Learning Snowboarding in Switzerland:
My Journey from Wipeouts to Conquering the Slopes

When I moved to Switzerland, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, I knew snowboarding was a challenge I had to take on. Having experience in surfing and skateboarding, I thought I’d pick it up easily. But reality had other plans: learning to snowboard was tough, and I had some serious falls – one even landed me in the hospital! Yet, after a few tries and a lot of persistence, I managed to get the hang of it. Now, I’d like to share some tips for anyone starting out.

My Top Tips for Snowboarding Beginners

1. Master the basics – toeside and heelside: These foundational movements are key, especially when it comes to braking. Knowing how to stop effectively is essential for your safety on the slopes, so take time to practice this skill.

2. Start on a beginner slope: Take it slow at first, and don't worry about getting a lift ticket right away. Try a small slope where you can practice by hiking up and riding down short sections, focusing on the basics. This approach is budget-friendly and allows you to learn at your own pace.

3. Watch YouTube tutorials: There are some fantastic channels with detailed snowboarding tips for beginners. Below, I’ve listed a few I highly recommend to help you learn more.

4. Embrace failure and learn from it: In snowboarding, like any new skill, falls are part of the process. Stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens, so don’t give up – every attempt is progress!

Finally, feel free to follow me on Instagram, where I share videos of our mountain adventures. My family joined me on this snowboarding journey, which was a huge motivation to keep going. Today, we enjoy the slopes together, and that makes every effort worthwhile.