"Ride The Side"

#01: FreeRide Is For Everyone

If you're interested in connecting with others and being in the mountains, there is a place for you here.

#02: We All Ride Equal

Seasoned pro or day one newbie, we all ride equal. Prejudice and judgement just weigh you down. Let’s have a good time, together.

#03: The Lore Is Not The Law

The Lore is here to help but don’t take it too seriously. Making FreeRide safe, fun, and minimising its impact on the mountains is all that really matters. We’ll see you up there.

#04: Ride Kind

FreeRide is sweeter when we respect the mountains and each other. Kindness goes a long way. Oh, and remember to call your folks sometimes.

#05: Look After Your Mountains

The mountains are a gift, let’s give back. FreeRiding isn’t guaranteed and we can’t take it for granted.

#06: No TSP, No Party

We will never FreeRide in the backcountry without our Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe (TSP). Say it loud and say it proud.

#07: Never Stop Learning

There's always something to learn, on and off the mountain. From how you choose to travel to riding technique, be humble and open to change. Here’s to having a growth mindset.

#08: Backpacks Mean Business

If you come across other riders beyond the boundary marker, always check for the backpack. No backpack probably means no TSP (Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe) and no TSP means they can’t contribute to a rescue effort. No TSP, No Party.

#09: Train Hard, Ride Easy

Condition your body, take your stretches seriously, and work on your skills & knowledge. Put in the legwork and you’ll have fun when the snow falls deep.

#10: Leave No Trace

Enjoy pristine mountains. Leave awesome tracks; nothing else.

#11: Why Do We Fall?

So we can learn to get back up and stomp it harder next time.

#12: Prepare To Be A Hero

If you carry the right equipment and know how to use it, you could save the life of a fellow FreeRider. Consistency and preparation are key.

#13: Sleep Is Cool

Push yourself for first chair on a powder day, but rest in when it isn’t. Know when it's on.

#14: Be Responsible On-Snow, Off-Snow, All Year Round

Let’s work together to reduce our emissions, make smarter choices, and be better for our mountains.

#15: Planning Starts The Night Before

Not every day is a powder day. Avalanche bulletins are published daily at 16.00 and will tell you if you should aim for first-chair or stay home and wax your ride.

#16: Plan For The Worst, Have More Fun

Study the avalanche bulletin, know what the weather’s doing, save patrol’s number to your phone, gear up. Do your risk assessment, make a decision, stomp in the knowledge that you’ve done your homework.

#17: FreeRide For A Free Mind

Connecting with nature has proven mental health benefits. When you tune into the mountains you can tune out the daily grind and feed your soul.

#18: Scout On The Way Up, Stomp On The Way Down

Lifts are the perfect opportunity to scope your next line.

#19: Fear Is Your Friend

The mountain gives us a lot, but it can also take away. Trust your senses; if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn’t. Don't let others dissuade you, there’s always next time.

#20: Everything Counts

When it comes to the environment, every positive action stacks up. There’s always more to be done but feel good about what you do and keep on doing it.

#21: Get It Fresh

FreeRiders rise early on a powder day. Make tracks while it’s fresh.

#22: To Drop Or Not To Drop

Do your own risk assessment, carry your own gear, choose your own line. Be self-reliant and ride free.

#23: Hydro Your FreeRide

Many resorts use green hydroelectric power to keep the lifts turning. Choose a greener hill and feel the karma.

#24: All Turns Are Good Turns

Some turns are better than others but all turns are better than none. From pow to crud and everything in between, ride what’s in front of you... with joy!

#25: Terrain Has Consequences

Slopes with an angle over 30 degrees slide more often. Slopes with aspects that face North slide more often. Slopes at altitude carry more risk. Terrain has consequences. Know what you’re getting into — It could save your life.

#26: The Art Of Flight

We all have a FreeRide bucket list, but can you get your kicks closer to home? Trains and buses emit the fewest emissions, but even driving is better than flying.

#27: More Friends On A Powder Day

Come on. We all know riding is better with buddies.

#28: Only Today’s Conditions Matter

Just because you rode a line last season, or even a thousand times before, it doesn't mean it's safe today. Knowing the way is not the same as knowing the risk.

#29: Buy Once, Use To Death

Durability consumes less energy. Take pride in buying well and making your gear last many seasons.

#30: Visit Admiration Station

First tracks on a fresh face? Stop at the bottom and take it in! Savour it; this is what dreams are made of.

#31: Ride Responsibly

Actions have consequences for us, other riders and the rescue community. Never forget that.

#32: You Are What You Wear

Many brands still make their equipment with chemicals that are toxic to the environment. But not all brands. Eco waxes, technical clothing from renewable materials — there are options out there if you look for them.

#33: Love Your Gear

Look after your gear like your life depends on it, because it just might.

#34: Share The Chair

Why stand in the chairlift line when you could be riding? Keep the queue moving and the stoke high. Sit next to someone new — it could be the start of something beautiful.

#35: Ride The Side

There’s always an opportunity to hone your FreeRide skills. Don’t waste what’s right in front of you — every turn counts.

#36: Check Before You Drop

Smart riders don't rush in. Take your time. Do it right.

#37: Today Is Going To Be The Best

You’re awesome and you are going to have the best day. Early alarms will sound like birdsong, boot-packing will be a walk in the park. Positivity is a mindset, embrace it!

#38: Snow Is Fun Until It Isn’t

Love snow but stay grounded. Snow causes avalanches and avalanches take lives.

#39: First Chair Means First Chair

Always remember, you don’t have to get up early to have the best day, but If you agree to first chair, you make first chair. Snowflakes over flakes.

#40: Protection Is Personal

Whether it's gear, insurance or anything else, educate yourself on the options and choose the protection that’s right for you. You deserve it.

#41: My Line Is Your Line

Share your secret powder stash and share the stoke.

#42: Don’t Eat Yellow Snow

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#43: Share The Love

We all need a little love, help and encouragement on our FreeRide journey. Returning the favour feels pretty good too.