Swatch Freeride World Tour Announces 2016 Dates

Press release – Text by Freeride World Tour

This season the schedule is a nod to the 20+ years of tradition that the FWT boasts. Tradition is being made with events at Vallnord Arcalis, Andorra and Haines, Alaska, while historical venues remain on top, combining old with new to create an action-filled season that is sure to excite and inspire.

Both Vallnord Arcalis-Andorra and Haines, Alaska hosted spectacular competitions in 2015 and the FWT is excited to announce that both will return for 2016 marking the second year that these venues will play a key role in the tour.

Photo – Dom Daher

The FWT also returns to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France one of the most storied locations for freeride in the world, and a global epicenter of glisse. Chamonix’s rich skiing, mountaineering and snowboarding heritage needs no introduction and a podium here is a coveted addition to any athlete’s resume.

Chamonix is complimented by a date at Fieberbrunn Kitzbüheler Alpen, Austria. Fieberbrunn features a difficult, complex venue that will challenge the athletes on one of the crown jewels of Austrian freeride terrain.

Finally, the rich tradition of the FWT reaches a peak on the heights of Verbier’s Bec des Rosses, Switzerland, the spiritual home of the Freeride World Tour. This legendary venue, a place where dreams are crushed and heroes are forged, turned 20 last winter and is a fitting finale for 2016.

With the 2016 schedule coming into focus, the athlete field is nearly complete. The full list of confirmed riders for FWT 2016 will be announced at a later stage.

SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2016
Event Calendar and Cut

1. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR VALLNORD ARCALIS – ANDORRA
Date: January. 23, 2016; Location: Vallnord Arcalis, AND
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard

2. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC
Date: February 6, 2016; Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, FRA
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard

3. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR FIEBERBRUNN KITZBÜHELER ALPEN
Date: March 6, 2016; Location: Fieberbrunn Kitzbüheler Alpen, AUT
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard

The following cut takes place after event NO. 3:
– Top 14 Men Ski (from 26)
– Top 7 Women Ski (from 14)
– Top 7 Men Snowboard (from 14)
– Top 5 Women Snowboard (from 8)
Are qualified for FWT Alaska and for FWT17

4. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR HAINES – ALASKA
Date: March 17, 2016; Location: Haines
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard

The following cut takes place after event NO. 4:
– Top 12 Men Ski (from 14)
– Top 6 Women Ski (from 7)
– Top 6 Men Snowboard (from 7)
– Top 4 Women Snowboard (from 5)
Are qualified for FWT Verbier

5. SWATCH XTREME VERBIER
Date: April 2, 2016; Location: Verbier, SUI
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard