For those of us that do big mountain comps the biggest part is choosing your line.
How do you approach it?
Will there be a rock under my landing?
How soft is the snow?
Now the first thing to consider are the judging criteria found here:http://www.freerideworldtour.com/understanding-the-sport.html.
Difficulty of line, Control, fluidity, Jumping.
These are the steps I take when choosing a line:
1.
For the most people this is the first chance to see the face.
Spending time analyzing these photos can reduce a lot of pressure when arriving at a venue.
Engadinsnow 3*FWQ face
2.
Visual Inspection
Having arrived at the venue (ideally a day or 2 before the comp).
you’ve got the option to now see the venue for the first time.
Considering the line you want to choose something that flows so you are not zig zaging the face.
A minimum of 3 jumps (no one wants a one hit wonder).
What cliffs seem viable, will your run stoke the judges?
Get those line options stuck in your brain.
Pick out markers that will help you stay on your line.
Where’s that line at?
Pre-run Inspection
Today is the day, Adrenaline is pumping, Coffee is running through the veins.
Get down to the venue for last minute scoping, is your line still there?
did avy control set off a slide where you wanted to stomp that 30 footer?
(last chance to hunt down those judges).
Use it to your advantage.
Go Time
Now at the top of the mountain, looking down at your face for the first time.
Where is that line?
Blind roll overs are the enemy.
Most starters have another photo of the face.
Get a last glimpse, Where are those markers?
It’s the main reason you are there after all.
