How to Do Snow Blade Tricks
Snow blades are essentially short skis without poles. The shorter length makes for an easier learning curve and can make doing tricks more fun. Snow blades are often seen in the terrain park, the section of the mountain specifically designed with man-made features for doing tricks. With snow blades, there are dozens, if not hundreds of tricks to learn, and they are more approachable than with traditional skis. Learn how to do some snow blade tricks that will enhance your next visit to the slopes.
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Instructions
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Start with a Straight Air on a small jump. Watch other skiers hit the jump to determine how much speed you need. For your first time, just go straight off the jump with your knees bent in the air. Become accustomed to the feeling of being in the air and knowing what that is like. This is a safety run so you will know the necessary speed for learning tricks.
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Learn the Iron Cross trick. Hit the jump and, while you are in the air, cross your skis to form an X. Repeat this trick until it feels natural to reposition your snow blades in the air. Add a grab to the Iron Cross by holding you right hand on the outside edge of your right boot.
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Spin 360 degrees off the jump. Approach the jump with slightly more speed than for the Iron Cross, as you will lose momentum from spinning. If you spin to the left, start turning to the left as you approach the lip of the jump. At the very last moment, pop off the jump and lead the spin with your upper body and head. Spot your landing about halfway through the spin by looking over your shoulder. Land with skis parallel.
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Spin 720 degrees of the jump for an advanced, experts-only trick. The 720 is two 360s in the air. Hit the jump with more speed than the 360 and spin fast as you leave the ground. Turn your head, shoulders and core in the direction you want to go and the rest of your body will follow. Keep your knees bent throughout the air. When you come around 540 degrees, spot your landing by locking your eyes on the part of the snow you want to land on. As you land, keep the knees bent to absorb the impact of the landing.
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Tips & Warnings
Snow has a multitude of conditions and you want soft, sunny conditions to try tricks for the first time. Avoid icy and hard snow conditions. In addition, find a small jump to start with that has a gentle lip, a short area to clear and a long, wide landing.
