Freeride is the term given to skiing and snowboarding in natural, un-pisted (usually steep and sometimes rocky) terrain. The term freeride is allied with other words such as “Big Mountain” or “Extreme” which are largely used to describe the same activity.
Freeride competition involves being judged on how well you ski or snowboard down a designated “competition face”. At world-class level outstanding performances involve a complex combination of creative line selection, technical off-piste riding and impressive air & style, all wrapped up into one seamless, fast and fluid run down an open, extreme competition face. It can be inspiring and jaw-dropping to watch and very challenging but rewarding to compete and do well.
Click here for a 60 second teaser video from the Freeride World Tour.
Pictured above is Conall Strickland competing in his winning run in the 2018 Coe Cup. This might look daunting to most, but participating in entry-level freeride competition is within the reach of any skier or boarder experienced and competent in challenging offpiste conditions on steep terrain.
See below for further information on:-
- UK and International Freeride Competitions
- The Freeride Performance Training Pathway
- The Freeride Discipline (and its place in backcountry skiing)
If you are interested in freeride from any perspective whether participating, getting involved at the lowest level or following our Scottish Athletes click here to be added to the news mailing list.
UK and International Freeride Competitions
The SCOTTISH FREEDOM SERIES (SFS) is the UK’s established championship freeride competition series comprising 3 separate events for competitors aged 18yrs and older.
The Scottish Freedom Series run by British Freeride supported Snowsport Scotland – for full information please visit https://www.scottishfreedomseries.co.uk
The FREERIDE WORLD TOUR (FWT) is recognised as the legitimate pinnacle of world-class freeride competition offering:-
- The JUNIOR FREERIDE TOUR (JFT) for 12-18yr olds
- The FREERIDE WORLD QUALIFIER (FWQ) series for 18+
- The elite level FREERIDE WORLD TOUR (FWT) open by invitation to those who have proven themselves with solid results on the FWQ series.
Both the tour and the qualifiers have a series of events run as stages in different countries.
GETTING STARTED IN FREERIDE COMPETITION:
British Freeride also run ROOKIE FREERIDE EVENTS, entry-level events accessible to anyone with strong off-piste skills in steeps.
Each competition event is unique. The different venues, topography, snow and weather conditions all culminate in competitions that differ greatly, offering very individual and exciting opportunities to participate.
For more information please visit http://www.britishfreeride.co.uk
Freeride Performance Training Pathway
THE FREERIDE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY
To train and prepare for success in freeride competition, a rider will need to develop skills and knowledge in the 5 judged components of a competitive freeride run, namely:-
- Line Choice
- Fluidity
- Air and Style
- Technique
- Control
In addition a rider will need to develop physical strength, movement literacy and athleticism as well as safety skills and knowledge of freeride judging and scoring systems.
BRITISH FREERIDE deliver the freeride performance training pathway in Scotland. Each year they recruit new talented and aspiring freeriders onto the programme, supporting them to develop their performance skills and compete.
TRAINING SQUADS
British Freeride run a junior and senior training squad. Each focuses on developing 4 core areas:-
- Offpiste Technical Riding Skills: Line Choice, Fluidity, Air & Style, Techniques & Control
- Psychology: Managing pressure, Managing Exposure, Decision Taking.
- Knowledge – Competition Formats, Environment, Safety, Line Choice
- Lifestyle – Strength and Conditioning, Sleep, Nutrition, Lifestyle
As well as receiving training and support, each squad member uses the British Freeride performance tracker which allows trainees to self-assess their skills and knowledge and then monitor/track their progression and improvement over time. It is designed to promote autonomous, self-motivated learning, which is dovetailed with the structured, coached training programme.
PERFORMANCE TEAMS
From each squad, British Freeride selects a junior and senior British Freeride team. Team members receive competition support at events as they go on to compete for British Freeride and their Nation.
The British Freeride performance training pathway not only guides athletes to the top, but it also provides a route for information to cascade down from the performance teams, in order to provide the most current learnings for local coaches to use at ground level.
To find out more about the British Freeride performance programme please visit www.britishfreeride.co.uk or contact Ashley Milne, Programme Manager
