Carry a backpack with a shovel, probe and beacon in it and know how to use the beacon and probe. When riding in the mountains you should also have a first aid kit and matches to start a fire if needed. Believe me, it can happen to anybody. Mother Nature can be brutal.
-Troy Johnson
Powder riding is all about balance. Lean too far into a turn and you will wash out, learn to turn the opposite direction before you hit that tipping point and then keep the rhythm back and forth.
-Ryan Nelson
Ride in the neutral position. Jumping from side to side on the sled takes a lot of energy and slows you down through the trees. I ride the sled more like a dirt bike and use foot (or peg) input to effect a change of direction. For example, I can stay over the center of the sled and push down with my left foot and turn the handlebars right for a sharp left turn. And I'm still in a position to make a quick right-hand turn, too.
-Chris Burandt
I live by the one-minute rule. If you are at the top of a drop and you have scoped your line, your sled is ready and it takes more than one minute to get the balls to drop it, it's probably not a good idea.
-Jeremy Simmons
Know your terrain. During a recent snow show I got to talk with several Sledheads about some of their experiences last winter. I was truly amazed at the number of individuals who missed corners, flew off cornices they didn't see, ended up in creek bottoms they didn't know existed and hit a few rocks under the snow. Not only does this cost thousands of dollars in damage, it also poses a serious threat for injury or even death. If you are unfamiliar with an area ask someone who is what types of dangers exist in there. Take time to scout around and notice obstacles that you can see, bumps in the snow are usually tree stumps or rocks waiting to destroy your sled. Slow down and think safety first. If you can get out and see the areas in the summer. Notice large rocks on the hillsides, fallen trees and deep creek beds. Try to make mental notes of these dangers and avoid them in the winter. Knowing your terrain can save your live and thousands of dollars in costly repairs.
-Geoff "Phatty" Dyer