However, all the snow conditions have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s our wish that you have maximum fun on the slopes. So, here we’re uncovering the most common conditions of snow and what you can expect from them. These are the snow conditions that every snowboarder must know:

1. Fresh snow 

This is a favourite among most beginners, intermediate, and pro snowboarders. Fresh snow conditions are also loved by piste skiers. A clearing of freshly fallen snow can give everyone on the mountain a fantastic day. Those ‘grippy’ turns and a smoother ride down is made easier with a heavy sprinkle of fresh snow. Such conditions make most of the snowboarders and skiers eager to get up the hill and enjoy a smooth descent. 

The freshly fallen snow is usually groomed by the piste bashers in the morning. The purpose is to make for some great skiing and snowboarding experience. As the day progresses, heavy skiing can do some damage to the fresh snow. It can get moved around the slope and an uneven slope would likely be created. The snowboarders, therefore, must be a little cautious.

2. Powder snow

This is a popular snow condition in the mountains. It takes place when the resort has witnessed some heavy snowfall. The snow has a structure of powder and low moisture. While riding, the snowboarders and skiers would get the feeling of floating over the snow under such conditions. The ride would seem absolutely magical. Grooming can take away much of the powder from the piste. 

One gets to discover glistening bits of snow when taking a ride following a heavy dump of snow. As the skiers and snowboarders glide over the thick powder, they must be careful. The weight of the body must be kept towards the back of the board or ski. This is done to avoid the nose digging in the snow. Falling in the thick powder won’t hurt, but digging out of heavy snow can be certainly challenging.

3. Packed powder snow

Packed powder refers to the snow compressed and smoothed by a piste basher. A piste basher is also called a snow groomer. The packed powder makes for an excellent snow base. Smooth conditions created by layers of abundantly packed powder that covers a piste makes skiing and snowboarding much easier. Such conditions can be ideal for those who want to learn and practice new skiing or snowboarding techniques. 

They won’t have to face any unexpected bumps under the packed powder conditions. Early in the season when the resorts get heavy snowfalls, they create pistes with packed powder. This is done by using the piste bashers. A good, even base for the winter season ahead is thus created.

4. Icy or hard-packed pistes

Icy pistes and hard-packed pistes are slightly different from one another. Yet, you can find both these snow conditions on the same day on the mountain. Ice is naturally quite smooth and can be easy to slip on. The hard-packed powder is also slippery, but it is a little more forgiving than ice. 

As the water content in the snow increases, ice and hard-packed powder is formed over time. Ice and hard-packed powder are compacted owing to regular grooming and skiing. They’re usually warmed during the daytime or over several daytimes. They’re also cooled or refrozen overnight. 

Hard-packed snow is often easier to navigate than ice. Despite this, planting an edge in order to make ‘grippy’ turns is more challenging under such conditions for snowboarders. When hard-packed pistes are smooth, it can be great for skiing at speed. On the other hand, ice can be very challenging to ski on and needs edges that are razor-sharp. 

Snowboarding enthusiasts would also require sharp edges to hold their turns on the ice. As an alternative, they can simply glide over the ice at speed without having to put an edge. Under such situations, stopping becomes a bit challenging. Nevertheless, the best ski racers and snowboarders enjoy icy conditions. 

The biggest reason is that these conditions allow them to reach their top speeds. The pistes start to get icy when it has been cold for a while and there is no snowing. Most of the snowboarders and skiers won’t like ice. The reason is that it doesn’t allow them to dig their edges into it pretty well. 

This makes staying in control a bit more difficult. An exception would be the situation where the ice is smooth and even. Such conditions can allow snowboarders and skiers to try some speed skiing and have loads of fun.

5. Slush snow

Slush often occurs during spring as soon as the packed snow base of winter begins to melt. It happens to owe to the warmer mountain temperatures. Some indulge in bluebird spring skiing during the slush snow conditions, while others spend relaxed afternoons in the sun. Thus, the slushy snow also has some advantages. Slush can be challenging for snowboarders and skiers. 

It can be slow and heavy due to the lack of a crystal structure. The wet consistency of slush snow can pull at your snowboard or skis when you try to turn. Slush also occurs as part of a combination of an icy morning and a slushy afternoon. 

The temperatures rising throughout the day results in changing the conditions and melting the snow. It freezes again during the chilly night. Although it can be a lot of fun, slush is generally not preferred. It is only liked by those who want to enjoy warmer temperatures and slower speeds.

6. Crud snow

This is among the worst kinds of snow conditions for most snowboarders and skiers. Crud results from the cutting up of un-groomed snow by the skiers. The un-groomed powder is often found at the sides of the piste. It’s quite difficult to ski crud. 

In order to do that, you’ll need to navigate through alternating snow consistencies. They must’ve become either icy and bumpy or remained soft and fluffy. Such conditions need much concentration and some serious leg work. Only then you’ll be able to successfully slide through such kind of snow. 

You’ll also come across a variation of crud snow on the piste. It is the one that’s been churned up by heavy snowboarding or skiing. This often occurs when it has snowed throughout the day and the grooming has not been done. This snow condition is enjoyed by those who wish to have a workout or like challenges.

7. Sticky snow

This snow condition is quite similar to slush. It is yet another variation of snow created when it starts to melt. When the snow is wet owing to warm temperatures, it begins to make a vacuum under the ski. This makes skiing more difficult as it becomes difficult for the skis to slide through the snow. You’ll find the stickiest of snow when it falls fresh and the temperatures are rapidly rising. 

The snow that has been freshly fallen still retains its crystal structure. It moulds itself to the bottom of your snowboard or skis as it becomes wet. This makes it difficult for air to get underneath and creates a vacuum. Under such conditions, it is hard for the snowboard or skis to slide. Even the most seasoned snowboarders and skiers can be caught off guard under sticky snow conditions. 

This is because it slows you down on the steepest slopes and makes turning a challenge. It would take a chain of weather events to create such conditions. The snowboarders and skiers, therefore, don’t have to deal with sticky snow too often.

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It doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting started or you’re are a pro. The fundamentals of finding the right board would mostly remain the same. Besides the features of your snowboard, you must know the kind of terrain you like to ride on. Here’s how you can get your ideal snowboard:

Select an appropriate length 

Your body weight and the kind of riding you want to do determines the snowboard’s length. Some time ago, choosing a board seemed quite simple. All you had to do was stand next to a snowboard. If the top portion hit your chin, it was considered a good fit. While this is a convenient way to choose your snowboard, you’ll also need to consider other factors. 

They are the capacity level, weight, and construction of the board. Consider getting a somewhat longer board if you’ll be mostly freeriding. It will help you in maintaining good stability and speed. Go for smaller sizes if you want to try freestyle snowboarding. It will make it easier for you to spin and manoeuvre in the half-pipe or a terrain park.

Determine the right width 

Your snowboard boots will loom over the edges of the board when its waist width is of the correct size. However, it won’t be so much as to hit the snow when your snowboard is on the edge. The toes and heels must extend slightly over the board’s edges. This will allow you to apply leverage to the snowboard and modulate pressure using your ankles. 

Your boots would hit the snow during hard turns if they extend too far over the edge. This would cause you to fall. The boot sizes of snowboards vary by manufacturer. They also vary by models produced by a single manufacturer’s line. 

Choose the right type of snowboard

Many boards are designed to get the most out of your ride. Generally, you can ride any type of board on any terrain. You must decide what type of terrain you’ll be riding on. Besides, your capacity level matters and so does your preference. Almost all the snowboards are designed to work well in any condition of snow and terrain. 

Freestyle or park snowboards can be a little shorter in length as they are used mostly in terrain parks. If you’re spending most of your time in varied terrain and off groomed runs, freeride snowboard is for you. Splitboards are used for uphill travel. They have climbing skins and are made up of two separate halves. It makes for a perfect design for backcountry riders. 

Consider the cost and durability

The cost factor just can’t be ignored when you’re buying something. Always go for quality items that suit your budget well. Durability must always be considered before you decide to get the desired snowboard. It is determined by various factors, such as the quality of edges and base material and the wood used. The type of laminates in the layup and how all the elements are put together also determine the cost.

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Moreover, snowboarders made up practically 50% of the ski-resort visitors in the American West. Now, you might want to experience this fast-paced winter sport but are not sure which location is the best. In case you’re a free rider, you’ll be interested in some untouched areas in the mountainous regions of the West. 

If you’re a freestyler, you might consider trying the terrain parks. They’d be one of the ideal places to try some adventurous moves of snowboarding and get enough practice. Here are some of the sought-after snowboarding destinations in the United States:

1. Kirkwood

Located in California, Kirkwood covers a vast area of more than 2,000 acres. It is home to four terrain parks that are great for all snowboarders, whether beginners or experienced. You might require some extra effort to get to this resort. However, the fresh snow and the dynamic snowboarding scene makes it worth the effort. 

Even kids can learn snowboarding at the Adventure Land Beginner Park. The Rip Curl Playground would be a perfect place for middle-level snowboarders. At this spot, they can try jumps, boxes and a half-pipe. Advanced snowboarders would have loads of fun at the Rip Curl/Stomping Grounds. 

2. Alpine Meadows

Yet another exciting snowboarding destination in California, Alpine Meadows is located in Lake Tahoe’s north section. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful views of the lake besides indulging in snowboarding adventures. Alpine Meadows is at a high base elevation of around 6,840 feet. 

The slopes, therefore, remain dry on most of the days. Alpine Meadows is also home to a recently revamped terrain park called The Shadows. It uses the mountain’s natural features, allowing snowboarders to board, jump, ride, and rail. 

3. Mount Hood Meadows

Mount Hood Meadows is located on the east side of Mount Hood in Oregon. The trails available for snowboarders range from smooth runs for beginners to steep slopes for the experienced. Every year, Mount Hood Meadows witnesses 430 inches of snowfall. You’ll have over 2,150 acres of terrain to try your snowboarding skills. 

There are six different freestyle terrain parks located in Mount Hood. They include The Zoo, Park Place, Superpipe, Shipyard, Forest Park, and Rose City Slopestyle. The new Superpipe measures 500 feet with a pipe that is 18 feet high. As not much snow is required to ride it, the pipe opens early in the season. It is also lit up after dark to facilitate night riding.

3: Squaw Valley 

This charming mountain village is located in California’s Olympic Valley. You can get to Squaw Valley by taking a 45-minute drive from Reno, Nevada. This wonderful snowboarding destination is surrounded by 4,000 acres of terrain and six peaks. It had hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and is an ultra-modern snowboarding facility today. 

It receives a yearly snowfall of 450 inches and has 300 days of sunshine. The mountain village has the ideal conditions for snowboarders of all skill levels. Don’t miss riding the KT-22, which is a fabulous mountain for snowboarding enthusiasts. It was named for the number of kick turns taken for a skier to reach the valley.

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