With almost a meter of fresh powder, and a solid weather forecast for tomorrow, the riders are getting ready for the first day of competition of the 7th Red Bull Snow Thrill - Natanael Fresnois tells us what is going on in their heads on a day like this.

'The Big Mountain skiing scene only show us one side during the contests. Behind the scene, behind the incredible runs one can watch during a contest, there is a big work before every run.

Most of us already know the terrain. Many of us already have an idea on what we will pick up as a line. But we will have to check on the terrain according to snow conditions. Each year, conditions are different, sometimes lines are do-able whether there were not in the past or not do-able anymore.

After having evaluate this, we will choose a line we feel comfortable with. We will take into account our own skiing style and our abilities, the difficulty of the line we are looking at, the consequences in case of a mistake. On some lines there are some non-fall zones, we will pay even more attention to those special spots. Confidence level is playing a big role in that scoping period, according to our shape, to the last contests and the last days of skiing, we will pick up a line that we are sure we can ski. We will also take time to check our lines from the judges' place to evaluate if the line chosen will be all visible.

During those contests, we are under pressure, and it requires a high level of confidence. We have to evacuate the pressure to be in a good state for the start. Lack of confidence would bring hesitations, which would bring fear. This is a "bad fear" we are talking about here. Then a "good fear" would be the one that help us to focus on what we have to do, it helps us to get concentrate and to use fully our senses, like a wild cat.

Once we have picked up a line, we will choose the skis we are going to use for the contest. We will take into account snow conditions, and the line chosen. Le Brévent is an incredible terrain, with very steep and tricky parts. Manageability is one of the most important things on that venue. Some skis will work better than others on that terrain. We will probably choose shorter and thinner skis for that event. For instance, Todd WINDLE is thinking about using his Atomic Stomp, a real toy on snow in every condition. On my side, I usually choose less technical but more fluid lines than Todd, so I should ski the Atomic Sugar Daddy.

Between scoping and the beginning of the contest, we will play the film of our descent many times in our head. Mental visualisation is key success factor. We can compare that to the work done by a downhill racer. Every turn, every jump is mentally prepared. The main difference in freeride is that there is no training, so it is more like super giant.

On D day, we have to warm up well before the contest, do some descents, some jumps and stretching…One must have a good timing to reach the start. We have to hike to the top of the venue. It is good to be up there some bibs before, but not too early, either, not to get cold.

Last moments before start are dedicated to concentration, we all deal with that our own way. Some are really focused and silent; others try to alleviate the pressure by talking with others. The atmosphere at the start gate is cool, we talk to each other, make jokes, exchange our impressions. Then comes the moment the guy right before you is taking his start, in 2 or 3 minutes it will be your turn. "10 seconds ready", and finally the start. On that very special moment, most of us would tell you that we can't wait to drop in, no more hesitation, no more fear, we are focus on what we have to do and we are really excited to go big soon, "5,4,3,2,1, rider on course !!!".

For all updates, the very latest about the event and its contenders, keep checking Natives or view www.redbullsnowthrill.com

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