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By Christoph DoerfelA new winter sport with a growing worldwide following, speed

riding combines elements of free skiing and paragliding for the ultimate downhill thrill. It achieves faster speeds than skiing alone and allows the rider to proximity fly and ski the mountain terrain on a fabric wing similar to that of a paraglider or skydiver.

The fusion of skiing and flying allows riders to hurtle down slopes at speeds of up to 150kph, flying through the air and carving up the powder in turns. Hardcore riders hire helicopters to drop them on mountain tops that would otherwise take days to reach, and then ride out in a matter of minutes.

In the last decade wings have been getting smaller and the control needed to take off and land has become more precise. These small speed wings are being used at ski areas and backcountry areas all over the world. Speed wings are used for both speed flying and speed riding, and vary in size. Smaller ones are easier to ski around with and are around 8-11m2; larger ones for flying are around 13-15m2. The size of a normal paraglider is over 20m2.

“Many good skiers can pick up the riding under canopy quite easily.”

Since the first official speed riding competition was held in France in 2007, free skiers, skydivers, base jumpers and paragliders have flocked to the sport. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 riders worldwide. For anyone who wants to speed across the snow and soar through the air, the speed riding experience is a must.

Along with the dizzying speeds riders can achieve, there is almost no limit to the elevations that can be conquered. In 2008 Francois Bon launched from the 6,960m pinnacle of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, famously riding the 3,000m south face in just under five minutes. Every snowy mountain on earth is now a target for keen riders.

Like any adventure sport, learning the ropes from an experienced professional with the right gear and the right training is essential. Equipment such as specially designed speed wings, helmets, body armour and an avalanche beacon are vital, and rides should be undertaken under the guidance of a professional trainer having thorough knowledge of the conditions and hazards of the ski field.

Over the last three years Australia and New Zealand have caught up with the sport’s increasing popularity in France, Switzerland, Austria and Norway. Christoph Doerfel and Asher Zalchendler, the founding partners of SkiandFly.com, are facilitating the development of speed riding in Australia and New Zealand but are also running International Progression Camps during the European winter season. Their speed riding camps cater for beginners through to advanced skiers and flyers with or without paragliding and skydiving backgrounds. Camps are held in relaxed and comfortable surroundings with a community living style that guarantees an exciting, supportive experience for beginners and intermediate flyers alike.

For those keen to add another dimension to their skiing adventures, SkiandFly will host an Entry Level Speed Riding Camp at Broken River Ski Area in New Zealand at the end of August.

Asher said: “Most people who are getting started with speed riding come from either a skiing, skydiving or paragliding background. As a hybrid sport it requires a combination of skills. Many good skiers can pick up riding under a canopy quite easily, while paragliders or skydivers are usually more comfortable in the air and therefore need more training on the ground. We can get any intermediate skier flying, but those who are great skiers will have a head start.”

With a variety of slopes and highly experienced riders on hand, safe progress and lots of high velocity downhill is assured.

Intermediate Camps are available for those with some speed riding experience who are looking to take their skills to the next level. Broken River and Temple Basin are the most accessible and diverse places to speed ride in New Zealand. Porters and Olympus allow speed riding outside ski area boundaries.

There is an almost endless amount of backcountry to fly and ride, but as the risk increases participants need to mitigate risk by being licensed paragliders, and having adequate mountain knowledge and skiing ability.

The equipment detail becomes as important as in any backcountry access. Proper preparation and self assessment is a real priority. Some places in New Zealand and overseas have banned speed riding at ski areas due to accidents involving inexperienced riders, unsuitable conditions and poor equipment. Asher said: “Nowadays we have much safer wings that are easier to ski and safer to fly, access to information on where to fly and proper training.”

There is a safe and progressive way to experience this sport. SkiandFly not only hopes to educate responsible speed riders through their training and Progression Camps, but also aims to change the image of the sport amongst Southern Hemisphere ski area operators and users. Many countries overseas have great relationships

with their local speed riding community, offering designated areas to practice. These areas are shared with other skiers and winter sport enthusiasts.

All Advanced Camps require relevant paragliding or speed riding licences and high-level skiing ability as well as experience and confidence with speed wings.

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