Snowboarding is my sport. Without it, a piece of me would have never grown. It’s given me friends, adventures, and indispensable life lessons. From perseverance, risk assessment, and tenacity, everyone deserves the chance to experience the sport that changed my life.
This series was born after the many messages I received. Almost daily, I’d have a DM about snowboarding, and that made sense since I constantly talk about how much I’ve fallen in love with it. I spent countless hours researching gear, technique, and everything in between during my first season…and now I’m sharing it with you so your first day on the mountain is a whole lot easier.
Before hitting the slopes, planning your snowboarding trip strategically is essential.
Start by deciding which mountain you want to visit. Explore the beginner terrain options, marked as green circle trails, and take note of lesson pricing and lift ticket costs. Additionally, consider where your friends are heading. Do they have buddy passes with their IKON or Epic passes?
It’s important to note that snowboarding can be a substantial financial investment.
A full-day lift ticket for the entire mountain typically ranges from $100 to $200, while lessons can cost between $200 and $600 or even more for private or full-day sessions. However, don’t let the price deter you from pursuing this incredible sport.
Whether you have the luxury of frequent snowboarding opportunities or need to plan occasional visits, there are ways to make it more affordable.
Consider looking into season passes for the following year if you thoroughly enjoy your initial experience.
If you can, try to allocate multiple consecutive days for snowboarding rather than a single day.
This will allow you to make the most of your time on the mountain. If you can only go for one day, it’s highly recommended to take a lesson to maximize your learning and enjoyment.
It’s important to resist the temptation of letting your friends, or significant other convince you that they can teach you. Trust me, it rarely works out well and may lead to frustration and an unpleasant experience. Since you’re investing a significant amount of money, it’s wise to pay for a qualified instructor while your friends or significant other can enjoy their day on the slopes.
If you’re a complete beginner, opt for a half-day lesson. I recommend choosing a morning lesson, as you can absorb the instructions and techniques and then practice them on your own for the rest of the day.
Be realistic about your expectations when going with friends who are more experienced than you. While they might spend some time with you, don’t expect them to stay by your side throughout the day. Lunch and break times are great opportunities to meet up, share stories, and venture out independently. It’s liberating to have the freedom to progress at your own pace without feeling like you’re slowing down your friends.
When it comes to transportation, ensure you have a reliable vehicle if you’re not staying at the resort for multiple days.
Be prepared for potentially challenging driving conditions.
I could make a million blog posts about safety and preparedness when driving in adverse conditions, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, ensure you follow all traffic ordinances- traction laws, road closures, and bow to the plow- and use your common sense. Adjust your speed and allow yourself some grace if you feel too uncomfortable to continue driving. Get to the mountain alive!
Lastly, educate yourself about snowboarding techniques and skills before hitting the slopes.
I’ve curated a playlist featuring professionals from Snowboard Addiction, Malcolm Moore, and other helpful YouTube snowboarders that helped me when I was beginning! These videos can be a valuable resource for both beginners and those who choose not to take lessons.
You can even have the playlist accessible on the mountain to aid in self-instruction. While it’s entirely possible to teach yourself snowboarding, especially if you have prior athletic experience, consider asking your friends to film your form so you can self-correct and improve.
That’s all for Part 1. Click here for Part 2!
