Both Skiing and snowboarding require you to prepare in advance ;) No slackers allowed on the slopes, coz to many people are hitting the slopes unprepared for the sport and thats very risky!
I will introduce you to a number of sports-specific exercises that will condition your lower body and torso, and help to improve your flexibility, agility and balance. The snowboarding season isn't here yet, but th sooner we get started teh better (a great beach work-out ;))
Power pushups
The following exercise will strengthen your upper body and, because of the impact involved, it will also prepare your body for the falls you will most likely experience.
Stand a few feet away from a wall. Position your hands on the wall a few inches wider than shoulder width apart. Make sure that your elbows are directly in front or to the inside of your wrists.
Slowly push back, extending your arms so that hands leave the wall. Let gravity bring you back to the wall and contact it in a controlled fashion. Perform eight to 15 repetitions.
As you get stronger, you can increase the intensity of this exercise by slowly moving into a floor power pushup (knees then toes).
Wall rotation stretch
This range-of-motion exercise is very helpful to snowboarders because it’s important that you have the flexibility to look back up the hill to check your blind spots.
In addition, when you fall, your torso will often rotate, causing injury if your body is not conditioned to withstand the ballistic stretch and force.
Stand with your back to the wall, positioning yourself about a foot or so away. Keeping your abdominals contracted and maintaining perfect posture, slowly rotate to your right while reaching your left hand across your body to touch the wall. Hold for two to three seconds. Repeat to the other side. Complete eight to 15 reps each side.
Bar squats
The squat will effectively prepare you for the snowboarding stance.
Start by standing with your feet somewhere between hip and shoulder-width apart. Hold a barbell (or hand weights) in front of you so that it rests on your chest. Set your posture by contracting your abdominals, pressing your chest out and up and your shoulders back and down. Slowly squat while keeping your kneecaps pointing forward - avoid allowing your knees to collapse inward. Keep your weight equally distributed on both feet.
Lower until your upper thighs are parallel to the floor or to a comfortable position. You’ll notice that your upper body will come forward slightly while your buttocks travel backward. Now slowly stand back up. Use a resistance that will allow your muscles to fatigue in eight to 15 repetitions.
Have fun prepping...
Ps Anyway my advise is: Bring lots of Advil .....