When winter arrives and blankets the streets in a thick layer of snow, most skateboarders reluctantly tuck their boards into the back of the closet. The icy asphalt, slushy sidewalks, and freezing temperatures seem like the ultimate signs to call it quits until spring. However, a snow day does not have to mean a day without your board. With a little creativity and a willingness to look at skateboarding through a slightly altered lens, the winter wonderland can become your brand new playground. Here are several quirky, innovative ways to keep rolling, sliding, and flipping when the weather turns freezing.
The Evolution of the SnowskateThe most direct way to conquer a snow day is to trade your traditional setup for a snowskate. A snowskate is essentially a hybrid between a skateboard and a snowboard. There are two primary styles available for riders looking to brave the cold. The single-deck snowskate is a solid piece of grooved plastic or treated wood that looks exactly like a skateboard without wheels, designed for riding directly on top of packed snow. The bi-deck snowskate features a standard skateboard deck mounted on top of a single, sub-deck ski. This setup allows for deeper carves and higher speeds down snowy hills. Investing in one of these hybrid boards opens up a completely new discipline of board sports right in your backyard, allowing you to perform kickflips and shuv-its directly onto a cushion of fresh powder.
Building a Backyard Snow ParkIf you prefer to keep your traditional skateboard safe from the wet weather, you can use the snow itself to build a custom skatepark. Shoveling snow into tight mounds allows you to pack down the slush to create customized ramps, banks, and quarters. By spraying water over the packed snow and letting it freeze, you can create a durable, solid structure that can withstand the weight of a rider. For a unique twist, you can embed everyday objects into the snow mounds. A sturdy PVC pipe, an old wooden bench, or a flat metal rail can be frozen securely into a block of snow to create a perfectly stable ledge or grind rail. This approach transforms your backyard into a temporary winter wonderland of street spots without risking damage to your favorite wooden deck on damp concrete.
The Indoor Carpet Board SessionWhen the blizzard conditions outside are simply too harsh to endure, you can bring the skate session entirely indoors. By removing the wheels and trucks from an old, retired skateboard deck, you create the ultimate “carpet board.” Stripping the heavy hardware away leaves you with a lightweight piece of wood covered in grip tape. This setup is ideal for practicing flatground tricks directly on a living room rug or a carpeted basement floor. The friction of the carpet replaces the roll of the wheels, allowing you to master the foot mechanics of complicated flip tricks without the fear of the board slipping out from underneath you. It is an excellent way to maintain your muscle memory, build ankle strength, and break a sweat while watching your favorite skate videos inside where it is warm.
Tire Tube Towing and Urban SleddingFor those who crave speed and have access to a safe, closed-off snowy hill, a standard skateboard deck can be repurposed into a high-speed urban sled. By removing the trucks and wrapping the bottom of the deck with heavy-duty plastic or applying a generous layer of snowboard wax, you can significantly reduce the friction against the snow. Riders can sit or kneel on the deck, using their hands to guide the board down gentle inclines. For an even quirkier thrill, a long rope can be attached to the nose of a wheel-less board. A friend can then pull the rider across flat, snow-covered parking lots or soccer fields, mimicking the sensation of being towed behind a boat on a wakeboard. It provides a thrilling rush of adrenaline that closely replicates the speed of summer skating.
Preserving Your Equipment in the ColdEngaging in these winter activities requires a bit of caution regarding your gear. Traditional skateboard decks are made of layered maple wood held together by water-based glues. Exposure to moisture from snow will cause the wood to warp, waterlog, and lose its pop, while the delicate steel bearings inside your wheels will quickly rust if they are not dried immediately. If you choose to use a standard skateboard with wheels on icy patches, always dedicate an old “beater” board specifically for winter use. Keep your premium setup safely indoors. Taking the time to wipe down your equipment with a dry towel immediately after a session ensures that your gear survives the winter elements intact.
Winter does not have to signal the end of your skateboarding progression. By adapting your equipment, embracing DIY snow construction, or moving the session indoors, you can keep the spirit of skateboarding alive all year round. These quirky adaptations provide a refreshing break from the usual routine and teach you to look at winter weather as an invitation to innovate rather than a restriction. When the next big storm rolls through, grab an old deck, head outside, and redefine what it means to skate in the snow
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