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Freeride is the freedom to ski off-piste! Children who want to dive into this experience and the world of freeride can already find their place in competitions like the Freeskid, events specifically designed to introduce them to this universe.

In this article, discover how to participate in a freeride competition for kids and how to prepare for your very first event! ⛷️⭐

Photo of the 2024 Freeskid competition at La Clusaz featuring a young rider.

What exactly is a Freeskid?

The Freeskid is a freeride competition dedicated to younger skiers and snowboarders! Unlike traditional competitions where participants follow a marked course, here, it’s an opportunity to choose your own descent lines and fully express yourself. Participants are judged based on their technique, fluidity, control of the terrain, and creativity. The goal? To have fun while staying safe, of course! And to discover a new world, the world of Freeride competitions.❄️

There are competitions for all ages, typically from 10 to 16 years old. Each child competes in a category that matches their age and skill level.

Freeskid 2024 by Evolution 2 La Clusaz: the vibe of the competition!

Who can participate?

Good news: everyone can participate! Freeskid competitions are open to young skiers and snowboarders passionate about freeride. Unlike alpine ski competitions, no prior competition experience is required. You don’t need to be a freeride pro, just be comfortable skiing outside marked slopes.

However, you will need the right equipment!

  • Helmet

  • Back protection or backpack with integrated CE-certified protection

  • Freeride skis

Freeskid in La Clusaz with Evolution 2

How to prepare properly ?

First of all, of course, it’s important to practice skiing or snowboarding on varied terrain: small off-piste descents, learning to manage speed better, working on fluidity and control. It also helps to get used to jumping on bumps and taking more creative lines.

Safety is also crucial. Anyone who wants to venture off-piste should be trained in using a transceiver (DVA) and managing avalanche risks. Evolution 2 also offers freeride initiation courses and freeride lessons to help you safely hit the off-piste.

The bonus: mental preparation to learn to trust yourself, take on challenging lines, stay calm under pressure, and manage adrenaline are essential skills to work on. It can be a bit stressful at first, but that’s also what makes the competition exciting!

The atmosphere and experience of Freeskid

The atmosphere and experience of Freeskid

Participating in a Freeskid is much more than just a competition. It’s an experience where you can meet other young ski or snowboard enthusiasts, share tips, and support each other.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; everyone is there to learn, have fun, and enjoy being in the mountains. The competitions are often an opportunity to see young talents emerge, but also to have a great time with other riders and future champions in the making!

Freeride show by Evolution 2 pros

Freeskid 2025 at La Clusaz: ready for the challenge?

If you dream of discovering freeride and taking part in a ski or snowboard competition, the Freeskid 2025 at La Clusaz is a great opportunity for you to try out the adventure! Organized by Evolution 2 La Clusaz, this competition promises an exciting day on the famous Candide slope, specially prepared for the event.

The Freeskid 2025 takes place on a slope with a vertical drop of about 250 meters, and each competitor is judged on their technique, fluidity, and style. The young participants, aged 9 to 17, will compete in 3 categories. The starts are individual, with a 1-minute 30-second interval between each rider, ensuring that everyone has their moment of glory 😎. Each rider must inspect the course with Evolution 2 coaches to master the terrain before taking on the challenge.

The young competitors will be judged on 3 main criteria:

  • Air & style: the jump, position, and originality of the tricks. For the youngest category (9-11 years old), complex tricks are prohibited, but the other categories can attempt them if they have the skills.

  • Fluidity: it’s about descending without pausing, following a smooth line and reading the terrain well.

  • Control: technical mastery and balance on the slope. A fall or loss of control may cost points ! 😱 

Young rider ready to take on the freeride competition face

Required level: is my child ready?

The Freeskid is open to young skiers and snowboarders with an autonomous technical level who have already been part of an alpine or freeride ski club. Don’t worry if your not a pro: you just need to master the basics and feel comfortable skiing in all types of snow to participate. Safety is a top priority during this event. All minors will be accompanied and supervised during course reconnaissance and in the race zones. Additionally, pisteurs and rescuers will be present throughout the competition to ensure everything goes smoothly.

So, are you ready to discover freeride? Freeskid competitions by Evolution 2 are a great way to learn while having fun and, most importantly, to explore a whole new world where sports, nature, and safety are at the heart of everything. You don’t need to be a pro to join—just the desire to have fun, learn, and share great moments in the mountains!

If you have any questions or want to share your experience, feel free to reach out to us!

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