How to Strap In Without Falling Over

Strapping in looks easy until you try it on a slope, in the cold, with people watching. Beginners often spend 10 minutes at the top of every run wrestling with their bindings. Here's how to do it in 90 seconds, every time.

The Sit-Down Method (For Beginners)

1. Find a flat spot or face uphill. Never strap in on a downhill slope facing down — the board will slide.
2. Sit down with the board across the fall line (across the slope, not pointing down).
3. Front foot first. Put your boot in the binding, ankle strap first, then toe strap. Tighten ankle (most important), then toe.
4. Back foot second. Same sequence.
5. Stand up. Roll onto your knees, push up to standing.

The Stand-Up Method (Once You're Comfortable)

Place the board flat across the slope. Stand on top of it with your front foot already strapped. Lean against your front leg, lift your back foot, slide it into the binding, strap. Done in 30 seconds.

Tricks That Help

• Loosen all four straps the moment you sit down on the lift. Frozen straps don't ratchet.
• Keep snow out of the binding base. Brush it off before stepping in.
• Front foot stays strapped when getting off the chair. Skate-pushing with the back foot through the lift exit is normal.