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Stand tall.Keep knees bent, back straight and butt tucked in.
Whichever foot you led with to catch yourself should be your lead.
If it’s your left, your stance is regular.
If it’s your right, you ride “goofy.”
Fall big.Consider wiping out a source of pride!
You’re challenging yourself and learning new skills, not sitting on your duff in the lodge.
Don’t throw out your hands and risk spraining a wrist.
Eye your route.Look where you want to go, and your shoulders and body will turn in that direction.
You’ll feel more comfortable and avoid getting a funky red stripe on your face.
TRY ITFor top snowboarders' reviews of resorts on six continents, check outBoardTheWorld.com.
Best Snowboarding Gear
The first step to feeling like a true boarder?
Outfitting yourself in slick slope gear.
SNAZZY SOCKSPadding at the shin helps buffer boots.
$120;SmithOptics.com
STOMP ONA moldable foot bed helps the Mint Boots fit your feet like gloves.
$150;Burton.com
3-FOR-1Rock the waterproof 6.0 Bellevue jacket alone or with its insulated vest.
$250;Nike.com
LOOK OUTJenny Jones Elevate fogproof goggles are shaped for a woman’s face.
$50;OnTip.com
PINK POWERAlways hitting the deck?
Waterproof, fleece-lined pants in a juicy hue keep you visible against the snow.
$150;Roxy.com
NEAT TWISTPerformance fabric in a cowl-neck fit makes the GB Neck Warmer fashionable and functional.
What’s more, you’ll experience quiet like you’ve never known.
The wind can blow them away by the time you’re ready to return.
Take it easy downhill.If your descent is steep, traversing the trail zigzag-style will help you maintain control.
Then pretend that whole thing never happened.
TRY ITFind local hiking trails that double as snowshoeing routes atNPS.gov.
SAVE $$$Not ready to commit to buying snowshoes?REI shopsnationwide offer rentals.
Best Snowshoeing Gear
Pow(d)er walk your way slim with our cute snowshoeing essentials.
SECOND SKINThe superthin material of the EXO XR top and pants nixes any chafing.
$35;MountainHardwear.com
GO FOR GOLDPacked with insulation (but not too puffy!
), the Lidia vest warms your core.
$200;AtlasSnowshoe.com
NICE LEGSWindproof panels and quick-dry fleece make the PXC Storm Tight the perfect snowshoe pants.
$120;CraftSports.us
COOL IDEAH2O can’t turn to ice in the Ante Hydration Pack.
$99;CamelBak.com
ZIP IT!The figure-flattering PXC Storm jacket gives arms room to swing.
$130;CraftSports.us
STEP UPToes stay dry in the Pursuit GTX, lined with Comfort Gore-Tex.
KNOW, THEN GODress lightly.Cross-country skiing’s megacalorie burnhas a hot upshot: You are gonna sweat.
So keep apparel minimal.
Stick to a base layer under a jacket and pants.
(it’s possible for you to even wear running or biking duds.)
And never, ever wear cotton, including undies.
Once it gets sweaty, it won’t dryand you’ll freeze.
Avoid the “yikes!”
Crouching down lowers your center of gravity, helping you stay balanced.
If you stand up tall and yell something not so family-friendly, you’re more apt to wipe out.
HOW TO NOT LOOK STUPIDDon’t plant poles in front of you as if they’re walking staffs!
Push off the ground at your sides, and extend poles behind you for a smooth follow-through.
TRY ITGet realtime snow reports for every state and Canada atXCSki.org.
SAVE $$$You don’t have to jetset to see awesome winter views!
Call a local golf course to ask if you’re free to trek its scenic greens.
Best Skiing Gear
Swoosh through virgin snow looking like a pro.
$16;LibertyBottles.com
GET GRABBYHolding poles is a cinch with glove-mitten hybrids like the Swix Fun Split Mittens.
$30;MountainHardwear.com
DRY RUNMesh panels on the Zero Extreme Concept top pull moisture away from skin.
$400;Obermeyer.com
WEATHER OR NOTStride through the elements in the wind- and waterproof Painted On Pants.
$300;Spyder.com
5 Strengthening Moves for Winter Sports
