Prepare, Ride, Thrive: Freeriding Safely and Responsibly
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Freeriding is more than a sport, it’s a way of connecting with nature, testing personal limits, and experiencing the thrill of untouched powder. But beneath the freedom and excitement lies an undeniable truth: the mountains are as unforgiving as they are majestic. Whether you’re carving lines as a seasoned professional or venturing into backcountry terrain for the first time, safety must always come first.
The stakes are high, and the responsibility to be prepared is shared by every rider.
Risk management and safety are topics I’ve thought about deeply, especially after I was involved in a rescue where, unfortunately, the person didn’t survive. It was a heavy experience that changed the way I approach safety as a professional rider. It’s not just about riding sick lines; it’s about showing the next generation how much preparation and caution are behind those moments
In this guide, we explore critical aspects of freeriding safety, covering everything from pre-trip preparation to the must-have equipment and real-life lessons from top riders like Arianna Tricomi, Marcus Goguen, and Nadine Wallner, a two-time FWT Ski Women Champion turned mountain guide. Their experiences offer invaluable insights for riders at every level.
Freeriding success starts far from the slopes. Every decision made before you head out—from analyzing conditions to assembling the right team—sets the foundation for a safe and enjoyable day..
Understanding Terrain and Conditions
Preparation starts with understanding the environment you’ll be navigating. Mountains are dynamic ecosystems where weather, snow conditions, and terrain features change rapidly. Recognizing these variables and planning accordingly is essential for mitigating risks.
Words Professional mountain guide
It's all about preparation, so it starts already at home. I make a lot of decisions at home when I plan my day. It’s important to know the weather, the avalanche level (1 to 5), and what the avalanche bulletin says. I then decide where I’m going—or if I’m going at all.
Checking avalanche forecasts is just the beginning. Interpreting weather reports, analyzing wind patterns, and understanding the nuances of the snowpack are equally important. Nadine adds:
About conditions
Knowing how recent storms or temperature fluctuations affect the snowpack is key. A sunny day after a snowfall might look perfect, but it could mean increased risk of slab avalanches. You have to think beyond the surface.
Assessing the avalanche risk is essential, but so is evaluating the group you’ll ride with. Freeriding is rarely a solo endeavor. A well-prepared team ensures that everyone is on the same page, shares similar objectives, and is equipped to handle emergencies. Nadine explains:
About riding group sizes
A smaller group is faster and safer, but riding with just two people can limit your capacity to handle emergencies like an avalanche. For me, three to four people offer the best balance. The right group dynamics are just as important as the conditions.
Building Team Trust
Marcus Goguen echoes the value of group preparation, emphasizing the importance of trust and training within your team:
Training with the crew
At the beginning of each season, I organize avalanche scenario training for my crew. Everyone who might ride with me takes part, so we’re all on the same page. It’s crucial to know that your crew is prepared and capable of acting quickly if something goes wrong.
The right group is not just about safety knowledge; it’s about shared values and goals.
Importance of having the right crew
Having the right crew is key. Everyone needs to have their head on straight and share the same objectives for the day. You don’t want someone pressuring others into taking unnecessary risks.
Freeriding without the right equipment is like venturing into a storm without shelter—dangerous and irresponsible. Having the proper tools can mean the difference between life and death in the backcountry. At a minimum, every freerider should carry:
The Basic Gear Checklist
Avalanche Beacon: This device allows you to send and receive signals to locate buried individuals.
Probe: Used to pinpoint the exact location of someone buried under the snow.
Shovel: Essential for digging out avalanche victims quickly and efficiently.
Avalanche Airbag: Provides added buoyancy to help keep you on the surface of an avalanche and reduce burial depth.
High-Quality Gear Matters
When it comes to safety equipment, reliability and ease of use are paramount. Nadine Wallner, who uses Mammut gear, emphasizes the importance of simplicity, especially in high-stress situations.
Mammut gear advice
I’ve been using the Mammut Barryvox 2 beacon since before I became a sponsored athlete. It’s intuitive and easy to use, even under stress. My setup includes a probe, shovel, and the ultra-light Eiger free 20 airbag backpack. At just 1.5 kg, it’s compact but still holds all my gear, including crampons, rope, and ice axes. I never compromise on safety equipment.
Mammut is not just Nadine’s personal choice—it’s also the official safety partner of the Freeride World Tour. This partnership reflects the trust placed in Mammut’s gear by some of the world’s best freeriders. Nadine’s reliance on Mammut predates her sponsorship, underscoring the brand’s reputation for reliability.
Why mummut?
I chose Mammut because their gear is super reliable. In worst-case scenarios, you need equipment you can count on without question. That’s why I trust Mammut—both on and off the competition circuit.
From beacons to airbags, Mammut’s equipment is designed with the demands of freeriding in mind, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Marcus Goguen emphasizes that equipment isn’t enough—it’s also about mastering it:
Mastering the equipement
At the start of every season, I practice using my beacon, probe, and shovel until it’s second nature. In emergencies, every second matters, and you need to act without hesitation.
Freeriding safety is not a skill you master once and forget. It’s an ongoing process of learning, refining, and practicing. The mountains are ever-changing, and so are the scenarios riders face. Continuous training, through workshops and real-world drills, is key to staying prepared and confident.
Training Builds Confidence
Safety workshops are an essential part of a freerider’s toolkit. These sessions blend theory and practice, covering avalanche risk management, gear usage, and first aid. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the backcountry, workshops offer something new to learn.
Safety courses are never too much. Even if you think you know the basics, there’s always more to learn. For me, learning first aid was a game-changer. It’s not just about digging someone out of an avalanche; it’s about knowing what to do afterward, which can be just as critical. Mountain first aid is very different from what you’d use on a road or in everyday situations, and understanding this difference could save a life.
Workshops not only teach technical skills but also build confidence. By simulating high-stress scenarios, they help riders develop muscle memory and the ability to act decisively under pressure. For Marcus Goguen, these exercises are a cornerstone of his team’s preparation:
ABout training with a team
Training together builds communication and trust. Everyone needs to know their role and be ready to act if something goes wrong. It’s all about teamwork
These sessions foster confidence, ensuring that riders can respond quickly and effectively when every second counts.
Curiosity Fuels Improvement
The best freeriders are also lifelong learners. Nadine Wallner advises riders to stay curious and seek out new challenges:
Importance of curiosity and continuous learning
There’s always more to learn. The more you know, the better you can adapt to the unexpected. Take workshops, practice regularly, and ask questions—why was this decision made? How can I improve my response time? These insights make all the difference when the stakes are high.
Mental Challenges
Freeriding isn’t just a test of physical skill—it’s a mental and emotional journey. The weight of decision-making, the pressure to perform, and the aftermath of close calls can take a toll on even the most experienced riders. Balancing the thrill of the ride with the reality of risks is a constant challenge, and knowing when to step back is often the hardest yet most crucial skill.
Sometimes, walking away from a line you’ve dreamed of skiing can feel like failure, but it’s often the mark of true wisdom. Arianna reflects on the importance of listening to your instincts:
Sometimes you feel the pressure to ski a line because of the group, but it’s important to listen to yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and step back. Safety always comes first.
This decision isn’t always easy, especially in a group dynamic where peer pressure can subtly influence choices. Arianna continues:
Group dynamics can be tricky. Even when you know it’s better to say no, the pressure to conform can make you second-guess yourself. It’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to speak up or step away. At the end of the day, your safety is your responsibility.
Balancing Passion with Responsibility
Freeriders often walk a fine line between pushing their limits and knowing when to hold back. For competitive athletes like Marcus Goguen, this balance is especially important:
Balancing passion with responsibility
When you’re filming or competing, there’s always a temptation to go bigger, to push harder. But you have to be honest with yourself. Is this safe? Is this worth the risk? These are questions I constantly ask myself.
Even with professional support during competitions, Marcus emphasizes the importance of self-awareness:
Being able to say no
In competition, you have guides, patrollers, and a safety net, which gives you confidence. But in the backcountry, it’s all on you and your crew. The stakes are higher, and the decisions are harder. You have to stay grounded and know when to say no.
Final Words of Advice from the Pros
Freeriding is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Marcus emphasizes the importance of preparation:
Importance of preparation
Make sure everyone in your group knows their role, is properly trained, and shares the same mindset. Preparation is what keeps you safe and allows you to enjoy the day.
The mountains are unpredictable, and you can never be too prepared. Take every opportunity to learn, practice, and refine your skills. Safety is an ongoing process—it’s never done.
Riding Safely, Riding Responsibly
Freeriding offers unmatched freedom, adventure, and connection with nature. But it demands respect, preparation, and responsibility. By learning from experienced riders, mastering your equipment, and fostering teamwork, you can embrace the sport safely and inspire others to do the same.
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