What is Snokido?
Snokido is a new hybrid winter sport that combines elements of snowboarding and parkour. The name “Snokido” is a portmanteau of “snow” and “parkour”. Similar to snowboarding, Snokido is performed on snow-covered terrain using a snowboard. However, unlike traditional snowboarding which focuses on riding down slopes, Snokido incorporates parkour-inspired tricks and maneuvers like jumps, vaults, climbs and traverses.
History of Snokido
The sport of Snokido began gaining popularity in the late 2010s as more extreme winter sports were on the rise. It originated in Norway, where a group of friends who enjoyed both snowboarding and parkour started experimenting by bringing parkour moves to the snow. Videos of their tricks and runs went viral online in 2020, sparking global interest in the new sport. That winter, the first unofficial Snokido competitions were held in Norway and Sweden. In 2022, Snokido was recognized as an official winter sport by the International Winter Sports Federation.
Equipment for Snokido
The basic equipment needed for Snokido is similar to snowboarding:
- Snowboard: For Snokido, a freestyle snowboard with some flex is generally preferred over a stiffer carving board. The board should have good edge grip for climbs and landings.
- Boots: Insulated snowboard boots with sturdy ankle support are essential for jumps and landings.
- Bindings: Standard snowboard bindings that securely attach the boots to the board. Mid-flex bindings allow for mobility.
- Helmet: An ABS snow sports helmet is mandatory for head protection during tricks.
- Goggles: Goggles help prevent eye injuries from falling snow or debris.
- Clothing: Insulated snow pants, jacket, gloves and neck gaiter provide warmth and flexibility.
While not required, some advanced Snokido athletes also use climbing gear like harnesses, ropes and crash pads for high-elevation tricks. Proper safety equipment is highly recommended, as falls from heights can occur.
Learning Snokido
Like snowboarding, the basics of Snokido such as sliding, turning and stopping on a snowboard must be mastered before incorporating parkour elements. Beginners should:
- Take a group or private lesson to learn snowboarding fundamentals on gentle slopes.
- Practice basic parkour skills like vaults, jumps and climbs on grass or an indoor park before trying them on snow.
- Start small with low-level parkour tricks like snowboard jumps and vaults over natural features.
- Only progress to higher tricks after gaining confidence on easier maneuvers.
- Consider taking a guided Snokido clinic or lesson to learn techniques safely from experienced athletes.
- Use crash pads and spotters when practicing new, high-risk tricks to prevent injury.
Mastering Snokido takes time and it’s important not to advance too quickly. With regular practice of progressively harder tricks, most can achieve an intermediate Snokido level within a few winters.
Places for Snokido
As Snokido grows in popularity, more resorts are developing terrain features and parks designed specifically for the sport:
- Hafjell Bike Park (Norway): Considered the birthplace of Snokido, this bike park has jumps, drops and technical zones for all abilities.
- Trysil Snøpark (Norway): A large park dedicated to freestyle snow sports with features for beginners to experts.
- Åre Bike Park (Sweden): Rolling terrain and a mix of natural and constructed features in a picturesque mountain setting.
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Canada): Challenging terrain and the “Natural Progression” feature park for pushing limits.
- Snowbasin Resort (USA): Large open bowls and gladed trails ideal for linking tricks together on natural terrain.
- Niseko United (Japan): World-class halfpipes, jibs and jumps in a spectacular volcanic mountain environment.
For those just getting started, smaller local ski areas may have gentler terrain suitable for beginning Snokido as the sport expands in popularity.
Future of Snokido
With the first official Snokido competitions now being held, the future looks bright for the emerging winter sport. As more athletes dedicate themselves to progressing Snokido tricks to new levels, the sport will likely gain mainstream recognition. In the 2026 Winter Olympics, Snokido may be included as a medal event. Brands are starting to sponsor professional Snokido athletes as the market for Snokido gear and apparel grows. With a unique blend of snowboarding and parkour, Snokido promises exciting developments in coming years as riders continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on snow.
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