Conditions Report
Report from Friday, March 21, 2025
The morning after the final stop of the 2025 Freeride World Tour in Verbier, Switzerland, we met at the Mammut booth in the heart of the Freeride Village—geared up and ready for a full day in the mountains.
The mission: sharpen avalanche safety skills, explore gear trusted by professionals, and ski alongside one of the sport’s most iconic athletes. Hosted by Mammut, SCOTT Freeski, and Recco, the Ride & Safety session promised practical training, and firsthand insight from the people shaping the future of freeride safety.
Leading the group was Jérémie Heitz, known for his high-speed descents on serious lines—and, as we quickly learned, a dedication to weight-saving and efficiency that borders on obsessive.
On Mountain
We started with a lap through Verbier’s main chute, only a few lifts from town and in full view of the towering peaks of the alps. Conditions were classic spring alpine: overcast and warm in the morning with soft, slushy snow at lower elevations, transitioning to colder, packed powder as we climbed.
Jérémie didn’t just guide; he joined every moment, offering gear insights and safety tips along the way. He gave us a close-up look at the ultralight setup he carries at all times—complete with cut-down ski poles trimmed to the maximum height he ever needs, and ski tails with drilled-out holes to allow for shorter, lighter skins on the uphill.
“My favorite project was creating La Liste,” he said, smiling. “It reminds me what’s possible.”
Avalanche Tools and Techniques
Mid-morning, we regrouped overlooking the legendary unforgiving Bec Des Rosses for hands-on safety training led by the Mammut crew—the same face that had hosted the FWT finals on Thursday. The curriculum was broken into four main areas: beacon (DVA) use, probing and shoveling techniques, airbag deployment, and RECCO® search system awareness.
Each of us had the opportunity to carry a Mammut transceiver, shovel, probe, and airbag pack. We briefly practiced transceiver searches with Jérémie. One of the most memorable moments came when we had the chance to deploy the Mammut airbag system ourselves—a striking visual reminder of just how fast this gear needs to perform in a real emergency. Mammut’s representative, Lena Wimmer, had an extra canister on hand for the demo and mentioned an interesting detail: the U.S. is one of the only countries where flying with a full airbag canister remains prohibited.
The RECCO® demonstration added a different layer to the safety story. We learned how 31 rescue helicopters worldwide now carry RECCO detectors and that every unit is provided free of charge to mountain rescue teams. With RECCO reflectors increasingly integrated into helmets, jackets, and boots, the system is becoming a passive but critical part of everyday gear.
Gear in Focus: SCOTT Flow Pro MIPS Helmet + React Goggles
We spent the day skiing in two standout pieces from SCOTT’s freeride line: the Flow Pro MIPS helmet and React Goggles.
SCOTT Flow Pro MIPS Helmet
This helmet was a clear standout. Lightweight yet burly, it features in-mold construction with a polycarbonate shell, and includes the MIPS® Brain Protection System to reduce rotational forces during impact. We appreciated the integrated RECCO® reflector for added safety, plus the 360° Pure Sound ear pads that allowed us to stay fully aware of our surroundings without sacrificing warmth.
Ventilation was intuitive and adjustable on the fly. The magnetic buckle on the chin strap was a crowd favorite—easy to use with gloves or mittens and absolutely secure, even during aggressive descents. Environmentally, it checks boxes too: 98% recycled polycarbonate and 50% recycled EPS, with over 42% eco content by weight.
SCOTT React Goggles
The React goggles handled changing light conditions effortlessly. SCOTT’s Amplifier lens technology provided high-contrast definition in flat light and bright sun alike. The wide field of view and anti-fog NoSweat face foam made for all-day comfort, while articulating outriggers gave a snug, gap-free fit with the Flow Pro helmet.
They also come with a light-sensitive lens option that adapts automatically to UV intensity—a nice touch for variable conditions like we experienced in Verbier. Not once did we struggle with clarity, contrast, or lens swapping. These goggles just work.
The Takeaway: Training, Tech, and Terrain
This Ride & Safety session was far more than a gear test. With coaching from Jérémie Heitz, guidance from Mammut and Recco, and terrain that demanded focus and respect, we walked away more confident in our tools—and our ability to use them when it counts.
The SCOTT helmet and goggles delivered pro-level performance in every condition we encountered, and the avalanche gear and drills reinforced the mindset that good decisions start long before you drop in.
It’s not just about surviving the backcountry—it’s about being prepared to thrive in it. And that starts with training, awareness, and the right equipment.
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