Basic protective equipment for freeride skiing: Checklist
When you're heading outside the resort, you need to be sure you're doing it as safely as you can. From helmets to spine protectors, this article covers the must-haves for any aspiring freerider.
If you’re looking to progress your riding, then expanding across the whole mountain is probably in the pipeline for you. This means leaving behind the safety of the resort and venturing further afield. Now, this is definitely not something to be taken lightly, and any freeriding should always be done with care! And with some key safety equipment to make sure you don’t get caught out. Because if something happens out there, you’re a bit further from help than normal!
So let’s dig in, shall we? We’ll be covering all the essentials you’ll want to keep in your bag and on your person when tackling your first (or thousandth) powder lines. From ski goggles with low-light lenses to the right kind of helmet, you can’t get away with much out there in the boonies and you shouldn’t try to! Pack well, know your route, stay safe, and of course, have fun. Read on to find out what we think you absolutely need for a fun day of hunting freshies safely.
Essential styles for freeriding
Venturing into the exhilarating sphere of freeriding is impossible without the right kit. At Ridestore, we've curated an exceptional collection ready to meet this challenge. Melding high-grade insulation with alluring style, our ski coats and ladies ski jackets boost your confidence and ensure your safety on the slopes.
Complement your mountain ensemble with our robust, flexible men and women ski pants. Tailored specifically for seamless agility and unrivalled comfort, these trousers empower you to traverse the most challenging terrains with ease.
So step into Ridestore's collection today and propel your freeriding experiences to extraordinary heights.
Protective skiing equipment and ski outerwear: Gear guide
Jackets
When it comes to skiing outerwear, a quality jacket is a must-have. A ski jacket is different from your ordinary jacket. It is robust on the outside and comes with two layers for maximum insulation against the cold. Such a jacket is designed to keep you warm and cozy from the inside. Its tough outer cover keeps the snow and wind at bay as you cruise down the slopes at high speed.
Quality freeride ski jackets should be windproof, breathable, and waterproof. You can either choose a versatile shell just in case it gets sunny when you are skiing. But if you are sure that it will be cold throughout, you should go for more insulations against the cold.
Pants
Freeride skiing requires a full protective gear. That said, your jacket has to be accompanied by quality skiing pants. You can’t ski comfortably when your lower body is exposed.
Your legs might get cold, and you’ll not enjoy the experience at all. 3-in-1 ski pants are the best, especially if you are not sure of the weather you’ll encounter at your select skiing destination. These pants are also ideal when you don’t know whether you’ll run hot or cold when skiing.
These pants have a weatherproof and waterproof shell. They are also quite versatile. For instance, you can wear just the outside layer of the pants when it’s warm. When it’s extremely cold, you’ll need to wear all the layers.
Insulating pants are another great choice. These are different from the 3-in-1 pants. They offer warmth and protection against the elements on the ski slopes.
Insulating pants are made of synthetic material for insulation purposes. Usually, the insulation weight is expressed in grams. The more the grams, the higher the level of insulation. Your choice of pants should be based on the most likely weather condition of the freeride skiing destination.
Helmet
Freeride skiing is a risky and adventurous sport. This is because accidents may happen when you least expect them. This ranges from harmless tumbles to life-threatening accidents. Head injuries are also possible.
With freeride skiing, you don’t get a ski patrol, groomed terrain, or avalanche mitigation. It is extremely dangerous to hit the slopes without a helmet. Moreover, the National Ski Areas Association recommends a helmet for freeride skiers.
A good skiing helmet should have extra paddings and inner linings. For it to be comfortable, there should be padding between your head, and the hard shell.
A helmet that’s designed with moisture-wicking is incredible. It ensures that your head doesn’t sweat too much. Besides protecting you from injury, a helmet keeps you warm.
A freeride skiing helmet should sit on your head perfectly and fit well. It should not be too tight.
Once you wear the helmet, shake your head. If you feel a significant shift, then it’s not the right fit.
Also, the helmet you choose has to be compatible with your goggles. On the front, it should cover your forehead properly. There should be no gaps left between the helmet and your head. The chin strap has to be firm. It should not choke you, as this can bring about tremendous discomfort. But also, it shouldn’t be loose to the extent of coming off during an impact. Most importantly, you need to fasten the straps before you embark on the action.
Goggles
When it comes to freeride skiing goggles, quality and vision are of the essence. Factors such as depth perception, color definition, and eye fatigue should come into play. And of course, the googles need to fit right.
Your choice of goggles narrows down to the Visible Light Transmission (VLT). For low visibility, light-colored lenses are the best. But for darker conditions, category 4 lenses should do it.
There are goggles with interchangeable lenses, while others adjust to various light conditions.
These are commonly referred to as photochromic goggles.
The choice of googles depends on your taste and preference. Go with what feels most comfortable.
Backpack
Freeride skiing has a pretty demanding terrain and thus demands a robust backpack. You need a high-quality backpack to hold all your valuables during the rigorous sporting activity.
The decision on your ideal backpack should be based on the amount of gear you intend to carry. A backpack with a distinct compartment for your avalanche gear is ideal. Apart from that, easy access comes in handy as you might need something while still on the move. Think about the outfit you’ll be wearing as you buy your backpack, and go for the right fit.
Back protector
When skiing, falling or collision is a possibility. In case of any accidents, wearing a back protector can help avoid a serious injury.
Back protectors are designed to protect you from spinal injuries. They absorb and distribute the energy emanating from the impact when an accident happens. These armors come in different sizes and models. These include the softshell, which is made of hybrid materials and the hard shell that is made of hard plastics. Some come as jackets while others are vests. The most preferred is the softshell back protector due to its soft materials. However, you can choose whichever you like.
Whether you are a professional freeride skier or you just do it for leisure, protection is imperative. See to it that you have all the basic protective equipment at all times because you never know when you’ll have a bad day at the slopes.
FAQs
How should a freeride skiing helmet fit?
Your freeride skiing helmet should sit comfortably on your head, neither too tight nor too loose. When you shake your head, the helmet should not significantly shift. It should also adequately cover your forehead and be compatible with your goggles.
Why is robustness necessary in a ski jacket for freeride skiing?
The robustness of a ski jacket ensures it can withstand the harsh weather conditions encountered during freeride skiing. It helps keep the snow and wind at bay as you cruise down the slopes at high speeds.
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