The Art of Freeriding
Freeriding lets you carve through untouched terrain and connect with nature like never before. Imagine overnight touring trips that let you dive deep into the heart of the mountains. Picture yourself around a cozy fire in a ski hut, playing cards, sharing stories, and cooking up a tea with your touring buddies after an epic day out. Backcountry snow sports, which include both freeriding (with freeski, snowboard or splitboard) and ski touring, amongst others, are the ultimate "type 2 fun".
It's all about shredding natural, ungroomed terrain without a set course. It’s about freedom, creativity, and exploration – slashing through untouched powder, dropping into steep couloirs, and uncovering hidden stashes. Freeriders thrive on pushing boundaries and discovering new lines on snow-covered slopes. The freedom to carve through untouched terrain turns each descent into a unique adventure, stoking their passion for exploration. Charging gnarly runs and pushing your limits brings a massive sense of accomplishment.
Every action sport comes with its own set of risks, and some of us happily accept the bruises from a gnarly wipeout at the terrain park. But for those who crave a different kind of thrill, backcountry riding is calling. It’s that sweet mix of joy and a bit of suffering; the rush of endorphins from pushing your limits. It’s about facing challenges head-on, feeling the adrenaline, and savoring the accomplishment afterward. It’s not just about the descent; it’s about the pursuit of freedom and the thrill of the unknown. In the mountains, there are no limits. You will have to set the limits yourself for your own safety.
Ski Touring 101 – The basics
Ski touring ditches the chairlifts and crowds for the pure joy of exploring remote mountain areas. If you love the uphill grind as much as the downhill thrill, ski touring is your ideal mission. "Skinning up" slopes with climbing skins on your skis/splitboard builds leg strength, determination, and willpower. The climb to the peak delivers an epic sense of accomplishment, and the ride down demands quick reflexes, agility, and control. The physical challenges and unpredictable conditions test your resilience, making every tour a rad opportunity to get hyped about new experiences both on and off the snow.
Explore our Touring Equipment Buyers Guide
Freeriding and Ski Touring safety
Freeriding and touring is an emotional journey. The stoke of fresh pow, the killer views, and the sense of ultimate freedom keep us coming back to the mountains for more. Yet, the backcountry also tests us with fear and uncertainty. The right gear enhances safety and comfort, allowing you to focus on the rush of riding untouched powder.
Check out our complete touring and freeride safety checklist
Essential backcountry safety equipment
Heading beyond resort boundaries means you need specific avalanche safety equipment. Here are the must-haves for your backcountry gear list:
- Transceiver: Also known as a beacon, this must-have backcountry device is crucial for search and rescue, enabling users to locate buried victims by transmitting and receiving signals.
- Probe: This tool complements the transceiver, pinpointing the exact location of a buried victim. Look for a pointed tip for penetrating hard snow and depth markings.
- Shovel: Once a victim’s location and depth are known, a sturdy shovel with a metal blade and extendable handle is essential for digging.
Ensure you have all these items in an avalanche safety kit, for example with the beginner-friendly Ortovox Diract Voice Rescue Set.
- Avalanche Airbag: A potential lifesaver: when triggered, the airbag inflates rapidly, increasing the user’s volume and helping them stay on the snow’s surface, reducing burial chances.
Being prepared in avalanche terrain
Out in the backcountry, knowledge is king. The latest gear won't help if you don't know how it works. Mastering precise digging techniques, using your transceiver, and quick, effective rescue skills is crucial – and best learned through a certified mountain and avalanche safety training course. The clock is ticking away immediately after of burial, making efficient rescue skills a lifesaver. Regular practice and training significantly enhance your ability to identify terrain, execute rescues, and use your gear effectively.
Backcountry shredding safety tips
Every crew member needs to be dialed in with their gear – your life might depend on it. Most avalanche accidents are triggered by the victim or someone in their group. A crew of powder junkies can easily get swept up in the hype and make snap decisions in the moment. That’s why having a solid plan, strong communication and good vibes are essential for safety. Crews that "ride together and decide responsibly together" make smarter choices, so trust and teamwork are key to keeping things safe and fun.
Proper layering for safe and comfortable backcountry adventures
Finding the perfect layering system can be a game-changer. Staying cool and ventilated while climbing but insulated and dry during the descent is key. Here’s our essential layering system for freeriding and touring:
- Baselayers: Merino wool or a wool/synthetic blend keeps body heat in while wicking away sweat.
- Midlayer: Fleece and synthetic insulation provide warmth and breathability, keeping you warm when inactive and cool when active.
- Hardshell: Lightweight and packable, hardshells offer superior waterproofing and wind resistance. Good base and midlayers are important in cold weather.
- Softshell: Though less weatherproof, breathe better and are more flexible. We recommend softshells for dry conditions and lower elevations, swapping to a hardshell if the weather worsens.
- Ski and Snowboard Pants: Non-insulated, weather-resistant or waterproof pants offer good storage (with a transceiver pocket), ventilation, and durability.
- Socks: High-quality ski socks with padding in pressure areas are essential. Wear different socks for the drive to keep your ski socks dry.
- Liner Gloves: Adding warmth without bulk, liner gloves are quick-drying and useful for tasks requiring dexterity, like adjusting boot buckles. Merino wool in particular is moisture and temperature regulating and also neutralises unpleasant odours.
- Gloves: Waterproof and windproof gloves (e.g. Gore-Tex) are a must for backcountry. For cold days, models with warming inner materials (depending on the manufacturer, merino or various material combinations and technologies) are essential to prevent frostbite.
Stylish and functional layers for your outdoor adventure
Sustainability in winter sports
Every carve and turn is a pledge to care for the mountains, leaving behind only fresh tracks and no trace. Ortovox, for example, is all about sustainability, leading the way with ethical practices and environmental stewardship. Their PROTACT2024 strategy focuses on ensuring fair working conditions and achieving climate-neutrality and reduction of emissions on-site and throughout their supply chain. By prioritizing sustainable materials and reducing their carbon footprint, Ortovox is committed to protecting the environment while enhancing your backcountry experience. Check out avalanche backpacks, safety equipment and protection gear as well as snowboards and snowboard boots from Ortovox, Capita, Arbor, Dakine, Evoc, Burton and many others, that are manufactured more sustainably and contain eco-friendly materials to level up your backcountry adventure.
Whether you're shredding untouched pow or pushing through grueling climbs, a day playing in the snowy backcountry is about more than just the ride! Rather, it's about embracing the journey. Ride smart, ride safe, and let the mountains be your nature playground. Remember, every epic run and climb is a chance to respect and protect the wild terrain we love. Stay stoked and ride on!
