Last Updated2 May 2023

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 Trees

What, Why, How

Tactics for riding in trees (when teaching in the Northern Hemisphere).

Understanding line choice and timing of turns will make riding trees exhilarating and more achievable.

Review turn size and shape with early edge changes using a variety of flexed-edge-change turns on a similar pitch groomer to the trees intended to ride. Focus on a lower centred position and practise making rapid changes and adjustments to the direction and timing of movements.

On an easy blue pitch, with well-spaced trees, discuss line choice, looking at the gaps and planning two or three turns ahead.

Precise movements of the ankles and knees are needed when timing the edge change to make it through the gaps in the trees. Supple ankles and knees will help absorb unpredictable conditions found in the trees.

Strong and constantly adjusting steering movements in the front knee and hip are needed to guide the board around the trees. Quick fore-aft movements will help in adjusting to unforeseen undulations in the terrain.

Example

Have you ever walked quickly through a crowded shopping mall or public place? You are subconsciously looking for the gaps and predicting the movements of others, trying to avoid walking into anyone. You can use a very similar tactic in the trees, though it is a lot easier as trees are not going to move and make random direction changes like people do. Trees are a little harder when you run into them and it is unlikely you will get an apology.

Movements & Board Performance

Rotational with Steering

Steering movement is focused in the front knee and hip. Range, timing and power need to be constantly adjusted to create flow through the trees.

Lateral with Edging

Smooth movements through the ankles, knees and hips are required to stay in balance. More independent lateral movement through the front ankle and knee will be required to twist the board through the initiation. A lower edge angle will help to reduce speed and allow for more effective steering.

Vertical with Pressuring

Vertical movements should be smooth, constantly adapting to the terrain through adjusting the turn type, size and shape. Movement should be focused in the lower body and stem from a lower centred position. All absorption methods may be needed, so independence in the legs is necessary.

Longitudinal with Pressuring

Fore-aft alignment should remain stable but active longitudinal movements will be needed to adjust to any bumps or fallen trees.

Terrain & Group Management

Vision will often be restricted over greater distances in the trees. Set meeting points and discuss the line you are taking. Visual contact with students is often restricted. Try to stay within verbal contact distance. Knowing the tree runs and the terrain will help with deciding the line choice, entry and exit points, and areas to avoid. Careful assessment of snow conditions is needed. Early season there tends to be more hazards in the form of branches, undergrowth, stumps and fallen trees lurking just beneath the surface.

Corrective Teaching

Student is nervous of riding in the trees:

Terrain selection is the key to encouraging a nervous student in a gladed environment. Find areas of the run with options to make one or two turns in the trees with an option to return to an area with more space to turn.

In more spacious areas of the mountain develop the student’s confidence to make a turn not only when they choose to, but when they have to. Remember that trees do not have a uniform size or spacing between them so being adaptable with the timing of your movements is key.

Student loses momentum in the trees due to poor line choice:

Focus on staying low and action-ready, rather than taller and stiff.

Spend more time discussing their line choice before they drop in, ensuring that they are planning two or three turns ahead.

Encourage them to change their field of vision regularly, from right in front of them to gaps further ahead.

Follow the instructor’s track to maintain speed.

Self Reflection

“Did my students spend time using a floating leaf because the trees were too tight to turn?”

“Did I maintain visual or verbal contact with my students?"

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