Winter is here, and for many, that means it’s time to hit the slopes! Snowboarding is an exciting and rewarding sport, but like any new skill, it requires practice, patience, and a solid foundation. For some, it also involves a lot of falling along the way.

When learning to snowboard, it’s important to have the right gear, including proper snow attire and a board suited to your needs. Equally crucial is determining your lead foot to make the learning process smoother. Senior Ty Johnson shared his advice for beginners: “On a flat area, practice shifting your weight from heel to toe and get comfortable with how the board feels on the snow. Also, work on not putting your hands down when you fall.”

Senior Kelby Stephens emphasized the importance of mastering carving early on. “I remember one of the first things I tried to learn was how to carve. I knew that learning this skill would help me go down the slope in a controlled way,” he said. Carving involves shifting your weight and applying pressure to the edge of your board, allowing it to cut into the snow and create a smooth, curved path. The more you lean into the turn and create an angle between the board and the snow, the deeper and cleaner your carve will be.

For some beginners, diving in headfirst without much preparation feels like the best way to learn. “The faster you go, the easier it is to pick up different techniques. While you might fall more, I think it’s one of the better ways to learn snowboarding,” said Harrison Littel. “I also recommend starting at places like Pine Creek or Targhee. They offer good terrain, and Pine Creek is half the price of other ski resorts.”

Ultimately, snowboarding is about finding what works best for you. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon discover why so many people love this thrilling sport and why it’s so much fun.