To the untrained eye, snow is snow, right?
Once those beautiful white flakes start to fall, it’s time to grab your board and hit the slopes!
Not so fast, my over-enthusiastic friend.
There’s a science to this chilly pastime. It turns out that the amount of snow you need is a little more specific than you thought. But how much snow do you need to snowboard?
Whilst it's recommended to have a minimum of 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) of snow for safe snowboarding, it's technically possible to ride with as little as 10 cm (approximately 4 inches), particularly on soft surfaces like grass. However, this is generally not advisable due to the increased risk of injury and equipment damage.
The Groundwork
Let’s set the scene. Imagine you’ve just woken up and the weather forecast is predicting snow. You pull back your curtains to a thin white blanket on the ground. Is it time to break out the snowboard? Well, not just yet.
Generally, the magic number for snow base depth, or the amount of snow required to snowboard, is around 30 to 36 inches.
This allows the snow to compact and create a good base, while also providing enough cushioning to protect you from obstacles beneath the snow like rocks or tree stumps.
This is the case for most ski and snowboard resorts.Â
An Example
To offer a little perspective, Niseko and Rusutsu in Japan receive around 15 meters of snowfall per season!
The slopes therefore rarely open until there is at least 1 meter of compacted snow depth. Without this, there are bamboo shoots and rocks in the ski fields!
The Minimum Amount Snow Needed to Snowboard
Of course, if you decide to grab your snowboard and dash to your garden or a local hill, it’s a different story.Â
On grass, the minimum amount of snow needed to snowboard is around 4 inches (10cm). This will be sufficient to slide down the hill, however it will wear thin very quickly.
I’d recommend against doing this (unless you have an old snowboard you’re not worried about). Obstacles are likely to poke through and attack your snowboard base. An expensive mistake!
Snowflakes Under The Microscope
Not all snow is created equal.Â
Heard of powder, packed powder, corn, crud, or slush? There are many different types of snow condition, each affecting your snowboarding experience in unique ways.
Powder Snow
All snowboarders know that fresh powder is the holy grail of snowboarding conditions. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect for huge drawn-out turns.Â
However, if you’re planning to ride powder, you’ll need more than the typical 30-36 inch base. This is because your board will sink deeper into the snow, meaning you might need 40 inches or more to enjoy a good ride.
Packed Snow
Contrastingly, packed snow, which is denser and more compressed than powder, might require less depth due to its solid base. Here, a 30-36 inch base could be perfect for carving up the mountain.
Consider The Terrain
It’s also crucial to consider the type of terrain you’ll be riding.Â
A smooth groomed run won’t require as much snow as off-piste areas. The backcountry has uneven terrain and a much higher potential for hidden obstacles. Don’t head out of bounds without a deep (and stable) snow base.Â
Additionally, some resorts are rockier than others. They require a much deeper snow base before even considering opening their doors. Sadly, my local resort is in this category!
Safety First
Regardless of the snow conditions, remember that safety should always be your first priority.
Make sure to check the daily snow report at your local resort. Resorts will often indicate when conditions are safe for skiing and snowboarding.
The Bottom Line
So, how much snow do you need to snowboard?
While 30-36 inches is a good general guideline, the ideal snow depth varies based on the type of snow and terrain.
And remember, it’s not just about quantity but also the quality of snow. Warm, wet, slushy snow can come and go within a day. Hold out for the dry, fluffy good stuff.
So here’s to hoping for the perfect snowfall – not too little, not too much, but just right.
Happy shredding!