— From Basics to Progression in the Snow Park

With the growth of ski culture, alpine skiing is no longer limited to carving and speed. Freestyle skiing emphasizes skill, creativity, and personal style, especially in terrain parks, where tricks become a skier’s way of self-expression. This article provides a systematic introduction to common freestyle skiing tricks for twin-tip skis, from beginner to advanced levels.

1. Aerial Flips

Flips are among the most visually impressive freestyle skiing tricks and are usually performed off kickers.

Common Types

Backflip – the most classic and widely learned flip

Frontflip – requires more precise takeoff and confidence

Double Flip – two consecutive flips, considered an advanced trick

Key Technique Points

A stable, vertical takeoff is essential

Rotation should come from core engagement, not from throwing the head

Spot the landing early and prepare for impact

Note: Flips carry a high risk and should be learned with professional coaching or on air bags.

2. Spins

Spins are a core element of freestyle skiing. They can be performed alone or combined with flips and grabs.

Common Spin Degrees

180 / 360 – beginner-level spins

540 / 720 – common intermediate tricks

900 / 1080 and beyond – advanced and competition-level rotations

Key Concepts

Forward spins

Switch takeoff spins

Off-axis spins – add style and complexity to tricks

3. Grabs

Grabs involve grabbing the ski in the air with one hand and are essential for style and control.

Common Grab Types

Mute – front hand grabs the outside of the ski

Safety – rear hand grabs the inside of the ski

Japan – front hand reaches over the knee to grab the ski

Tail / Nose Grab – grabbing the tail or tip of the ski

Why Grabs Matter

Increase trick difficulty

Improve aerial stability

Greatly enhance visual style

4. Jump / Kicker Tricks

Jump features (Kickers) are the foundation for most freestyle tricks.

Common Trick Combinations

Straight air + grab

Spin + grab

Flip + spin

Switch takeoff tricks

Fundamental Principles

Stay centered over the skis at takeoff

Avoid jumping too early or collapsing posture

Absorb the landing with bent knees

5. Rail Slides

Rails are a defining feature of terrain parks and test balance and board control.

Common Rail Tricks

50-50 – sliding straight with skis parallel

Boardslide – skis perpendicular to the rail

270 On / 270 Out – rotating onto or off the rail

Key Technique Tips

Keep weight centered between both feet

Look toward the rail exit

Avoid engaging ski edges on the rail

6. Box Slides

Boxes are wider and flatter than rails, making them ideal for beginners.

What to Practice on Boxes

Basic sliding techniques

Switch box entries

Simple spin-on and spin-off tricks

Boxes are a crucial stepping stone between beginner park riding and advanced rail tricks.

7. Switch Skiing

Switch skiing refers to skiing backward, using the non-dominant stance.

Applications of Switch

Switch takeoffs

Switch landings

Switch rail and box slides

Mastering switch skiing significantly expands trick combinations and overall freestyle ability.

8. Butter Tricks (Nose / Tail Presses)

Butter tricks are flat-ground maneuvers that rely on ski flex and body coordination.

Common Butter Tricks

Nose Butter

Tail Butter

Butter 180 / 360

Characteristics

No jumps required

Strong emphasis on style

Excellent for filming and skill development

Conclusion

Freestyle twin-tip skiing is not just about tricks—it is a form of movement art that combines technique, creativity, and snow feel. Whether it’s aerial flips, spinning off kickers, or stylish butters on the snow, every trick helps define a skier’s unique style.

Safety always comes first. Style comes second. Progress never stops.