Imagine you’re a freeride ski beginner standing on top of a snow-covered mountain peak, far away from busy slopes. All you see ahead of you is untouched powdery snow, ready to be explored. Freeriding means pure freedom and adventure away from prepared slopes. In this blog, you’ll find useful expert tips to help you get started with freeride skiing. One thing is sure: this exciting sport requires experience, knowledge of the mountains and, above all, the right equipment.
What is freeride skiing?
Freeriding means skiing in open terrain away from the marked slopes in a ski resort. Without prepared snow or signposts in blue, red or black, freeriding is a mixture of adventure and experiencing nature. This type of skiing demands both technical skills as well as an in-depth understanding of the alpine environment. Freeriding isn’t just possible for skiers but also for snowboarders, although the freeriding techniques vary slightly.
Freeriding vs. skiing: the terrain makes all the difference
Since the 1990s, freeriding has become a real hype among winter sports enthusiasts. It’s significantly different from skiing on the piste. Away from a well-prepared slope, the terrain is unpredictable and can harbour hidden dangers. There are no markings or safety measures such as nets or barriers. Off-piste, you ski between trees that separate two slope sections. This means that a branch or debris may suddenly appear in the deep snow. Unlike the usual descents, you have to be able to read the terrain and spot potential dangers such as rocks, trees or cliffs ahead of time. Would you like to start with ski touring? Then our blog article on ski touring for beginners is a must-read.
How dangerous is freeriding?
Freeride skiing can be very dangerous if you’re unprepared or underestimate the risks. However, with the right preparation and equipment, you can minimise the dangers. You need to be aware that the risks away from the prepared slopes are different, including avalanche danger. Find out about the current avalanche situation and how to minimise avalanche risk.
Tips for more safety for freeride ski beginners
If you’re new to freeride skiing, there are certain things you should bear in mind when skiing off-piste to get off to a safe and successful start. If you follow these steps, nothing will stand in the way of your deep-snow adventure.
Preparing for freeriding:
- Freeride courses: a course can teach you the basics and help you to navigate safely in open terrain. Professional guides will show you the best freeride techniques and share useful tips.
- Freeride technique: get used to the technique by starting on flat terrain. Make sure you thoroughly practise skiing in deep snow and mastering uneven terrain.
- Current weather conditions: find out about the weather in the mountains and adjust your plans if necessary. Bad weather can significantly change visibility and snow conditions.
- Avalanche course: this course is essential to understand the basics of avalanche awareness and how to respond correctly in the event of an avalanche. You’ll learn, for example, how to read an avalanche report and how to adapt your route accordingly.
For off-piste skiing:
- Slowly approach steeper and more challenging slopes during your deep-snow tour. Start with easy routes and gradually increase the level of difficulty.
- Explore the area you’re skiing in.
- Maps and GPS devices can help you to navigate open terrain.
- Ski with caution and avoid unnecessary risks.
- Carry a first aid kit
Expert tip: freeride skiing is not only more fun in a group, it’s also safer this way. In a group, you minimise the risk of being alone at icy heights in the event of an avalanche or a fall. In an emergency, your friends can help you and vice versa. Make sure you gather your Alpine Trekker team and start your adventure in fresh snow!
Away from the slopes, away from the rules?
Freeride skiing doesn’t just mean going off-piste and doing whatever you please. Just like on “normal” slopes, there are rules in deep snow that you should follow to protect yourself and other skiers. Make sure you follow these five basic rules of freeride skiing:
- Just like on a prepared slope, you should look out for your fellow skiers.
- Keep a safe distance from others and don’t ski directly behind each other. This way, you can split up in dangerous situations.
- If you see someone who has fallen or is in any kind of trouble, use your equipment to help this person quickly.
- Pay attention to warning signs and never ignore barriers that indicate off-limit areas.
- Timing is key. If the weather looks like it may change or if it’s already late in the day, better postpone your tour to another day.
What are the yellow slopes all about?
In some ski resorts, there are yellow descents in addition to the standard blue, red and black slopes. A yellow slope is an unprepared descent. It’s protected from avalanches but otherwise not prepared. These are particularly suitable for beginners who are not yet confident in unsecured terrain.
Where am I allowed to freeride ski?
The Alps are not only known for their world-class descents and well-developed skiing infrastructure, they also offer deep-snow enthusiasts countless kilometres of freeride ski areas. Some parts can be reached by ski lifts or cable cars. A lot of the time, however, you have to make your own way up the steep slopes and into deep-snow areas. In this case, skis that are suitable for both powder and ski touring are ideal. Some highlights of European ski resorts include:
- Chamonix, France: an oasis for skiers with numerous off-piste options.
- Verbier, Switzerland: known for its challenging freeride routes and breathtaking views.
- St. Anton, Austria: offers numerous freeriding routes for all skill levels.
- La Grave, France: a paradise for more experienced winter sports enthusiasts with extreme descents.
- Andermatt, Switzerland: an insider tip for freeriders looking for untouched nature with less frequented routes.
Freeride skiing with respect for nature
No matter where you’re skiing – nature has priority. Make sure that you stay away from designated nature reserves. These could be home to animals or rare plant species under the snow. Travelling to the ski resort by public transport also reduces your ecological footprint. Good to know: the German Alpine Association (DAV) is committed to protecting nature and the climate.
What do I need for freeride skiing?
Make sure you have the following freeride ski clothing, equipment etc. to ensure that you’re safe and well equipped in powder snow. Ideally, you should test your freeriding equipment in a “normal” ski area before you head off-piste:
- Avalanche transceiver
- Shovel and probe
- Ski helmet and goggles
- Avalanche backpack with airbag system
- Freeride skis
- Ski poles
- Crampons
- Freeride ski clothing
- Gaiters
Are you curious and want to experience the freedom of freeride skiing? As a freeride beginner, you’ll find the perfect equipment for everything you need for freeriding in our Alpinetrek shop. With our guide, you’ll be perfectly prepared to tackle unprepared slopes. Have fun!
