Mastering Intermediate Snowboard Skills: Tips, Techniques, and Training

Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that offers riders a unique blend of skill, style, and adrenaline. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up or an experienced rider aiming to refine your technique, mastering intermediate snowboard skills is key to progressing.

These skills will not only help you ride more confidently but will also unlock more terrain and increase your overall enjoyment of the sport.

In this article, we’ll explore the key intermediate snowboard skills, how to train for them, and the important tips to keep in mind when applying these skills on the slopes. Whether you’re trying to carve more effectively, master jumps, or tackle steeper slopes, the right techniques and training methods can elevate your snowboarding game.

What Are Intermediate Snowboard Skills?

At the intermediate level, snowboarders have already mastered basic skills such as controlling their speed, turning, and stopping on easy to moderate slopes. Now it’s time to take things up a notch. Intermediate snowboard skills are the foundation for advanced riding and can make the experience more enjoyable and thrilling.

Some of the core intermediate snowboard skills include:

1. Carving Turns
   • Carving is when you make clean, precise turns by using the edge of your board rather than skidding or sliding. As an intermediate rider, you should be able to carve both heel-side and toe-side turns on groomed slopes with confidence. This skill allows for greater control and speed management on steeper, more challenging terrain.
2. Linking Turns
   • A big part of snowboarding at the intermediate level is learning how to link turns smoothly without losing control. This involves transitioning from one edge to the other (heel-edge to toe-edge or vice versa) fluidly and with minimal hesitation.
3. Riding Switch
   • Riding switch means riding with your opposite foot forward, which can feel awkward at first but is essential for a more versatile and balanced rider. Mastering switch allows you to be more confident when navigating varied terrain, performing tricks, or riding off-piste.
4. Basic Jumps and Ollies
   • At the intermediate level, you should feel comfortable popping off small jumps and executing basic tricks like ollies. Learning how to use the terrain to launch yourself into the air while maintaining control and balance is key to progressing further.
5. Moguls and Off-Piste Riding
   • Moguls are bumps or small hills that form naturally on the slopes, and they require a different technique to navigate. Off-piste riding refers to riding in areas that are not groomed, such as powder, backcountry trails, or ungroomed slopes. Mastering these skills will increase your versatility and open up more challenging terrain.
6. Edge Control and Pressure Management
   • Having good edge control allows you to hold an edge during turns, maintain speed, and carve more effectively. At the intermediate level, riders must learn to manage pressure distribution across the board, particularly in turns and when transitioning between different terrains.

How to Train and Practice Intermediate Snowboard Skills

1. Take a Lesson with an Instructor
   • While snowboarding is an individual sport, getting professional guidance is invaluable. A skilled instructor can assess your current level, point out any flaws in your technique, and give you structured exercises to target specific skills. Whether you’re learning how to carve or perfect your switch riding, an instructor can provide feedback and tips to improve faster.
2. Use Video Analysis
   • Video analysis is an excellent tool for intermediate riders to spot mistakes and refine techniques. You can have a friend record you while you’re on the slopes or even use a GoPro to capture your runs. Watching yourself ride can reveal issues with body positioning, edge control, and balance that you might not feel in the moment.
3. Drills for Carving
   • Carving is one of the most important skills for an intermediate rider, and it requires precise body movement and edge control. Some drills to practice carving include:
     • Edge-to-edge turns: Focus on making smooth transitions between heel-side and toe-side turns while maintaining a steady rhythm.
     • Carve and hold: Once you’re confident carving, try to hold your edge for longer durations, focusing on maintaining consistent speed and control.
4. Practicing Switch Riding
   • Riding switch can feel uncomfortable at first, but like any other skill, the more you practice, the more natural it will become. Start on easy terrain and practice making turns in the switch stance. Gradually progress to steeper slopes as your confidence grows.
5. Small Jumps and Terrain Features
   • Start by practicing small jumps on small rollers or humps on the slopes. As you get better at popping off the snow, work on your air control and landing techniques. Keep practicing the ollie (jumping without a ramp) to improve your air awareness and balance.
6. Mogul and Off-Piste Practice
   • Moguls require you to adjust your body movement to absorb the bumps and maintain balance. Start by practicing smaller moguls, focusing on knee flexion and adjusting your body to the bumps. For off-piste riding, start by trying out powder or ungroomed slopes in a controlled environment and progressively work your way into more challenging backcountry conditions.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Using Intermediate Snowboard Skills

1. Stay Relaxed
   • Tension in your body can lead to stiffness, which makes it harder to maneuver the board. Try to stay loose, especially in your upper body, and focus on smooth, flowing movements. Keeping a relaxed posture will improve your balance and allow for quicker reactions.
2. Look Ahead, Not Down
   • A common mistake intermediate riders make is focusing too much on their feet or the ground. Keep your eyes up and look ahead at the terrain. This helps with timing your turns, spotting obstacles, and reacting quickly to changes in slope conditions.
3. Maintain Proper Stance
   • Your stance plays a crucial role in controlling the board. Make sure your knees are slightly bent, your weight is centered over the board, and your shoulders are aligned with the direction you’re traveling. A proper stance helps you distribute pressure evenly and maintain balance.
4. Know Your Limits
   • Intermediate riders may be tempted to push themselves too hard and try advanced tricks or tackle difficult terrain too soon. Know your current limits and gradually challenge yourself. Overextending yourself can lead to injuries.
5. Safety First
   • When practicing new skills, always wear the proper protective gear, including a helmet and wrist guards. For off-piste riding, ensure you have avalanche safety equipment and know how to use it. Always ride with a buddy, especially if you’re exploring unfamiliar terrain.

Conclusion

Progressing to an intermediate level in snowboarding is an exciting milestone, and mastering the right skills can unlock new possibilities on the slopes. By focusing on key techniques like carving, linking turns, riding switch, jumping, and navigating moguls or off-piste conditions, you’ll be able to enjoy a wider range of terrain and have more fun on your snowboard.

With consistent practice, a focus on improving specific skills, and the right training methods, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and skilled snowboarder. Whether you’re training with an instructor, analyzing your technique on video, or pushing yourself to tackle new challenges, the road to mastering intermediate snowboard skills will make your time on the slopes even more rewarding. Stay safe, stay focused, and have fun as you progress to the next level of snowboarding!