Cliff Tactics
Tavo Sadeg showing how it feels to play in the deep stuff! pc @mikayla.walshh
Competitive big mountain freeriding is not for the faint of heart. It’s one thing to slowly work your way down an extreme line riding safely and comfortably. It’s another to lay down a competition run. These runs flat our shred with fast, technical turns complemented with tricks you can’t believe! These comp lines require mandatory air if you expect to have any hint of a podium finish. Stomping cliffs must be part of their freeride arsenal if they plan to compete with any success.
One of the keys to stomping cliffs is the landing (no pun intended). Specifically, it’s the ability to regain your balance and how well you can control your speed that determines your success.
2022 Freeride Junior World Champion Tavo Sadeg sends it in style at Alpine Meadows Resort, California, January 2023. pc @kelseyhughez
Tavo Sadeg grabs in perfect balance as he sends it big, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023 pc @kelseyhughez
Stomping with Success
As we uncovered in last week’s article Strike Mission cliff progressions can get heavy very quickly and toe-edge turns are the common choice to finish. Check out (see picture below) the height of the cliff Tavo sends before landing in balance and controlling his finish with a beautiful slashing toe-edge turn.
At the competitive freeride level, however, that’s not the only turn you have to perfect. Heelside stomps must also be within your abilities. These hell-edge finishes are notoriously more difficult for beginners who are just starting their cliff progressions.
Tavo Sadeg grabs in perfect balance as he sends it big, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023 pc @kelseyhughez
Looking to land a big one at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023 pc @kelseyhughez
Tavo’s Tactics
Tavo says a lot of times newer riders are not as stable on their heel edge and they get bounced around coming out of the turn. They lose their balance and butt-check or worse and crash. More control and better balance through the landing will help to avoid this problem. (Easier said than done.) Take some time to choose lines and landings that match and slowly work your way up in size.
With some practice, you can develop the control needed to carve on your heel edge confidently. According to Tavo, it’s definitely worth the time and investment. Pursuing his own mountain progression, it’s amazing to see what can be accomplished. Even for a championship-winning athlete like Tavo…
Tavo Sadeg stomping another huge cliff at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023 pc @kelseyhughez
Special Edition Planned For Next Week
We’re off tomorrow with family, but back again next week with a very special lineup planned. It’s part of the Spotlight Series looking at the revolution of the powder ski. An idea so outrageous it was first transcribed on the back of a napkin, but true to form, has converted countless users who tried one on a pow day and never look back. You won’t want to miss this exciting look at the powder ski revolution. Bu sure to check it out!
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!
2022 Freeride Junior Champ Tavo Sadeg scoping out his line, Alpine Meadows Resort, California, January 2023. pc @kelseyhughez