Freestyle
“People weren’t made to fly, that’s why we make kickers.” Warren Millar.
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What is freestyle?
Freestyle encompasses a number of different disciplines including: park + pipe, moguls, aerials and ski/snowboard cross. If you love doing jumps and tricks then maybe freestyle is for you!
At Snowsport Scotland we have regular training and events in park + pipe, cross events and also banked slalom. If you would like to find out more about moguls or aerials, visit GBSnowsports page.
Park + Pipe
Slopestyle
Slopestyle is where riders compete and ride down a purpose built course that will include a variety of features including jumps, rails, transitions and gaps. Increasingly these courses are becoming unique to different events, and challenge the rider’s ability to adapt to lots of different features and put down a run that is innovative, technical and well executed.
Big air
Big Air is where riders compete and ride on a single large jump and perform a single trick in an effort to score as high a mark as possible. Normally riders will perform a jump with a blend of rotation (spin) and somersault (flip) action, with a grab (holding onto the snowboard/skis) to show control and individual flair. It is judged by a panel who will look out for qualities such as: amplitude, technical difficulty, style, execution and more.
Halfpipe
Halfpipe is the original Park & Pipe discipline, stemming from the skate/surf culture in 60’s USA. Originally a hand-shaped course, halfpipes are now cut to very specific sizes using a variety of machinery. The Olympic standard pipe is now 22ft on both transitions, with a flat bottom that slopes up to a vertical ‘lip’ where riders takeoff. Riders will perform a variety of airs including spins/flips on both sides.
Cross Disciplines
Ski Cross
Ski cross is a type of skiing competition where skiers race head to head down a course of gates with jumps, banked corners and three dimensional features. What sets ski cross apart from other alpine skiing disciplines is that there’s more than one skier racing down the course. Any intentional contact with other competitors leads to disqualification.
Snowboard Cross
Snowboard cross, also known as boardercross, is a snowboard competition in which four to six competitors race down a course. Snowboard cross courses are typically quite narrow and include cambered turns, various types of jumps, berms, rollers, drops, steep and flat sections designed to challenge the riders' ability to stay in control while maintaining maximum speed.
Banked Slalom
Banked Slalom
Banked slalom is a discipline of snowboarding and para-snowboarding , competing on a twisty curvy course with banked turns. The course is similar to that found in snowboard cross , except smoothed out and without the notch jumps or stepwise rhythm sections. Also unlike snowboard cross, competitors run separately instead of jointly in a heat. Although originally a snowboard discipline, ski banked slalom does happen in some low-level competitions.
Once you have the fundamentals of skiing and/or snowboarding, you’re ready to try freestyle!
Getting into freestyle/park + pipe starts off with joining a training club, where you will find camps and training sessions where you can be coached and supported to develop your skills and knowledge to be able to compete (or just recreationally enjoy) successfully.
Clubs offering training in Scotland can be found on our map below, or on our Clubs Page.
Where to start?
Park + Pipe Stoke Sessions
Stoke Sessions are a series of mini park jams at dry slopes and ski areas across Scotland. They are:
Open to Everyone: Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, all skill levels are welcome to join in the fun.
Fun-Focused Competitions: Casual, small-scale jams designed to bring the community together and showcase your skills.
Prizes Up for Grabs: From standout tricks to creative lines, there’s plenty to win!
These sessions are all about good vibes, friendly competition, and celebrating the snowsport community. So grab your gear, rally your friends, and get ready to shred!
Rannoch Race - A Snowboard Race
The Rannoch Race is Snowsport Scotland's pilot snowboard only race event. The idea is for an inclusive snowboard race that can run as long as there is snow on the ground. Rather than promise a banked slalom and then have to cancel when there’s only a thin layer, we’re going to stay flexible and put on a race that suits the conditions.
You will have an hour and a half* to do as many laps as you can and the fastest time gets taken forward - so you if you're new to racing you'll have lots of chances to improve your run. Our coaches will also give you hints and tips!
Triplecrown Slopestyle Championships
The Triple Crown is Snowsport Scotland's annual slopestyle tour. The tour is usually a three stop dryslope tour in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Within each event there is three separate competitions: Crown Jam, Junior Champs and The Championship - each allowing the competitors to practice and then compete on kickers, boxes and rails.
Equipment
Anyone can try out freestyle disciplines using the equipment they already have, there is no need to buy new equipment at the beginning.
As you progress in the sport, you’ll probably be advised by a coach on what equipment will be best for the discipline you are looking to improve your skills in. And if you’re looking at getting into competition, then it would be worth checking out the FIS competition equipment list so you comply with regulations.
There are regular second hand sales at clubs and during the summer months at stores. It’s worth looking into these options if you are buying for children and know they will grow out of their equipment fairly quickly.
Freestyle skiing and snowboarding doesn't require any special equipment, but a few things can improve the experience:
Park/freestyle skis are short, have a narrower waist width, a symmetrical shape (twin tips - to allow you to ride switch/backwards), and have centre-mounted bindings.
Park/freestyle snowboards are also shorter (for manoeuvrability), have a symmetrical or twin shape (to allow you to ride switch/on the other foot), and are more flexible than an all-mountain board.
Snowboard cross boards are usually stiffer and longer, and stiffer bindings and boots are recommended. This allows for better carving and responsiveness on hard-packed snow.
You should also invest in a helmet because there is always a risk of head injury when doing freestyle, and you will be required to wear one when taking part in competitions.
It's also a good idea to wear knee and elbow pads because they can help protect you if you fall.
Finally, make sure you have suitable clothing for the conditions. You'll need warm clothes that allow you to move freely, and waterproof clothing is always a good idea as you may fall a lot to start!
Want to get competitive?
There is a vibrant slopestyle competition scene throughout Scotland! The competitions range from fun low-level jams for local freestylers through to the National Championships - the national level competition appealing to performance-orientated athletes.
GB Snowsports select, manage and lead British teams to international events and provide opportunities for our athletes to achieve their full potential as individuals and as a team.
Snowsport Scotland employs two freestyle coaches to support the progression of athletes through the pathway and into the GB Snowsports teams. This is done in partnership with Clubs and GB Snowsports.
Please check our Clubs page to get in touch with your local freestyle club or contact one of our coaches to find out about our national programmes.
Freeski National Performance Coach – Murray Buchan
murray@snowsportscotland.org
Park + Pipe Pathway Coach – Euan Baxter
euan@snowsportscotland.org
We also have our dedicated Para-Snowboard Pathway Coach. You can find more information on our Adaptive Snowsports page, or by contacting Alastair:
Para-Snowboard Pathway Coach - Alastair Nasmyth
alastair@snowsportscotland.org