How To: Rail Slide
- Whether you’re on skis or a snowboard, the principles are the same: momentum and balance.
- Pick a rail that’s no more than a foot off the ground and preferably one with a snow lip entry so you don’t have to ollie onto the steel. Most resorts have beginner rails designed for practicing.
- Control your momentum approaching the rail. As long as your skis or board is waxed (but not sharpened) you should slide easily across the rail.
- As you approach the rail, bend your knees and hop up slightly as you reach the edge of the lip. When you’re in the air, turn 90 degrees so your skis or board lands perpendicular on the rail.
- On skis, keep your feet shoulder width apart, knees bent and upper body bent forward a little. The rail should be sliding directly beneath your bindings. On a board, do the same, but keep the rail between your feet and bindings.
- Keep your eyes off your feet and on the end of the rail, which should be rapidly approaching. When you reach the end of the line, hop off turning 90 degrees again so your tips are pointed downhill.
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