What is Arc’teryx Freeride Academy?

The Arc’teryx Freeride Academy is a premier freeride education event, where attendees have the opportunity to advance their technical skills by learning from world-class guides and professional athletes. Located in St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria — a leading freeride destination in the Alps rich terrain and a history of progressive freeriding. As well as on-mountain clinics, the Freeride Academy features a full program of free events, experiences, and spaces built to connect, inspire, and grow the freeride community.

What does this event cost?

Each clinic has a specific price and needs to be paid for before participation. Payment for clinics does not include food, travel or accommodation costs. Most other activations at our Freeride Village based next to Sport Alber Freeride, Kandaharweg 2, St. Anton am Arlberg will be for FREE, including Film Night, expo area and workshops. A selection of drinks & food can be purchased at some locations of this event.

What happens in case of an event cancellation?

If the Event (Arc’teryx Freeride Academy 2026) is cancelled by Arc’teryx, registrants may be extended a full refund (excluding any banking or currency conversion fees).

Which clinic should I choose based on my skill level?

We provide easily identifiable clinic levels at the Freeride Academy, allowing participants to choose the right clinic for their skill level. Below is a refined description of each clinic level, emphasizing the key characteristics and educational goals.

FREERIDE

Beginner Clinics

Skill Level: First- or second-time participants venturing into off-piste terrain.
Educational Goals: Focus on foundational skills, including basic techniques and safety knowledge. Participants will learn to navigate off-piste slopes in a safe and controlled manner.
Expectations: Participants should be comfortable skiing or riding on black slopes, with an emphasis on developing confidence and control.

Intermediate Clinics

Skill Level: Participants with some experience who are comfortable on off-piste terrain and looking to enhance their skills.
Educational Goals: Build on existing skills while introducing new techniques for navigating varied terrain. Emphasis on having fun while improving technical abilities.
Expectations: Participants should have prior off-piste experience and be capable of skiing or riding confidently on black slopes.

Advanced Clinics

Skill Level: Experienced freeride skiers or snowboarders looking to elevate their skills.
Educational Goals: Master advanced freeride techniques to creatively explore diverse terrains. Focus on pushing personal limits while maintaining safety.
Expectations: Strong freeride and ski touring experience is required, along with a knowledgeable and safe technique in open and steep terrain exceeding 40 degrees.

TOURING

Beginner Clinics

Skill Level: First- or second-time participants engaging in touring.
Educational Goals: Introduction to touring techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. Participants will gain essential knowledge for their first touring experiences.
Expectations: Participants should be comfortable skiing or riding on black slopes, with a focus on learning to manage moderate terrain safely.

Intermediate Clinics

Skill Level: Participants with basic touring experience who want to refine their skills.
Educational Goals: Enhance backcountry touring skills, focusing on technique and efficiency in ascent and descent.
Expectations: Participants should be fit enough to skin up moderate slopes for approximately three hours (1,000 meters vertical) and demonstrate safe, controlled skiing or riding on black slopes.

Advanced Clinics

Skill Level: Advanced participants seeking to refine their touring skills in challenging conditions.
Educational Goals: Develop advanced touring techniques and strategies for navigating complex terrain.
Expectations: Participants should possess significant off-piste experience and be prepared for demanding conditions.

What should I bring?

The Freeride Academy takes place in a mountain environment in winter, so expect changeable weather and a sub zero climate. Please dress accordingly. To get the most from your clinic experience, check the detailed kit list on each clinic booking page and bring everything on the list. Don’t worry if you’re missing some gear — friends at our partner store in the St. Anton am Arlberg resort can help you gear up for your clinic. Ski passes are not included in the clinic price and need to be purchased via the resort.

Can children attend?

Our clinics are for adults, aged 18 above.
Our Freeride Village is open to all ages.

What are the start / finish times of the clinics

The majority of clinics will be running from 9am-4pm, but please make sure you check your own specific clinic time in the clinic description.

Do I need a car during the event?

All of the clinics will start at the Freeride Village. Depending on the description of your clinic, you might use local transport and/or lift access during the course. Expenses for lift tickets or public transport are not included in the course fee. Please check the clinic description for more details.

Is food & drink provided?

We do not provide any food or drinks on the clinics. There will be a choice of Food & Drink available in the Freeride Village.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

We recommend you bring your own kit for the clinics. There will be brands providing limited demo gear at the base camp for those who wish to try out specific gear and there are options in St. Anton am Arlberg to rent gear. Most important: make sure you are completely set before the clinic starts. Under-equipped participants might not be able to join.