From hills to halfpipes: the story of snowboarding

This children’s article, From hills to halfpipes: the story of snowboarding, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about the history of snowboarding, and discover why it’s such a fun winter sport. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

The cool history of snowboarding

Snowboarding is one of the newest winter sports, but it’s also one of the coolest. It began in the 1960s when a man called Sherman Poppen tied two skis together for his daughters to slide down snowy hills. He called it a “Snurfer” (snow + surfer), and kids loved it.

By the 1980s, snowboarding had grown into a proper sport with better boards, competitions, and fans all over the world. At first, many ski resorts didn’t allow snowboarders because they thought it was too wild. But snowboarding’s popularity kept growing, and today it’s an Olympic sport!

Skiing vs snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding might look similar, but they feel very different. In skiing, you wear two skis (one on each foot) and face forward with poles in your hands. In snowboarding, you strap both feet to one wide board and face sideways, like a surfer or skateboarder.

Some people say skiing is easier to learn at the start, while snowboarding is harder at first but easier later on. Both are fun ways to zoom down snowy mountains, and many kids try both before deciding which they like best.

Competitions and champions

Snowboarding became part of the Winter Olympics in 1998 in Nagano, Japan. Today, there are several events, such as halfpipe, slopestyle, and snowboard cross. The halfpipe is especially popular, where snowboarders fly high into the air and perform tricks.

Big names like Shaun White from the USA and Chloe Kim, also from the USA, have made snowboarding famous worldwide. Their flips, spins, and record-breaking performances have inspired a new generation of riders.

Where to ride the slopes

Snowboarding is best enjoyed on snowy mountains, and there are famous spots all around the world. The Alps in Europe, the Rocky Mountains in North America, and resorts in Japan and New Zealand are all perfect for snowboarding.

Even if you don’t live near mountains, you might find indoor snow centres where you can practise all year round. Whether outdoors on a mountain or inside a snow dome, snowboarding is about fun, freedom, and a little bit of fearless adventure.

Article vocabulary list

• Snowboard: A wide board you stand on to slide down snowy slopes.
• Resort: A place where people go to ski or snowboard, often with hotels and ski lifts.
• Olympics: A world sports competition held every four years.
• Halfpipe: A U-shaped snowy slope where snowboarders do tricks.
• Slopestyle: A snowboard event with jumps, rails, and obstacles.
• Champion: A person who wins a competition.
• Tricks: Special moves, flips, or spins done on a snowboard.
• Slope: A slanted hill or mountain side used for skiing or snowboarding.

Comprehension questions

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