Top 7 Ski Terrain Park Tricks for Beginners to Master This Season

Mammoth Unbound Expert Terrain Park | Image: Mammoth Mountain

Ski terrain parks can feel overwhelming at first. Some resorts go big with elaborate setups, like Mammoth Unbound, and for many skiers it can take years of practice to feel comfortable in these areas.

At their core, terrain parks are made up of two main categories: jumps and rails. Each requires its own skills, but learning the basics of both will help you build confidence and style on the mountain.

Everyone starts somewhere. The next time you are heading back to the lift and see a park lap option, try mixing up your run with these seven ski terrain park tricks for beginners.

One of the first ski tricks for beginners| Image: Mirimonticortino

#1 Popping
This is the foundation for many other ski tricks. On flat ground, use your legs to push off and pop a few inches into the air. Once you are comfortable, take it to a small jump. Even a little effort can get you more air than you expect. You can use this skill anywhere on the mountain, from the park to natural side hits.

Safety grab in the middle of either a shifty | Image: Backcountry Access

#2 Grabs
Add style to your airtime with a grab. The easiest to learn is the safety grab, where you reach down and grab your ski under your boot. Practice without moving to understand how your balance shifts. In the air, keep weight changes minimal so you can land evenly.

Shifty in freeride terrain with skis and upper body counterbalancing | Image: Snow Brains

#3 Shifty
A shifty is when you twist your skis one way and your upper body the opposite way while in the air. This creates style and control. The counter-rotation helps you land in the same position you took off from. Add a small pop at takeoff for better height and style.

180 with upper body rotating with the skis | Image: Fall Line Skiing

#4 180
From a standing position, pop and rotate 180 degrees. Once you get comfortable, take it to a small jump. Most skiers will have a preferred rotation direction, so start with what feels natural. This trick is a smooth combination of popping and shifting your skis.

natural switch stance | Image: Nelson Star

#5 Switch
After a 180 you will be skiing backward, or switch. This takes practice. Look over one shoulder, open your hips, and start on gentle slopes. Over time you will gain balance and control, eventually carving switch on more challenging runs.

Sliding a box with weight centered on the front foot | Image: Snow board Addiction

#6 Boxes
Begin by riding straight over a beginner box to get used to the slippery surface. Then try standing sideways at 90 degrees and sliding. Keep your weight centered and slightly toward your lead foot to stay balanced. Many beginners lean too far back and slide out.

Sliding a low, wide rail | Image: US Sports Camps

#7 Rails
Once boxes feel easy, move to a low rail. Approach with a little more speed, pop onto it, and rotate 90 degrees. Keep your weight centered and eyes forward. Rails require more precision than boxes, so progress slowly and with control.

The Bottom Line

Learning these beginner ski park tricks will boost your confidence, improve your control, and make your skiing more fun. Start small, focus on balance, and progress at your own pace. Soon you will be linking tricks together and taking your new skills across the mountain.