Snowboard Parks: the Basics

Most resorts have some kind of park, but it’s definitely true that some are better than others! The park is probably the best place to work on your tricks – because it’s designed for jumping and jibbing, with a range of ability levels in mind.

Be aware that some parks have rules, guidelines and/or a grading system. For example, The Stash in Avoriaz, France uses the same grading system that can be found in the U.S.:

The most important thing is to ride within your ability. If there’s a grading system, check it out, use the features that are suitable for your level and your progression. Push yourself, but don’t kill yourself!

It’s always a good idea to take a run through the park first. Take a good look at the features/jumps that you’d like to hit. Does the kicker look bigger from the side than it does from the top? Make a note of where other riders are dropping in from: how much speed did they take to clear the knuckle? Did they put a speed check in or just go straight? Check the landings for rails and boxes – sometimes the drop-off can be higher than you’d think.

And be aware of basic park etiquette. Don’t let yourself be pushed to the back of the queue all of the time, but don’t be cheeky with other riders yourself. Have respect for others. And if it’s busy, make sure you call your drop-in, simply by saying something like: “dropping”. You can put your hand up in the air too. It lets other riders know that you’re going.

If you see someone has fallen on the landing of a jump, and riders waiting to hit the jump can’t see the situation, make sure you let them know to wait. If it’s been a bad fall, riders will often block the jump itself with their snowboard (skiers use poles, etc.)

For more information on Snowboard Parks, check out:

Snowboard Tricks Guide

This article is part of the afterbang Guide to Snowboard Tricks.