Rider: Jonel Fricke - Photo: Andi Baumann
If you’re like most snowboarders, the biggest challenge isn’t perfecting your carves or stomping your spins - it’s finding the time to ride. When we asked fellow snowboarders about their goals, the most common response wasn’t “land a double cork 10” or “ride Alaska.” It was simply: “snowboard more.”
Today, we’re here to help you overcome the obstacles keeping you off the slopes and make more time for the thing you love.
1. Shift Your Perspective
Snowboarding isn’t just recreation - it’s self-care. It’s great for your physical and mental health, gets you into nature, and leaves you feeling energized and alive. By reframing snowboarding as something essential, you might find it easier to prioritize.
Think of it as an alternative to hitting the gym or other fitness activities. Snowboarding keeps you fit, gets you out in the fresh air, and leaves you grinning ear to ear. Even just a single day on the mountain each week can make a huge difference.
2. Adjust Your Expectations
Not every day on the mountain will have waist-deep powder or pristine groomers - but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth riding. Sometimes the best days are those when you show up without any expectations.
Skip obsessing over snow reports or webcams. Just go. Whether it’s icy, slushy, or only a few runs are open, embrace what the mountain has to offer. Some of the most fun rides happen on those “meh” days. And remember: no one ever regrets a day on their board.
3. Prioritize Short Sessions
Think you need a whole day to make snowboarding worthwhile? Think again. Even a couple of hours can do wonders for your stoke and well-being.
If you’ve only got a half-day or a few hours after work, take advantage of that time. Evening sessions at the park, early morning laps before the crowds, or even just cruising a few runs can make a big difference. It’s all about quality, not quantity.
4. Put It on the Calendar
If you want to snowboard more, treat it like any other priority in your life. Schedule it.
Block off a morning to ride midweek, plan a weekend trip, or commit to a regular meet-up with your snowboarding crew. When it’s on your calendar, it becomes a non-negotiable part of your routine, rather than an afterthought.
5. Gear Up for Convenience
One of the biggest barriers to snowboarding is the time it takes to gear up and get to the mountain. Make things easier on yourself by staying organized.
Keep your gear ready to go - waxed, packed, and in one spot - so you’re not scrambling last minute. If you live near the mountain, consider a season pass or storing your gear at a ski locker for quick access. The easier it is to get out the door, the more likely you’ll ride.
6. Make Snowboarding a Priority
When you commit to prioritizing snowboarding, you’ll start finding more time for it. It’s incredible how a bit of intentional planning can open up your schedule.
Treat snowboarding as an important part of your life, not just an occasional indulgence. Whether it’s getting up early for a dawn patrol or taking a mental health day to ride, make it clear to yourself (and others) that this is something you value.
7. Stay Flexible and Spontaneous
Sometimes, the best riding opportunities come when you least expect them. Keep your schedule flexible and be ready to drop everything when conditions are prime. A spontaneous trip to the mountain could be just what you need to reset and reconnect with your love for the sport.
This season, let’s all aim to snowboard more. Whether it’s squeezing in an extra lap after work, riding slushy spring park, or embracing less-than-perfect conditions, the only runs you’ll regret are the ones you didn’t take.
See you on the mountain!
