What to know - Beginners/Intermediate
If you are new to snowboarding, there are a few things you should know, and it’s important to understand the etiquette of the mountain before you ride. The biggest thing is awareness. Always pay attention to the people around you because mountains can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and powder days. If you ride with music, we get it, just make sure you can still hear people around you and stay alert. The person downhill from you will always have the right of way, so keep your eyes up and stay in control at all times. It’s also important to pay attention to trail signs and boundaries so you know where you are and don’t accidentally end up on terrain that’s above your skill level or closed off for safety reasons.
When using the lift, make sure you keep your board and gear within your own space so everyone can load and unload smoothly. If you are a beginner, you are probably going to fall and that’s completely fine. Everyone on the mountain started somewhere, even the best riders in the world. Snowboarding takes time, and progression is part of what makes it fun. If you are someone making fun of beginners, just remember you were once in their exact position too.
If you want to ride backcountry, make sure you do proper research and understand the risks before heading out. Backcountry riding is completely different from riding at a resort, and safety becomes much more serious. You should always carry important avalanche safety gear like beacons, shovels, probes, radios, and ideally ride with experienced people who know the terrain. Never underestimate mountain conditions because weather and snowpack can change fast.
At the end of the day, every person on the mountain is there for the same reason: to have fun and enjoy riding. Don’t be a “Jerry” acting like you are cooler than everyone else by spraying people with snow or cutting people off. Respect the mountain, respect the people around you, and bring good energy. The most important thing to remember is to stay safe, be yourself, have fun, let loose, and always wear your helmet.