What Snowboarding Techniques Are There for All Skill Levels to Learn?

Whether you’re just embarking on your snowboarding journey or an intermediate rider aiming to unlock new tricks, knowing the right snowboarding techniques is key to growing your skills. From your first snowboard stance to advanced tricks in the park, each step builds confidence, control, and style.

This guide breaks down the most important snowboarding techniques every rider should master—from snowboard basics to freestyle and freeride maneuvers. With the right knowledge and regular practice, you can improve your balance, flow, and safety on any slope.

1. Skidding (Sliding Turns)

Skidding is the first technique most beginner snowboarders learn. It involves turning your board slightly sideways while letting the edge slide or “skid” along the slope.

How to do it:

• Use your heel edge or toe edge to control direction.
• Shift your weight slightly toward the edge to slow down.
• Keep your knees slightly bent and avoid stiff movements.

Skidding helps control your speed on steeper slopes and builds confidence as you transition into more dynamic turns.

Read more: Snowboarding Guide: Mastering Level 4 Snowboarding for Beginners

2. Carving Turns

Carving is a clean and advanced form of turning without skidding. It’s popular among intermediate snowboarders who want to ride faster with more style and precision.

How to do it:

• Shift pressure from your front foot to your back foot while rolling the board onto the edge.
• Let the edge of the board grip the snow and follow an arc across the fall line.
• Your shoulders and hips should follow the direction you want to go.

Carving adds fluidity and makes your riding look smooth and professional.

3. Toe-Side and Heel-Side Turns

These snowboarding techniques are fundamental for turning and stopping.

How to do it:

• Toe edge: Shift weight to your toes, press down, and lean forward slightly.
• Heel edge: Lean backward and press your heels into the snow.

Always bend your knees and keep your weight centered to avoid falling due to over-leaning.

4. J-Turn

The J-turn is a technique used to learn directional control, especially when starting from a straight glide.

How to do it:

• Glide straight on a gentle slope.
• Apply pressure to your toe or heel edge to gradually turn into a “J” shape.
• This helps develop turning control using one edge.

It’s a great move for beginner snowboarders looking to understand edge responsiveness.

Read more: What Are the Different Types of Snowboard Bindings?

5. Linking Turns

Once you can perform toe-side and heel-side turns individually, the next step is to link turns together for continuous movement down the slope.

How to do it:

• Shift weight from your front foot to the back foot while moving from toe edge to heel edge (and vice versa).
• Guide your turn using your upper body, especially your shoulders and hips.
• Smoothly transition without pausing between turns.

This technique is vital for flow, control, and snowboarding progression.

6. Riding Switch

Switch riding means snowboarding with your non-dominant foot forward (e.g., riding “goofy” if you’re usually “regular”).

Why it’s useful:

• Helps with freestyle snowboarding and tricks.
• Improves your balance and board feel.
• Prepares you for 180s and terrain park moves.

Technique:

• Start on easy terrain.
• Keep the same stance form: knees bent, weight centered.
• Practice stopping and turning in the switch until it feels natural.

Read more: How Long Does a Snowboard Last? A Guide to Maximizing Your Gear’s Lifespan

7. Flat Base Riding

Flat base riding is when your board lies flat against the snow, used in straight glides or transitions.

Technique:

• Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb terrain changes.
• Stay balanced—avoid leaning too far on either edge.
• Use this to gain speed before entering turns or tricks.

Too much flat base riding on steep slopes can lead to catching an edge, so use it wisely.

8. Freestyle Ollie

An ollie is a basic jump used in freestyle snowboarding and is the foundation for many advanced tricks.

How to do it:

• Press down on the tail (back foot) of your board.
• Use your front foot to lift the nose of the board.
• Spring up by bending your knees and extending mid-air.

Ollies are great for jumping over small bumps, boxes, or learning park tricks.

9. Buttering (Flatground Tricks)

Buttering involves flexing and pressing the board on snow to perform flatground tricks. It’s a creative freestyle snowboarding technique.

How to do it:

• Lean into your front foot or back foot to lift the opposite end.
• Spin, slide, or twist your board using core strength and knee flex.

These tricks are stylish and fun, and they help you become more playful and controlled in your riding.

10. Side Slipping

Used for slowing down or navigating tricky terrain, side slipping is one of the first snowboarding techniques you’ll use when learning to control your speed.

How to do it:

• Turn the board perpendicular to the slope.
• Apply equal pressure on the heel or toe edge.
• Slowly slide down in a controlled manner.

This is especially useful for steep or icy terrain and helps beginners feel safe while descending.

Read more: Snowboard Types and Styles: Shredding the Mountain in Your Own Way

11. Traversing Across the Slope

Traversing means moving sideways across the slope at an angle, rather than heading straight downhill.

How to do it:

• Point your board slightly downhill. 
• Apply light edge pressure to steer your snowboard. 
• Keep your balance centered and your knees slightly bent.

It’s useful for reaching lifts, avoiding crowds, or exploring challenging terrain at a comfortable pace.

12. Kick Turns (for Narrow Spots)

Kick turns are used to change direction when there’s not enough room for a full turn, like on narrow paths or backcountry snowboarding trails.

How to do it:

• Stop completely.
• Pivot your front foot and then your back foot to face the opposite direction.
• Use your poles (if wearing a backpack or hiking).

This move isn’t flashy but is essential for safe exploration and control on tricky terrain.

Ready to level up your snowboarding skills? Contact us to find a ski school near you and get expert instruction tailored to your style and level. Start your snowboarding journey with confidence today

Conclusion

Mastering the right snowboarding techniques is essential for progressing from a beginner to a confident intermediate rider. From foundational moves like skidding, toe and heel turns, to more advanced techniques like carving, ollies, and riding switch, each skill helps you gain better balance, control, and fluidity on the slope. Learning when and how to apply these techniques prepares you for various snow conditions and terrain, whether you’re into freestyle, freeride, or backcountry snowboarding.

The key to improving is consistency—practice regularly, stay aware of your body positioning, and don’t hesitate to revisit the basics when needed. Whether you’re refining your turns or attempting new tricks, understanding what snowboarding techniques are there will help you ride smarter, safer, and with way more style. Keep learning, stay confident, and enjoy the ride.