• Keep off the dry slopes - they can play havoc with the base of your board. Instead, buy yourself a cheap second hand snowboard for use on dry ski slopes.
• Avoid off piste if powder has fallen on bare ground because it is a good way to destroy the base of your board. Instead, wait until several layers of snow have built up and been compacted beneath the fresh pow. I know, this is like taking a kid to a sweet shop and not letting him inside. Fresh pow is what most of us dream about but, if you are tempted, expect to damage your board - you never now, it may be worth it!
• Watch out for and avoid stones scattered on the pistes, they can cause deep gauges in the base of you snowboard and may even rip it through to it's core.
• Avoid skiers, especially in the lift queues. Skiers have a tendency to plant their ski poles into the deck of your snowboard stuffing up any tasty graphics you may have had. Seriously, clattering into other boarders or skiers in the lift queues will mess up your deck.
• If you are into rails, nose presses, ollies or big air your snowboard is likely to suffer and it is highly unlikely any damage caused will be covered under warranty. If you are precious about your pride and joy, practice using a second hand or cheap snowboard.