by Jon Berwick

Created on: November 18, 2010

Are you sick of just going straight down a ski hill? Do you not get a thrill of just turning over and over again? Maybe you just saw some snowboarders with shovels on the side of a slope, and you want to wreck their new ramp. What can you do to cure this boredom? How can you make even the snowboarders go "DAAANG!" Hold on partner! I know you were thinking about a 360 or a flip, but are you ready to start with those? Why don't you try some of these simpler moves first!

Spread Eagle
This move is probably one of the simplest. After you leave the ground, you will want to have your hands out to each side and then you should spread your legs. Your body will form a plus to an X shape in the air. Remember to bring your legs back in before you land, and for extra points try to keep your body stiff in the air. You don't want people to think you just lost your balance and went flying through the air. 

Daffy
This is another move that relies on leg movement. You may want to stretch or be a little more flexible for this move. Simply put, it is a front split in midair. That's right. One leg in front of you and one leg behind. You can use your arms in the same fashion for an added touch or for balance. Remember to get enough air so you have time to pull that back leg in before your tip plants in the snow.

Iron Cross
This simple move may take a little practice so you don't look like you're just falling. All that is involved is crossing your skis into an X shape. Simple enough until you land with them still crossed and have your legs go separate ways. Just kidding. Try to bring your skis back straight just in time for a perfect landing. As you do get better, an Iron Cross can be throw in with moves like the 360 or Iron Cross tail grab.

Tail Grab
Everything so far has just been with your legs. Now you are ready to incorporate your whole body. This jump is easy as long as you have enough speed and air off the jump. With the tail grab a skier puts both legs behind his or her body so the tips almost touch his or her back. With one hand you reach back and grab your skis. Make sure you let go so your legs can come down before doing a face plant like you did when trying the daffy.

180 Twist
The 180 Twist is a gateway trick. Once you perform it you are moving to the big leagues. OK so maybe this won't get you much in the Olympics but it is a thrill. Why? Because you are landing backwards! Turn your head to the side you want to rotate toward and as you leave the jump twist your hips to bring your body around. This gets tricky because you want to make sure you don't over or under rotate. If you complete the jump without taking a spill you will get heads turning as far as you just rotated your hips.

Zudnick
The Zudnick is the hardest on the list for beginners because it requires the most athletic ability. If you've ever heard of gymnastics or diving, then you've heard of this as a pike position. After leaving the ground both legs go in front of you and you stretch your arms out to touch your toes. Make sure your skis stay close together and please do bring them back underneath your body when done. If you fail to do so, you can just ride down the rest of the hill on your bottom.

If you are trying any of these tricks, remember to have the proper gear. Wear a helmet and be safe. Otherwise happy skiing!

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