Snowboarding is an exciting sport but requires skill and strength. Vacationers planning to head to the slopes to go snowboarding must do quite a bit of planning to ensure a successful and fun trip. They must find some great slopes, train for snowboarding, and make sure they have all of the supplies necessary for snowboarding. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Choose great slopes
People who only have a few days to take a snowboarding trip are likely to pick resorts and mountains nearby. There are plenty of great skiing and snowboarding mountains all over the U.S. However, snowboarders who want an amazing trip should choose one of the resorts known to be the best in the world. Consider planning the trip of a lifetime to one of these places.
Breckenridge, Colorado, tops the list of great places because it has much to offer for all ability levels. Breckenridge is in an area of the Rocky Mountains that guarantees snow, so don’t miss out.
Mammoth Mountain, California, is another top snowboarding destination. Because Mammoth Mountain gets more snow than many places, its season is longer. It’s easy to find a time to go to Mammoth Mountain.
Snowboarders who want to travel internationally may find themselves in Zermatt, Switzerland. This resort boasts beautiful, vast mountainscapes, and fresh air. It is best known for its scenic views of the Matterhorn and its connection to Cervinia in Italy.
2. Train for Snowboarding
To be in the best shape for snowboarding, prepare your body for movement. Work on extending the range of motion in both your upper and lower body. Building muscle power is important. Lower body muscles including glutes, quads, hamstrings, thighs, and calves get quite a workout while snowboarding. Snowboarders need to work on increasing stamina and building endurance so they can endure an entire day of snowboarding.
Balance is another skill that is vital in snowboarding. Snowboarders must keep their body stacked over the board and balance carefully. Finally, in preparation for the slopes, snowboarders should work on increasing their heart rate. Cardiovascular workouts such as running, swimming, and biking can help achieve this.
3. Make sure you have proper snowboarding equipment
Of course, snowboarders need a snowboard and bindings. These can either be purchased or rented from the resort. Beginners may want to choose a freestyle board since they are shorter and easier to use, but snowboarders can choose from many types of boards. Bindings come with the board, and they fasten the user’s boots to the board.
Snowboard boots connect the snowboarder to the board through bindings. Snowboarders can rent these, but it is far more comfortable to own your own. Some snowboarders also prefer to have special snowboard socks that wick moisture. Thin, synthetic socks are best since the boots are already insulated.
Snowboarders need to wear helmets to protect their heads, the most important organ in their body. Jackets and pants that are wind and waterproof are best, and wearing a pair of waterproof snowboard gloves are essential. Although not necessary, most snowboarders find goggles helpful to protect their eyes from the sun and snow.
Snowboarding is not for the faint of heart. It can be an exciting, yet scary, sport to try, but preparing ahead of time will help ensure a successful, exciting trip to the slopes for anyone.
