Freeride

Freeride Format

To understand the format of a freeride contest.

Freeride contests utilise steep, off-piste terrain with natural features, to showcase a rider’s ability to “freeride” in challenging environments.

There is no preset line or course in a freeride event. Only a start line, a specific zone the rider must not leave, and a finish line they must ride through.

Age Divisions

The New Zealand Junior Freeride Tour holds regional events throughout NZ. The age categories for this are as follows:

  • Under 14s Division (up to 13 years of age).
  • Under 18s (14-17 year olds).

At the NZ Junior Nationals, the age divisions are:

  • Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 14s, Under 16s, Under 18s
  • Athletes must be under the age specified above and not turn that age within the same calendar year as the event.

Environment / Features

Steep Terrain
All freeride events are held in steep, challenging venues. Riders should be competent at using turn shape to control speed in this terrain, without sacrificing their flow.

Most freeride contests have some form of “no fall zone”, where riders MUST stay on their feet or risk serious injury.

Drops
All freeride venues will have a variety of optional rock and cliff drops to include in an athlete’s chosen line. These will vary in size, exposure and, in turn, this changes the risk factor. The technique used here is quite different to park jumps.
Natural Hits / Windlips
Natural hits and windlips vary depending on the venue. They typically have more transition on the approach and takeoff, and require a slightly different technique to drops. Some freeride contests lend themselves to more natural hits, others have more drops.

Formats

Standard Freeride Format
Almost all freeride events have a single run format. Every rider is given one opportunity to put down their best performance, with only a scope from the side or the bottom.

In freeride events, athletes are not allowed to ride the venue before. They are allowed to scope from the side and below only.

Multi-Run Formats
It is rare to find a multi-run freeride event. When they do occur, it is likely held over multiple days with qualifying rounds on different faces to the finals.

Alternatively, they may be invite only and have a very small field, so the venue stays in good condition.

Watch the 2017 NZ Junior Freeride Tour video recap for a taster of the level…
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Competing in Freeride

A good freeride competitor will be able to demonstrate great turning technique and pressuring skills, the ability to air and spin/invert, and the ability to adjust to changing snow conditions.

In freeride contests, riders are judged on difficulty of line, control, fluidity, airs, and technique.

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