Snowboarding is an extreme sport where a rider is lifted to a desired trail (path) on the mountain by way of chairlift.

     The chairlifts vary in design. There are doubles (a chair holding 2 people), quads (large, faster version of a double that holds up to 4 riders), and a gondola. Gondolas are large, fast, lifts that are enclosed. Some gondolas are used as mountain transportation vehicles for spectators as well. The construction for most lifts are mainly just a seat or car attached to a thick metal cable which is pulled along a set course with a series of engines and pulley mechanisms.

     Once a rider reaches their desired trail, they now must, of course, ride down to the base lift area. To maintain a reasonable velocity, riders use a series of sharp turns from side to side. This is known as carving and takes almost all riders at least a few days of practice to achieve.

     The steeper the terrain of a trail, the harder it is for a rider to carve without bailing (falling). Trails are ranked from beginner to extremely difficult, with extremely difficult only being suggested for advanced riders.

     Once a rider has successfully carved down the mountain, all that is left to do is get back on the lift and ride again! Riders may wish to try different trail difficulties as they gain experience. More difficult trails may provide a greater adrenaline rush, which is the driving force behind all thrill seekers.

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