IFSA Freeride newcomer guide — what freeride is, how to get started, judging criteria, and gear.

International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association

Start your freeride journey

Freeride is off-piste mountain skiing and snowboarding — no set course, no gates. You pick your own line down the mountain and get scored on creativity, control, and commitment.

Ski & snowboard All ages welcome Juniors (U12–U19) & adults North & South America
Step 1 — Who are you?

Pick your path

The right info depends on your age. Select the one that fits.

Junior path

How to get started as a junior

Athletes under 19 compete in the Junior Series across three age divisions.

1

Check your age division

Your division is based on your age as of December 31st of the competition year. You cannot move up a division mid-season.

U12
11 and younger
U15
Ages 12–14
U19
Ages 15–18
At 18, you can compete in Adult Qualifier events OR stay in the Junior Series — but once you compete as an adult or turn 19, you can’t return to the Junior Series.
2

Join a team if you can

A registered IFSA team teaches you mountain safety, line choice, and judging — and puts you in a community of riders at your level. Find a team near you →

3

Buy an IFSA membership

Juniors need both an IFSA membership and a regional membership. Your region is based on where you compete most. Membership unlocks event registration and rankings.

4

Register for events on LiveHeats

All IFSA events are registered through LiveHeats. Event registration windows open 4–8 weeks before competition day. Sign up early — popular events fill fast.

5

Compete and earn points

Your ranking is the sum of your top 3 finishes from your first 4 regular season competitions. Top-ranked juniors earn invitations to the Junior Freeride Championships each spring.

Ready to join?

Get your IFSA membership and start competing this season.

Get membership →
Adult path

How to get started as an adult

Athletes 19 and older compete in the Adult Qualifier Series.

1

Get your IFSA membership

Choose the Adult Qualifier or Collegiate membership. This is your entry point to all sanctioned events.

2

Browse the event calendar

The North American schedule drops in October; South American events are announced in June. View upcoming events →

3

Register on LiveHeats

All registrations go through LiveHeats using the username and password from your IFSA membership. Higher-ranked events (4★) earn more points than 2★ or 3★ events.

4

Compete, earn points, climb the rankings

Points are earned based on your finish and the event’s tier. Your ranking builds across the season and determines access to more competitive events.

Ready to compete?

Get your Adult Qualifier membership and start registering.

Get membership →
Coach & parent path

Supporting a young athlete

Coaches and parents are the backbone of the IFSA community. Here’s where to start.

1

Get your coach membership

Coaches need their own annual IFSA membership to participate in sanctioned events alongside athletes.

2

Find or form a registered team

Joining a team gives athletes access to a community, coaching structure, and shared knowledge about line choice and safety. See registered teams →

3

No team nearby? Go independent

Athletes can register as “IFSA Independent.” We encourage independent families to proactively learn about safety protocols and judging criteria before the first competition.

4

Learn the rules

The IFSA Athlete Handbook covers judging, safety, and competition formats in detail. Read the handbook →

Get certified

IFSA offers official coach certifications to deepen your impact.

Coach certification →
How judging works

What judges are looking for

Judges score each run on five criteria, each on a 0–10 scale. Your total score is the sum of all five.

Line
The route you choose down the mountain. Steeper, more exposed lines with bigger features score higher.
Control
Staying in control throughout the run. Any loss of control results in a deduction.
Technique
The quality of your turns and display of big-mountain skills across varying terrain.
Fluidity
Continuity and pace from top to bottom. Hesitating or stopping hurts this score.
Style
Creativity, freestyle maneuvers, and expression in the air and on technical terrain.
Gear

What to bring

Two items are mandatory at all IFSA competitions. Everything else is strongly recommended.

Helmet — required Back protection — required Avalanche transceiver Avalanche shovel & probe Pack to carry gear Mouth guard