Master the Variables. Shape the Turn.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a perfectly executed carved turn. The feeling of your edge engaging with the snow, your snowboard bending beneath your feet, and your momentum carrying you effortlessly from one turn into the next.
But great carving isn’t simply about leaning farther into a turn. It’s about understanding the relationship between balance, speed, equipment, and the forces that allow us to redirect our momentum.
Welcome to The Art of the Edge, the first installment of our two-part Carving workshop series.
Over two days at Palisades Tahoe, we’ll explore the fundamental variables behind every great carved turn. Through guided experimentation, personalized coaching, and on-snow video analysis, we’ll investigate how inclination and angulation influence balance, how edge angle and pressure affect board performance, and how turn shape allows us to manage speed without relying on skidding.
We’ll also explore how snowboard design, stance configuration, terrain, and snow conditions influence our movement choices, helping you better understand not only what makes a carved turn work, but why.
Whether you’re developing your first consistent carved turns or looking to bring greater precision and confidence to your existing technique, this workshop will help you build a deeper understanding of the relationship between your body, your snowboard, and the mountain.
This workshop has a minimum participation of 4 persons to operate, if minimum participation is not met within 14 days of the start date you will receive a full refund.
AASI Certified Instructors receive an additional discount please inquire.
Thursday | Finding Balance
Understanding the Relationship Between Your Body, Board & Edge
Every great carved turn begins with balance. But as our snowboard tilts, bends, and redirects our momentum, maintaining that balance becomes a dynamic process.
On Day 1, we’ll explore how our movements influence edge angle and how the interaction between our snowboard and the snow supports us throughout a turn. Through guided experimentation, movement analysis, and personalized coaching, we’ll investigate:
- Inclination and angulation, and how they work together to manage balance and edge angle.
- The relationship between snowboard tilt, edge engagement, and the snow’s ability to support our movements.
- How stance configuration and equipment design influence our available movement options.
- How pressure and board flex contribute to the shape of a carved turn.
- Recognizing the difference between balancing over our snowboard and balancing against the forces generated through a turn.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how your body and equipment work together, and how to create the balance necessary for clean, consistent carved turns.
Friday | Shaping the Turn
Managing Momentum Through Turn Shape
Once we understand how to establish and maintain balance, we can begin exploring how to use it to shape our turns.
On Day 2, we’ll investigate the relationship between momentum, edge angle, pressure, and the line we choose to travel down the mountain. We’ll discover how these variables interact throughout the different phases of a turn and how intentional movement allows us to manage speed while maintaining a clean carving edge.
- How momentum and edge angle work together to redirect our snowboard.
- The relationship between sidecut, board flex, and turn radius.
- How pressure changes throughout the phases of a carved turn.
- Managing speed through turn shape rather than relying on skidding.
- Adapting our movements and line choice to changing terrain, pitch, and snow conditions.
We’ll conclude by connecting the discoveries from both days, bringing balance, board performance, and intentional line choice together into a more complete understanding of carving.
The result? Greater confidence, more consistent edge engagement, and the ability to shape your turns with intention rather than simply reacting to the terrain.
Dates: December 17–18, 2026
Location: Palisades Tahoe, California
Price: $600 per participant
Who Can Attend: Intermediate to advanced snowboarders and instructors who are comfortable linking turns on steep blue groomed terrain. Previous carving experience is helpful but not required. Participants should have a willingness to experiment, explore new movement patterns, and challenge familiar habits.
What’s Included
- Two full days of personalized snowboard coaching.
- Guided experimentation and technical exploration of carving fundamentals.
- On-snow video analysis and personalized feedback.
- A Progression Sessions branded gift.
Lift Access
Lift tickets are not included in the workshop price. However, Progression Sessions can extend discounted lift ticket rates to registered participants who need them.
What to Bring
- Your snowboard, boots, bindings, and appropriate winter clothing.
- A helmet and any protective equipment you normally use.
- A properly maintained snowboard with sharp edges.
- Lunch, snacks, and water.
- A little curiosity and a willingness to experiment!
Meeting Time & Location
Meeting time will be 8:30 at either the Palisades Tahoe Village or Alpine Meadows Lodge. Exact location will be shared via TXT message 48hrs before.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans change! Please review our Terms and Conditions for information about cancellations, refunds, and registration policies. If Progression Sessions cancels the workshop, you’ll receive a full refund of your registration payment.