The best freeride destinations
Expansive deep powder slopes, ski pillows of champagne powder, and action-packed tree runs are the dream of all freeriders. On a good powder day, you of course want to be the first up to rip the perfect lines in the snow. At the same time, you also want to be the first down to be able to get in a second or third run, too. Ski resorts are ideally suited for freeriding since you have the lifts as assistance, so you don’t have to climb up all the way every time. Of course, not every ski area is an ideal freeride destination. Here, we have collected the best spots internationally for you. Please consider: Even in ski areas, freeriding is only for experience skiers with the appropriate avalanche awareness and rescue skills when somebody is buried. Not only when ski touring, but anytime you head off groomed slopes, it is mandatory to have the right safety gear.
La Grave, France
La Grave is the pinnacle for freeriders. This small, mystical mountain village in the French alps offers the most challenging freeride terrain in the world. Gondolas carry you up 3,200 meters, where endless opportunities on backcountry alpine terrain await.
Highlight: The “Panoramique” – a 2,150-meter descent that takes you through steep couloirs and expansive glaciers.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier in the Swiss Alps offers challenging slopes, long downhills, and good snow safety. Access to untouched freeride routes is super easy, thanks to a developed network of lifts. In addition, there are several marked, secured, ungroomed descents where you can find the best deep powder.
Highlight: The “Bec des Rosses” – where the Freeride World Tour takes place. This is where you can find some of the most challenging lines in the world.
Gastein, Austria
STILL an insider tip and suited for freeride novices and the advanced alike. Wide open slopes, tree runs, and ski pillows await! Numerous deep powder downhills can be reached without long climbs. Thanks to its north-facing location, you can often find great powder here into the afternoon.
Highlight: Downhills all around the “Nordabfahrt:” Here, you can go from the 2,700-meter Kreuzkogel or Salesenkopf down to the “Mautstation.”
Livigno, Italy
If you would like to start the powder skiing season early, then Livigno is just the right place for you. The ski area is very high, so you can usually already start ripping first lines in the powder there in November or December. Near the lifts there are many easy slopes, too. If you want something a little more difficult, you can reach these technical descents after a short hike.
Highlight: Freeride variants in the Vallaccia Valley. Can be reached directly from the ski lift or after a short climb.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski areas in North America. Here, you can find diverse terrain and innumerable opportunities – from wide, open slopes to steep couloirs or narrow tree runs. Access to the best off-piste locations is easy, and snow conditions are usually very good.
Highlight: “Spanky’s Ladder” on Blackcomb Mountain is one of the most spectacular freeride descents. Note: The route is only for really very experienced skiers!
Niseko, Japan
Niseko on the island of Hokkaido is known for its legendary Japanese powder. With an average snow depth of more than 15 meters a year, it is one of the best freeride spots in the world. Waiting for you is a spectacular mix of wide open slopes and wooded descents – ideal for freeriders of all levels.
Highlight: The area of “Hanazono” offers expansive forests with deep powder for perfect tree runs.
Are you ready to turns on untouched deep powder? With our Tigard Collection, you can get the maximum from your powder days. First Up. First Down.
