[HOW TO] How to Choose the Right Freeride Equipment

Freeriding has grown massively in recent years. Now more than ever, skiers leave the boundaries of official ski areas and enter backcountry terrain to find the untouched snow. So we’ve put together this guide to the most important things you will need to look for when buying your free ride gear.

Each year InTheSnow head out on ISPO Munich, where the world showcases it’s ski gear. You’ll find here some advice on the kind of kit you’ll need to get going.

The following are the 5 essential pieces of equipment to include in any freeride backpack:

1 – Transceiver

An avalanche beacon or avalanche transceiver is an electronic device that emits a pulsed radio signal that can be received by another receiver. They are used to find avalanche victims buried under the snow. Avalanche transceivers should be worn by all members of a party when skiing in the backcountry.

Avalanche Transceiver Reviews: BCA Tracker 3 – Mammut’s Element Barryvox

2 – Probe

A probe is a long retractable pole used to locate someone who has been buried by an avalanche. When the transceiver is showing you are closest to the lost party member, the probe must be planted perpendicular to the surface of the snow.

3 – Shovel

When you locate a victim in an avalanche using your beacon and probe, then comes the crucial phase of shoveling to dig them out.

Shovel Review: Arva Snow Plume Shovel

4 – Protection

Being well equipped means emergency equipment in case of an avalanche but it’s also important to protect your head and body to minimize the risk of injury when freeriding. Wearing a helmet and a back protector is strongly recommended. Besides preventing head injuries, helmets also offer warmth and comfort !

Helmet Reviews : Lazer Dissent Helmet –  POC Fornix Backcountry MIPS – Bern Unlimited Kingston Helmet

Back Protection Review : Carve Back Protector

5 – The avalanche airbag

Avalanche airbags have become more and more popular in recent years. It is a safety accessory that really complements your equipment. An airbag will increase your chances of survival by minimizing avalanche burial with the potential to keep you closer to the surface.

Avalanche Airbag Reviews : Black Diamond Jet-Fan Inflation Avalanche Airbag Pack – Scott Alpride Avalanche Pack Series

 

You can minimise the avalanche risks by good terrain analysis, being aware of weather conditions, carrying the right equipment and being realistic with your ski ability. Mountains are an unpredictable environment, so we highly recommend you take a guide and learn basic avalanche safety to make the most of your trip. As a minimum you should always carry a transceiver, probe and shovel. But carrying equipment is not enough – always practise using it!

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