Master Snow Jumps
Caleb Ryan
| 26-05-2025
· Sport team
Hey Lykkers! Have you ever watched snowboarders jump off snowy ramps and thought, "That looks amazing—but how do they do that?"
Whether we're new to snowboarding or just starting to explore tricks, learning how to fly off a snow jump is one of the most thrilling things we can experience on the slopes.
In this article, we'll walk through the basics of making a clean, confident jump—step by step. No fancy lingo, just a friendly guide from one snow-lover to another.

Start with the Right Gear

Before we even talk about technique, let's make sure we've got the right setup. For safe jumping, we need a snowboard that matches our size, skill level, and the kind of terrain we're on. A freestyle board is ideal—it's lighter, more flexible, and easier to control in the air. Also, don't forget properly fitted boots and a helmet—yes, always wear one. Padding for knees and wrists helps too, especially when we're learning.

Warm-Up and Know the Terrain

Just like any sport, warming up is key. A few easy runs to get our legs moving and blood flowing will do wonders. Also, it's important to check out the snow ramp before trying anything. Is the surface smooth? Is the landing area clear? Knowing the take-off and landing zone helps us feel more in control. Let's walk around it, watch others, and visualize our move before we give it a go.

Build a Solid Stance

A stable stance is the foundation of a good jump. As we approach the ramp, our knees should be bent, arms relaxed, and eyes looking straight ahead—never down at our feet. This posture keeps our center of gravity low and balanced, which gives us control. We don't want to stand stiff or lean too far forward or back—just stay centered and ready.

The Approach: Stay Smooth and Confident

Speed is important, but control is everything. We should ride toward the jump with a steady pace, not too fast or too slow. As we get close, we want to keep our board flat and stay relaxed. Avoid sudden turns or adjustments—they throw us off balance. The smoother our approach, the better our jump will be.

Time to Take Off!

As our board reaches the top edge of the ramp, that's when we push gently off the snow. This is called "popping." We do it by straightening our legs quickly—like a little jump. But here's the trick: we don't need a huge leap. It's more about timing and balance than strength. The goal is to lift off the snow while staying in control and centered. No wild flailing—just a clean, calm motion upward.

Mid-Air Control: Keep It Tight

Once we're in the air, our job is to stay calm. Keep our knees slightly bent, arms steady, and eyes on the landing. We should keep our body compact and avoid waving our arms or twisting. The more stable we are mid-air, the easier it will be to land. We don't need to do tricks—just focus on staying balanced and smooth.

Landing: Soft, Low, and In Control

The landing is just as important as the jump. As we come down, we want to bend our knees and absorb the impact gently. Try to land with the board flat and our weight centered. Don't lean too far back or forward. If we land on our toe or heel edge, we might slip or fall. Think of it like jumping off a curb—we want to stay relaxed and let our legs do the work.

Practice Makes Progress

We're not going to master snow jumps in one day—and that's totally fine. Practice on small ramps first and work our way up. Watch others, ask for tips, and maybe even take a beginner freestyle class if the resort offers one. The more we try, the more confident and skilled we'll become. And remember: every snowboarder started with their first jump once, too!

Safety Always Comes First

It's exciting to jump, but safety should always come first. Make sure the ramp isn't too advanced for our level, and avoid jumping when it's icy or crowded. If we ever feel unsure, it's okay to skip the jump or practice somewhere smaller. There's no rush—confidence grows with experience.

Final Thoughts: Let's Fly Together!

Lykkers, learning to jump on a snowboard is one of the most fun and rewarding things we can do on the mountain. It takes courage, practice, and patience—but the feeling of flying through the air, even for a second, is totally worth it. So next time we're out on the snow, let's give it a try—safely and step by step. Who knows? Maybe we'll all be soaring like pros in no time. Have you ever tried a snow jump? Tell us how it went—or ask us anything if you're planning to try!