Last Updated25 October 2024

Advanced Freeriding explores options and tactics for riding advanced freeride terrain and snow conditions including turn sizes, shapes and types that are appropriate to the terrain and snow conditions, with movement options quantified through range, timing and power. It is by no means every consideration for creating developmental and corrective activities and progressions but merely a guide to get you started. A more in-depth use of SCOPE is also necessary to develop decision making abilities in these situations.

Riding Steeps & Chutes

What, Why, How

Develop skills, options and tactics for riding in steep, off-piste terrain and chutes.

As riders explore more of the mountain they will encounter steeper, off-trail terrain. Having the confidence to ride it will open up new terrain and experiences.

VIDEO: Steeps with Claire Dooney

Review small, closed, skidded, flexed-edge-change turns on a steep blue or black groomer to assess and prepare for the terrain you intend to ride. Focus on a good range of vertical movement, stemming from a lower position. Well-timed vertical movements will help with blending the edging and steering movements.

Make the timing of the edge change progressive but earlier to help avoid too much acceleration at initiation. An early edge change gives the rider more time on the new edge, from which to pressure and steer the board later in the turn. It is important to make sure that the COM moves across the board at the edge change.

Edging should be smooth and progressive and lateral movement is somewhat restricted (depending on snow conditions) avoiding leaning into the turn too much, even though higher edge angles will occur due to the pitch of the slope.

Progressive extension through the legs will help to regulate the pressure that builds in the board.

Use strong rotational movements in the front knee, hip and shoulder to steer the board. Looking across the hill through the completion of the turn to keep forward momentum.

Consider the use of anticipation to aid steering.

Movements & Board Performance

Rotational with Steering

Powerful rotational movements focused in the front knee, hip and shoulder are needed to guide the board through turns. Using an anticipation movement through the upper body can be a good tactic for timing and power, allowing a quicker initiation and powerful lower body steering.

Lateral Edging

A progressive edge angle will be required, along with a strong degree of tilt in the completion of the turn, achieved with lateral movement through the lower body. The edge angle is relative to the pitch of the slope and snow conditions. The COM should try to remain close to the base of support and movements should be focused in the ankles, knees and hips.

Vertical with Pressuring

Vertical movements should be smooth and continuous and come from a lower, centred position. A flexed-edge-change movement with a quick flexion will allow the rider to make an earlier edge change. A progressive yet strong extension will help to regulate pressure and is essential in the blending of movements for effective edging and steering. Extending to change edges should also be considered as an option when making the first turn or trying to manage large amounts of pressure when completing some turns.

Longitudinal with Pressuring

Fore-aft alignment should be maintained to start with. As confidence grows aft movement can be added later in the turn to increase edge grip through the completion and create some rebound in the board. A slight fore movement can be added to help at the initiation.

Terrain & Group Management

Prior assessment of snow conditions and hazards is important before riding steep, off-trail terrain. Careful consideration of students’ confidence and appropriate skills is also needed. Identify safe entry and exit points. Look out for potential hazards, rocks, drops, tussock etc. Line choice and decision making should be discussed before dropping in, this is especially important when riding chutes as there is often limited space to turn and increased risks with rock walls, avalanche terrain and snow debris from others. Snow conditions will make or break the decision to ride this terrain. Let students know that it is okay to sideslip or traverse if the terrain proves too challenging. Encourage safe stopping points and spacing of students. Make the first turn the best turn. In short; use SCOPE!

Hot Tip

Look for terrain that offers different line choices with short steep pitches that transition into easier terrain. Areas like this will be less intimidating and allow students’ skills and confidence to build. Picking the right slope is only part of the equation when riding steep terrain.

Corrective Teaching

Student struggles to initiate their turns:

Move on to easier terrain and develop the ability to twist the board through a faster flexing movement at the initiation. This may involve a review of, or an introduction to, independent lateral movements with the lower body and their effect on the snowboard.

Remind students that things happen quickly on steeper terrain and so the speed of your movements should reflect this.

Focus on early edge changes rather than early steering.

Student struggles with pressure management in the completion of the turn:

Consider what movements are happening earlier in the turn to result in this issue and where the rider’s COM is placed.

Encourage a more progressive extension of the legs in the flexed-edge-change movement pattern.

Ensure that this extension movement is blended well with lateral movement, and that the board is not edging too high or rapidly.

Suggest use of an extended-edge-change turn when terrain forces quick pressuring (e.g. in a tight chute).

Self Reflection

“Did my students sideslip or floating leaf down lots of the run?”

“Did my students look nervous going into steep terrain? If so, what could I have done differently to help make them feel more comfortable?”

“Does my student have a good edge-pressure-steer sequence in the off-piste?”