Last Updated25 June 2022

The Snowboard Turn explores how snowboarders can alter their path down the mountain by making turns of different shapes, sizes and performance. Alongside this, we will look at the different turn phases which are particularly useful when communicating the sequence of events to students. We will also explain the variety of turn types that can be used and consider the forces that impact the turn.

Turn Phases

In order to develop an understanding of how a snowboard turn is comprised, it’s best to break the turn down into three main phases: the initiation (or beginning); the control (or body); and the completion (or end) phase. As well as considering the point at which the snowboard changes edge and when a rider should prepare for the following turn.

Note that the different turn phases are very apparent in slower, low level turns but become very blended and more difficult to see as the turns become smaller and speed increases.

Initiation Phase

This is the beginning of the turn. Here, the uphill edge is released and gravity pulls the rider into the fall line. There will always be a lateral movement here to allow edge release, whether this is a direct movement straight across the board or a sequential movement to create torsional twist. Using smaller levers (ankles and knees) closer to the board is a more efficient and faster method of doing this; conversely, using larger levers (hips and spine) is slower but can be more powerful. Other movements that may or may not occur here include extending or flexing to help with pressuring, and rotational movements to aid steering (see Basic Stance and the Four Movements).

Control Phase

This refers to the body of the turn, where the snowboard is guided into and through the fall line. Movements here help to create progressive edging and pressuring, along with some initial steering, to resist the increasing forces acting on the rider and guide the board towards the intended direction. The edge change always occurs at the start of this phase. This is the rider’s transition point, from maintaining control on the old edge to establishing control on the new edge. The exact timing at which this happens depends on the speed of the rider and the turn size/shape.

Completion Phase

This is where the rider is completing the present turn while preparing to initiate the next turn. Movements in this phase are focused on steering to help create the desired turn shape, whilst also maintaining progressive edging and regulating pressure.

Preparation

Whilst not a distinct phase of the turn, this is focused on preparing for the following turn. This can include movements to help find a neutral position from which to initiate the next turn, or it may simply be verifying the line choice and/or checking for hazards/people. Preparation movements include looking down or across the hill at the approaching terrain and potentially rotating the upper body in the new direction (see High Performance Stance and Quantifying Movements to learn more).

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