What is Free’kend Camp?
Free’kend Camp is the sister event of The Original Free’kend, designed for those who want to learn new freeride skills in Finland’s most diverse terrain and get to know Pyhä’s freeride culture.
Who is Free’kend Camp for?
Free’kend Camp is intended for snowboarders, alpine skiers, and telemark skiers aged 16 and over who want to develop their skills and gain confidence riding outside the groomed slopes.
What are the skill requirements?
Participants are required to:
- Be able to ride all groomed slopes from green to black in varying snow conditions
- Be able to ride easy, tree-filled terrain outside the slopes and have some experience with off-piste riding, but are still looking for more confidence
- Be familiar with avalanche rescue equipment and have practiced using it to some extent (an official avalanche safety course such as FINLAV 1 is not required)
- Ride at a relaxed and controlled speed, meaning you can adjust your speed according to the situation
Where is Free’kend Camp held at?
The event takes place at Pyhä Ski Resort and in Pyhä-Luosto National Park in Pelkosenniemi, Finland.
Pyhä offers several lift-accessed freeride areas. During the Free’kend Camp weekend, we make full use of these lift-accessed off-piste zones while refining freeride technique and challenging ourselves in different riding environments.
How to get to Pyhä?
Pyhä is easily and responsibly accessible by an overnight train + bus connection.
The nearest railway station is Kemijärvi, from where a morning bus takes you to Pyhä in under an hour. There are also several daily bus connections from Rovaniemi Railway Station, from which Pyhä can be reached in under two hours.
Is Off-Piste Riding Safe?
At Free’kend Camp, safety is the foundation of everything we do, and unnecessary risks are always avoided.
Current snow conditions are continuously monitored. Guides familiarize themselves with the terrain in advance, and we also consult an avalanche professional who provides recommendations on which areas are safe to access during the camp.
To ensure safety, please carefully review the skill requirements before registering. Below you will also find the equipment list, including mandatory avalanche safety gear for all participants.
What does touring equipment mean?
Randoning (or “skinning”) equipment is used to ascend hills. These are required for the entire Free’kend Camp. If needed, Pyhä offers rando equipment rentals when you register.
The different possible setups include:
- Rando skis with touring bindings, rando boots + skins
- Splitboard + skins and telescopic poles
- Snowboard + snowshoes and telescopic poles
What equipment is mandatory?
Mandatory equipment for all participants includes:
- Lift pass
- Backpack
- Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Riding equipment suitable for touring
We also recommend comprehensive insurance that covers off-piste riding. Please review the detailed equipment list below.
Equipment
Below you’ll find a list of equipment you’ll need for Free'kend Camp. It’s important that you are familiar with the gear you’ll be using before the event.
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LIFT PASS
A lift pass is required for all programs, as workshops involve using the lifts. For the extra backcountry trip on Sunday, at least a single ride ticket is needed, since the excursion to the national park starts from the ski resort summit, accessible by lift. Lift passes can also be purchased when registering. Lift tickets and season passes
A lift pass is required for all programs, as workshops involve using the lifts. For the extra backcountry trip on Sunday, at least a single ride ticket is needed, since the excursion to the national park starts from the ski resort summit, accessible by lift. Lift passes can also be purchased when registering. Lift tickets and season passes
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SKIS OR SNOWBOARD, BOOTS
For freeriding, slightly wider skis or a wider snowboard are ideal for easier terrain riding, or you can use the equipment you’re accustomed to. If you wish, you can rent gear from Pyhä’s Kultakero rental when registering. Equipment is limited, but we’ll do our best to ensure everyone gets suitable gear.
For freeriding, slightly wider skis or a wider snowboard are ideal for easier terrain riding, or you can use the equipment you’re accustomed to. If you wish, you can rent gear from Pyhä’s Kultakero rental when registering. Equipment is limited, but we’ll do our best to ensure everyone gets suitable gear.
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BACKPACK
A skiing backpack should fit snugly on your back and be able to hold at least avalanche safety equipment, snacks, a water bottle, and a warm jacket for breaks.
A skiing backpack should fit snugly on your back and be able to hold at least avalanche safety equipment, snacks, a water bottle, and a warm jacket for breaks.
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HELMET AND GOGGLES
A helmet is mandatory for every rider. Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, snow, and obstacles such as branches along the descent.
A helmet is mandatory for every rider. Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, snow, and obstacles such as branches along the descent.
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RANDO EQUIPMENT
Randoning (or “skinning”) gear is used to ascend hills. This equipment is required throughout the entire camp. Rando gear can be rented from Pyhä when registering, if needed but please note that availability is limited.
Randoning (or “skinning”) gear is used to ascend hills. This equipment is required throughout the entire camp. Rando gear can be rented from Pyhä when registering, if needed but please note that availability is limited.
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AVALANCHE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Avalanche safety gear includes a transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. If you don’t own your own equipment, you can rent it from Pyhä when registering. Rental gear is limited, but we’ll do our best to provide it for everyone who needs it.
Avalanche safety gear includes a transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. If you don’t own your own equipment, you can rent it from Pyhä when registering. Rental gear is limited, but we’ll do our best to provide it for everyone who needs it.
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APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Choose outerwear suitable for active movement, along with layered clothing appropriate for the weather. For the backcountry trip on Sunday, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket for breaks.
Choose outerwear suitable for active movement, along with layered clothing appropriate for the weather. For the backcountry trip on Sunday, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket for breaks.
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WATER BOTTLE AND SNACKS
Always carry a water bottle and small snacks, such as energy bars, in your backpack in case you need a quick energy boost. For the backcountry trip on Sunday, bring more substantial snacks, enough water, and optionally a hot drink.
Always carry a water bottle and small snacks, such as energy bars, in your backpack in case you need a quick energy boost. For the backcountry trip on Sunday, bring more substantial snacks, enough water, and optionally a hot drink.
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INSURANCE
Insurance that covers off-piste skiing is recommended for everyone.
Insurance that covers off-piste skiing is recommended for everyone.