So every time I go snowboarding, my legs will start to feel tired after about 2 or 3 hours of riding.

Last year I thought I was pretty pro after I survived a black run (lol), but this year I bought my first oneniter pass and I've been trying to learn as much as I can on the mountain. But after the first 2 or 3 hours, my legs basically are weak to the point that I have a hard time just ollie off flat ground.

My legs start burning whenever I start practicing...anything...180s, butters, manuals, carving (i think it's carving)... all tire the crap outta me =( 

Is it just me or do you guys feel a bit tired as well?  My friend says that my board is to blame because I bought a really stiff board (Option Jordan Mendenhall).  I think that's part of the reason too, because I can only do manual for like ONE second even if I nollie first and throw all of my weight on my back leg, the board will basically snap back no matter what.

But are there any exercises I can do to strengthen my legs so I can make more use of my 6 hours on the slopes?

Sounds like you need a softer board if you are practicing ground tricks. Also the size of the board is probably a bit long from what I am hearing.
But 2-3 hours is long, it is not like you get tired after 30 mins. Exercises like squats and leg press will build up your legs immediately. Also work on your core muscles such as back and stomach, do crunches, back and abdominal cable exercises if you have access to machines.

squats and snowboarding in general will get you in shape if you do it a couple times a week.  I think everyone gets tired sooner the first couple times of the season

equipment issues aside...in general, stretch all your muscles real good before you strap in.  First hour, just cruise around to warm up your muscles and let your equipment warm up, too...don't start spas'ing out tricks on your first run

next few hours will be your best...anything after that and even most in-shape people will be slowing down, if they're riding hard

I ride seven hour days once a week, sometimes twice...and I'm always wiped by the fifth hour, so I just don't go as aggressive after that.  I think what really helps me a lot, too, is I bring a camelback full of water and a few energy bars.  I sip the water on the lifts throughout the session and keep a constant source of energy by eating an energy bar every couple of hours...don't substitute those for a real lunch, though.

(...and, if you go the water pack route, don't worry about it weighing you down.  By the time you're really peaking, the water should be half gone)





[Edited by snurfer on 3/16/2009 at 6:42 PM]

Take the stairs whenever possible. I take the stairs at my office at least once a day (I work on the 22nd floor). People think I'm nuts, but it only takes 6-7 minutes and is really good for leg strength.

I do squats and lunges too (had to do them to rehab my knee after surgery). I have worked them into my daily routine and do squats while brushing my teeth or waiting alone at the bus stop.

Thanks a lot for all of these great inputs, I will try to add these squats and lunges into my gym routine.

Posted by SnowProfessor
Take the stairs whenever possible. I take the stairs at my office at least once a day (I work on the 22nd floor). People think I'm nuts, but it only takes 6-7 minutes and is really good for leg strength.

I do squats and lunges too (had to do them to rehab my knee after surgery). I have worked them into my daily routine and do squats while brushing my teeth or waiting alone at the bus stop.

keep it up. my greatgrandma kept taking stairs instead of the elevator til she was in her mid 90s - its a great way to keep in shape.