Learning to Snowboard in VT

Snowboarding Lessons, Tips & Tricks for Successful Snowboarding

Vermont Snowboarding This is where snowboarding got it’s start. So why not board where snowboarding first started, besides the conditions are just great for snowboarding at nearly all of Vermont’s Ski Areas. A snowboarding vacation is an outrageous way to getaway. Vermont offers the snowboard enthusiast challenging fun at a variety of slopes. With the best mountains, hotels, inns, resorts, and mountain rentals – it’s no wonder Vermont is New England’s top boarding destination. Ask us about VT Learn to Snowboard vacations or share winter fun comments. To feature your business, contact us.

Vermont Learn to Snowboard Vacations

The Wildflower Inn, 2059 Darling Hill Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851 | 802-626-8310
Trailside Lodging in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Your next great adventure awaits at The Wildflower. A four-season destination property for the best in outdoor recreation and Vermont experiences. With our 25-room Inn, full-service restaurant, pub, Village Sport bike shop (with rentals) and KCE guide company right on the property, you will have everything you need to make the most of your Vermont visit.
Visit The Wildflower Inn - Lyndonville, VT

Snowboard Vermont So you want to learn to snowboard?

The first thing I’m going to tell you is that it’s not easy. Not by a long shot. But boarding to worth the learning curve – and the humble pie falls.

Your first day strapped to a snowboard is guaranteed to be challenging. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of slope time on your bum and don’t be surprised to find yourself looking for a hot tub at the end of the day to soothe those aching muscles.

Snowboarding is similar to skiing in that both sports use the techniques of weighting while on edge and following the fall line when descending the mountain. Learning to snowboard is different from skiing in one distinct regard – although learning to snowboard is twice as hard as learning to ski, your level of ability will increase exponentially faster on a snowboard than on skis. Before you know it you’ll be flying down the slopes, leaving the skiers with a face full of powder.

A word to the wise: Make sure the first thing you learn how to do is fall. Because you’re going fall. And you’re going to fall a lot. So tuck in those arms and legs, and just roll with it!

Because learning to snowboard is a challenge, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself those first few times on the mountain. Realistic goals will keep your frustration levels to a minimum. An example of a realistic goal would be “Get myself down the bunny slope once without falling.” not “Grinding rails in the terrain park.”

The fastest way to gain success on a snowboard is to invest in private lessons from a snowboard instructor. These lessons are more than worth their weight in gold. When scheduling lessons at the mountain, be sure you’re getting a real snowboard instructor, not a skier strapped to a snowboard. A good snowboard instructor knows the sport well and will be able to teach you quickly and effectively, guaranteeing more time riding and less time sliding backward and out-of-control down the bunny slope.

I strongly recommend spending 2-3 days in a row strapped to a snowboard when starting out. It’s the fastest way for your body to learn the muscle memory necessary to ride a board. Yes, you will discover new muscles you never knew existed before. If too much time passes between your first and second snowboarding lesson, your second lesson will have you starting at ground zero again. Not. Fun.

Vermont Snowboarding, Boarding Tips More Tips for First-Time Snowboarders:

Wear waterproof pants & gloves and a helmet
Stretch your legs, back and arms before riding
Always strap your front foot in first
Remove loose snow from bindings regularly
Keep a wide stance, flexed knees, loose ankles & straight back
Keep your hands in loose fists to avoid broken bones
Always try to fall uphill, relax and roll with the fall
Use a heel-toe rocking motion to control your edges
Never ride with your board flat on the hill
Lean slightly forward down the mountain for more control

Although learning to snowboard can be difficult, there is no mistaking the thrill of success once you “get it” and you will love that unique floating sensation you get as you carve down the mountain. With no poles to worry about, you are free to surf the slopes and enjoy the ride. So schedule that lesson, strap into that board, say a prayer and HAVE FUN!

Vermont Snowboarding