STEPPING into the terrain park for the first time, the allure of jumps and rails can be both exciting and daunting.
Briony Johnson, Hotham’s terrain park manager, has shared her expert advice to help beginners navigate the park safely and confidently.
Briony emphasised the importance of starting small and progressing gradually.
"As a beginner, it’s important to know what’s best for you," she said.
"Start small and work your way up the progression ladder."
The terrain park features various elements, each differing in shape, size, height, and difficulty.
Tackling the smaller features first helps build the necessary skills and confidence.
Before attempting anything, Briony recommends taking a test lap through the park.
"Cruise through the park and assess the features," she suggests.
This initial run lets riders understand the layout and conditions, making it easier to plan an approach.
When starting with jumps, she advises looking for transitions leading up to the take-off that are not too steep.
"Look for a small jump that you can roll over and practice building up your ollie and pop to get airtime," she explains.
"Remember, soft landing and soft knees will help you absorb the impact."
For those interested in rails, Briony suggests beginning with boxes.
"These have a sliding surface on the top and are lots of fun," she says.
Beginners should look for wide, flat boxes that don’t require jumping onto.
Keeping skis and snowboards flat is essential, as leaning onto the edge can cause a fall.
"It is important for your first attempts to get comfortable going over the box forwards," Briony advises.
Once comfortable with speed control and basic maneuvers, riders can progress to narrower boxes and eventually to flat rails and tubes.
Briony also stresses the importance of park etiquette.
"Don’t cut the queue; no one likes a rider who can’t wait their turn," she warns.
Communication is key in maintaining a safe environment and calling out "dropping" when ready to take a turn helps prevent collisions.
Additionally, beginners should avoid using the take-off as a jump if they aren’t attempting to hit the feature, as this can damage the take-off and create hazards for other riders.
Safety is paramount, and Briony reminds all riders to wear helmets and any other necessary padding.
For those keen on improving their skills, she recommends booking a park lesson with an instructor.
"An instructor can help you navigate through the first few steps of becoming a park rider," she says.
“Private ski and snowboard lessons can be a great tool to progress quickly.”
Finally, Briony highlights the importance of riding with a buddy, especially for beginners.
In case of a fall, having someone nearby can ensure help is quickly available.
"Falling is all a part of learning how to ride the park," she encourages.
Briony's expert tips are just the start for newcomers looking to conquer the terrain park.
For those looking to learn and progress quickly, make sure to book your lesson early and save at hotham.com.au.
