This genre of skiing is as old as skiing itself. But thanks to modern media the popularity of this mix of backcountry and freestyle skiing is exploding. So here is everything you need to know about freeride skiing and how you can get into it.
What is Freeride Skiing?
According to the Freeride World Tour, freeride skiing it is a style of skiing that takes place off-piste, in unnatural, ungroomed terrain in the backcountry or side country.
What makes this style of skiing unique is that it takes place on unmarked runs, on the side of a mountain. Skiers either tour, traverse, ride in a snowcat, snowmobile, or helicopter to access this unmarked terrain. It is then up to the skier and their creativity to find a route down the untracked area.
It is popular because it is a great way to access powder skiing and challenging terrain that is unavailable within the ski resort. In fact, it has become so popular there are now competitions
Competitive Freeride Skiing
There are now multiple ways to compete in a freeride skiing competition.
The Freeride World Tour is the highest level of freeride skiing. Each year both male and female ski and snowboard athletes travel around the world to five different stops to compete. In the competition, the riders ski a predetermined face. They have one run and are judged on their line, air and style, fluidity, control, and technique.
In these runs, it is common to see skiers jump off cliffs, trick natural features, and make as few turns as possible.
But you do not have to be a professional to compete in freeride skiing. There are multiple levels of competition perfect for everyone. There are freeride world tour clubs to prepare you for competition, a Freeride Junior Tour, and Freeride World Tour Qualifiers. Also, within this event structure, there are different levels of competition meaning that no matter your skill level you can find a competition right for you.
How to Get Started
The Skills You Need
If you are reading this article chances are you already freeride ski. Just skiing off-piste and taking creative lines is freeride skiing.
But here are the skills you need if you want to ski recreationally or work up to a competitive level.
(Love Skiing? Learn how to be a successful ski bum here.)
Skills You Need for Recreational Freeride Skiing
- Avalanche education
- Able to ski terrain within your ability level confidently
- Know how to ski tour (recommended)
- Good mountain navigation skills
Skills You Need for Competitive Freeride Skiing
- Avalanche education
- Ability to ski advanced to expert terrain confidently
- Good mountain navigation skills
- Strong ski touring skills
- Freestyle skills
- Ability to choose and ski a line
- Backcountry first aid (recommended)
The Gear You Need
Thankfully, no matter what level you want to ski at most of the gear for freeride skiing is universal. Again some gear will change depending on the terrain you are in.
- Avalanche Safety Gear
- Beacon: transmits your location in case of an avalanche.
- Shovel: gives you the ability to dig out a partner in an avalanche.
- Probe: helps you find your partner if buried and check snowpack.
- A strong understanding of how to use them
- Airbag (recommend)
- Freeride Skis
- Skins
- Poles
- Boots
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Sunglasses (for the way up)
- Baselayers
- Waterproof outer layers
- Extra gloves and layers for if you get cold
- Basic medical kit
The Best Location for Freeride Skiing
The best location for freeride skiing is somewhere with a lot of snow and access to great terrain, such as the Alps, North America, and Japan. Freeride skiers usually come from areas with very steep ski resorts that get a lot of snow.
You can access this terrain in multiple ways. The easiest is to go to a ski resort with great terrain, backcountry, and sidecountry access. The second option is to ski in the backcountry. Albeit, this option is more dangerous and has more variables, but the terrain can be better. To access this you can either ski tour, ride a snowmobile, take a snowcat, or take a helicopter.
At the end of the day, the best location for depends on you and the style of skiing you want to do.
Start Having More Fun in The Mountains Today
Freeride skiing is incredibly fun. It’s a creative approach to skiing that mixes freestyle, backcountry touring, and big mountain skiing. So, get your avalanche education, get prepared, and grab some friends and head out. This style of skiing will open up a door to new adventures you may have never thought possible.
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