| For the More Advanced | | | | standards due to the chance of this in many |
| Extreme snowboarding is a type of free ride | | | | mountainous terrains. Riders who are proficient at |
| snowboarding that is conducted over rough terrain. It | | | | extreme snowboarding often have excellent technical |
| frequently encounters obstacles such as ravines, cliffs, | | | | ability, speed and finesse. |
| rock gaps, deep snow and many other types of | | | | THE Competition Places |
| obstacles one would find in a mountain environment. | | | | Riders who are up for a competitive edge may wish |
| Extreme snowboarding is often tackled by riders with | | | | to check out the extreme snowboarding competition |
| some advanced experience after they have already | | | | held in Valdez, Alaska. Here, riders compete for the |
| mastered such beginner opportunities as marked trails | | | | World Extreme Snowboarding Championship title. |
| and gentle slopes. Backcountry snowboarding is often | | | | Riders can do either freestyle or downhill. Riding |
| conducted in the wild and frequently has no patrols, lifts | | | | downhill features a 4000 foot vertical run with gullies, |
| or other modern conveniences. This type of | | | | wind lips and rollers. The competition also includes one |
| environment is often well suited for the aerial stunts | | | | inspection run and two times runs. With freestyle riding |
| and rides that many advanced riders like to perform. | | | | there is a 3000 foot vertical run that features small |
| The extreme terrain of this type of snowboarding can | | | | cliffs, cornices, wind lips, rolls, natural half pipes, an |
| also certainly add an element of thrill and risk. | | | | inspection run and two judged runs. |
| In most cases extreme snowboarding is conducted on | | | | There is also an Extreme Skiing and Snowboarding |
| a vertical slope that exceeds 45 degrees. Because of | | | | Competition held in New Zealand. This competition is |
| the mountainous terrain the rider will need to contend | | | | mainly geared for riders who are attracted to the |
| with deep snow, trees, chutes, cliffs and many other | | | | double black diamond terrain, both challenging and risky. |
| environmental obstacles. Some of the best and most | | | | This competition is widely considered to be one of the |
| well known extreme snowboarding locations include | | | | toughest in New Zealand. |
| Suisse, featuring a 1600 m drop as well as the Pas de | | | | Extreme snowboarding judges primarily look for five |
| Chevre in Aiguille des Grands Montets at Chamonix | | | | factors. These include line, control, fluidity, style and |
| France; which sports a 1500 m vertical drop. | | | | aggressiveness. Riders who are participating in |
| Experience is vital | | | | extreme snowboarding competitions are required to |
| If you are considering extreme snowboarding be | | | | wear specialty equipment such as helmets, avalanche |
| aware that it is usually best to get some experience | | | | transceivers and climbing harnesses. It is also advisable |
| first. It is also important to make sure you are in good | | | | for competitors to have sufficient knowledge to be |
| physical as well as mental shape. You should also be | | | | able to accurately judge mountain and avalanche |
| very familiar with avalanche safety and rescue | | | | conditions. |