---
title: Loading & Unloading Magic Carpet
image: magic-carpet.webp
image_source: https://youtu.be/oZEPHWJyhzw
image_credit: SnowValleyResort
image_credit_url: https://www.youtube.com/@SnowValleyResort
image_clip: https://youtu.be/oZEPHWJyhzw?0:27-0:30
skill: load and unload from a magic carpet safely and smoothly
tags:
- fundamentals
prerequisite:
- strapping-in-and-basic-position
- skating-and-one-foot
- getting-up-from-a-fall
authors:
- renec112
updated: 2026-10-11
---

The magic carpet is like a moving sidewalk for snowboarders, taking you up gentle slopes. It's a key first step to getting around the beginner area.



## How to do it
Unstrap your back foot and keep it free. Skate up to the loading area, keeping your front foot strapped in and your board flat on the snow. Look straight ahead, not down at your board.

the carpet approaches, scooch your board onto it. Keep your shoulders aligned over your board and lean slightly on your front foot. Let the carpet gently pull your board forward. Once you're moving, you can place your back foot on the board, between your bindings, or keep it off.

![](/content-images/snowboarding/magic-carpet-clip1.webp)

*Source: [SnowValleyResort](https://www.youtube.com/@SnowValleyResort)*


As you near the top, keep your weight balanced over your board and look where you want to go. Let the carpet push your board completely off the end. Once clear, scooch away from the exit quickly to make space for others.

![](/content-images/snowboarding/magic-carpet-clip2.webp)

*Source: [SnowValleyResort](https://www.youtube.com/@SnowValleyResort)*

## Common mistakes
-   **Looking down at your board**: This makes you lose balance and can cause you to fall off the side. Instead, keep your eyes up and look straight ahead, where you're going.
-   **Leaning too far back or forward**: You might feel like you're going to fall off the front or back. Keep your shoulders directly over your board and your weight centered, leaning slightly on your front foot as you load.

Watch more here:

https://youtu.be/oZEPHWJyhzw

*Video by [SnowValleyResort](https://www.youtube.com/@SnowValleyResort)*