How to Ollie on a Snowboard: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
The Ollie is not just a trick; it is the heartbeat of snowboarding. It is the fundamental movement that separates a passenger from a pilot. Whether you want to clear a “Slow” sign, hop onto a box in the park, or simply pop over a patch of ice, learning how to Ollie is mandatory.
Many beginners mistake a “hop” (jumping with both feet simultaneously) for an Ollie. They are different. A proper Ollie uses the potential energy stored in the tail of your board to act as a spring, launching you higher than your legs could alone. If you’ve been wondering why snowboarding is fun, landing your first clean Ollie over a roller is usually the answer.
In this guide, we will break down the mechanics, the muscle memory, and the gear you need to master this essential skill safely. We’ll also cover safety gear like wrist guards and impact shorts, because let’s be honest—learning to fly usually involves some crashing.
An Ollie is a maneuver where a snowboarder shifts their weight to the back foot to “load” the tail of the board, then snaps the tail off the ground to jump into the air. It consists of four distinct phases: The Load (shifting weight back), The Pop (springing off the tail), The Level (bringing knees up to even out the board), and The Landing (absorbing impact).
Phase 1: The Prerequisites
Before you start throwing your weight around, you need to ensure your foundation is solid. An Ollie requires a stable platform.
1. Stance and Balance
You must be comfortable riding with your knees bent and your weight centered. If you are unsure if you are Goofy or Regular, figure that out first. A centered stance is easier for learning ollies than a directional, setback stance.
2. Gear Check
While you can Ollie on anything, the profile of your board matters.
- Camber: Boards with traditional camber have the most “pop” because the shape naturally fights to snap back to its original curve.
- Rocker: Rocker boards are easier to press, but they don’t have the same explosive recoil.
- Boots: If you are experiencing heel lift, you will lose energy transfer. Ensure your boots are tight and responsive.
Phase 2: The Step-by-Step Mechanics
- The Setup: Ride at a comfortable speed on a flat or slightly downhill slope. Keep your knees bent and eyes looking forward (not at your feet). Ensure your shoulders are aligned with the board.
- The Load (Shift Back): Smoothly shift your hips over your back foot. Imagine you are trying to do a “wheelie.” You should feel the nose of the board lift slightly and the tail of the board flex under pressure. This is storing potential energy.
- The Pop (The Snap): This is the explosive moment. As the tail flexes, kick off your back leg aggressively while simultaneously lifting your front leg. The board will snap back straight, launching you into the air.
- The Leveling: Once you are airborne, suck your back knee up towards your chest to match your front knee. This levels the board out parallel to the snow. This is crucial for style and safety.
- The Landing: Extend your legs slightly to prepare for contact, but keep knees soft to absorb the impact. Try to land on both feet simultaneously. If you land heavy on the tail, you might slip out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even intermediate riders develop bad habits. Here is what to watch out for:
The “Bunny Hop”
This is jumping with both feet at the same time. While it gets you in the air, it lacks height and control. A true Ollie must have that rolling motion from tail to air. If you struggle with this, practicing on a balance board at home can build the correct muscle memory.
Breaking at the Waist
Don’t bow to the snow. Keep your chest up and bend at the knees. Bending at the waist throws your center of gravity off, which is a prime reason why falls happen.
Stiff Legs
Landing with straight legs is a recipe for disaster. It sends shockwaves through your skeleton and is often why feet hurt when snowboarding. Always compress on landing.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself
⚠️ Pad Up Before You Pop Up
Learning to Ollie involves falling backwards—a lot. This puts your wrists and tailbone in the danger zone. We highly recommend wearing wrist guards and impact shorts while learning. It gives you the confidence to commit to the jump without fear of injury.
Top Gear to Help You Learn
Having the right equipment accelerates the learning curve. Here are three top-rated products available on Amazon that specifically help with pop, practice, and protection.
Indo Board Original
You can’t be on the mountain every day. The Indo Board is the industry standard for training balance and leg strength at home. It mimics the weight transfer required for an Ollie.
Pros
- Builds core strength
- Improves weight transfer
- Fun indoor workout
Cons
- Pricey
- Learning curve
Capita Defenders of Awesome (DOA)
This is a legendary freestyle board. It features a hybrid camber profile that offers the aggressive pop of camber with the forgiveness of flat kicks. Perfect for learning to jump.
Pros
- Incredible snap/pop
- Stable at speed
- Award-winning design
Cons
- Stiffer flex
- Requires maintenance
Demon Flexmeter Wrist Guards
When you mistime an Ollie, you often fall back on your hands. These are the best in the business, designed by a surgeon to prevent hyperextension.
Pros
- Superior protection
- Medical grade
- Fits under most gloves
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
Advanced Tips for Higher Ollies
Once you have the basic motion down, you’ll want to go bigger. Here is how to boost your height:
1. Speed is Your Friend
Momentum helps stability. It is actually harder to Ollie at a snail’s pace. Find a confident cruising speed on a green run.
2. Use the Terrain
Look for “rollers” or small knolls on the trail. Time your Ollie so that you are loading the tail as you go up the roller, and popping right at the crest. This adds the terrain’s height to your jump.
3. Sucking the Knees
The height of your Ollie is determined not just by how high you jump, but by how high you lift your board. Actively pull your knees into your armpits in the air. This is essential if you want to hop onto park features.
Equipment Maintenance
Ollies put significant stress on your board’s tail and your bindings. Ensure your bindings are screwed in tight before every session. Also, because you are flexing the board heavily, check for cracks in the topsheet. Keep your base waxed and your edges clean (remove rust if necessary) to ensure you have the speed required for a clean takeoff.
Conclusion
Mastering the Ollie unlocks the entire mountain. The groomed run becomes a playground, the fallen tree becomes a feature, and the terrain park becomes accessible. It takes patience, timing, and a bit of bravery.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it day one. Watch tutorials, including this excellent breakdown from Red Bull on how to Ollie, and keep practicing. Ensure you have the right boots, protect your wrists, and enjoy the process of flight.
