Snowboarding began in the United States in the 1960's and was thought by skiers as a fad and not to be taken seriously. However the sport grew fast and in 1985 the first world cup was held in Zürs , Austria and it was made an Olympic discipline in 1995. Now at almost all ski resorts you will find good quality instruction from certified snowboard instructors.
It is important to take a series of lessons if you are new to the sport. Lesson often begin with basic safety policies, stretching, and learning to fall, then progresses to snowboarding with one foot on the board - particularly skating, climbing and J-turns. Students then learn how to turn and stop with both feet in. Important beginner skills to learn are the falling leaf technique, side-slipping, and lift procedures.