Freeride Lessons
For beginners it offers the first off-piste experience, with an introduction to the different types of snow and technical explanations about safe driving with good technique. Beginners will learn about skiing techniques and safety on off-piste terrain. They will be taught different techniques for all types of snow as well as the correct use of safety gear and risk assessment.
Advanced freeriders will explore the wildest areas and best off-piste routes in the Arcalís mountains.
Our expert monitors include safety in all classes: how to plan your ski trip in alpine terrain; the professional use of DVA (Detector Víctima Avalancha), shovel and probe; and how to correctly approach off-piste situations.
Season Freeride Academy
The Ordino Arcalís Freeride Academy aims to encourage and promote the sport and the values of the mountain through courses, trips and competitions. Its teaching approach is aimed at beginner and advanced groups in different areas of freeride skiing and snowboarding.
The Freeride Academy started a few seasons ago with the backing of the Ordino Arcalís ski school. The philosophy of the freeride school is clear: to enjoy winter sports while promoting values such as companionship, respect, responsibility, love for the environment and personal growth.
That is why we have perfectly specialised instructors to carry out this adventure with all the students of our school. Groups will be formed according to level and depending on the number of years the students have been freeriding.
For booking and more information: bookingpasgrau@grandvalira.com
Prices Freeride Academy
2024-2025 season
| Age | Days | Schedule | Price | Direct buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeride Academy | 12 to 18 years old | 35 | from 9 am to 1 pm | €900 | bookingpasgrau@grandvalira.com |
Freeride Academy Calendar
2024-2025 season
Seaons aims and content
The students are grouped according to levels, based on the number of years they have been doing freeriding.
Aims
- To create a pleasant, optimal atmosphere for students to feel comfortable and motivated for the new season.
- To acquire the necessary technical knowledge to enjoy freeriding safely and independently.
- To learn to read the ground.
- To take and perfect turns on a gradient.
- To start and/or improve acrobatics (jumps, backflips, etc.).
- To learn to assess risk, whether alone or in a group.
- To trust and respect the group leader on a descent.
- To become familiar with and understand the safety equipment (shovel, arva, probe).
- Respect for team members and the trainer, as well as for the mountain environment.
Content
Communication and collaboration between all members of the group.
- Active participation within the group and tolerance of other team members.
Understanding of the environment.
- Mountain conditions, weather conditions and their impact on the snow.
- Characteristics and types of snow.
- Types of avalanche and their characteristics. How to act and rescue techniques.
Advanced-level technique for skiing on slopes.
- Performance of exercises to improve each technical element.
- Performance of additional exercises applied to each technical aspect in the different phases of turning.
- Control of speed.
Technique for skiing off-slope: exercises and practice on untouched snow.
- Working on the three phases for safe freeride turning.
- Navigating and improving on a gradient.
- Jumping and speed as a safety measure.
- Orientation and anticipation with the freeride skier flexing/extending.
How to prepare for a descent.
- Safe descents and exposed areas.
- Assessment of the difficulties and escape routes.
Assessment of the descent.
- Descent lines.
- Assessment of personal skills and the group’s skills.
- Risk assessment.
- Advance safety protocols.
Recordings and corrections on different descents.
- Video correction for correcting errors on descents.
Working on different acrobatics on the slope, on Peretol, or on the 360º.
- Starting and/or improving the backflip.
- Jumping from rocks and controlling it.
Visiting some of the resort’s departments to find out how the mountain is made safe.
- Depending on availability, opportunity to see how the PIDA (Avalanche Intervention Plan) is created.
- Finding out about the weather forecast reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is freeride snowboarding?
Freeride snowboarding is practiced off-piste, on natural and often challenging terrain. At the Ordino Arcalís Freeride School, we offer programs for both beginners and advanced snowboarders. Beginners learn to identify snow types and practice safe riding techniques, while experienced riders explore the wildest areas and best off-piste lines in Arcalís. All lessons include essential safety training such as alpine route planning and the use of avalanche beacons (DVA), shovel, and probe.
What is ski freeride?
Ski freeride means skiing outside the marked slopes, across varied and natural terrain. At the Ordino Arcalís Freeride School, lessons are tailored to all levels. Beginner skiers learn specific techniques for different snow types and how to use safety equipment correctly, while advanced skiers discover the most remote and challenging areas of the resort. Safety is a top priority, with a strong focus on route planning and managing off-piste situations.