Photo by Otto Solberg
Cliff drops can be intimidating, so we checked in with two-time Junior Freeride World Tour champion Lila Yeoman. The 17-year-old Sandy, Utah–based snowboarder has been shredding Snowbird since she was three and competing in big-mountain events since she was 11. Lila remembers her first air in competition—it was over a wind lip at Grand Targhee Resort when she was around 12. Back at her home resort, she started ticking off cliffs around the mountain, going a little bigger each week. She honed her technique, trained to get her body stronger, and watched, listened, and learned. Last season, after one of the biggest storms of the year, and with more than two feet of fresh snow for the landing, she hit a 45-foot cliff known as Blackjack Crack off Mount Baldy. Now every competition line Lila throws down—many of which land her atop the podium—includes three or four airs or cliff drops.
When you’re comfortable dropping cliffs, your riding becomes way more versatile. In a backcountry situation or a competition, you have more options to get out of spicy situations safely—or just get rad.
Lila’s Tips for Dropping Your First Cliff
Start Small and Steep
Find something a little over head high with a sheer face, so you don’t have to clear any hazards. Start with a rock cliff instead of a cornice, which requires backcountry knowledge.
Know Your Landing and Takeoff
Check the steepness of the landing; if it’s too flat, the impact could be jarring. If the snow is deep, check to make sure there aren’t any rocks hidden beneath. Check the runout for trees, moguls, and icy spots. Pack down the takeoff and look for any rocks that might catch your base as you go over the lip.
Speed is Your Friend
My dad says that if you think you’re going too fast, go faster. Don’t be afraid to put a lot of energy into it. Go straight at it with speed and confidence.
Takeoff
As you reach the lip, don’t just roll off—pop! Extend your legs and push up off the snow. You’ll have more control once you’re in the air.
Airborne
Stay centered and aim for the fall line. If you need to adjust midair, aim downhill. You want to land on your toes, where you have more control. Doing a grab helps. That way you can keep yourself centered and balanced.
Landing
Be aware of your location relative to the ground, get in riding position, and suck in your body before you make contact.
Progression
Once you’re consistently landing ten-foot cliffs with ease, try going bigger. And remember, the cliff isn’t going anywhere—you can always come back.