Freeskiing may be the most dangerous winter sports around. There's no marked course, groomed trails or time clock. Skiers choose their own route through the world's toughest natural terrain including steep cliffs, rock faces, trees and even avalanches.
Freeskiing competitions are usually held in the remote backcountry - far away from the chairlifts and the ski bunnies. Freeskiers have tackled the most dangerous terrain of such places as the Alps, the Coast Mountains of Canada and the Colorado Rockies. Skiers are judged on the route or line they choose, their technique, how aggressive they are, how in control they ski and how fluid their run is. Skiers will get more points for choosing a unique and difficult route but will lose points if they get stuck or fly out of control. The winners pick up cash prizes but the main reasons skiers compete is for the adrenalin rush and the challenge.
The top competitors are good technical skiers, have strong knowledge of mountain terrain and are very daring. This isn't a sport for those people who get nervous getting on the ski lift. Skiers must be able to determine quickly if the route is safe or within their ability.
Freeskiing takes adventure sports to the furthest extreme. Despite being extremely dangerous, there are not that many injuries or deaths. That's because only skiers who are very experienced and know what they're doing take part in competitions. Freeskiing should only be tried by those few skiers in the world who are able to compete against the toughest terrain and winter conditions mother nature has to offer.
