Freeskiing, is a specific type of skiing, which involves tricks, jumps, and terrain park features, such as rails, boxes, jibs, or other obstacles. The sport, which is contested as part of freestyle skiing at the Olympic Winter Games, is relatively new, making its Olympic debut in 2014. The sport consists of three primary disciplines: halfpipe, slopestyle and big air. Freeski Big Air made it’s debut as a Winter Olympic event at Beijing 2022.
The sport does not require participants to compete, but there are competitive events available at every level of the sport.
What is it?
Freeskiing resulted from the growth of snowboarding combined with the progression of freestyle skiing. “Newschoolers”, or those who specifically ski in this style, as opposed to traditional freestylers, freeriders, big mountain skiers, and racers, are often found in terrain parks, which are designed specifically for tricks.
Freeskiing requires at least three pieces of gear. Skis, Ski boots and ski bindings. In addition to this, many skiers choose to use poles, goggles, ski clothing and safety gear such as helmets and avalanche gear (when going off-piste). Almost everything used by freeskiers is designed specifically for use in freeskiing rather than ordinary skiing.
#FREESKIATHOME
Interested in having a go? We can help set you on your freeski journey:
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If you already Freeski yourself, share your photos with us at: iliyana@snowsportengland.org.uk
How can I get involved?
There are three kinds of newschool skis: powder, all-mountain and park (twin tip).
Powder
Powder skis, also called big-mountain or backcountry skis, have a wide waist width, making them ideal for places with heavy powder. The extra surface area helps skiers to float above premium powder. However, they can be difficult to use on slopes with less snow or groomed trails, especially for beginning to moderate skiers. Experienced skiers sometimes buy powder skis as an alternate pair, to be used when conditions warrant it.
All-mountain
Most Alpine skis fall into this category. All-mountain skis are designed to perform in all types of snow conditions and at most speeds. Narrower all-mountain skis are better for groomed runs, while wider styles handle better in powder and poor conditions. Other names for this style of ski include mid-fat skis, all-purpose skis, and the one-ski quiver.[6]
Park
Park skis are often designed with a more symmetrical shape to make switch (backwards) skiing much easier and reinforced edges to withstand rails. Some new powder and all-mountain skis are created with ‘reverse camber’ (aka ‘rocker’) meaning that the tips and tails are bent up slightly to make powder landings easier.
There are many ways you can get involved in Freeskiing, visit the club and activity finder on our website and find a lesson at a slope near you
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Who can Freeski?
If you can control your speed and direction then there is nothing to stop you trying out some small beginner features.
- Do I need experience in Snowsport?
Yes, you need to be able to control your speed and direction on skis. Good balance skills are very helpful as is aerial awareness if you start jumping.
- Can I Freeski if I have a disability?
If the environment is suitable then skiers with a disability should be able to participate. You know your disability better than anyone else so get in touch and we can explore the opportunities available to you.
- One unique thing about Freeskiing:
The culture you find within the sport is unique as is the drive for progressing the sport above “winning” a contest.
- Benefits of Freeskiing:
Being part of a supportive community who will encourage you to develop your own skills in a fun and creative way.
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