Safety in Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding

Freeride skiing & snowboarding is all about adventure, carving your own line, exploring untouched terrain, and feeling pure mountain freedom. But the beauty of freeride comes with responsibility. Safety isn’t an accessory, it’s your foundation. Whether you’re an expert or a newcomer, understanding risk management and preparation is key to every ride.

Education is Everything: Building the Foundation of Safety

Avalanche Awareness and Mountain Knowledge: before heading off-piste, every freerider should complete an avalanche safety course. These courses teach you how to:

Identify avalanche terrain
Interpret snowpack and weather conditions
Use avalanche safety gear effectively

Everyone should aim to refresh their training every season. Conditions, technology, and best practices evolve constantly.

WEMountain

As a global leader in mountain safety education, WEMountain offers a comprehensive range of online and in-person courses designed specifically for freeriders, ski tourers, and mountain professionals. From introductory avalanche awareness to advanced risk management, their expert-led programs help riders of all levels gain the confidence and decision-making skills essential for safe adventures in the backcountry.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

When was the last time you tested your mountain safety knowledge?

Take this quick online quiz provided by WEMountain to get an idea of your safety level :

TAKE THE QUIZ HERE

Precautions: Smart Choices on Every Descent

Planning Before You Drop :

Check the avalanche forecast daily from certified sources.
Plan your route and share it with someone.
Always ride with a partner, never go solo.

Terrain Factors to Consider

Understanding your surroundings in skiing is imperative in order to reduce risk. Before setting off, the main terrain factors to consider are :

The degree of slope / steepness of the face
The exposure of the face
Altitude
The effects of sun and wind on the snow
Obstacles: trees, cliffs, rocks, crevasses
Safety signs placed by patrollers

During the Ride

Keep visual contact with your group.
Maintain safe distances between skiers to minimize load on the snowpack.
Appropriately assess your ski level and only commit routes that you’re capable of.
Be ready to turn back, the mountain will still be there tomorrow.

Equipment: Your Lifeline in the Backcountry

Essential safety gear every freerider should carry :

Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
Probe and shovel
Helmet and back protector
First aid kit
RECCO reflector
Communication device (radio or smartphone with GPS)

Proper use and regular maintenance of your gear are critical. Practice deploying your equipment under real conditions e.g. checking the battery of your avalanche transceiver, simulating opening your probe and verifying your DIN settings before setting off.

Safety as a Culture: Community and Responsibility

Freeride safety is a shared commitment. By training, equipping properly, and making informed decisions, we protect not only ourselves but the entire freeride community.

Join local workshops, avalanche rescue drills, and community events, together we keep the spirit of freeriding alive, safely.