What Are the Top Basic Snowboarding Rules?

Top basic snowboarding rules

Basic Rules Of Snowboarding

Every resort has its own set of rules, which you must understand before riding their mountain. However, there are some basic snowboarding rules that apply to all or most resorts.

Whether or not there are obvious signs, the following are likely to occur.

All of these rules apply to skiers as well.

The Rules

The following are included in this section. If you can think of any others that I have missed, please let me know in the comments section at the end of the post and I will include them.

• Passing Etiquette
• Responsibility for you
• Taking responsibility for others
• Safe Stopping
• Stopping rules
• Respect the sign
• Keep the boundaries in mind.
• Snowboarding leash?
• Terrain Park Regulations

Passing Etiquette

It is the responsibility of the person attempting to pass to do so safely.

If you are higher up the slope and faster than the person below, it is your responsibility to safely pass them. If this means slowing down to allow for a better passing spot, so be it.

It is not their responsibility to move out of your way. They can't see you because you're always looking at them.

You also have responsibilities as the person lower down the mountain (see stopping rules below)

Responsibility for You

When you go snowboarding, you should be aware of the risks involved. It is up to you to ride within your own limits and take all the necessary precautions.

You should only rely on yourself to ensure a safe riding experience. Yes, resorts will try to make things as safe as possible because they obviously don't want any injuries in their resorts - but that's just them looking out for themselves. You must protect your own interests.

Taking Responsibility for others

More importantly, you must accept responsibility for the safety of others.

For example, if you go over a jump without first ensuring that the landing area is clear, you are not taking responsibility for the safety of others.

If you ride beyond your limits, for example, riding too fast for your ability and being unable to stop or slow down and potentially injuring someone else, you are not taking responsibility for others.

Safe Stopping

Before you start riding too fast, make sure you can stop comfortably. Of course, when you're learning, you're going to fall and lose control at times - but don't ride at high speeds if you don't have the ability to stop yourself or maneuver around obstacles.

If you are riding slowly, you can always do a crash stop (intentionally take a tumble) to avoid danger. But if you are running too fast and do a crash stop you will have too much momentum and likely won’t stop in time.

Stopping Rules

You might be stopping part way down a slope to wait for a friend, to have a rest or maybe to adjust some gear. But when you stop there are a couple of simple things to first thing about.

• Make sure you don't come to a sudden halt in front of others. Before you stop, make sure no one is following you. If there is, move to the side or wait until they pass you before stopping.

• Stopping around a blind corner, on the other side of a jump or lip, or anywhere else where other riders or skiers can't see you clearly from a good distance away is not a good idea. To put it another way, stop where you can be seen.

• Only stop where you will not obstruct others.

• When you restart from a stop, give way to riders who are already moving. It is your responsibility to re-enter the slope without disturbing anyone else - and this applies to both riders and skiers!

Respect the Signs

If there is a sign that says "do not enter," it is most likely there for a reason, so pay attention to it.

If there is a sign that says "slow area" or something similar, obey it; these are usually in areas where beginners are riding or skiing, and hurtling through there at 100 miles per hour may make you feel cool, but everyone else thinks you're a jerk!

There are numerous places on the mountain where you can satisfy your need for speed.

This is true for any other sign. The signs are generally there for a reason, and even if you can't think of one, there may be other factors that you aren't aware of.

Keep the Boundaries in mind

Going beyond those boundaries may lead you into dangerous terrain or down a path that prevents you from returning to the lifts or the resort base.

Backcountry (off piste) areas are designated in many resorts. Use these areas only if you are an experienced backcountry rider or if you are accompanied by a guide - and only if you follow the resort's specific backcountry guidelines.

Snowboarding Leash?

There are very few resorts that require a snowboard leash, and even fewer that enforce it. I have never see it or experience it

I've never used a leash and believe it's unnecessary.

However, you should be aware that if you are not strapped into your board or holding onto it, it can be extremely dangerous if it runs free on the slopes.

If you're the type of person who can be distracted and let go of your board before you're strapped in, this might be a good idea - but for most people, it's not. However, keep in mind that you are responsible for the safety of others, and this is a part of that.

Terrain Park Rules

Every resort has its own terrain park rules, but the following are common to the majority. When you think about it, they all make sense.

As always, you are responsible for your own and others' safety.

• Know your limits and progress slowly. Only attempt tricks, jumps, obstacles, and so on that you are comfortable with.

• Plan ahead of time: Park features are constantly changing due to snow conditions, usage, grooming, and time of day. Don't expect the park to be exactly the same as it was the day before. Do a slow run through the park and even just ride past the features and look at them to get to know the park for that day. Once you've identified your obstacles, make a plan for which ones you'll encounter before you begin your run.

• Some resorts do not allow inverted aerials, so check with your resort's inverted aerial policy.

• Look before you leap: Before riding jumps, make sure the landing zones are clear.

• Keep an eye on your surroundings: Never stop immediately after a jump or obstacle, and never stop in any landing zone.

Thanks for Reading

So those are some of the fundamental rules of snowboarding. Remember to read your resort's specific rules. If you can think of any other rules that I have overlooked that you believe are important, please leave a comment in the section below and I will include them.

Related article: Top 5 faqs about snowboarding you should know