How to Snowboard 101: Moving Up a Slope

Lesson 5/12
What, I need to move up a slope? Unfortunately, down is not the only direction that you will be traveling on your snowboard! There are often a number of situations where you will need to travel upwards without removing your snowboard. You can inch forward without removing your board, but it is a maneuver that takes practice and precision. Here is a step by step instruction for how to perform this snowboarding move.

Step 1
Remember that, while practicing this move, start by finding a slope where there is nobody snowboarding down (honestly, I don’t even know why I say that, but if you’re lucky enough to be the only one on the slope great, but otherwise, the bunny hill is fine). As you can probably imagine, trying to move up a hill while others are snowboarding down usually does not end well! Once you find a good slope to start with, face up the hill with both feet secured to your snowboard. Now, bend down and assume a frog-like position (yes frog-like and not dog-like – there’s a subtle but important difference) with your hands in the snow in front of you. Your knees should be bent, the toe edge of your board should be in the snow, and your hands should be planted.

Step 2
Now, start inching your way up by moving your arms forward. Work yourself into a position where your legs are extended, with your bottom up in the air a bit. Use your arms and legs for support, as this can be a tough position to be in.

Step 3
This next step is the toughest. Just like an inch worm, keep your hands where they are, and bring your board up closer to them by pulling your legs forward. You should look like a frog crouching when you are done.

Step 4
Continue in this manner until you have reached the place you need to be. It can be exhausting, but it is often quicker and easier than trying to remove your snowboard and carrying it up the hill. This is time consuming and tiring, while this maneuver is tiring, but time effective. If you have a long distance to go, then you might want to remove your board… but for short distances, this move is the bee’s knees! Good luck, and don’t forget to practice.

Related posts:

1. How to Snowboard 101: Heelside Sideslipping
2. How to Snowboard 101: Switching Edges
3. How to Snowboard 101: Gliding on Your Board
4. How to Snowboard 101: Toeside Sideslipping
5. How to Snowboard 101: Doing Garlands