Whether we are out for a whole season or just one week a year, snowboarding is a sport we want to enjoy with our friends. However one big problem to overcome is always the broad range of abilities within the group. Some may cautiously glance  at a blue run whilst others are speeding down the blacks and cruising off piste. Snowboarding has a big advantage over skiing as you don’t have to be an advanced rider to mix up your style on the easy slopes .There are loads of simple tricks to learn even if you’re an intermediate rider. These will slow the ride yet keep it fun and exhilarating. Why wait around? Get the most out of each run.

Jibbing

Twists , butters, ollies, nollies, 180s, these all add some fun variety to the ride and a gentle slope is a perfect place to practice. As your friends learn to link turns you can learn new tricks leaving you both stoked with the progression achieved at the end of the day.

Film your friends

Filming someone whilst you are both moving is a challenge for any rider. Not only do you have to ride smoothly, you have to keep your friend in the shot. Looking back at the footage will help a beginner see where they need to improve. It also improves the camera mans riding as they have to be very precise with each movement and understand the terrain through feel as well as sight. Seeing yourself ride is a joy and it will be greatly encouraging to beginners.

Find some tips on filming in my article: http://www.theextremescene.com/article/filming-extreme-sports

Snowball fight

A running snow fight with other advanced friends will slow you down and will be a l good laugh at the same time. Just keep an eye out for other slope users.

Practice Switch

Switch riding is a crucial skill to learn for anyone wanting to progress with tricks and this is the perfect time to learn. It will take you back to the basics and can help with explaining the techniques to friends who are learning. One of the hardest things to do is stick with riding switch when you know you can ride so much better when riding normally. But if you are with slower friends then you have plenty of time to practice. It’s extremely satisfying when you can start carving down runs riding switch.

If you can learn and improve along with the beginners then each run will satisfying and fun. When you want to push yourself there are still plenty off opportunities to go and do your own thing.

- Nathan Groves has been a keen snowboarder for 6 years, and an enthusiastic writer for even more.