By: Lisa Misconel
Photos:Carlos Blanchard, Julien ‘Perly’ Petry, Mark Clinton, Jakub Sedivy, Felix Pirker, Stefan Filzmoser
How to Arc’teryx Freeride Academy
February 1-4, 2024, third edition of Arc’teryx Freeride Academy. Four days devoted to freeriding and backcountry in a unique location, St.Anton am Arlberg, Austria. All enhanced by the presence of top skiers from Europe and even overseas. The schedule includes over 40 clinics catering to every level of experience, an outdoor village, and indoor evenings with film screenings. We ventured to experience this unique event firsthand, participating in two different types of clinics: one focusing on the technical and playful aspects of riding in fresh powder, and another aimed at honing our photography skills.
Here’s all you need to know if you’re considering joining next year but unsure how to go about it.
We often feel daunted by the unknown, and this applies to events or experiences we’re eager to try. We may lack company, familiarity with the location, or confidence in our abilities, leading us to forgo potentially unforgettable experiences. That’s where this article comes in: to dispel fears and doubts and equip you with the tools to hop on a train with your skis and enjoy some extraordinary days out!
If I had to sum up my experience at the Arc’teryx Freeride Academy in one image, it would be akin to stepping into one of those skiing movies we typically watch from the comfort of our couches, dreaming of adventures that seem out of reach… Reflecting on it, it’s not as far-fetched as it seems: a slope, a pair of skis, a dash of determination. Yet, it never quite matches the movies. However, at St.Anton during the Academy, it’s as if we’re personally invited to partake in those snowy, adrenaline-fueled days we usually watch from afar, sharing a beer afterward with the seemingly unapproachable protagonists who, in reality, are just like us.
This year at the Arc’teryx Academy, French freerider Coline Ballet-baz, like other Arc’teryx team athletes, led her own clinic. Following her success at the X Games and Freeride World Tour, she’s now fully committed to filming. At the Academy, she hosted “Make the mountains your playground,” a fittingly titled clinic for a day of seeking out jumps, tricks, and fun lines. Coline’s unmistakable style – calm, composed, light, just like her – was complemented by a special mountain guide named Petra, whose expertise shone through in every move and word, but it was her infectious energy in seeking out the best spots for fun that truly set her apart. Then there were us, five stragers – three girls and two boys from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Our day unfolded with some warm-up runs, a line featuring three jumps that we repeated to refine our skills with Coline’s guidance, a full descent traversing untouched slopes, small forests, and a sort of ski cross cross. In the afternoon, we tried out some new tricks in the park and capped it off with a memorable descent: dropping from the snowy edge of a peak, all the way down to the valley.
For those keen to witness firsthand the creation of the content we see daily on social media, photography and video clinics were also available. On the second day, we attended one led by photographer Stefan Filzmoser, starting with a theoretical session on setting up for shooting in the snow, a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect. Cameras of various brands, ages, and sizes were present, and the level of experience varied. We learned about the challenges – the discomfort, cold, wetness, and occasional riskiness – of a photographer’s job. We positioned ourselves under snow cornices (always with the approval of an alpine guide) and on steep slopes where we dug niches to set up equipment. We learned about effective lighting and the optimal times for capturing colors. The models, too, had their challenges! Repeating the same jump multiple times, enduring the cold while waiting for equipment setup – it was a team effort. But when else is it possible to go out for a day and learn from a photographer in the field without needing hours and hours in the classroom, with a pro skier as a model?
But let’s get down to business. This article is about sharing and encouraging you to overcome your fears and take the leap. So here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on any future editions of this event.
First step: signing up
Signing up for a clinic at the Arc’teryx Academy is pretty simple. The website arceteryxacademy.com was created specifically for the event, where you’ll find the complete program of clinics. Each clinic includes details such as the title, description, required level, necessary equipment, cost, schedule, and in some cases, the name of the hosting athlete. The required level – Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced – is described in terms of minimum skills and examples, ensuring homogeneous groups and maximum benefit from the chosen clinic.
The Material
You may have your skis and backpack, but perhaps your skis are old, and you dream of capturing some photos in one of those colorful Gore-tex shells you see in the media. Oh, and you don’t have an avalanche rescue kit either. Fear not – the Freeride Village has you covered! It’s not just a place to gather after a day on the slopes for a beer; it’s where you can rent everything you need for free the day before from one of the many partners. Atomic, Jones, Gore-Tex, Oakley – these are just some of the brands whose gear you can test. Skis, snowboards, clothing, backpacks, avalanche rescue kits – you name it. You can even take advantage of Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD™ service to repair any damaged gear.
Meeting Point
You’re asked to arrive half an hour early, and trust me, it’s a wise move. Parking issues, skipass queues, someone forgetting their helmet – these are common hiccups. When we say meeting, we mean meeting to depart. This allows you to make the most of the clinic hours without wasting time on logistics. So remember: buy your skipass in advance, check your gear, and show up half an hour early. While you wait, you can grab a coffee at the village.
The Group
You’re captivated by the world of freeriding – you follow athletes, devour books, movies, magazines. But your friends are less enthusiastic, and skiing in St.Anton isn’t on their agenda. What to do? Simple – go anyway! Most Arc’teryx Freeride Academy participants go solo. Life’s too short to wait for the stars to align every time. There are no excuses: I met skiers and snowboarders from the US, northern Germany, Norway. Hendrik even took the night train from Vienna to ski all day and return in the evening. It’s always worth it: the connections made in a place where everyone shares the same passion, the inspiration from the very athletes we admire on screen – it’s priceless.
L’après ski
The hours on the slopes flew by: some tried climbing skins for the first time, others switched from lightweight skis to longer ones, or from boards to splitboarding. Some tackled untouched slopes, while others preferred the tree runs. There were young and old, pros and beginners. Passions were ignited, friendships forged. And it all culminated in the post-ski moments, when adrenaline gave way to gratitude. Beers, chips, laughter, music – it was a scene of camaraderie. Some may leave for home immediately, but for those eager to make the most of every minute, there were talks in the late afternoon, such as Stian Hagen‘s on safety and avalanche awareness, held indoors at The Lodge, right across from the Freeride Village. After dinner, maybe a quick shower, it was time to head to The Lodge for the film evening. Here, amidst images and music, you could hear the athletes’ stories firsthand. Victor Daviet hosted the Film Nights, delivering his trademark spontaneity and wit.
The Athletes
If meeting your snow idols is a major draw for attending this event, you’re in luck. We shared a beer with Victor Daviet and Max Kroneck, skied and jumped with Coline Ballet-baz, and honed our photography skills with Loic Isliker as our subject. In the evenings, Stinius Skjøtskift got us moving at The Bird Party. And let’s not forget Sam Kuch and Tatum Monod, who crossed oceans to bring their style to the Alps. The crème de la crème of the global freeride scene was gathered in St.Anton, and during the academy, there were no distinctions or barriers.
Remember: when “mountains are calling”, it’s probably time for the Arc’teryx Freeride Academy!
Keep an eye on the Arc’teryx Academy social media channels and Arc’teryx Academy official website for updates on upcoming academies
