How to snow board in the trees (glades) - Snowboarding Forum

12-23-2009, 04:24 AM

I went to jay peak this week end and had a blast. The best part was the glades but I found my self taking many dirt naps =p. I actually even got a huge chunk of the nose of my banana on the bottom broke off from a rock or stomp.

Any ways just looking for some tips on riding glades.

I had a few successful runs through the glades but would like to get better at it?

It seems you have to go fast because there is no room to carve you kinda of blast through? While trying to dodge trees and go over massive rocks and cliffs. I know regular carving down groomers its bad to swing your back foot around when turning but it seems like in order to carve at all in the deep snow you have to kinda whip the whole board around, is this right?

Mysticfalcon · 12-23-2009, 07:22 AM

Wolfie makes some good points. Another one is to traverse more. Try to find a line where you can traverse a long long way so rather than making lots of 180 degree turns you instead just make lots of slight turns. that will keep you from tireing out as quickly. Straightlining with lots of quick turns works good for skiers and boarders that are good in the glades but it takes a lot of practice. Its just like regular riding. You didnt start out straightlining the trails did you? Glades are like learning to ride all over again so its best to start with the basics.
I just have to repeat this: Look between the trees!!! You body goes where you are looking weather or not you want it to. If you look at the trees you will have bruises. I know Ive gotten plenty that way.

If you ever go back to Jay Peak then let me know. I ride there every weekend so I know all the glades well. Im far from an expert but I can get you pointed in the right direction and help you get used to the trees a little bit.

Zee · 12-23-2009, 11:18 AM

I love glades!

It's already been said, but can't be stressed enough, don't look at the trees. Looks past them to where you want to go.

You have to think a lot more when riding in trees, you are constantly choosing re assessing your line. This differs from an open slope where you can just follow the fall line making turns.

earl_je · 12-23-2009, 11:32 AM

Just be carefull with tree wells, other than that, what everyone else said already.

Mr. Polonia · 12-23-2009, 01:24 PM

well its also smart to have a shorter board for faster and better turning

Mysticfalcon · 12-23-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Polonia

well its also smart to have a shorter board for faster and better turning

That is very oriented to how you ride the trees. I ride a 162 or 166 in the trees for the float and the extra edge.
Short is nice for the quick turning but I find that the extra edge and extra float is more helpful once speed starts picking up.

Mr. Polonia · 12-23-2009, 02:02 PM

shit i would kill myself on a 166 in the trees.

Mysticfalcon · 12-23-2009, 02:21 PM

There are days when riding a shorter board in the trees would kill me. I need a lot of edge for those emergency braking manuvers.

david_z · 12-23-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyd

It seems you have to go fast because there is no room to carve you kinda of blast through? While trying to dodge trees and go over massive rocks and cliffs. I know regular carving down groomers its bad to swing your back foot around when turning but it seems like in order to carve at all in the deep snow you have to kinda whip the whole board around, is this right?

I ride a 163 through the occasional glade... it's a good time to get away from corduroy & parks. You're on to something here, because a snowboard is not a boat, and the tail of the board is not a rudder for that un-boat. You should never "swing your back foot around" when making turns.

Someone else mentioned a more proper technique similar to the skiers hop-turns. That's what I do when there's not room to maneuver, and with 163cm that's much of the time. If you get good at that technique (shifting weight + breaking quickly + "hopping"), you'll find you can take a snowboard through a mogul field (talk about a leg workout!).

david_z · 12-23-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earl_je

Just be carefull with tree wells, other than that, what everyone else said already.

that's twice now that I've tried to squash the bug that is your avatar. +1 to you.

12-23-2009, 04:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
dannyd Guest Posts: n/a	How to snow board in the trees (glades) I went to jay peak this week end and had a blast. The best part was the glades but I found my self taking many dirt naps =p. I actually even got a huge chunk of the nose of my banana on the bottom broke off from a rock or stomp. Any ways just looking for some tips on riding glades. I had a few successful runs through the glades but would like to get better at it? It seems you have to go fast because there is no room to carve you kinda of blast through? While trying to dodge trees and go over massive rocks and cliffs. I know regular carving down groomers its bad to swing your back foot around when turning but it seems like in order to carve at all in the deep snow you have to kinda whip the whole board around, is this right?

12-23-2009, 11:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
Zee -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,423	I love glades! It's already been said, but can't be stressed enough, don't look at the trees. Looks past them to where you want to go. You have to think a lot more when riding in trees, you are constantly choosing re assessing your line. This differs from an open slope where you can just follow the fall line making turns. __________________ The Never Summer SL-R is the best all mountain board I have been on... Ever. Buy it... Ride it... Love it...

12-23-2009, 01:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mr. Polonia Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Brooklyn, Empire State Posts: 1,093	well its also smart to have a shorter board for faster and better turning __________________ Without me, my board is useless. Without my board, I am useless

12-23-2009, 02:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mr. Polonia Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Brooklyn, Empire State Posts: 1,093	shit i would kill myself on a 166 in the trees. __________________ Without me, my board is useless. Without my board, I am useless

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12-23-2009, 07:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mysticfalcon lost in the ugly trees Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jay Peak Posts: 2,344	Wolfie makes some good points. Another one is to traverse more. Try to find a line where you can traverse a long long way so rather than making lots of 180 degree turns you instead just make lots of slight turns. that will keep you from tireing out as quickly. Straightlining with lots of quick turns works good for skiers and boarders that are good in the glades but it takes a lot of practice. Its just like regular riding. You didnt start out straightlining the trails did you? Glades are like learning to ride all over again so its best to start with the basics. I just have to repeat this: Look between the trees!!! You body goes where you are looking weather or not you want it to. If you look at the trees you will have bruises. I know Ive gotten plenty that way. If you ever go back to Jay Peak then let me know. I ride there every weekend so I know all the glades well. Im far from an expert but I can get you pointed in the right direction and help you get used to the trees a little bit.

12-23-2009, 11:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
earl_je Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Keystone, CO Posts: 824	Just be carefull with tree wells, other than that, what everyone else said already.

12-23-2009, 02:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mysticfalcon lost in the ugly trees Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jay Peak Posts: 2,344	There are days when riding a shorter board in the trees would kill me. I need a lot of edge for those emergency braking manuvers.