How to Build a Snowboard Ramp

Of course snowboarding at a resort is ideal, but for those days when it's just not possible to get up to the slopes, building a snowboard ramp can be just what you need to get you through the winter season.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what type of snowboard ramp you want to build. For flat spins, a long ramp with lower height is best while higher ramps will give you more height for other tricks. As a rule of thumb, the higher the ramp is, the longer it will need to be so plan the ramp according to the space available.

2. Survey the area where you plan to build the ramp. Maybe there's a natural hill that can be used in the construction of the ramp, for instance. Look for hazards like rocks, trees or other obstacles and try to plan the course around them or move them if possible. Find out how much natural snow the area normally gets and if it will be enough to build the type of ramp you want. If not, plan to use manmade materials to build a snowboard ramp and top it off with snow.

3. Pile as much snow as possible to the ramp area. If the snow is dense enough, it can be formed into a mound for smaller ramps. Occasionally holding the snowboards against the side of the ramp when you build the mound can ensure the sides are straight. Use the backside of a shovel to smooth out the snow pile and create curves where needed.

4. Use 4-by-4s to build a frame for a manmade ramp. The longest boards will create the bottom of the board. Depending on the width of the board use two boards parallel to each other for the bottom frame. Add additional boards for wider ramps.

5. Create the backside of the ramp screwing boards to the bottom frame boards to form a 90-degree angle. Add boards along the bottom of the ramp at 90-degree angles in descending height to create the curve of the ramp and to provide support. Once the boards are screwed to the bottom frame, this will finish the skeleton of the snowboard ramp.

6. Finish the ramp by nailing sections of plywood to the frame to create the surface of the ramp.

7. Top the ramp off with snow and groom the snow to create a smooth surface. Don't forget to add snow to the bottom of the ramp for a landing surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember specific dimensions to build the snowboard ramp will depend on the skill of the boarder, the space available and the budget for materials if necessary.