Freeride
RIDE Ski amadé
Freestyle and freeride are two sports that could hardly be more different, and yet these two lifestyles have a lot in common: the feeling of freedom, the power of nature, lightness, fresh air, outdoor fun and RIDE Ski amadé! Freeriders will find countless signposted backcountry lines for powder skiing in all five Ski amadé regions. Beginners should rely on professional guides with local knowledge.
Tips and tricks for your preparation
To get perfectly started into the freeride season
Preparing for freeriding requires both physical and organisational preparation to safely and successfully tackle untouched slopes. Here you’ll find tips and tricks to help you get ready for your freeride adventure in the best possible way.
Equipment: Make sure your equipment is in perfect condition. This includes skis or snowboard, bindings, airbag canister and safety equipment such as avalanche transceiver (LVS), probe and shovel. Tip for the LVS device: Always insert new batteries before the start of winter. That way you won’t be surprised by empty batteries the first time you use it.
Group dynamics: Freeriding in a group is safer. Make sure that you and your companions know each other well, have communication systems and have discussed emergency scenarios.
Emergency call: Before you head out on your freeride adventure, be sure to save the emergency numbers for police, rescue services and mountain rescue on your mobile phone.
First aid: It is advisable to keep your first aid skills up to date with refresher courses.
Fitness: Work on your physical fitness so that you can better handle the demands of freeriding. Exercises to strengthen your legs, core and endurance are especially important.
Map apps: It is advisable to use map apps that also work offline, as they allow you to access maps in the terrain without internet access. This is especially important for getting familiar with the terrain conditions of the respective ski area. For example, you can check the map the evening before and include elevation changes, terrain features, steepness and snow conditions in your tour planning.
EXPERT TIP: One valuable tip from experts regarding your equipment is to always pack two pairs of gloves and two hats, especially if they get soaked. Carrying a spare pair of goggles can never hurt, especially in powder snow, and don’t forget to pack spare lenses.
Safe freeriding in Ski amadé
If you leave the groomed pistes for unsecured routes and descents, you should have a good command of skis or snowboard and also bring terrain experience. At the same time, the five regions of Ski amadé are doing everything they can to make powder skiing as safe as possible.
- Check the LVS device regularly!
- Safety equipment complete? Helmet, shovel, probe, LVS device, first aid kit and mobile phone belong in the backpack
- No solo trips! – especially not in unfamiliar terrain
- Poor visibility? – Better skip it once!
- Keep your distance! Even on seemingly safe slopes, descend one at a time
- Choose safe meeting points in the terrain
- Check the weather forecast!
- Study the daily avalanche report
Freeride equipment rental
Minimising risk plays a key role off the pistes. So powder fans take note: at all designated INTERSPORT Rent locations in Ski amadé you can reserve and rent your LVS safety equipment by phone or directly in the shop. Rental of LVS device, probe, shovel and freeride backpack (WITHOUT ABS).
And it’s best to book an experienced local freeride guide straight away at one of the specialised ski schools, for the highest possible safety in the backcountry of Ski amadé.
Guides & ski guides
Do you want to stand on the highest peaks in the middle of a breathtaking mountain panorama and feel the freedom? Do you want to breathe in the fresh winter air before leaving your tracks across the snow-covered slopes?
Ortovox Training Park & LVS-Checkpoint
At the Dachstein Glacier, an ORTOVOX TRAINING PARK and an LVS-Checkpoint are now available. These innovative facilities offer practical training opportunities and enable reliable functional checks of safety equipment.
Ski touring and freeriding in alpine terrain are fascinating experiences that make the beauty of the winter mountain world tangible. With a wide range of marked ski touring routes as well as demanding terrain routes, the Dachstein Glacier offers ideal conditions for this.
Safety is the top priority: At the Dachstein Glacier, the ORTOVOX TRAINING PARK and an LVS-Checkpoint are available to you. These innovative facilities offer practical training opportunities and enable reliable functional checks of safety equipment.
Realistic training for emergencies
Anyone travelling in unsecured terrain should practise handling emergency equipment regularly. The new ORTOVOX TRAINING PARK on the Dachstein enables realistic avalanche transceiver search training without risk. The permanently installed facility is located at the beginning of the Hallstatt Glacier in the direction of Seethalerhütte and is easy to access. On an area of 80 x 80 m, transmitters are buried, enabling a realistic simulation of avalanche search operations at different levels of difficulty (1-6 buried persons). It is compatible with all LVS devices.
Ortovox Checkpoint: reliable LVS check
A functioning LVS device is the basic requirement for moving safely in open terrain. The ORTOVOX CHECKPOINT enables a quick and reliable check of whether your LVS device is switched on and transmitting correctly. A visual and acoustic signal provides immediate feedback as you pass by on the device’s functionality. The Checkpoint is installed in the area of the Dachstein mountain station and helps winter sports enthusiasts start their tour into the terrain optimally prepared.
Both facilities are available free of charge!
