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Beginner’s Guide to Snowboarding

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Welcome to your first steps into snowboarding!

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This guide will walk you through everything you need to get started — from choosing the right gear to booking your first lesson. Whether you’re renting equipment or picking up a board for the first time, I’ll help you avoid common mistakes and start off right.

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Step 1: Getting Ready

Gear up the smart way
No need to buy all your equipment just yet — except maybe your boots. I recommend renting a Burton LTR (Learn To Ride) snowboard. After over thirty seasons of teaching, I can confidently say these boards are designed to make learning easier and more fun.

Pro tip: Check that the board’s base is freshly waxed — it should look deep black or vividly colored. A grey, dry-looking base means it needs a wax.

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Your checklist at the rental shop:

  • Board: Burton LTR snowboard (or similar beginner board).

  • Boots: Get the right size — not too tight, not too loose. Speak up if they don’t feel right.

  • Bindings: Adjusted to your boots, with forward lean at 0 or 1 (make sure both bindings match).

  • Helmet: Always wear one.

  • Wrist guards: Optional but recommended. Gloves with built-in wrist guards are easiest.

  • Clothing:  Keep it waterproof and weather-appropriate. If you've skied before, use your ski gear. Work outdoors in winter? Use that gear, if it’s made for snow. Waterproof jacket and pants (10,000mm rating or higher). Snowboard or ski socks, thermals, waterproof gloves, and goggles (yellow lenses for cloudy days, darker for sunny days).

Optional: Back protector, crash pants, knee and elbow guards — extra safety never hurts!
(If you're feeling funky grab one of the turtle or panda pillow protection — not the best on chairlifts!)

Step 2: Booking a Lesson

Whether you choose a private or group lesson, learning the basics with an instructor is essential.

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Private vs. Group:

  • Group lessons are a fun way to meet like-minded people at your level. You’ll get clear instruction, plenty of help, and enjoy learning together.

  • Private lessons give you one-on-one coaching — or you can bring a few friends if you prefer a small group. Personalized tips and video feedback will fast-track your progress.

 

On a tight budget?
No worries. If lessons aren’t an option right now, check out the YouTube tutorial I’ve linked further down the page.

 

Why take a lesson?
Instructors provide expert guidance and immediate feedback. They’ll help you find the right stance, stay motivated, and progress faster. Many private lessons even include video analysis so you can see your improvements.

Some ski schools also offer perks like skipping lines or extra practice time on beginner lifts.

And most importantly — if anything goes wrong, instructors can quickly call ski patrol and get you the help you need.

Video Tutorials

 

If you’re looking for quality snowboarding tutorials, I recommend checking out Malcolm Moore. He’s a highly qualified snowboard instructor who, like me, doesn’t stick to just one manual or method. He pulls the best techniques and exercises from different instructors, associations, and training systems.

A word of caution: There are plenty of poor-quality tutorials out there — stick to trusted sources.

If I enjoyed filming myself for millions to see, I’d probably have my own YouTube channel by now!

Enjoy and ride safe.

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Malcolm Moore

DescriptionFollow me for Snowboarding Tips and Tutorials, POV footage, Gear Reviews, and Creative Edits. If you want to come out and ride with me I am a BASI level 4 instructor working for Masterclass Ski and Snowboard School in Alpe d'Huez in France.

https://www.youtube.com/@malcolmmoore/featured

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