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RMFS was established to foster unity within the IFSA Rocky Mountain Region, encompassing Colorado and New Mexico.
The Freeride World Tour (FWT)
At the top of the freeride competition pyramid is the FWT- a global competition circuit for adult athletes featuring the world’s most elite skiers and snowboarders. It showcases top riders tackling the most iconic and demanding alpine terrains at world-famous ski resorts.
The Freeride World Challenger (FWC)
The FWT Challenger is the ultimate step towards qualifying for the FWT Pro circuit. The top riders from the Qualifier Series compete against the bottom-ranked riders from the FWT tour in high-pressure events to earn a spot on the following year's FWT Pro circuit.
The Freeride World Qualifiers (Region 1: FWT) and the Qualifier Series (Region 2: IFSA)
The world qualification circuit aims to develop emerging athletes by offering 60 events held around the world (including forty in Europe). Points are earned based on event star ratings (ranging from 1 to 4 stars) and geographical regions: Region 1 (comprising Europe, Asia, and Oceania) and Region 2 (encompassing the USA, Canada, Chile, and Argentina).
International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association (IFSA)
The IFSA Junior Series circuit is titled Region 2 globally and is designed for athletes aged up to 19, with a focus on nurturing future talent, promoting diverse youth involvement in the sport, and emphasizing safety, injury prevention, and mountain environment awareness. Athletes transition from the IFSA Junior Series to the IFSA Qualifier Series when they turn 19. Athletes who are 18 can choose to compete either as an IFSA Junior or in the Qualifier Series and must declare their choice. When an IFSA junior becomes 18, their IFSA Junior Series results are automatically converted into points on the Global Seeding List. This provides juniors with a ranking on the Global Seeding List and registration priority for easier registration at seeded entry Qualifier events.The IFSA Qualifier Series supports events for adults and collegiate series adults who can ultimately build their seeding into the FWT.
Junior Series Championships
Junior Freeride Championships (JFC) The U12 Junior Freeride Championship has 100% open registration for any U12 athlete who wishes to register, while the top ranked U15 and U19 athletes of the season will be issued invitations to the JFC held yearly in April. After the JFC, the top seeded athletes in the series will be issued invitations to the FJWC held the following January in Europe.
Freeride Junior World Championships (FJWC)This invitation-only championship is for elite U19 athletes, starting at age 15, who have earned top seeds in the IFSA Junior Series (Region 2) and European events (Region 2). The FJWC, held the following season in Europe, crowns the Freeride Junior World Champions.
Benefits of Teams
Joining a big mountain freeride team or club is an excellent way to enter the world of freeride. It not only teaches you the essential skills for safe participation but also gives you a supportive community of like-minded freeriders who share your passion. Training alongside peers who compete at a similar level helps hone each others skills and advancement in the sport. Joining a freeride team also provides crucial insights into aspects pertaining to line choice, comprehending IFSA judging criteria, and achieving success in the freeride arena.
Independent Path
If you can’t join a junior team or there’s none nearby, don’t worry. Register as an “IFSA Independent” athlete and take the initiative to learn about freeride safety and judging guidelines. This knowledge will help you make safe line choices during competitions and practice.
IFSA Junior Age Divisions
- Athletes 11 years of age or younger on or prior to December 31st compete in the U12 age divisions.
- Athletes 12-14 years of age on or prior to December 31st compete in the U15 age divisions.
- Athletes 15-18 years or age or older on December 31st compete in the U19 age divisions.
Judging Criteria
Line Choice Higher scores are awarded to athletes choosing more difficult routes. Difficulty is determined by steepness, exposure, air, drops, snow, and course conditions.
Control Competitors must remain in control at all times; loss in control will result in a lower score. Skillful recoveries will reduce penalties.
Fluidity Constant direction towards a goal. This includes continuity, pace, and smooth transitions between sections of the course. Falling or stopping can have a negative impact.
Technique Competitors are judged on style and turn quality relating to big mountain Freeriding.
Style & Energy This encompasses the pace, energy and creativity with which a competitor attacks or descends his/her chosen line or route. Style focuses on execution of maneuvers.
Judges score athletes between a 0-10 scale in each of the above categories. Each category score is added together to get the athlete’s total score for the run.
Safety
The IFSA’s primary concern is ensuring safety and enjoyment in freeride skiing and snowboarding. To mitigate risks and reduce the chance of injury, we strongly advise all our athletes to consider the following gear and toolkit:
1. Helmet (mandatory)
2. Back protection (mandatory) or body armor
3. Backpack equipped with a durable avalanche shovel and probe
4. Avalanche transceiver
5. Mouth guard
These items are essential for your safety and well-being while engaging in freeride activities.
Addition IFSA Resources
Who Are We
RMFS, led by Shannon Moller, is headquartered in Colorado, where she resides with her husband, Mike. Their family includes three grown sons who have progressed through the IFSA pipeline. While RMFS does not directly host any events, you may spot Shannon and Mike among the spectators!
