How to Jump on a Snow Bike

Learning to jump on a snow bike is actually easier than learning to jump on mud or ground, so don't be scared about the idea. As you get started, remember that falling is part of the process and don't obsess about technique so much as about getting the landing right. Practice safely and you will eventually become a pro at jumping.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Learn to Jump on an Ice Bike

1. Start with a small jump. Find a clean area with no boulders, trees or debris on the floor and make sure that jumping will not put you at risk of sliding downhill or falling into any dangerous area.
2. Make a small mount by piling up snow and then making sure it's compacted enough not to be crushed under the weight of the bike. Another option is to choose a small fall so you can jump off it rather than jumping up.
3. Stand on the pedals as soon as the bike hits the slope. Sitting down will throw you off course and it can also be painful. Standing up will also make it easier to twist the handles so the bike is pointing in the direction where you want it to land.
4. Stop pedaling a few seconds before you jump. This will allow you to take control of the pedals (so you can stand on them) and the handles early on, instead of having to worry about it when the bike starts to go down.
5. Remember that the hardest part of a jump is the landing. You will soon find out that landing on the wheels is no easy task. As you approach the ground, lean back and pull on the handles so the back wheel will touch the ground first.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there is no ice on the area where you'll be landing. There is no way (even for experienced snow bike riders) to control the slide on ice, and you can end up badly hurt.
• Don't jump downhill, especially at the beginning. It's harder to maneuver on downhill snow and you might have trouble stopping.
• Don't let go of the bike, even if you feel like you won't fall directly on the wheels. It's far more dangerous to have a flying bike fall on you than to fall along with it.
• Most of the tricks done in mountain biking (such as the bunny hop and the can-can) can also be done on snow bikes after you become used to it. As you start jumping, however, concentrate on basic jumps rather than worrying about tricks.