Wintersports
Snowboarding
Snowboarding etiquette: 7 tips for being a respectful rider
A little snowboarding etiquette goes a long way to keeping everyone safe on the slopes.
Young snowboard prodigy Jake Canter has had multiple severe injuries throughout his career.
“Your life could be taken away so fast, or, you may be given a last minute opportunity to compete next to your childhood heroes at the X Games — life’s unpredictable, so live it up while you can,” he said.
Jake Canter at Red Bull Slide-In Tour at Copper Mountain in Frisco, CO
© Brian Nevins / Red Bull Content Pool
As Jake knows all too well, even the most common mistakes in snowboarding could result in a serious injury, and what happens on the slopes isn’t always in your control. Rude or reckless riders can disrupt the flow of the mountain and ruin the experience for everyone.
Whether you’re a snowboarding beginner or participating at events like the Red Bull Slide-In Tour, you’ll want to practice good snowboarding etiquette, which includes being respectful of other riders, staying in control, and communicating effectively.
01
Remember downhill riders have the right of way - usually
Robin Van Gyn at Natural Selection test event course in Jackson Hole, WY
© T. Bird / Red Bull Content Pool
This pointer comes from the National Ski Areas Association Responsibility Code for skiers, snowboarders, bikers and everyone who uses the slopes. People who are ahead of you, or downhill, have the right of way. This applies in most situations, except if the downhill rider is stopped or entering a trail. Then the stopped rider needs to look uphill and avoid others before entering the trail or resuming their ride.
02
Give Others Space
Another critical pointer from the responsibility code is to give other riders enough space.
- When you're riding down a slope, always maintain a safe distance from other snowboarders. (At least a few feet, but more if you’re going fast.)
- Avoid weaving in and out of other riders, or cutting too close to them, which can be dangerous and disruptive.
- When you encounter newer riders, be extra cautious. They are focused on staying upright, and can lose control of their board if you distract them by cutting too close.
03
Don’t Block the Trail
Loon Mouintain at the Red Bull Slide-In Tour in Lincoln, New Hampshire
© Brian Nevins / Red Bull Content Pool
Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and not blocking the trail is essential at all times.
- Never stop in the middle of a slope or a narrow section of the trail.
- If you need to take a break, move to the side of the trail and make sure you're not obstructing other riders.
- Be aware of snowboarders below you, and avoid spraying snow on them when cutting or stopping your board.
04
Stay in Control
Hana Beaman at Natural Selection Tour stop one in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
© Dean Blotto Gray / Natural Selection Tour / Red Bull Content Pool
Our most important tip for staying safe is to stay in control of your snowboard at all times. This means being aware of your speed and surroundings, and making sure you're able to stop or change direction if needed.
Aggressive speeds are one of the most dangerous things that can lead to accidents and collisions with other riders. In some parks, bombing downhill without weaving is strictly prohibited and could get you banned.
If you’re still learning how to stay in control, keep these points in mind:
- Before hitting the slopes, take some time to warm up with some stretches and light rides.
- Get comfortable on your board, especially if it’s new or a rental; practice cutting and weaving at lower speeds first.
- Use the bunny hill or novice runs to build up confidence and control.
05
Stay on Designated Trails
Zeb Powell
© Brian Nevins/Red Bull Content Pool
Many resorts have off-limit or blocked off sections. Always respect any closures or posted off-limit signs. It’s best for your own safety and the protection of the mountain to stay on designated trails.
Venturing off trail can:
- Damage the mountain's natural environment
- Disturb wildlife
- Put you in danger, as these sections could have cliffs, crevasses, dense trees, or hidden obstacles beneath the snow like sharp rocks.
06
Respect Wildlife
Simply put, we all need to respect Mother Nature. Even on designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife at all costs. Keep plenty of space and avoid approaching or feeding them.
Always dispose trash in designated trash cans and if you see garbage on the slopes, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
In the western U.S. ski and snowboard resorts, you might come across bigger animals on the slopes, like mule deer or even moose—the latter of which can be very dangerous if approached. Enjoy them from a distance and never antagonize a wild animal.
07
Communicate Effectively
In addition to respecting other riders and knowing your limits on the mountain, it's important to communicate effectively with other snowboarders and lift operators.
When snowboarding, hand signals can be a helpful tool for communicating with other riders. Examples include:
- Pointing to indicate which direction you’re going.
- Holding up a closed fist to signal you’re stopping.
- Waving your arm to signal that it’s safe to proceed.
When passing other snowboarders, it’s also helpful to call out your intentions by saying "on your left" or "on your right." Give other riders enough space to maneuver as you verbalize your intent. This helps prevent unexpected movements and accidents.
Finally, if a lift operator gives you instructions, follow their instructions.
Conclusion
A little snowboarding etiquette goes a long way to keeping everyone safe on the slopes. Showing respect for all riders and mother nature and knowing your limits will keep you injury free and enjoying the sport.
Etiquette may look a little different when backcountry snowboarding or riding at terrain parks, but many of these rules apply in those settings, too.
If you’re new to snowboarding and need a little inspiration (or want to see etiquette in action on the mountain) check out the top 10 snowboarding movies on Red Bull TV.
