7 Beginner Snowboarding Tips

Learning a new sport like snowboarding can feel intimidating, that’s why we compiled this list of seven beginner snowboarding tips so you can hit the slopes with confidence and have as much fun as possible. Avoid common beginner mistakes like buying the wrong gear, listening to your partner who wants to give you a snowboard lesson, and hitting the chairlift before you’re ready. We made these mistakes, so you don’t have to.

The truth is, snowboarding should be about having fun, not suffering because you were unprepared. If you’re new to the sport, or thinking about getting started, this list was created for you. So, grab some hot cocoa, read through these seven beginner snowboarding tips, and prepare to join a fun-loving community of folx who love standing sideways.

7 Beginner Snowboarding Tips: Table of Contents

1. Get a Season Rental or Demo
2. Get a Season Pass & Ride as Much as Possible
3. Layer Up
4. Wear a Helmet & Wrist Guards
5. Take a Lesson from an Instructor
6. Drink Water & Eat Snacks
7. Have Fun & Remember to Smile

Pro tip: Take a few minutes to learn about Jake Burton Carpenter, the founder of Burton Snowboards and a true snowboarding pioneer.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #1: Get a Season Rental or Demo

We’re positive that you’ll fall in love with snowboarding as soon as you step on a board, but there’s a lot more to snowboarding than just riding downhill. We generally don’t recommend blowing your whole paycheck on a crispy new setup for your first day on the mountain. In fact, one of our favorite beginner snowboarding tips is to get a full-season rental from your local snowboard shop.

Why should you get a season rental? Here are three reasons:

1. First, getting a season rental is generally less expensive than shelling out for your own complete kit, allowing you to save up and get exactly what you want next season.
2. Second, season rentals generally have some flexibility, so if you decide halfway through the winter that you want a longer snowboard or stiffer snowboard bindings, the shop you rented from can probably help you out (remember to always tip your local shop staff for good service).
3. Third, you can rent beginner gear your first season and then purchase more advanced gear when you’re ready, and you won’t be stuck with a soft beginner board for five seasons.

Pro tip: When you’re ready to make a purchase, drop into your local Burton flagship store or visit burton.com for snowboards, snowboard boots, snowboard bindings, snowboard jackets, snow pants & bibs, and accessories.

Additionally, most reputable snowboard shops offer product demos so you can try out new gear before buying it. This is one of the best ways to learn your preferences and figure out what gear you like and dislike. Make an effort to do this your first season and you’ll have a much better idea of how you want to invest your money.

Pro tip: Demo Burton’s newest snowboards and other gear through the Burton Test Ride program.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #2: Get a Season Pass & Ride as Much as Possible

Arguably one of the most expensive parts of snowboarding is mountain access. Lift tickets have increased in price exponentially in the past few decades and there’s no indication that this trend will change. So, while this tip may seem less-than-obvious for beginners, we generally recommend getting a season pass if you genuinely plan to get into snowboarding. While a season pass is definitely a large upfront cost, if you do the math, it will often pay for itself in 5-10 visits.

And this leads us to the next benefit of getting a pass: if all your lift access is already paid for, you can focus on getting out and riding as much as possible. Don’t underestimate the value of building muscle memory by going to the mountain whenever you can find the time. Plus, you can bypass the ticket window when you hit the mountain which adds up to extra runs over the course of the season.

We’ve seen lots of new snowboarders progress from bunny hill to black diamonds in just one season. It all comes down to how often you get out and get after it. Just remember, everyone progresses at different speeds so don’t worry about getting extreme, just focus on having fun and the rest will happen naturally.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #3: Layer Up

Nothing will ruin a fun day of snowboarding faster than being cold or wet, and that’s why properly layering up is super important when you head to the mountains. To assemble your outfit, you’ll want three layers: a base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof shell layer.

• Base Layer: A high performance base layer made from polyester or wool should be worn directly next to your skin. This layer provides warmth while wicking sweat and moisture away from your skin, keeping you comfortable and dry. However, if you do get damp, polyester and wool will still remain warm, unlike cotton. Snowboarding socks should also be considered as part of your base layer and are a very worthwhile investment. In general, avoid cotton layers, which don’t dry quickly and will not provide adequate insulation if/when they get wet. Take it from Thumper, if you wear a cotton base layer instead of a synthetic base layer, you’re gonna have a bad time.
• Insulating Mid Layer: An insulating mid layer, like one made from fleece, wool, down, or synthetic materials, is worn over the base layer and is designed to retain body heat and keep you warm on cold days. However, don’t feel that this is a mandatory layer to wear at all times. You’d be surprised at how warm you can get when doing an aerobic activity like snowboarding, even in temperatures below freezing. If you find that your insulating layer is making you sweaty, simply take it off and stash it in the lodge or in your backpack.
• Waterproof Shell Layer: The outermost jacket, otherwise known as a shell layer, is your last line of defense against the elements. A reliable shell should be reasonably waterproof, keep you dry when it’s raining/snowing, and protect you from warmth-sucking wind. Consider a shell with a breathable waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX® PRO for the highest degree of comfort and protection. However, a non-breathable raincoat could also work in a pinch, as long as it keeps you dry.

Pro tip: For a thorough explanation of layering, review Burton’s Winter Layering Tips for All Conditions.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #4: Wear a Helmet & Wrist Guards

Burton always recommends that everyone, regardless of experience level, wears the proper protective equipment while snowboarding. For beginners, this includes a properly fitted ski and snowboarding helmet and wrist guards. Riding all season is great. And that’s tough to do if you smack your noggin and end up on the sidelines. Basically, what we’re saying is: wear a damn helmet.

Helmet technology has come a long way since the days of bulbous, nerdy-looking brain buckets. Anon snowboarding helmets are stylish and warm, come in a variety of fun colors, and have features like venting systems that can open and close, integrated headphone compartments, and impact-reducing layers of shock-absorbing WaveCel material. Helmets are also a great place to stick an action camera to capture footage of your most radical moments on the hill for internet clout. If you’re into that sort of thing.

Pro tip: Anon ski and snowboard goggles fit seamlessly with Anon helmets, helping you avoid the dreaded gaper gap.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #5: Take a Lesson from an Instructor

One of the more obvious (but still important) beginner snowboarding tips that we recommend is to kick off your learning experience by taking a lesson from a certified professional snowboard instructor. Note that we specifically say instructor, and not friend, or significant other.

A professional instructor will teach you the foundational skills of snowboarding with a specific progression so that each new skill builds on the last, ensuring that you learn proper technique and avoid developing any bad habits. As an added bonus, instructors are also intimately familiar with the trails at the hill, and they’ll know where to take you so that you can focus on learning, not being uncomfortable with the terrain.

Finally, it’s worth noting that lessons aren’t just for beginners. Even experienced snowboarders can learn something new or refine their existing skills by working with an experienced snowboarding instructor. In the United States, AASI-certified instructors are held to high standards for teaching and are sure to provide you with a valuable learning experience.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #6: Drink Water & Eat Snacks

You’d be amazed at how easy it is to forget to drink water or eat food when you are having fun at the mountain. But it’s hard to perform your best when you are dehydrated or hungry, and with that in mind, another one of our beginner snowboarding tips is to make sure to hydrate and snack throughout the day. There are a few different ways you can accomplish this.

1. Fill Your Pockets: The first and simplest way to ensure you have food and drink on hand is to put a few food bars, snacks, and a water bottle in your jacket pockets or backpack. This approach is much more affordable than visiting the mountain’s cafeteria or restaurant, and it means that you can eat and drink when you need it.
2. Stash Lunch in the Car: Another approach is to stash a cooler in your vehicle with pre-made sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and beverages. You’ll have to take a break from riding to go eat, but you’ll have the opportunity to bring more elaborate things to eat. Can you say “charcuterie board”?
3. Go for Broke in the Cafeteria: Sure, it costs more to eat in the cafeteria or restaurant, but sometimes treating yourself is the best option and quickest way to satisfy your hunger. Don’t forget that the bar likely has cold adult beverages on tap as well.

Pro tip: When planning meals for snowboarding, eat food that includes an appropriate balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. And remember to balance quick-burning carbohydrates with healthy, dense fats that provide slow-burning energy throughout the day.

Beginner Snowboarding Tip #7: Have Fun & Remember to Smile

Although it’s the final item on our list of beginner snowboarding tips, having fun and remembering to smile is one of the most important things you can do. After all, it’s one of the reasons why we stand sideways: to have as much fun as possible.

Snowboarding isn’t easy, so if you ever find yourself feeling challenged or frustrated, pull over to the side of the trail and take a quick break. Think about how lucky you are to be outside enjoying the mountains, getting exercise, and having the chance to do something so rad. Be thankful for your physical ability, no matter what it looks like.