What is ‘Extreme’ Snowboarding?
Are you an avid snowboarder that can't get enough of the snow, sun, and the adrenaline through your veins? Have you racked up enough experience of the slopes that you could do it blindfolded? Maybe you've even tried!
You have conquered the snowboarding slopes, but have you considered upping your game and trying 'extreme' snowboarding?
WHAT IS IT?
Extreme snowboarding is a freestyle type of snowboarding on uneven terrain, otherwise known as 'off-piste'. Riders have to avoid or travel over mountain obstacles including, but not limited to, rocks, trees, cliffs, gaps, or snow mounds. These mountainous slopes often resemble vertical drops past 45 degrees.
SAFETY!
If you're thinking about taking up extreme snowboarding you need to be in excellent physical and mental condition, have experience on the slopes, and have backhand knowledge about what to do if an avalanche occurs. Extreme snowboarding is considered to be a highly dangerous sport and therefore you need to be able to think and react quickly in a dangerous situation, such as avalanches, blizzards, exhaustion or getting lost.
NOTE: Having the correct equipment with you does not make you safe whilst skiing off-piste, neither can it teach you how to handle the different conditions you will come across. Off-piste areas are NOT monitored by staff at the resorts, so always let someone in authority know where you are going and hire a guide. Always invest in Ski Travel Insurance which covers you to ski off-piste, otherwise you may not be covered if something goes wrong - visit our dedicated Winter Sports pages for more information.
Make yourself aware of any local regulations. In Piedmont, Italy, it is illegal to go off-piste without carrying a shovel, probe and transceiver. In Switzerland, there are increasing reports of police questioning skiers suspected of setting off avalanches.
An avalanche transceiver is a purchase necessity before hitting the slopes - don't overlook them because of the price - it can save your life.
And remember - you are invaluable.
WHERE ARE THE BEST LOCATIONS?
Some locations to inspire you and get started include:
- Highland Bowl in Aspen Highlands, Colorado.
- Mont Fort in Verbier, Suisse.
- Pas de Ché¨vre in Aiguille des Grands Montets, Chamonix, France.
- Chugach Mountain Range, Alaska.
- Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka, New Zealand.
WHAT DO I NEED?
- Backpack - It is recommended that your backpack has an airbag.
- An avalanche transceiver/tracker device. Always wear your transceiver close to your body (it can only save your life if your fellow skiers can pinpoint your position). Check the batteries regularly, know how to use it and practise using it as often as you can.
- A probe -the transceiver can lead you to an area but a probe will mark the exact point where a body is and the depth of the snow.
- High protection goggles or sunglasses.
- Water to drink.
- First aid kit.
- Communication device - Mobile phone - Be aware of the reception in a particular area you choose to ski. Two-way radio - You don't need a signal but you do need to be within the range of someone else with a radio.
- Shovel - The whole party should each carry a shovel.
- A detailed map of the piste and area.
- Whistle & compass.
This list is not exhaustive but will give you some insight into what you need. If you are in any doubt, please speak to a professional.
TO REMEMBER:
- Every resort will publish an avalanche risk index each day. Make sure you understand the avalanche warning figures: they range from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
- Check the risk of snowfall.
- Remember that not all travel insurance for ski trips will automatically cover skiing or snowboarding off-piste. Double check your policy to make sure.
- Take into account your fitness level. It's up to you to be realistic about your fitness, experience and skiing ability and to be aware of your limitations.
- You must have knowledge of how to ski amongst trees, rocks and cliffs.
- Check that off-piste skiing is allowed in the area you are planning to cover before heading out, as you could be fined if caught skiing in a restricted area.
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