The FreeRide Code

Staying safe on the mountain is important, not just for FreeRiders but for all riders. Most ski resorts have a code of conduct that you’re expected to abide by, written in the small print when you buy a lift pass. There are also some generally accepted rules for riding the piste –  how to overtake, where to stop, these are pretty universal. The rules apply to everyone – regardless of what equipment you’re riding on – and are intended as a “Highway Code” for the piste. 

But what’s the deal when you head beyond the markers?

The bottom line is that there are no universally recognised rules. Once you leave the piste (or the resort boundary in North America) you ride at your own risk and you make your own rules. At the FreeRide Republic we think that’s part of the attraction but staying safe on the mountain is still important so we came up with a code of our own.

The FreeRide Code

01 Read The Avalanche Bulletin. Before you head out, you should always know what you’re getting into. The avalanche bulletin contains a wealth of vital information. As well as the avalanche danger level for the day it highlights the prevailing avalanche issue, the slopes that are most vulnerable and the weather forecast. It’s the go to morning read for all dedicated FreeRiders.

02 Make A Plan. However simple, this will help your decision making and may be a significant factor in keeping you safe. If you’ve read the avalanche bulletin, an informed plan will take into consideration the terrain you’re heading into and the risks you may face.

03 Gear Up. At the Republic we love our gear but we know that on some days we need to  carry more than on others. If you’ve read the avalanche bulletin, know where you’re headed and the potential risks then you can dress and pack accordingly. Your TSP (Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe) and helmet are the minimum requirements for FreeRide, but if it’s cold you’ll want to pack an extra mid-layer too. If you think you’ll be kicking in steps, you might also want to stow some crampons.

04 Respect The Mountain. We love our mountains and want to preserve their wild beauty for all to enjoy. But we also recognise that they’re an extreme and hostile environment that will catch you unawares if you allow them. Show the mountain and your fellow riders some respect. Make the effort to learn about the environment you’re heading into and how to stay safe up there. Leave only tracks and always respect closed areas such as wildlife reserves, hibernation areas and nesting sites.

05 Know Your Limits. And stick to them. Don’t allow your ego or peer pressure to push you into terrain you’re not ready or not properly equipped for.

06 Feel The Stoke. We all live for the stoke so if you’re not riding with a smile then something’s wrong. Trust that feeling and head back to safe terrain. But don’t let the stoke blind you and lead you into terrain you shouldn’t be on either. It’s a balance all FreeRiders need to find.

For a better, safer FreeRide, why not explore the safety guidance and practices shared by the community?

Do you have any suggestions for the FreeRide code? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.