Extreme Snowboarding

Extreme snowboarding is a form of Freeride snowboarding that is carried out in extreme terrain, typically containing obstacles such as cliffs, ravines, deep snow, rock gaps and anything else that occurs in a mountain environment. One needs to be highly trained to do this sport as it is highly dangerous.

Some riders just can't get enough of snowboarding, after they have outgrown the gentle slopes, lift lines, marked trails, and safe recluse of snowboarding resorts, they try off-piste and backcountry snowboarding which is done in the wild with no lifts, patrols, and other conveniences.

Some riders take snowboarding further by doing it the extreme way. For those who wish to push their physical limits, try death-defying stunts and rides, and battle with extreme terrain and snow conditions, they can try the so-called extreme snowboarding.

Extreme snowboarding is done on nearly vertical slopes that exceed 45 degrees on mountainous regions. This also entails going through cliffs, deep snow, chutes, and trees, among other obstacles in a mountain environment. Some of the best extreme snowboarding locations are the Fall Wall, Mont Fort backside in Verbier, Suisse with its 1600 m drop and the Pas de Chèvre in Aiguille des Grands Montets, Chamonix, France with its 1500 m vertical drop.

Anyone who would try extreme snowboarding should be an experienced rider, in physical and mental shape, and is familiar with avalanche safety and rescue. Speed, technical ability, and finesse are the main factors an extreme snowboarder should consider while the terrain and airtime (for those who enter in competitions) are the restraining factors.

In Valdez, Alaska, extreme snowboarders compete for the World Freeride Championships, a competition that has been running since 2010. The event brings 'big mountain freestyle' often seen in ski and snowboard videos to a competition format.

Judging of these events has evolved to a rider judged format, taking into account Line Selection, Control/Fluidity and Freestyle.

Extreme snowboarding competitors are required to wear climbing harnesses, helmets, and avalanche transceivers. They should also bring shovels and other pieces of basic survival gear in case they deviate from the course. Planning and choosing the line carefully is extremely necessary. Extreme snowboarders should be able to read the mountain, the terrain, as well as the snow conditions.

Every year there is a competition in Alaska called World Freeride Championship, where extreme snowboarders compete for cash prizes.