Snow season is here and we wanted to catch up with our favourite snow angel, Clíodhna to give you some top tips for hitting the slopes whether it is your first time or it is nothing new to you there is something to take from this!
Winter can be a tough season to stay active and the temptation to stay cosy indoors can make it hard to keep up with physical activities. But for me, snowboarding is the perfect way to shake off the winter blues, get outside, and stay energised during the colder months. If you’re getting ready for your first snowboarding or skiing experience or a multiple seasonaire, here are my top tips to help you make the most of it and embrace winter adventure and you can trust me because I’ve learnt a thing or two after starting my third winter in Canada.
1. Mastering the basics
No matter your skill level, solid fundamentals are definitely key. Balance and stance, edge control and body position are all super important. Keeping your shoulders aligned with your board and looking where you want to go - helps with both control and confidence. Getting a lesson can make a big difference with starting off and learning the basics. Instead of strapping in on your first day and hoping for the best but inevitably spending the day on your bum, why not even ask a friend who might be willing to teach or else a professional instructor. I’m a big fan of watching YouTube tutorials personally, and love to spend hours at night trying to see how a certain trick is done!
2. Ride with people who push you!
For me there’s something so empowering about snowboarding with my friends, especially when I’m surrounded by a girl gang. There’s an energy that comes with riding alongside people you admire and getting to ride with friends makes me feel so much more confident. Seeing my friends try something super gnarly or land a trick they’ve been working on for ages makes me even more motivated to try something crazy too. We cheer each other on, laugh when we eat shit and always hype each other up and celebrate the small victories. This type of energy will have me feeling amazing all day. Nothing beats the sound of your friends cheering you on. Whether it’s a simple shout of “you’ve got this” at the top of a run or an explosion of cheers when you land a jump, the hype is real - and it’s infectious. There’s no judgement, only support. That’s what makes it so special.
3. You know what they say, practice makes perfect..
Sticking to terrain that challenges you but doesn’t overwhelm you will be a big help. Yes we all love to stay in our comfort zone but sometimes it’s good to get outside it. The conditions aren’t always going to be perfect - the visibility might be poor, it might be icy and hard packed instead of soft fluffy snow, so it’s good to go out on different types of days and get used to different conditions. Change it up by not always riding on groomers and maybe trying to get some pow off-piste or if you’re feeling really brave, heading to the terrain park and starting small on some beginner boxes or jumps!! (The park is a personal favourite place of mine).
4. Embrace the Winter outdoors
Snowboarding isn’t just about the sport - it’s about enjoying the beauty of winter. The fresh mountain air, snowy landscapes and adrenaline of riding down a slope are reminders of how rewarding it can be to stay active during colder months. One of my favourite parts about snowboarding is simply being outside and getting to breathe in the fresh mountain air. There’s something so magical about stepping out into the crisp air and getting to see insane views of snowy mountains all around. It literally takes my breath away and leaves me speechless everyday. If you’re lucky enough to get to go to a ski resort or happen to live in one then get out there because I bet you it literally looks like a magical winter wonderland!
5. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun
Whether I’m carving through fresh powder, racing down a groomer or just sitting on a chairlift laughing about the day’s highlights, it’s the fun and excitement that keeps me coming back every single day. Snowboarding has a steep learning curve, but the thrill of gliding down the mountain makes every fall worth it - and there will definitely be falls!!! But it’s also important to get back up after falling and having a laugh about it. I find playing around in the snow brings out my inner child so much I can’t help but laugh and shout with joy the whole time I’m on the mountain. Another way to have fun on the mountain is dressing in colourful, bright snow gear and that’s something I absolutely love to do! Think back to all the 80s retro gear and how amazing and bright it all was. I bet they were all having a blast! So go out there in your cutest (but still warm) fit and slide down the slopes, reconnecting with nature and creating moments that will turn into core memories with your pals.
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