Best Snowboarding Songs

Snowboarding and music go hand-in-hand. The freedom and expression that we all get when we’re out on the snow can often be matched (and even enhanced) by a good rhythm or beat.

As you find your flow on the mountain, listening to music can make an already enjoyable experience even better.

First, a small disclaimer before I get into some of the best snowboarding songs to listen to out on the slopes.

My name is Lorraine, and I’m a certified snowboard instructor. These are some of my personal favorites and I would give them a listen if you haven’t heard them before to see what you think.

Even so, everyone has different tastes and you should work to find your own groove. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what type of music you listen to as long as it makes you feel good while you do it.

A Quick Word on Safety

Many snowboarders, myself included, listen to music when riding. It’s fun, exciting, and can keep you focused on your flow regardless of your ability level or how you like to ride.

Headphones or earbuds, whether they are wireless or old school, are the way we all listen to music on the mountain. That being said, wearing headphones effectively blocks out much of the surrounding noise. That can be quite dangerous.

When I’m on the chair lift or riding in a big crowd, I typically take my headphones off or at least pause the music.

I’d advise you to do the same. That will allow you to be more aware of your surroundings and enable you to act more quickly if anything happens that needs your attention, like an emergency on the lift or an out-of-control rider coming your way from across the run.

Riding with music is amazing, but there are certain situations where you probably shouldn’t put your headphones on. Use your best judgment to make the decision whether to ride with your music in or out.

Also Read: Best Snowboard Helmet with Bluetooth

Best Genres

Before we get into my personal favorite songs for snowboarding, let’s take a look at some great music genres to listen to when you ride. Again, you might have a preference that I don’t list here – don’t hate me for it!

All of the following options are a great place to get started if you’re looking to make a snowboarding playlist.

Reggae

I love riding to reggae. There’s just something so smooth and effortless about the genre that works well for boarding. Plus, it’s hard not to listen to reggae with a smile on your face.

The same can be said about riding, which is why the two go perfectly together. I like old school reggae, (pre-Marley era) but if you’re looking to explore the classics and get started, check out anything by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is another extremely popular genre of music in the snowboarding scene. There’s nothing like bumping a thick beat while you carve down a mountain. It’s an energetic music style that always has rhythm and flow.

There’s an endless amount of Hip Hop artists I could recommend, but one of my favorite records to ride to is Aquemini by Outkast.

Rock and Roll

Good old Rock and Roll always amps people up. If you’re looking for loud, in-your-face music to match an aggressive riding style, it’s hard to do better than rock. This is a great way to tap into your inner rock star and truly go big.

Some of my personal favorite Rock and Roll bands include Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin. I especially like to turn up the volume and ride to Rock when I’m in the park.

Best Snowboarding Songs

Ok, now onto the list. Here are my top 10 favorite songs to jam when I’m boarding. These make a great playlist, and you can get them on Spotify or another digital music service.

10. Ramble On – Led Zeppelin

This is a great song the first time you listen to it, but the steady groove and driving feel make it an awesome jam on the mountain. Perfect for your warm-up laps or when you’re cruising on the snow.

9. King Kunta – Kendrick Lamar

This one groove. If you want a song that will instantly make you bob your head and get into the flow on the snow, this is it. Kendrick Lamar is one of the best Hip Hop artists of his generation, and this song is one of my favorites by him.

8. Pressure Drop – Toots & the Maytals

This is another song that just gets you in the mood to move. An old school reggae classic with nonstop energy, Pressure Drop will encourage you to fly down the snow in any style you choose.

7. Get Free – Major Lazer

This song is as smooth as it gets. With a reggae one-drop backbeat and a captivating hook that immediately pulls you in, there are few days on the snow that go by without this one in my ears.

6. Cowboy Song – Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy is probably my favorite Rock and Roll band of all time, and this one hits whenever I ride. It starts off slow, but then turns up into a steady electric guitar-backed anthem that will get you pumped up in no time.

5. B.O.B (Bombs Over Baghdad) – Outkast

This one bumps from the first beat. For instant energy and a steady groove, give this tune a listen the next time you ride. You might even put it on repeat.

4. Thunderstruck – AC/DC

For a rip-roaring rock and roll ride, turn this one up in your headphones. Pure energy from the opening guitar line, I love this one in the half-pipe or any other big park feature.

3. Mr. Carter – Lil Wayne ft. JAY-Z

I love this entire record, but this track has a groove that makes it perfect for snowboarding. With a steady build and killer rhythm, this is a song that will help you tune out the outside world and focus on your riding.

2. Crosstown Traffic – Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix is one of the greatest guitar players of all time. What better way to improve your snowboarding skills than to ride along with one of the greats? This song will get you up and make you feel good.

1. Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley and the Wailers

For the ultimate snowboarding song, listen to Could You Be Loved. This has a joy and vibe to it that, in my opinion at least, captures the essence of the sport. Gritty and groovy with power and substance, this is a top song of all time and just fits in when you are on a board.

Final Words

Music can take a great snowboarding experience and make it even better.

Though every boarder has their own taste or music style, the above genres and songs make a killer playlist that you can listen to time and time again.

Even if they aren’t for you, don’t be afraid to bump your own tunes and see how much more enjoyable they can make an already great sport.

I'm a certified snowboard instructor. My first experience with snowboarding occurred at an indoor resort. One run had me hooked, and it has turned into a lifelong passion ever since then. I'm here to share with you some of the tips and advice I have learned along the way.