Winter sports trend: freeride
22.1.2016
Translation: machine translated
Staying away from the mass of skiers and snowboarders, riding on untouched snow, discovering nature while experiencing an unforgettable adventure - that's what freeriding is all about!
The freeride craze has many facets. After ascending the slope on snowshoes, some like to descend into fresh powder with their snowboard. Others prefer to climb the mountain with their splitboard, which they assemble once they reach the top and then come straight back down again, tracing their own trajectory. As the name suggests, freeriding is all about being free and experiencing a unique adventure.
Snowshoe trekking: a thousand-year-old sport back in vogue
Snowshoes are perfect for walking in the snow, out in nature. More and more snowboarders are opting for these lightweight companions: they first ascend the slope - snowboard on their back - with their snowshoes on their feet, and then descend as they please onto the powder.
Snowshoes are available for all levels of ability. Snowshoes come in all qualities and at all prices. The differences are due to the materials used - usually aluminium or plastic - and the type and finish of the bindings. Aluminium snowshoes are especially recommended for long hikes: they are lighter and offer better support. The rack-and-pinion fastening system is recommended for sturdy boots, and the strap fastening system for softer boots. [[product:3454102]]
All snowshoes
Freeride: boards with a special shape for great powder turns
Typical freeride boards have a directional shape. They are tapered several times over, meaning that they have a wider and longer nose than an all-mountain board, which guarantees good grip when cornering. Burton's Fish model, inspired by surfboard design, also has a double swallow tail shape for optimum acceleration and perfect control in turns. This ensures a better glide on powder.
Splitboards: going downhill and uphill with one board
As the name suggests, you can split the board in 2 and, thanks to skins and crampons, tackle the peaks. Once you've reached the top, all you have to do is click the two halves together again and hurtle down the slope. Thanks to the veiled interface, you can use the binding as a ski or snowboard binding.
At the Alpine Splitfest in Kandersteg
(19 - 21 February 2016), where Galaxus will also be represented, you'll have the opportunity to get your first taste of the world of splitboarding.
The right companions
Find all the essential hiking partners with us - from poles to rucksacks, not forgetting gaiters and hiking helmets. [[product:5620980]] [[product:5619604,5653431,5622361]]
Safety equipment: an absolute must!
With all the fun and adrenaline generated by the various freeride sports, you should never underestimate the dangers and risks of off-piste riding. Full safety equipment - including an avalanche shovel, ice axe, avalanche transceiver, rucksack with airbag and avalanche probe, and a first aid kit - is essential for every outing. It's also a good idea to find out about any avalanche risks before you set off. [[product:3482140,3482255,2752957]] [[product:3482251,2358366,2351376]]
All the safety equipment
Theresa Schieder
Leader Portfolio Development Do-It, Garden & Household
Theresa.Schieder@digitecgalaxus.ch