How to Ride Ice on a Snowboard

Snowboarding on ice is only better than not snowboarding at all. Use proper technique to make the most of those icy days and avoid injury.

Things You'll Need

• Ski And Snowboard Stone
• Helmets
• Snowboard Bag
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Clothing
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Hats
• Snowboard Leash
• Snowboards
• Waxes

Instructions

1. Sharpen your edges before boarding on icy days. Carry a small edge stone to keep your edges sharp all day.

2. Make sure your bindings are very tight. You may want to consider wearing harder boots on icy days.

3. Consider wearing kneepads and wrist guards. (Wear them under your clothes and no one will even know how you are attempting to avoid pain.)

4. Start out slow. Do "check turns" (short, quick turns) and some sidesliding to get a feel for the ice.

5. Carve smooth, subtle turns. Avoid jamming too much weight into a turn. Ice tends to amplify your mistakes.

6. Listen to your edges. If you hear them chattering, it's time to turn.

7. Watch the snow ahead of you for soft patches. Your speed will decrease as you switch from ice to snow and increase as you ride from snow to ice - be prepared.

Tips & Warnings

• Ice tends to be worse at lower elevations.

• Check out your landing area before jumping. Or at least do a low test jump before getting too slick. Ice can be very unforgiving.

• Keep an edge engaged with the ice at all times.

• Take everything a little slower on icy days. Your chances of injury are dramatically increased on the harder surface.

• Stop snowboarding if you feel the ice is making the conditions too dangerous - better to miss an afternoon of snowboarding than an entire season from an injury.

• Snowboarding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.