Level Rails

• Level rails are the simplest of all snowboard rails. They consist of a single rail which has been levelled to parallel the horizontal. This is the best rail for beginners to attempt to grind. On the other hand, since it is the most basic structure, it provides a good platform for more advanced snowboarders to perform more difficult tricks such as spins and switchbacks.
  
  

Sloped Rails

• Sloped rails are one step above level rails in terms of difficulty. The structure of sloped rails is almost identical to that of level rails, with the exception that sloped rails are canted along the angle of the hill instead of being oriented to parallel horizontal. Sloped rails are moderately easy to grind, but are faster than level rails because of gravity.
  
  

Curved Rails

• Curved rails can be oriented along a flatter area of the slope or on the slope itself. The downhill end is usually lower than the uphill end, giving it a net downward cant, but the appeal of the curved rail is not in its overall slope. Rather, the curved rail's unique feature is the interior sloping: curved rails swoop upward and downward in a variety of patterns and figures. Curved rails tend to be more difficult.
  
  

Kinked Rails

• Kinked rails combine the features of level rails, sloped rails and curved rails. They consist of alternating sections of level rails and sloped rails, which combine for a multi-sloped total experience similar to a curved rail. The sloped sections vary in steepness and provide additional acceleration at intervals throughout the rail. The most difficult sections of kinked rails to navigate are the kinks themselves, when the course is abruptly redirected.
  
  

Rail Combos

• Rails can also be arranged one after the other down the course of the slope. These combos take advantage of the appeal of each type of rail, and provide a versatile setup that can be tailored to the experience and preferences of each snowboarder, as well as challenge every snowboarder to make the necessary adjustments.