Snowboarding is a popular outdoor hobby enjoyed by millions of people in the United States. While it is fairly easy to learn the basics of the sport, it takes a lot of time and practice to improve your skills. You will not be able to take your snowboarding to the next level without hard work and dedication. These are the four best tips for intermediate and advanced snowboarders to improve their skills.

Stay in Shape

The ideal conditions for snowboarding only last for a few months every year. It is important that you do not neglect your body the rest of the year. You will only be able to become a great snowboarder if you are in great shape. Hit the gym during the offseason to improve your flexibility and strength. This will ensure you are ready to go once the snow starts to fall again.

Practice Your Balance

Maintaining your balance is a crucial skill to have when snowboarding if you want to avoid crashing. While your balance will naturally improve the more time you spend on a board, you can also develop this crucial skill away from the mountain. Try wakeboarding or skateboarding during the summer to improve your riding skills. These sports require the same techniques as snowboarding, so your skills will translate to the mountain.

Use Your Knees

Most snowboarding instructors teach their students to turn using their shoulders. While this technique may work for beginners, it should not be used by intermediate or advanced snowboarders. Applying pressure with the front knee will actually let you quickly make sharp turns on the snow. Once you are ready to exit the turn, just stand up on the board. This is the technique used by every professional snowboarder to make agile turns during competitions.

Switch Your Stance

Almost all of your motion on a snowboard is controlled by your lead foot. This is why novice snowboarders will only go down a mountain using their preferred stance. If you want to take your game to the next level, then you need to occasionally switch up your stance. It may time some time to master, but learning to ride switch is the only way you can land a big jump or go down steep trails without falling.