Tips From The Team: Levelling Up From Boxes To Rails

This year’s Rhythm Rail Jam got you all amped up and ready to try out rails and boxes for the first time?

We love that! But before you do, here’s a few handy tips and tricks that Rhythm Rides resident ripper Bode thinks you should keep in mind.

Tip 1 - GET FULLY COMFORTABLE ON BOXES

"Before touching rails, you should be able to:

 • Pop 90° onto a wide box

 • Stay centered through the entire slide

 • 90° off without catching an edge

 • Ride away flat and stable

Start on wide boxes, then gradually progress to narrower ones. If you’re still making balance corrections mid-slide or washing out on the dismount, spend more time here.

Watch edits and pay attention to how relaxed experienced skiers look on features. That calm, quiet upper body is the benchmark."

Tip 2 - SET YOUR ROTATION IN THE AIR

"A common mistake is rotating on top of the feature instead of in the air.

On approach:

 • Stay flat-based

 • Make a small, controlled pop

 • Rotate 90° before your skis touch down

You should already be sideways when you land. Setting your rotation in the air creates a stable platform and prevents the last-second pivots that often cause slips on rails."

Tip 3 - Get Flat

"Rails require a truly flat ski base.

On boxes, focus on:

 • Even pressure across both skis

 • Slight knee bend

 • Soft, mobile ankles

 • Level, quiet shoulders

Even subtle edging builds habits that won’t transfer well to round rails. Boxes are forgiving; rails are not. Develop flat-base awareness early."

Tip 4 - Narrow The Margin Gradually

"Avoid jumping straight from wide boxes to rails.

Progress in stages:

 • Wide box

 • Narrow box

 • Down box

As features become narrower and less forgiving, your balance must become more precise. Narrow and down boxes quickly expose tendencies like leaning back or over-rotating. If you can consistently pop on, stay centered, and ride away cleanly from these, you’re developing the control needed for rails."

Tip 5 - Start With The Right Rail

"Choose your first rail carefully:

 • Flat (no down)

 • Straight (no kinks)

 • Low to the ground

Approach it exactly like a narrow box: consistent speed, small pop, and full commitment to landing already sideways. Avoid overthinking it simply because it’s steel.

Most early rail falls happen due to hesitation — leaning back slightly, checking speed at the last moment, or trying to adjust mid-slide. Choose your speed, commit to the movement, and stay centered over your feet. Confidence supports balance."

Tip 6 - KEEP YOUR UPPER BODY CALM

"Instability on rails often starts with the upper body.

Focus on:

 • Looking toward the end of the rail

 • Keeping shoulders aligned with your skis

 • Avoiding sudden or exaggerated arm movements

Your lower body should handle the fine balance adjustments while your torso stays stacked and steady over your feet. If your shoulders begin to twist or your arms start swinging, your skis will follow. Think stable core, relaxed arms, and controlled movements. A calm upper body leads to a more predictable and consistent slide."

Tip 5 -  DON’T FORGET THE DISMOUNT

"Many falls happen at the end of the feature.

As you exit:

 • Slightly unweight

 • Rotate 90° cleanly

 • Land flat and balanced

Avoid aggressively engaging your edges off the rail, as this can cause your skis to hook. A smooth, controlled ride-away is a sign that your positioning was solid from start to finish."