What are those fast movements snowriders make before they ride rails, boxes, and any terrain park features?

Question

are they called skidded turns... they look like small S's

Answer 1

They're  just carves or fast turns to gain speed before they jump up on the rails

You need to get speed before you jump

Answer 2

Its called speedchecking.  

Its so you hit the jump at the right speed.  

Turning slows you down, it doesn't speed you up.

Answer 3

ITS CALLED A SPEED CHECK FOLKS .    It is simply the rider making sure he or she doesnt have to much speeed to hit the    jump/rail/box.      THis is not done to gain speed. This is done to slow you down, pay no attention to the tan blonde Pls