How to Progress from Beginner to Intermediate Snowboarder

17 February 2025

Snowboarding is a thrilling sport that combines skill, balance, and a dash of adrenaline. But if you're reading this, chances are you've already dipped your toes (or board) into the snow and are now wondering how to take your riding to the next level. Going from a beginner to an intermediate snowboarder isn’t just about looking cool on the slopes—it’s about refining your skills, building confidence, and learning to handle varying terrain like a pro.

So, how do you get there? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Whether you're struggling with turns, speed, or balance, this guide will walk you through the steps to progress from a beginner to an intermediate snowboarder. Let's dive in!

Mastering the Basics Before Moving Forward

Before you can move to the intermediate level, it's crucial to make sure that you've truly nailed the basics. Sounds boring, right? But trust me, the foundation is everything in snowboarding. Think of it like building a house—if your foundation is shaky, the whole thing might collapse when the wind picks up (or in our case, when the slope gets steeper).

1. Stance and Balance

First things first: your stance. If you're still adjusting your bindings every other day, it's time to figure out what works best. Define whether you're regular or goofy (left foot forward or right foot forward) and stick with it. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in your knees. You want to feel solid and grounded, like a tree rooted into the mountain.

Now, balance. Snowboarding is all about keeping your weight centered. If you're leaning too far back or forward, you'll find yourself either flying down uncontrollably or falling on your butt—neither of which is ideal. Practice finding that sweet spot of balance while riding on flat terrain or gentle slopes. The goal is to feel comfortable and in control at all times.

2. Learning to Stop Properly

If you're still using the ‘falling leaf’ method to stop, it's time to upgrade! The ability to stop quickly and smoothly is essential for safety and control. Practice your heel-side and toe-side stops until they become second nature. You should be able to stop confidently without skidding out. It’s like learning to swim—you wouldn’t go into deep water without knowing how to float, right?

3. Linking Your Turns

Turning is the bread and butter of snowboarding. As a beginner, you likely started with either heel-side or toe-side turns. But to progress, you need to link those turns together smoothly. This means transitioning from one edge of the board to the other without losing speed or control. Think of it like dancing with the mountain—each turn should flow naturally into the next. Practice on easy slopes until you can link turns without thinking twice.

The Transition to Intermediate Snowboarding

Once you've got the basics down, it’s time to move to the fun stuff: intermediate snowboarding. The transition from beginner to intermediate is where the magic happens. You begin to explore more varied terrain, pick up speed, and start playing around with different snowboarding techniques. Here's how to level up:

1. Increase Your Speed

One of the main differences between beginners and intermediate riders is speed. As a beginner, you were likely more cautious, which is totally normal. But now it's time to push yourself a little. Start by gradually increasing your speed on slopes you're comfortable with. The more speed you pick up, the more you'll need to trust your board and your ability to control it.

Remember, speed isn’t just about going fast—it’s about maintaining control while you’re moving faster. If you feel like you're flying down too quickly, practice making quicker, tighter turns to control your descent. Think of it like driving a car: the accelerator is fun, but you need to know how to brake and steer!

2. Explore Different Types of Terrain

Intermediate snowboarders aren’t confined to the bunny slopes. Once you’re comfortable with linking turns and controlling your speed, it’s time to explore new terrain. Try riding on steeper slopes, powder, or even ice (though icy conditions can be tricky, so approach with caution).

Each type of terrain will challenge you in a different way, forcing you to adapt your technique. Riding in powder is like floating on a cloud, while ice feels more like skating on a rink. The goal is to become versatile, handling whatever the mountain throws your way.

3. Carving Like a Pro

Carving is a vital skill that separates intermediate riders from beginners. When you carve, you're riding on the edge of your board instead of skidding down the slope. It’s a more efficient and stylish way to ride, and it gives you a lot more control at higher speeds.

To start carving, focus on making deep, deliberate turns using the edges of your board. Shift your weight to your toes or heels to engage the edge, then let the board do the work as you glide through the snow. It’s like slicing through butter—smooth, satisfying, and way more fun than skidding.

4. Start Tackling Some Tricks

Okay, I’m not saying you need to start doing backflips right away. But as you move into the intermediate level, you’ll likely want to start experimenting with some basic tricks. Start small with things like ollies (jumping with your board), riding switch (riding with your non-dominant foot forward), or buttering (spinning or pivoting on the snow).

These tricks aren’t just for showing off—they help you develop better balance and board control, which will improve your overall riding. Plus, they’re super fun and add a whole new dimension to your snowboarding experience.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

As you transition into the intermediate phase, there are a few common pitfalls that many snowboarders fall into. Let’s make sure you avoid them!

1. Skipping the Warm-Up

Snowboarding is a physical sport that requires flexibility and strength. Don’t skip the warm-up! Spend 5-10 minutes stretching your legs, hips, and back before hitting the slopes. Trust me, your muscles will thank you, and you'll reduce your chances of injury.

2. Not Looking Ahead

One of the biggest mistakes intermediate snowboarders make is looking down at their board instead of looking ahead. When you focus on what’s right in front of you, you miss the big picture. Always keep your eyes up, scanning the slope ahead for obstacles, changes in terrain, or other riders. This gives you more time to react and make smoother turns.

3. Ignoring Technique in Favor of Speed

While it’s exciting to go fast, don’t sacrifice technique for speed. Snowboarding is about finesse, not just adrenaline. Make sure you’re still focusing on proper form and balance, even as you pick up speed.

Building Confidence on the Slopes

Snowboarding is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. If you’re going to progress from beginner to intermediate, you need to build confidence in your abilities. Here are a few tips to help you stay mentally strong:

1. Ride With More Experienced Friends

One of the best ways to improve your snowboarding is by riding with people who are better than you. They can offer feedback, show you new techniques, and push you out of your comfort zone. Plus, it’s always motivating to see what’s possible!

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Instead of trying to master everything at once, break it down into smaller goals. Maybe today you focus on your carving, and tomorrow you work on riding switch. Each small win builds your confidence and takes you one step closer to being an intermediate rider.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Fall

Falling is part of the game. Even the pros hit the ground from time to time. The key is not to let fear of falling hold you back. Every fall is a learning opportunity. Pick yourself back up, dust off the snow, and keep going!

The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?

Once you’ve transitioned from beginner to intermediate, the journey doesn’t stop there. Snowboarding is a sport that continually challenges you, and there’s always something new to learn. From mastering advanced carving techniques to hitting the terrain park, the possibilities are endless.

Keep pushing yourself, but also remember to enjoy the ride. After all, snowboarding is about having fun and connecting with the mountain. As long as you’re doing that, you’re already winning.