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 Gullies

What, Why, How

Develop tactics, options and line choice for riding gullies.

Gullies are found in off-trail terrain and having the ability to ride them well through efficient line choice and tactics offers up some super-fun riding opportunities.

Review flexed-edge-change, retraction and terrain unweighted turns, using a variety of sizes and shapes on blue terrain. Focus on vertical and lateral movements that encourage an early edge change. An active to high performance stance is ideal.

Well-timed, vertical movements will help with blending steering movements required when riding gullies.

Find banks at the sides of runs to work on the vertical timing of edge changes, before, middle and at the highest point the board travels on the bank. Experiment with different turn types to best achieve different places on the bank to change edge. For example, terrain unweighted at the top of a steep bank, or retraction in the lower half to achieve an earlier turn. Use banks on both sides of the run to work on toe and heel turns.

VIDEO: Retraction Turns with Jamie Middleton

Edging should be smooth and progressive and the amount of lateral movement needed is dependent on snow conditions, turn size/shape, speed and the pitch/width of the gully. These variables change rapidly when riding gullies and often with very little warning.

Progressive extension through the legs will help to regulate pressure.

Rotational movements in the front knee, hip and shoulder to steer should be constantly adjusting in power and range to match the turn. Looking across and, at times, down the gully to line up the next turn/s is a good tactic to help predict what is required.

Anticipation may help initiation and steering movements in steeper/narrower gullies.

Example

Games like cat and mouse on groomers, where the leader is constantly changing size, shape and type (even throwing in the odd dolphin turn), with the other rider having to match the leader's movements and line. This is a great exercise to help develop quick proactive decision making and tactics.

Movements & Board Performance

Rotational with Steering

Steering movement is focused in the front knee, hip and shoulder. The ability to rapidly change the power, timing and range of rotation will be required for more challenging gullies. Using an anticipation movement through the upper body can be a good tactic for timing and power, allowing a quicker initiation and strong steering for riding gullies.

Lateral with Edging

Progressive edging will be required most often, though a higher performance approach to lateral movements edging can be utilised when skills and conditions allow. Quick edge change movements should be focused in the ankles and knees to move the hips and COM across the board.

Vertical with Pressuring

Vertical movements will be constantly changing and adapting to the turn type being used. These movements will need to be fast and reactive to flex for the edge change during turn initiation, and more progressive and powerful through the control and completion. This will help release and regulate pressure as required. Extending to change edges may also be a useful option for some turns when terrain dictates.

Longitudinal with Pressuring

Adding in an aft movement through the completion can help with edge grip and generate rebound and acceleration for more advanced riders.

Terrain & Group Management

Knowledge of snow conditions, the path the gully takes and any hazards such as waterfalls/drops and holes, is important before riding this terrain. Considering the student’s confidence and appropriate skills is also needed. Identify exit points, as some gullies will just keep on going, leading the rider into a potentially dangerous or out of bounds area. Remember that gullies are stream and river beds and there can be water running beneath. Gullies will also channel snow in an avalanche, creating a terrain trap. Encourage safe stopping points at the tops of the gullies’ banks and space students out when riding.

Corrective Teaching

Student struggles to initiate their turns in gullies:

Try an easier wider gully and work on turn type and edge change options.

Review turn types on groomed terrain.

Encourage a slightly more rotationally open stance.

Introduce anticipation movements to help position the upper body rotationally to aid initiation in the lower body.

Student struggles with line and adjusting size and shape for speed control:

Discuss line choice and closing turns more to help control speed.

Try a slow follow-me exercise through an easy gully.

Encourage progressive lateral movements and lower edge angles to allow the board to pivot and steer more easily. Imagine taking the path that water would take, moving and splashing up and down the banks of the gully.

Work on stronger steering movements through the lower body.

Check that they have well developed and timed movement patterns for each turn type.

Self Reflection

“Did my students struggle to make turns in the gully?”

“Have I ridden this gully recently?”