Live the Dream: Freeride History

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In the last few years, ski resorts worldwide have witnessed the birth of a new generation of skiers and boarders who choose not to stick to the restrictive barriers of the piste. Freeriders prefer the thrill of deep powder, crud and open terrain. However, the extra adrenaline fix enjoyed by freeriders does not come without risk. This handbook will attempt to highlight the safety precautions that should be taken by anyone wishing to pit their wits against the untouched mountain.

Although freeriding has been around longer than piste skiing, in the past it has mostly been enjoyed by advanced/expert riders who have spent longer mastering their technique before graduating to the more demanding off piste terrain.

Recent advances in ski and snowboard technology has seen a mass of riders unshackled and paroled for early release to the backcountry. The result has been a massive increase in virtual beginner and intermediate skiers / boarders being able to experience the buzz of freeride.

This handbook will provide you with basic info towards:

• Freeriding in general.
• Respecting the mountain.
• Knowing when not to go freeriding.
• Getting properly kitted out before you freeride.
• Knowing about essential equipment.
• Being prepared in case of an avalanche.

Freeride home  |  next: Defining the ride