Snowboarding has evolved into an incredible display of athleticism and creativity. From gravity-defying flips to mind-bending spins and technical rail maneuvers, the boundaries of what’s possible on a snowboard are constantly being pushed. Forget the typical competition-focused spins; this list celebrates the most innovative and awe-inspiring snowboard tricks that will leave you amazed and ready to hit the slopes. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own riding or just want to witness the pinnacle of snowboarding talent, prepare to be impressed by these standout tricks.
snowboarder performing a trick
1. Boris Mouton: Bs Double 1080 Shifty
This trick is not only exceptionally creative and unique, but it’s also executed with perfect precision. The setup alone is noteworthy, demonstrating Boris’s exceptional talent.
2. Cab 12 Gorilla: Kuba Hrones
Building on Boris’s cab 9 setup, Kuba has taken it further by adding an extra 360 to the rotation. Kuba has recently emerged with massive spins on huge kickers, but what truly sets him apart is his unique grab variations. Often performing bs 16s with a Japan grab or fs 14s with a double nose grab, he consistently adds his personal style to competition tricks. Here, he executes a cab 12 with a double grab, sometimes called a “Gorilla” grab.
snowboarder performing a trick
3. Cab 2 – Pretzel 2
While not exclusive to one rider, Eiki Helgason is believed to be among the first to execute this trick. A cab 2 bring back is challenging enough for most, but adding a pretzel 270 out is a feat that could easily put someone’s back out.
4. Switch Nollie Double Fs Rodeo 12: Stale Sandbech
The name of this trick is debated among snowboarders, with some calling it a misty, mctwist, or double chicane. Regardless, it’s undeniably impressive. Stale takes a frontside rodeo 5 and extends the rotation to a backside rodeo 7, showcasing his unique approach to snowboarding, even after retiring from competition.
5. Double Bs Rodeo 14: Max Parrot
Taking the double rodeo to another level, Max Parrot executes a backside rodeo with an incredible 14 rotations. The difficulty of adding rotation to a rodeo is extreme, with the transition beyond 9 rotations being particularly mind-bending. This feat of athleticism and technical skill is rarely seen, and Max’s journey to master this trick is worth watching.
6. Markus Kleveland: Butter Bs 1980 + Triple Fs Rodeo
Markus Kleveland is a groundbreaking figure in modern snowboarding, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He is known for winning big air and slopestyle competitions, all while adding his unique style to the biggest rotations. Kleveland’s ability to combine a butter with a 1980 rotation is truly remarkable. He also won a competition doing a frontside triple rodeo, which is rarely seen in the competition scene, dominated by triple corks and 1620s.
7. Fs Board – Double Wild Cat: Markus Kleveland
Kleveland’s skills extend to rails, where his control and finesse are equally remarkable. In the spring of 2023, he added a double wildcat out of a frontside board slide to his repertoire, demonstrating his mastery of the board. This trick requires exceptional control and courage.
8. Bs Triple 1080: Markus Kleveland
While triple cork 1440s are now standard in competitions, Kleveland’s backside triple 1080 stands out. This trick defies physics because corks naturally come around in 540-degree increments. Kleveland’s triple 1080 is a feat of innovation and technical skill.
9. Bs 2 Pretzel 2: Markus Kleveland
This trick is gaining popularity among a select few riders but remains incredibly difficult. Spinning in one direction and out in another on a rail requires an incredible level of core strength and board control. The 270 out forces the rider to land in a twisted and awkward position, then to slide the rail.
10. Dennis Bonus: Tornado
Dennis Bonus’s tricks are in a league of their own. Many of his tricks are so complex that they require frame-by-frame analysis to understand. Here’s just one of his mind-blowing rail tricks that showcases his unique style.
snowboarder performing a trick
11. Switch Bs 5 to Method: Torgier Berghem
Torgier Berghem’s switch backside 5 to method is a prime example of style in snowboarding. In a world focused on spin-to-win tricks, this is a refreshing display of grace. Although Torgier qualified with a 1620 in the 2018 Olympics qualifiers, it was his Bs5 to method that stood out to the snowboard community, winning over fans for its style.
12. Bs 5 Japan to Method: Moritz Thonen
Taking Torgier Berghem’s Bs 5 to method to another level, Moritz Thonen adds a Japan grab into the mix. He takes the stylish Bs 5, adds a Japan grab, and transitions into a smooth method. This combination of grabs and tweaks while spinning is an incredible feat of skill and style.
13. Double Front Flip Bloody Dracula: Juho Laine
Juho Laine has become known for his unique tricks, taking inspiration from Haldor Helgason. Juho’s tricks, however, are known for being massive, on massive jumps. This double front flip bloody Dracula is especially impressive, showing great control through an awkward grab.
14. Flipping Into, Onto and Through Rails: Snappyboarder – AKA Zenja Potapov
Zenja Potapov is revolutionizing snowboarding with a completely unique approach. His trick, described as a cab 1 into a rail tap 360 front flip out, is just one example of his innovative approach. He consistently pushes the boundaries with never-before-seen tricks.
snowboarder performing a trick
15. Fs Double 10 Off a Rock: Sean Fitzimons
Sean Fitzsimons executes a frontside double 10 off a rock, making a standard competition trick incredibly difficult. The short transition and flat landing make this feat especially impressive, and the landing is remarkable.
16. Superman Frontflip: Craig Gouweloos
While front flips are relatively common, Craig Gouweloos takes it to the next level by doing a superman frontflip on a super park jump. His incredible air time makes the trick appear effortless.
17. Bs 1800 Japan: Dusty Henricksen
Dusty Henricksen is becoming known as one of the most stylish riders in snowboarding. Known for his lazy and effortless style, Dusty’s 1800 with a Japan grab is executed with incredible precision. He brings a fresh approach to competitive snowboarding, making him a favorite among riders.
18. Bs Board Slide Pretzel 630 Underflip Out: Dusty Henricksen
Dusty pushes the boundaries of rail tricks by adding a pretzel out to a backside board slide, plus an underflip 270 out. This combination of style and technical ability is part of what makes Dusty such a standout in the snowboarding community.
19. Cab 3 to Reverse Euro Carve: Mike Mckernan
To round out the list, this is one of my own tricks. The cab 3 is executed as an MFM butter, leading into a stylish euro carve. The feeling of carving through the snow while lying down is incredibly satisfying.
These 19 tricks represent the cutting edge of snowboarding innovation, demonstrating the creativity and skill that define the sport today. These riders consistently push the boundaries of what is possible, creating a visual spectacle that inspires both seasoned pros and new riders alike.
