freeriding

Freeriding is a style of snowboarding that focuses on riding natural terrain. It differs from freestyle snowboarding, which utilizes artificial obstacles like rails and half-pipes, and from alpine snowboarding, which emphasizes speed and carving. Freeriding can occur on various natural features, from gentle slopes to steep faces, and is not limited to remote backcountry areas.

Freeride boards are typically longer and stiffer than freestyle boards to provide better float in diverse snow conditions. They are generally directional, meaning they have a distinct nose and tail. While much freeriding happens outside of judged events, there is a Freeride World Tour series that showcases this style of riding. Backcountry and big mountain snowboarding are sub-disciplines that focus on riding in remote wilderness locations, often requiring hiking or specialized equipment like splitboards for access.12