From Skiing to Snowboarding: Advice from the Experts

There are many ways to enjoy a snow-covered mountain. Downhill skiing, cross country skiing,snowboarding and snow tubing all offer excitement and cold weather thrills. For hundreds of years people have enjoyed racing down the mountains on skiis, but if you are looking to experience the mountain in a new way and join the fastest growing winter sport, here are some tips from some experts for transitioning from skiing to snowboarding.

Set Your Expectations… Low

Maggie, a boarder who has spent time on mountains all across the US (including Minnesota, Vermont, Colorado and Montana), had lots of advice to give when asked: what tips would you give a skier who wants to transition to snowboarding? "Thinking that snowboarding is like skiing is totally unrealistic. No matter your experience, be prepared to eat snow on your first day." She says to "bend your knees and lean into the hill. Leaning into the hill is the natural way to keep your balance. If you lean into the hill, you have less distance to fall, especially compared to falling forward, downhill." No matter how you fall, or how many ways you take a digger, hopefully these tips will keep the bruising to a minimum.

Start on the bunny hill

No matter your experience, start on the bunny hill. Save your money, your pride and your body by starting where beginners start, because that is what you are.

More about falling

Life Tips offers these beginning snowboarding technique instructions. "Always keep your hand in a fist and punch the snow as you fall backward." Broken wrists are the most common injury to new snowboarders and this is one way to avoid them. You can also wear protective gloves with inserted wrist braces. Another good idea is to wear a helmet. Life Tips also suggests practicing your stance, edging and steering indoors on carpet before heading out the slippery snow covered hill. You can work on your balance and getting comfortable without the hindrance of weather, other riders and your ego getting in the way.

Snowboarding is a social activity

Mason Aquirre, a Duluth Minnesota native, will be making his second appearance at the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics. A professional snowboarder since the age of 15, he advises to keep it fun, ride with friends and always watch other riders. "Learn from them and let them push you."

Never give up

Jake made the switch from skiing to snowboarding when he was so young, he doesn't even remember what was difficult about the now automatic movements. But he sees beginner snowboarders all the time while working at Keystone Resort in Colorado. He says, "Snowboarding is not the easiest skill to learn, but if you don't give up, you will get it… and enjoy it."

One last thing to think about

Another question to ask yourself is: are you willing to give up the time to learn this new skill? Online sources say it takes about 10 days on the hill to be really comfortable as a snowboarder. You have the muscle, balance and stamina from your skiing experience, so you are ahead of the game. But if you aren't willing to put in the time, you might as well stick to skiing. No matter how you enjoy the mountain this season, I hope you stay safe and have a great time.