Carving Safety

Carving Safety: Dave Redman’s Tips for a Long, Gnarly Season

Posted on by Katie Tsuyuki
Rider in orange and red suit carving an alpine board on their heels and toes
25
Aug

Carving across the fall line is one of snowboarding’s most thrilling experiences. Dropping trenches and linking clean arcs on a Donek board feels like flying—but it also demands awareness, skill, and respect for others on the mountain.

To help riders enjoy a long, injury-free season, we’ve teamed up with Dave Redman, the head organizer of the Montucky Clear Cut (MCC) carving event. With years of carving wisdom and community leadership under his belt, Dave has shared his best carving safety tips so you can ride hard and stay safe.

Dave Redman’s Carving Safety Tips for Snowboarders

  1. Ride Connected – Use Cardo communication systems for hands-free check-ins with your crew. Watching each other’s backs keeps everyone safer.
  2. Signal Clearly – If spotting for a rider from below, make a circle with your arms for “clear” or cross them in an “X” to warn of traffic.
  3. Look Uphill Often – Every other turn, glance uphill to stay aware of approaching traffic.
  4. Ride MCC-Style – At Montucky Clear Cut, passing isn’t allowed. This no-passing rule creates one of the safest spaces for carvers.
  5. Be Patient – Let traffic go by before you commit to big, sweeping turns.
  6. Mind the Merge Zones – Be extra thoughtful in merging areas or near lift bases. Riders there are often distracted by lift lines.
  7. Stand Out – Wear high-visibility colors that contrast with snow and trees. Avoid earth tones that blend into terrain.
  8. Skip the Crowds – Avoid heavy weekend traffic. Ride weekdays when slopes are clearer.
  9. Start Early – Morning runs mean wide-open trails and the best carving conditions.
  10. Shift Your Lunch Break – Eat early or late to carve during less crowded lunch hours.
  11. Ride Late Afternoon – Between 3 p.m. and lift close, slopes usually thin out for better carving lines.
  12. Choose Smaller Resorts – Skip the big Epic and Ikon resorts. Independent mountains often mean less traffic and a better carving vibe.

Why Carving Safety Matters

At Donek, we build snowboards for riders who love powerful carving. But even the most advanced board can’t replace smart, safe riding habits. Carving across the fall line takes more space and speed than casual riding, which means safety is key—not only for you but for everyone sharing the slope.

Following Dave Redman’s carving safety guide helps you:

  • Reduce the risk of collisions
  • Make smarter use of space on crowded trails
  • Stay visible and predictable to other riders
  • Extend your season by avoiding preventable injuries

FAQs About Carving Safety

What are the best safety tips for carving on a snowboard?

The best safety tips include staying visible with bright clothing, looking uphill every other turn, using clear hand signals when spotting riders, and carving during low-traffic times like early mornings or late afternoons.

How do I avoid collisions when carving?

To avoid collisions, always be aware of other riders by scanning uphill, be patient when traffic is heavy, and never carve aggressively through merging trails or near lift bases. Carving takes up more space than casual riding, so give yourself room.

Is Montucky Clear Cut a safe event for carvers?

Yes. Montucky Clear Cut (MCC) is one of the safest carving events because passing is not allowed. This rule creates an environment where riders can focus on clean, powerful turns without worrying about being cut off.

When is the best time to carve for safety?

Early mornings, late afternoons, and during lunch hours are the best times for safe carving. Crowds are thinner, giving you more space to lay down turns across the fall line.

Why should snowboard carvers avoid large Epic or Ikon resorts?

Epic and Ikon resorts are often overcrowded, which makes carving safely difficult. Smaller, independent mountains usually offer more open space and a better carving experience.

Ride Hard. Ride Safe. Ride Donek.

Carving is about flow, freedom, and fun. With Donek’s precision-engineered boards and Dave Redman’s carving safety wisdom, you can push your limits while keeping yourself and others safe.

So this season, tune your edges, ride with intention, and carve smart. And if you’re looking for the ultimate carving community, don’t miss the Montucky Clear Cut, where riders from around the world celebrate carving at its best.

Donek Snowboards: Built for Carvers. Trusted by Riders.

Katie Tsuyuki

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