Are you itching to get off the slopes and taste the pleasures of freeride but you don't know which ski model is best suited for this style? We’ll explain everything!
By nature, freeride skiing is a freedom sport. Exploring new playgrounds with total freedom is the main motivation for freeriders. It all takes place on rugged routes with varying snow quality so it’s important to wear skis that are perfectly suited to this type of environment.
Which ones to choose? Follow the guide
To maintain performance as well as maximum enjoyment on descent, freeride skis have specific technical features that are different from a downhill ski.
Lift, camber and rocker are important criteria for your freeride ski. The ski will behave differently according to the individual’s size.
To the naked eye, the waist width is what distinguishes a freeride ski from a downhill ski. Located underfoot, the waist width is an essential component of your skis. The larger it is, the more lift the ski has on powder. On average, it is between 70 and 85 mm on a downhill ski.
On a freeride ski, the width can go up to 130 mm! The width for a fairly multi-purpose ski is between 90 and 105 mm, wider for more exclusive ski, particularly for use on powder.
A freeride ski can be used on the slopes but it will be more physical and difficult to ski. If you like to mix freeride with cutting beautiful curves on the slopes, go for skis no wider than 95 mm.
Ski camber dictates the way in which your ski will curve when it sits on the ground. To see the camber, put the ski down flat (or sideways). It can be flat, traditional or reverse (only the centre of the ski at the waist will touch the ground).
The majority of freeride skis on the market these days have a traditional camber. That means that only the tip and tail of your ski will touch the snow and will be raised in between. With a traditional camber, once you put your skis on and lean on the edges to turn, the entire surface between the tip and tail will be in contact with the snow.
A true pleasure to ski and make beautiful curves with good grip!
On a ski with a "rocker", the tip, and sometimes the tail, raises off the ground much sooner than with a cambered ski. This moves the points of contact towards the centre of the ski. The surface of the ski in contact with the snow is shortened: you will enjoy better handling and more floatation on soft snow. When leaning into turns, the edge length offers more grip on hard snow.
The longer the rocker, the better the handling of the ski!
Are you a good skier looking for a ski with grip for making big curves?
Go for a downhill ski with directional shape and a front rocker.
Looking for a playful ski that's easy to handle and efficient on and off-piste?
Go for a ski with a traditional camber and double rocker.
Looking for a ski that floats on powder with lots of pivot?
Without doubt, it's a traditional camber with double rocker and a waist greater than 100 mm.
The size of your freeride skis is important. If you want better handling then choose skis that are 5 cm shorter. On the other hand, for intermediate skiers looking for lift and stability, especially at high speed, choose skis up to 10 cm bigger than your usual size.
I’m a good skier but have never ventured off marked slopes
If you are a good skier but have never ventured off marked slopes then you should go for a beginner’s freeride ski. Their strong point is the multi-functionality. Perfect for enjoying all types of snow and good skiers will appreciate their stability in big curves!
I’m a more intermediate freerider and i want to advance
If you already practice off-piste and you still want to advance, then choose an intermediate ski. With this ski, you have lift and are at ease as much on fresh snow as more complicated snow.
Playful and lively or more downhill with better grip, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to which is best for you
Advanced freerider, i regularly practice off-piste
If you ski regularly and want to get away from ski lifts in favour of untouched areas and small beds of fresh snow, then go for an advanced ski. It will have enough character to meet your expectations
Before taking up off-piste and even if you are intermediate level, remember that, by definition, danger remains ever-present.
To ensure the safety of you and your loved ones, you must equip yourself the best you can to minimise risk. To do this, three products are essential: an AVD (Avalanche Victim Detector), a probe and a shovel. With this essential equipment, you can ski in the high mountains and give your imagination free rein.
