be done at a shop, but knowing how to do it yourself will make life so much easier. Make sure your left binding is set for your left foot and your right binding is set up for your right foot. *The ladder straps and buckles always go on the outside of the binding.

First, you are going to want to make sure you are placing them at the right width, about shoulder length apart. Then, figure out which angle you are going to ride at, the most common is for people to ride with their front foot at +12 or +15 degrees and their back foot at -3 or -6 degrees. If you like riding switch or want to learn to ride switch, you can move your back foot to a more "ducked out" angle between -9 and -15 degrees. The width and angles of your bindings create what is called a "snowboard stance" and are something you may want to experiment with and dial in over time.

Not every binding goes on the exact same way, but most are pretty similar for the most part. If you are confused, having the instructions for the specific binding you are planning to use will take you through the entire process.

5. Be Comfortable on Both Edges

This may seem really obvious, but being really comfortable on both edges is a skill many riders just don’t have. A lot of snowboarders tend to get more comfortable riding on one edge than the other, and more often than not that is the heel edge.

Getting comfortable on both edges and learning edge control takes time and practice, just like any skill in snowboarding. For many people it takes them a lot longer to be as comfortable on their toe edge as they are on their heel edge. If you are in this position, try your best to ride your toeside edge as much as possible in an effort to be comfortable with it, making sure to have bent knees to gain more control and keeping that edge hold back and forth to get used to the feeling.

If you are wanting to advance your riding, being extremely comfortable riding both toe and heel-side edge is essential. It will be much easier to practice this on a more gentle slope than a steep slope. Who knows what situation you will get into in which you will need to make a quick edge change!

6. Always Ride an Edge

Catching an edge in snowboarding sucks, to say the least. No matter which edge gets caught, it usually always ends in a fall, and occasionally an injury. A skill that can really help with avoiding edge catches is to always be riding one. Keeping your floating edge a little higher off the snow will help maintain a cleaner edge hold and better balance. This can be especially hard on icy snow when it's so easy to slide out, but if you have sharp edges or an edge-tech that grips, it will be much easier.

Basically, if you are always riding an edge, it's going to be way harder for the other edge to catch. If your body weight is distributed in the middle of the foot, there is nothing holding your board on edge, and it's really likely for one of them to catch. This tends to happen a lot when you're riding catwalks/flat tracks, but if you stay tall when you lose your speed, it will help with the low edge angle while riding and you'll have better edge control. Another way to catch your edge is if the direction of travel of your board moves sideways into a sideslip. You want to keep your board's flat base straight down the slope/fall line, and you'll be much more likely to stay upright. If you are consistently riding an edge, you are going to set yourself up way better to avoid catching one!

7. Terrain Park Etiquette

Everybody loves to get their occasional park laps in, and some people even love to spend the whole day in the park. While the skills and equipment are fun to use, when in the park you also have to be respectful of both the equipment and other riders. There are some basic rules of the park, the acronym that many resorts use is called SMART. SMART stands for Start small, Make a plan, Always look before dropping, Respect others and the features, and Take it easy. This is the basis of what you should know before going into the park. Don't just start sending tricks like popping ollies and sliding rails without following these steps!

Something that everyone should do before dropping into the park run they are planning on doing is actually calling out the word “drop” before dropping in. This will let others know what you are doing and that you are about to take a lap. Always make sure to observe where you are going and to make sure your path is clear. For the safety of both you and those around you, never stand below a feature in the park.

8. The Difference Between Skidded and Carved Turns

There is a pretty drastic difference between carving turns and skidding turns. The biggest way you can define this difference is by the tracks made in the snow by your board. If it’s a skidded turn, the tracks will be wide. If you're carving, the track will be a skinny line just from the edge of your board. To practice carves, you'll want to focus your whole upper body on facing the direction you want to go, even going so far as to point your arm in your intended direction. Use your front leg and front foot to guide your turn and your back leg and back foot as a rudder.

Carving is what helps you pick up speed and is when you are riding straight on your edge. It is part of overall good technique as you progress to an intermediate snowboarder and beyond. Skidded turns help with speed control and are the style of riding many people will use for the first few years on their boards while trying to master speed checks to slow down at high speeds. If you're having trouble mastering carves, consider taking a lesson with a snowboard instructor!

9. Mountain Responsibility Code

This isn't just for snowboarders—everyone going to the mountain should understand at least the basics of the mountain responsibility code. Even if you don’t know the entire code, the biggest rules of simple respect on the mountain are that the person ahead or downhill has the right of way and to observe all signs and postings on the mountain. The whole responsibility code is made up of seven different rules: 1. Always stay in control. 2. The people ahead have the right of way. 3. You must stop on the side of trails and not obstruct others' way. 4. When merging trails, look uphill and yield to others. 5. Use devices to secure equipment. 6. Make sure to observe every posted sign and warning on the mountain. 7. Before using a lift, make sure you know how to both unload and load the lift safely.

Other tips to keep you safe:

• Be careful when you come to the bottom of the mountain/close to the chairlift. Slow down and look for other skiers and riders as many collisions happen near chairlifts when people are checked out after their run.
• Review the trail map before starting to ride so you know the area, where you plan to ride, and what obstacles/terrain you may want to avoid.

10. How to Let Loose and Have Fun on the Mountain!

There are a lot of rules on the mountain, but they are in place so that everyone can have as safe and fun a time as possible. The reason why we all love snowboarding so much is that it's so fun, and we can thank the mountains for making that possible. Snowboarding is a great learning experience and is meant to be a fun hobby!

When you're on the mountain, the only thing you have to think about is your next run and what exciting feature lies around the next corner. The mountain is a place to let your guard down and simply focus on the mountain. There are so many different parts of the mountain to explore like practicing freestyle moves in the park such as an ollie pop, butter or some grabs off a jump, shredding groomers, hitting a tree run, or a fresh powder stash!

11. Extra Tips

Be sure to have warm, comfortable clothing and other relevant snowboard gear. Remember, you don't have to have the absolute best gear to have the best time on the snow!

• Jackets: There are a ton of different jacket options with various levels of insulation and waterproofing as well as pockets, venting features, and more. Browse online or try a few in-store to see what you like and what fits well!
• Snow pants: Snow pants either come as a shell version or with insulation, waterproof or water resistant. Many people wear a shell and layer underneath, but if you get cold easily or usually ride in cold conditions only, an insulated option also works.
• Helmets: Helmets are SO important, even if you take no risks and ride within your means. You cannot predict other skiers' and riders' behavior and when an accident may occur. Plus helmets offer additional warmth and are just a good idea all around.

Note: The majority of severe snowboarding head injuries are caused by the opposite-edge phenomenon where the snowboarder falls backward and contacts the occiput (the back of the head or skull). Wearing a helmet can lessen the likelihood of severe head injuries!

• Goggles: If you've ever ridden on a regular winter day without goggles, you'll know why you need a pair. Keep the snow and wind out of your eyes! There are different goggle frame sizes along with an array of lens options for varying light conditions.
• Gloves/Mittens: Gloves and mittens are both other necessary piece of gear to keep your hands warm and useful all day. If you tend to have cold hands more often, mittens (or mitts) can be a good option to retain more heat. Gloves will be slightly less warm but offer more dexterity and control.
• Base Layers: Merino wool or polyester are the recommended type of material for base layer tops and bottoms as they will wick sweat and excess moisture, while cotton will absorb sweat and moisture, making you cold as your body temperature cools down while riding the chairlift back to the top.
• Socks: Merino wool socks (or a blend) are the most optimal material for socks, wicking sweat and keeping your feet warm all day. Cotton socks may become damp, ensuring your feet will not be happy or comfortable in your snowboard boots all day.

Other snowboarding equipment and safety gear:

• Wrist guards: Help protect your wrists when you fall
• Impact shorts: Help to cushion your rear when you fall
• Action camera: Capture video footage of your day on the mountain!

As snowboarders, we are all seeking our next adventure on the mountain. Snowboarders are thrill-seekers and know how to have fun on the mountain! If you want to chat with a Snowboard Expert here at Curated, we're here to provide free, personalized gear recommendations and are always happy to talk about the sport that we love!