Maybe Some Snowboarding Tips If You're Interested?

Level Up Your Ride: A Guide to Ten Snowboard Tricks for Every Skill Level

So, you’re hitting the slopes this season? That’s great! But maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, I can get down the hill… now what?” Well, a lot of snowboarders are asking for a clear path to progression, a sort of roadmap for tricks. It can be a bit overwhelming knowing where to start, or what to aim for next. I did some digging, talked to a few people (mostly online, to be honest), and put together a list of ten tricks to help you level up your ride. I tried to cover a good range, so hopefully there’s something here for everyone.

Let’s start at the very beginning. Before you even think about tricks, you need a solid foundation. Things like getting comfortable linking turns, and just staying upright! Seriously, balance is key. A lot of instructors recommend starting with the “falling leaf” – basically gliding side to side down the slope. It sounds simple, and it is, but it’s a great way to build confidence and control. I’ve seen it rated around a 1/10 for difficulty on green slopes, but it can get up to a 3/10 on the black diamond runs. And don’t underestimate the “penguin walk”! It looks silly, but it’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to navigate flat spots.

Okay, now for the actual tricks.

1. Falling Leaf (1/10): We already talked about this one. Essential. Truly.

2. Tail Press (2/10): Once you're comfortable linking turns on blue slopes, a tail press is a natural next step. It helps you get a feel for shifting your weight and controlling the board’s tail.

3. Frontside 180 (2-4/10): This is where things start to feel a little more exciting. A frontside 180, done without a jump, is totally achievable and a great confidence booster.

4. Eurocarving (4-6/10): If you’re feeling good with your turning, try linking carves at a steeper angle – 60-80 degrees. It’s all about leaning into the turn and really laying down those edge lines.

5. Boardslide (6/10): Okay, now we’re venturing into park territory. A basic boardslide on a rail or box is a classic and surprisingly accessible trick. Just remember to stay centered and look where you want to go.

6. Ollie (6/10): This is a foundational trick for getting air. It’s basically a pop that gets you off the ground. It'll really help with progressing to more advanced jumps.

7. Mute Grab (7/10): Adding a grab to your jumps takes things to the next level. The Mute grab is a good one to start with as it’s pretty straightforward.

8. Frontside Boardslide Backside Grab (7/10): This one requires a bit more coordination – sliding and grabbing simultaneously. The pros, like Rene Rinnekangas, make it look effortless, but it takes practice!

9. Elbow Carve (8/10): Tyler Chorlton really popularized this one. It’s an advanced carve, involving a lot of body positioning and edge control. Definitely not for beginners!

10. Alek Ostreng’s Andrecht (8/10): This trick seems to involve a lot of style and technical precision. It’s something to aspire to once you’ve really mastered the basics.

Of course, this is just a starting point. There are tons of variations and combinations out there. And honestly, it's more about having fun and progressing at your own pace. People are really looking for a ranked list to help track their progress, and hopefully this offers a little bit of that. Remember to always ride within your limits, and maybe wear a helmet. Just a thought.

You can find more info and inspiration on sites like Burton and Red Bull. Happy shredding!