These are the basic safety rules you need to know when you're just starting out on the mountain. Following these keeps you and everyone else safe, letting you focus on learning and having fun.
Before you go
When you're new to snowboarding, it's best to take a lesson. Instructors will teach you how to ride safely and responsibly. The next best alternative is to have an experienced skier or snowboarder friend teach you.
Key safety rules
- Ride to your ability: Stick to beginner terrain, usually marked with green circles. Don't push yourself onto harder slopes until you can control your speed and stop reliably.
- Control your speed and direction: Always be able to stop and avoid other people or obstacles. Look ahead to see where you're going and who's in front of you. People below you have the right of way and can't see you coming.
- Observe signs and closed areas: Pay attention to all trail signs and never enter a closed area. They're closed for a reason, often due to hazards or ongoing work.
- Stop safely: If you need to stop, move to the side of the trail where you won't block others. Make sure you're visible from above.
- Yield at merges: When trails come together, slow down, look around, and yield to other riders already on the merging trail.
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Video by Ski California