Why does my snowboard slide out on ice?

Common causes are dull edges, leaning into the hill, loose boots or bindings, and sudden edge changes. Keep your weight centered over the board, tip it onto edge progressively and have your edges checked by a technician if they feel rounded or burred.

How do I snowboard on hard-packed snow?

Ride at a controlled speed, stay in a balanced stance with flexed knees and ankles, and make smooth, round turns that finish across the hill. Tight boots and well-maintained edges help your board respond and grip.

Do sharp edges help on icy slopes?

Well-maintained edges grip firm snow better than dull, burred or rusty ones. Edge sharpening can go wrong if done incorrectly, so ask a shop technician if you are not sure what your board needs.

Is it better to carve or skid on ice?

On hard-packed snow, smooth, progressive edged turns work well. On genuinely icy patches, trying to force a high-angle carve often ends with the edge letting go, so most riders slow down, use a lower edge angle and a controlled skid, and make their bigger turns on the softer snow around the ice.

What should I do if a run is too icy?

Slow down, sideslip carefully through the steepest section if you need to, then move to a gentler or less-used run. Coming back later when conditions change is often the best choice.

Next-level skills

Firm snow control

How to snowboard on icy slopes

To snowboard on ice, slow down before the firm patch, keep your weight centered over the board and roll gently from edge to edge instead of making sudden, skidding turns. Well-tuned edges and tight boots help, and switching to a softer run is often the smartest move.

Part of Carving and all-mountain riding