Freestyle Snowboarding: A Complete Guide to Getting Started and Progressing

Freestyle snowboarding is the most creative and expressive form of the sport. Unlike freeride or carving, freestyle focuses on tricks, jumps, and maneuvers that can be performed in the snowpark, on the slopes, or even on natural terrain.

Main modalities of freestyle

1. Snowpark

Artificial modules such as rails, boxes, kickers, and halfpipes for practicing jumps, aerial spins, and technical tricks.

2. Flatground (flat tricks)

Movements such as butters, nose rolls and tail presses , performed on flat areas or on the track without the need for modules.

3. Freestyle on the track

Apply creativity on the track terrain: ollies on slope changes, stylized turns and tricks on edges .

4. Backcountry freestyle

Combines freeriding with tricks: using cornices, rocks, and natural mountain jumps . Requires advanced skill and avalanche safety knowledge.

Basic tricks for beginners

1. Ollie → Lift the board with momentum from the tail, the basis of all jumps.

2. Nose Press / Tail Press → slide supporting the weight on the tip or tail.

3. 180° on flat → half rotation on flat, to improve aerial control.

4. Butters → fluid turns using the nose or tail, playing with the flex of the board.

5. Pop → the board’s ability to store and release energy when pressing and releasing the tail or nose.

   • In ollies and nollies , pop allows for higher, more controlled jumping.

   • In butters and presses , it brings dynamism and style.

   • In large jumps , it helps to take off even without pronounced modules.

Mastering pop is essential for progressing in freestyle, as it enhances all the basic tricks.

Recommended equipment for freestyle

• Board : twin-tip, shorter and with a medium-soft flex.

• Bindings : medium flex for freedom of movement.

• Boots : comfortable and flexible to cushion landings.

• Protections : helmet, back protector and shorts with hip protection.

Practice Tips

1. Master the ollie and pop first, the basis of all tricks.

2. Start on flat terrain before heading to the snow park.

3. Learn to fall by rolling and absorbing impacts.

4. Always look in the direction of the trick, not at the board.

5. Progress little by little: first flat tricks, then small modules.

Progression

• Switch riding : learn to ride in the opposite position.

• Full rotations : 360°, 540° in small jumps.

• Rails and drawers : start with 50/50 and board slides.

• Creativity on the track : combine carving with butter tricks.

Conclusion

Freestyle snowboarding combines technique, creativity, and style. From ollies to park and backcountry tricks, progressing in freestyle is a matter of constant practice and mastering the pop of your board to give more height and energy to every move.

Explore our collection of freestyle boards and specialized gear and start shaping your style on the snow.