Freeriding is a more modern version of traditional off-piste skiing. It is reminiscent of the original form of skiing, when people climbed mountains and then skied back down again. Today, people seek out untracked slopes and deep snow and move "free" in the terrain.

First steps for freeride beginners

Before you venture off-piste, you should master and practise your skiing technique. Unprepared slopes and deep snow require more skiing skills and the challenges are more varied. A Freeride course is highly recommended for beginners to learn how to deal with dangers, emergency equipment and skiing technique in deep snow.

Types of freeriding: using ski lifts or completely independent?

You can choose whether you want to use ski lifts in the ski area or be completely independent. Ski resorts offer convenient access to different slopes, but require expensive lift tickets. Ski tours away from the ski resorts offer a wider choice of mountains, but require more effort and of course you will cover fewer metres than from the ski resort. In modern terms, freeriding means descents from the ski area without ascents. Freetouring means ski touring from the ski area, often with a ride on the lift and then onwards with the ski touring skins.

Rules: How do I behave off the piste?

It is important not to endanger yourself or others. Different rules apply off-piste, and environmentally friendly freeriding is crucial to protect nature and animals. In other words, you stick to the Behavioural rain with the current avalanche danger you can orientate yourself and pay attention to the Wildlife rest areas .

Equipment: What do I need for freeriding?

For freeriding safety, you need avalanche equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and probe. The right freeride equipment, including wider skis and poles with a large plate, are also important. You can find more information on our Packing list for ski touring and freeriding .

Avalanche situation and weather forecast: Where can I find out more?

Before every tour in unsecured terrain, it is crucial to check the current avalanche situation and the weather forecast. Information on avalanche reports and reliable weather forecasts help you to be safe when travelling. For Switzerland you will find the avalanche situation report at the SLF and a good forecast at SRF METEO .

Getting into freeriding | Tips from our mountain guides

Enter the world of freeriding, enjoy the powder - but be safe on the way thanks to our tips from the mountain guides!

Do you want to start freeriding and seek your fortune away from the groomed pistes? The mountain guides and freeriders from Bergschaft will give you important tips for beginners and answer basic questions for your first days of freeriding!

You will also find here Information on prevention and the legal basis for freeriding at the BFU.

Questions and answers about freeriding ?¿

What is freeriding?
Freeriding is a more modern version of traditional off-piste skiing. It is reminiscent of the original form of skiing, when people climbed mountains and then skied back down again. Today, people seek out untracked slopes and deep snow and move "free" in the terrain.
First steps for freeride beginners
Before you venture off-piste, you should master and practise your skiing technique. Unprepared slopes and deep snow require more skiing skills and the challenges are more varied. A Freeride course is highly recommended for beginners to learn how to deal with dangers, emergency equipment and skiing technique in deep snow.
Types of freeriding: using ski lifts or completely independent?
You can choose whether you want to use ski lifts in the ski area or be completely independent. Ski resorts offer convenient access to different slopes, but require expensive lift tickets. Ski tours away from the ski resorts offer a wider choice of mountains, but require more effort and of course you will cover fewer metres than from the ski resort. In modern terms, freeriding means descents from the ski area without ascents. Freetouring means ski touring from the ski area, often with a ride on the lift and then onwards with the ski touring skins.
Rules: How do I behave off the piste?
It is important not to endanger yourself or others. Different rules apply off-piste, and environmentally friendly freeriding is crucial to protect nature and animals. In other words, you stick to the Behavioural rain with the current avalanche dangeryou can orientate yourself and pay attention to the Wildlife rest areas.
Equipment: What do I need for freeriding?
For freeriding safety, you need avalanche equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and probe. The right freeride equipment, including wider skis and poles with a large plate, are also important. You can find more information on our Packing list for ski touring and freeriding.
Avalanche situation and weather forecast: Where can I find out more?
Before every tour in unsecured terrain, it is crucial to check the current avalanche situation and the weather forecast. Information on avalanche reports and reliable weather forecasts help you to be safe when travelling. For Switzerland you will find the avalanche situation report at the SLF and a good forecast at SRF METEO.