Freeriding (winter sport)

Freeriding is a style of skiing or snowboarding performed on natural, un-groomed terrain, without a set course, goals or rules.

It evolved throughout the sport's formative years as a contrary response to the highly regimented style of ski competition prevalent at the time.

Freeriding incorporates various aspects of riding into a style that adapts to the variations and challenges of natural, off-piste terrain, and eschews man-made features such as jumps, rails, half-pipes, or groomed snow.

Many freeride snowboards incorporate a rocker element in the nose, which is then made extra long beyond the contact points to increase float.

However unlike the freestyle discipline of slopestyle, there are no perfect man-made takeoffs or landings - each individual rider's route varies, and is personally plotted out in pre-run inspections.

Constantly changing weather and snow conditions add an extra element to these events, and the unpredictably random aspect of freeride terrain contributes to a high risk of personal injury.

In 2001, the tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attacks interrupted international sponsorship support leading to an eight-year break.