Progressing to steeper snowboard terrain

Learning how to snowboard on steep slopes is a gradual process. Reading a guide does not make you ready for a black diamond; being able to ride the terrain below it consistently well does.

Signs that you may be ready to try something a little steeper include:

• you link turns on both edges smoothly on your usual blue runs, without skidding out of control;
• you can stop quickly and on purpose on either edge, even when the run is busy;
• you can choose the size and speed of your turns rather than just reacting to the slope;
• you can sideslip a steep section in control on both edges.

Clean edge control from our carving progression is a strong foundation, but steeps also test commitment and speed control. A lesson with a qualified instructor is the most reliable way to check. They can spot habits such as leaning into the hill or rushing the toeside turn, and choose a suitable next run. Instructors trained through PSIA-AASI in the US, or the equivalent national association elsewhere, are a good place to start; see finding the right lesson.

Trail ratings are relative to each resort. A black diamond at one mountain may be steeper or gentler than a similarly rated run elsewhere, and conditions change the difficulty from day to day. Use ratings as a guide, then judge the run itself.

• Look before you commit. Ride past or look at the run from a lift first. Check its width, how busy it is, and whether it has bumps, ice or narrow sections.
• Step up on a good day. Good visibility, forgiving snow and fresh legs make the first attempt far easier.
• Follow posted guidance. The NSAA’s Your Responsibility Code asks you to read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markings, and to keep off closed trails.

Double black diamonds are expert terrain. They are not the next step after your first black run; treat them as a long-term goal to work toward with coaching.

On a steep slope, gravity accelerates you faster between turns. The key is to control speed within each turn rather than trying to brake after you have already gone too fast.

Finish every turn

Bring the board across the fall line at the end of each turn, and slightly uphill if you need to, before starting the next. A complete, round turn controls speed. A half-finished turn that points you downhill lets speed build.

Commit to the new turn

The moment the board points down the fall line feels most intimidating on steeps. Hesitating or leaning back into the hill makes it longer and more awkward. Move your weight forward over the board and guide it through that point with steady movements. An instructor can help you practice this on easier terrain first.

Plan your line

• Look several turns ahead and pick where each turn will go.
• Use the wider or softer parts of the run for your turns.
• On narrow runs, use shorter turns and a controlled sideslip where there is not room to turn.
• Stop at the side of the run where you are visible from above, never below a roll or bend.

Keep your stance flexed and your weight centered. Practice new movements on easier terrain before bringing them to steeps.

Many steeper runs are groomed less often, get scraped by traffic, or develop bumps over the day. Expect a mix of surfaces on the same run.

• Firm or icy patches. Slow down before them and avoid turning hard in the middle; our firm-snow riding tips go into detail.
• Moguls. Steep bumps combine two challenges. Learn bumps on gentler terrain first with our mogul riding guide.
• Soft or chopped-up snow. Keep a steady speed and a flexed stance so your legs absorb changes. See riding soft, deep snow for technique.
• Bowls and open faces. These can hold very different snow from one side to the other, depending on sun and wind. Check the resort’s information and ride them only when they are open.

Stepping back to easier terrain is a smart riding decision. Choose an easier run, or take the easier route down if you have one, when:

• you cannot stop where you want to, or are sideslipping most of the run because turning feels unsafe;
• you are leaning back or into the hill and cannot correct it;
• the run is icy, busy or visibility is poor;
• you are tired, cold or it is late in the day.

If you find yourself on a run that is too steep, stay calm. Move to the side, sideslip or make slow traverses down in control, and look uphill before moving off. Then spend more time on the terrain below until it feels easy.