| What it is | Descending snow on one board, feet strapped in |
| Stances | Regular (L foot fwd) / goofy (R foot fwd) |
| Turning | Edging the board |
| Styles | Freeride, freestyle, all-mountain |
Snowboarding is a snow sport in which the rider descends slopes on a single board with both feet strapped in sideways via bindings. Riders use a regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward) stance and turn by edging the board. Styles include freeride, freestyle (park and pipe), and all-mountain riding, at resorts and in the backcountry.
Beyond the resort
Riding the non-dominant foot forward is switch; tricks happen in the terrain park and halfpipe. For touring, see splitboarding.
Frequently asked questions
What is snowboarding?
Snowboarding is descending snowy slopes on a single wide board with both feet secured sideways in bindings. The rider controls speed and direction by tilting the board onto its edges and shifting weight. It can be done at resorts, in terrain parks, or in the backcountry, and ranges from cruising groomers to tricks and steep lines.
What's the difference between regular and goofy stance?
It refers to which foot leads: 'regular' riders lead with the left foot forward, 'goofy' riders lead with the right foot forward. Neither is better — it's about which feels natural, much like being right- or left-handed. Riding with the non-dominant foot forward is called riding 'switch.'
Is snowboarding harder than skiing?
Many find snowboarding harder to learn at first (more falls early on) but quicker to reach intermediate cruising, while skiing is often easier initially but takes longer to master. Both have deep skill ceilings. The 'easier' sport varies by person; the basics of each can be learned in a few days of lessons.
Sources
- Snowboarding — PSIA-AASI
- Snow sports — The Mountaineers