Freeski, Freestyle, Freeride?

Laidback, chilled and yet full of adrenaline – freeriders and freestylers have a special way of skiing,a specific dress code and above all their own language. Here are some of the most important terms for easier understanding and to learn yourself.

Freeski, freeride, freestyle – what is actually the difference? Freeski is usually seen as a generic term for freeride and freestyle. Freeriders are drawn further into the outback from the top station. For them, the biggest thing after a fat dump is to pull the first line into the pow. Freestylers prefer to meet in snow parks such as the Stubai Zoo on the Stubai Glacier or the Stubai Park in Schlick 2000. They rave about the air time on the big kickers and the perfectly shaped obstacles on the lines.

RIDE THE PARK

STUBAI ZOO AT STUBAI GLACIER

The Stubai Zoo snowpark on the Stubai Glacier is a hotspot for the freestyle scene in Europe. The Stubai Zoo is known far beyond the country’s borders not just because of its unique location with dreamlike mountain scenery, but also thanks to top-class events. The Stubai Prime Park Sessions (24.10.-13.11. und 21.11.-27.11.2022) in particular have been attracting the world’s elite from the freeskiing and snowboarding scene every year to prepare for the upcoming competition season. You may unexpectedly end up taking the Gaiskarlift up next to one of the top stars from the freeskiing or snowboarding scene. The 13th Stubai Premiere – the big snowpark opening in the Stubai Zoo – will take place this year from 04. to 06.11.2022 – of course again with a big test area and many side events.

STUBAI PARK AT SCHLICK 2000

Snowboarders and freestylers can also really let off steam in Schlick 2000. The Stubai Park Schlick 2000 near the Sennjoch piste was designed under the expert guidance of riders on the Stubai scene and inspires with the best shaped obstacles. The kickers and rails challenge you to exciting runs and great tricks. The Free Nature Park is located at the end of the Schlick valley. The natural snow park is very popular with all ages and attracts with a natural halfpipe as well as various gullies and small cornices where you can practice your first tricks. Many locals from the Stubai Valley who are successful today in the World Cup and at major events laid the foundations for their international careers in Schlick 2000.

IN SEARCH OF POWDER

Experienced freeriders are brave and fearless types. Maybe. But first and foremost, they pay attention to safety and prepare thoroughly. Here are some tips for those who want to chase the feeling of adrenaline and explore the outback:

AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT

Anyone venturing beyond the piste markings should, no MUST, have avalanche equipment with them. The kit consisting of an avalanche transceiver (LVS), snow probe and shovel, ideally also an avalanche airbag, can be bought as a set or hired from one of the sports shops. Make sure everything works (batteries) and you know how to use it. There is no excuse here!

HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT

Take care of your equipment. Skis, ski boots, ski goggles, helmet, gloves – everything has to be tiptop. Your jacket and trousers should be stylish, of course, but also warm and breathable. You need freedom of movement and lots of pockets. Then you won’t have to rummage around in your backpack for every little thing (e.g. snack, mobile phone).

IN PAIRS AT LEAST

Take someone with you when you go off-piste. It gives you peace of mind, you can share your experiences, but more importantly, it enhances safety. You look out for each other and can support each other. If something happens, there is someone who can help and get help.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

Just setting off is useless. An epic run has to be planned. Or you can rely on the locals. They have selected 13 great runs in the open terrain for the “Powder Department” on the Stubai Glacier. At www.powderdepartment.at you will find off-piste maps and trail videos, on-site checkpoints, avalanche checks and avalanche warnings. As a result, you can already look at the best freeride spots at home and know where to find the big jumps, crevasses and gullies. An insider tip for snowboarders and freeriders from all over Tyrol is the Schlick 2000 ski area with the Kalkkögel in the background.

AVALANCHE WARNING SERVICE

Not every day is a bluebird day! So: Safety first! Check the local weather and avalanche reports the evening before and then again before you start (https://lawinen.report). You also need to know the avalanche situation on site. The best information is available from local mountain and ski guides, for example at the mountain guide office in Neustift or at the ski school offices. Take the pros’ suggestions and warnings seriously. This also applies to the orange avalanche warning lights at the panorama boards in the ski areas.

This may all sound like a lot of work. But the better prepared you are, the more you can enjoy your trip into the outback. And if you are not sure, take an experienced mountain and ski guide with you. The pros are out in the terrain every day, know the lay of the land and where the next epic run is waiting for you.

PERFEKTION KENNT KEINE KOMPROMISSE, BIS INS KLEINSTE DETAIL OPTIMIERT.

www.lowa.at BARINA III GTX Damen

Ihr LOWA Spezialist im Stubaital!

RENEGADE EVO GTX Herren

©CMuster