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Everyone who has ever been skiing has thought the same thing:
“How cool would it be if I could do a backflip on skis?”

I’m here to tell you that… you probably can.

I skied for 8 years before I sent my first backflip because I kept waiting for “The Perfect Moment” I'm here to tell you that it doesn't exist. But YOU can do a lot to make the moment as close to perfection as possible. It’s not about being a pro. It’s about preparation, mindset, and just enough courage to send it. Here’s how to turn that thought into a moment you’ll never forget.

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 Pre-Slope Prep

Before you even think about flipping on snow, you’ve got to get your body and brain used to the motion. Backflips are mostly mental, the more familiar you are with the feeling of going upside down, the easier it’ll be to commit when it’s time to send. This will make the ski skill progression much easier.

1. Backflip into Water (Optional)

If you have access to a lake jump, foam pit, or airbag setup, use it. Practicing into water builds muscle memory and teaches you where your head and hips should be without the hard consequences of landing on ice. Focus on committing fully half-sending is what causes most crashes.

2. Backflip on a Trampoline

A trampoline is your best friend. It’s where you’ll really learn how to tuck, spot, and open up for the landing. Start with smaller bounces and work your way up until you can confidently stick multiple clean backflips in a row. If you can flip without panicking on a trampoline, you’re ready to take it to the slopes.

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 On the Actual Slopes

3. Wait for a Powder Day

The best day to try your first ski backflip is a soft, forgiving day. You want a deep cushion of snow to absorb your mistakes. Hardpack is brutal; powder is your safety net. I said there's no “perfect moment” but there is definitely a wrong moment. Powder helps to ensure the moment is not wrong.

4. Find a Good Jump

Look for a steep, poppy jump with a smooth takeoff and soft landing zone. Avoid knuckles and icy runouts. A jump that naturally boosts you upward will do half the work for you.

5. Visualize Success

Before dropping in, picture yourself landing it. Visualization helps your body follow through on what your brain expects. Imagine the takeoff, the rotation, and the landing all in one smooth motion. It's natural to imagine everything that could go wrong, it's time to reject nature and take charge of your own thoughts.

6. Know You’re Going to Do It

This is the most important mindset shift: you can’t hesitate. Once you drop in, there’s no halfway. Commit fully and trust the motion you practiced. The moment you believe you can’t do it you won’t.

7. Be Okay with Falling

You’re going to crash a few times. It’s part of the process. Falling means you’re learning. Laugh it off, dust off the snow, and get back up. Every skier who’s ever landed a backflip has fallen more times than they can count.

8. Do It Scared

Here’s the truth: you’ll never feel “ready.” Your heart will pound, your knees will shake—but that’s when you send it. Count to three, lean back slightly, throw your shoulders, and pull your knees in. Trust yourself. Do it scared.

9. What to Do in The Air

Now that you are up in the air it is imperative that you put your head back. Your body WILL follow your head. Once you throw your head back, spot your landing, and grab your knees the flip will come around. Now you just have to ride away. 

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Landing a backflip on skis isn’t just about skill, it's about preparation and  belief. Every skier who’s stomped one started with the same mix of fear and excitement. Whether you land it first try or take a dozen attempts, the moment you finally ride away will be unforgettable.

So next time that little voice in your head says, “How cool would it be if I could do a backflip?”
Just smile and reply, “I can.”