David Wise steals first place at Dew Tour Men’s Halfpipe on the last run of the night

After a heavy fall of snow yesterday at the Winter Dew Tour in Breckenridge, the women’s ski slopestyle final was postponed until today, while the halfpipe was scraped clean for last night’s men’s ski halfpipe final.

To be honest, the first minutes of the competition didn’t provide a great show between speed issues, powder in the pipe, crashes and a younger generation that doesn’t seem quite ready. We missed Justin Dorey, Torin Yater-Wallace (recovering after serious disease), even Simon Dumont. But soon Birk Irving impressed with his down-the-pipe flat 3, Taylor Seaton flew with style high over the coping, and Beau-James Wells confirmed his place on top. Kevin Rolland managed to land a nice run, David Wise crashed, and the doors seemed open for the younger riders. Sadly, not all the skiers could enjoy this praise: Kris Atkinson, for example, who didn’t grab and went about as high as the girls in the pipe (sorry for the comparison).

In the second run, Beau-James confirmed his place at first, pushing his score above 90 and making us think we were wrong to doubt the new generation of pipe skiers. We started to think that style would win the night (you will understand watching the run), but dropping last, David Wise went big, technical and clean to steal first place. Yes, he deserved it, but we were dreaming of a different happy ending.

The first major Superpipe contest of the 2015/16 season is over, delivering an awesome show and displaying kids who will become the new legends in the next five years. I heard a lot of people talking about missing “the legends” of the sport, but people said the same back when David Wise and Kevin Rolland entered the game, too. These new faces will hopefully push freeskiing in the right direction. Let’s hope, but for now let’s congratulate the boys who did their best in difficult skiing conditions.

David Wise – 1st place

Beau James Wells – 2nd Place

Alex Ferreira – 3rd Place

Dew Tour Superpipe- Ayana Onozuka wins and David Wise advances first

Halfpipe : Women Final results

Halfpipe : Men Semi-Final results

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The Mora Banc Skiers Cup Grandvalira – Skiers announced

The highly-anticipated roster of Skiers Cup team riders is finally available to the public after the two team captains have meticulously selected some of the finest riders in the world to compete on the slopes of Grandvalira, Andorra from January 30 to February 4, 2016. The 6th of edition of the Skiers Cup will take advantage of the the picture-perfect freeride terrain of the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees.

With a long history of progression and high-level freeskiing, this event takes a unique format where two continents (Europe vs. Americas) will face each other in two classic disciplines: big-mountain (freeride) and backcountry slopestyle (tricks off kickers and natural jumps). Team captains are sure to select riders that have the necessary skills to round-out a versatile team capable of excelling in both disciplines. The 16 riders comprising two teams face each other over two days, with one discipline per day, and two rounds per discipline for each pair of riders. The winners for each round will be determined and the points will be summed for a grand total of 32 possible points.

Team Americas always has a strong showing – from legendary big mountain heroes such as Seth Morrison (USA) to crossover veteran and film segment star Tim Durtschi (USA). Native Alaskan Nick Mc Nutt (CAN) is guaranteed to give viewers their money’s worth as he sends huge airs and stomps switch landings. Up-and-coming crusher Logan Pehota (CAN) will demonstrate how to send stylish airs with unique backcountry style as he competes with fellow North American heavy-hitters Grant Howard (USA), Parker White (USA), and three-time Skiers Cup veteran Tanner Rainville (USA).

With such an impressive line-up, Permin’s Europe will need outstanding firepower to maintain their 3-2 lead over Cattabriga-Alosa’s Americas. Maybe the strongest freeskier to join Permin’s team will be Bene Mayr (GER) who has been pushing the progression of the sport to the next level for years and is also competing on the Freeride World Tour this season. Familiar Skiers Cup faces such as Markus Eder (ITA) and Sam Anthamatten (SUI) will secure Europe’s strength in backcountry slopestyle and big mountain, respectively. 2014 Freeride World Tour champion Loic Collomb-Patton will be demonstrating his big mountain skills alongside some of the most versatile riders from across the Alps such as Fabio Studer (AUT), Nico Vuignier (SUI), and Sam Favret (FRA).

James Woods Tops Dew Tour Slopestyle Semifinals

The men’s slopestyle semifinals just wrapped up at the 2015 Winter Dew Tour event at Breckenridge, Colorado, with ten skiers earning their places in Sunday’s finals, and an additional two spots open in the Last Chance Qualifier afterwards.

It was quite the way to kick off the 2015-16 competition season, with a slopestyle course featuring diverse rail options and some steep-looking jump landings, and a very stacked field of competitors with different approaches to the course. Some were out there to stomp their stock tricks, following an ever-more established route to the podium; others were looking to keep things fresh, like Henrik Harlaut, Alex Beaulieu-Marchand and Antti Ollila. A surprising number of skiers took to the course without poles.

Jossi Wells earned his finals spot with his first run, and rewarded us all with an all-zero spin run for his second go-round.
Unfortunately flat light and rising winds kept the competitors guessing throughout the day, but several veterans and a few up-and-comers managed to cash in on clean runs and earn their tickets to the finals.

James Woods ended up qualifying first, followed by Jossi Wells who put down one of the most stylish runs of the day. Bobby Brown fought his way into third place with a stellar second run, bumping Alex Beaulieu-Marchand’s highly creative and technical run down to fourth. Other second-run qualfiers included Gus Kenworthy, Antoine Adelisse, Jesper Tjäder and Joss Christensen, who squeaked in at tenth.

Top 10 +2

Once the dust cleared from Runs 1 and 2, the ten skiers placed 11-20th in the semifinals got one more run in a Last Chance Qualifier, which ended up ushering Swiss talent Fabian Bösch and Norwegian Øystein Bråten into the finals as well.

Full semifinal results (after 2 runs)

Blue Tomato Plan P – Loads of Airtime and Cool Prices!

On the December 19 the first QParks Freeski Tour Stop takes place at the Planai, where various pros
have already enjoyed the chilly mountain air this year. Thanks to a total of 1.310€ prize money
massive tricks are guaranteed at the Superpark Planai – and it’s also time for the up-and-coming
riders to get ready for take-off!

The Party before the Party
Shortly before Christmas, all freeskiers have the chance to show off their best tricks in the categories Girls,
Men and Groms and, thereby, win some amazing prizes at the Blue Tomato Plan P. These include 1.210€ of
prize money plus 100€ for the best trick and over 250€ worth of cool goodies by Anon, Neff, Blue Tomato and
Amplifi. If you’re not just hungry for the prizes, but want to get something between your teeth as well, there’s
going to be plenty of snacks thanks to the Blue Tomato catering crew. Later on you can go and celebrate
yourself and a successful day of competition at the after-show party in Schladming.

Collecting Points
The participation at the Blue Tomato Plan P definitely pays off. At the first stop you’re not just able to collect
points for the QParks Freeski Tour, you can also collect points for the FSA Tour.
Approved Slopestyle Track

If you already want to take some test runs, just visit the Superpark Planai, the pro line is ready for take-off.
The course allows for loads of diverse runs and enough airtime for bold tricks, in order to impress the judges.
Click here for a detailed overview of the setup

How Can I Participate?
It’s really simple – you just have to fill out the registration form for the freeski registration on the website of
the tour and you’re on the bill. The Groms category is for everyone born after 2001. Thanks to free
participation, the QParks Freeski Tour focuses on the support of young talents once again this year. As always,
there’s a first come first serve policy – sign up before the starting list is full!

Anon Hottest Shot
Not only the riders have a chance of winning at the Blue Tomato Plan P. Everybody can win great prizes by
Anon on the spot. Just post your pic from the contest on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag
#anonhottestshot and #qparkstour and with a bit of luck you will be decked out in some cool Anon gear.
Additionally, at the finals of the QParks Freeski Tour a lucky one is chosen from the winners and is looking
forward to a professional shooting with Anon.

Anon Rookie Scouting
Who of you boys or girls doesn’t dream of getting sponsored? The Anon Rookie Scouting makes your dreams
come true. The popular producer of goggles and helmets is on the lookout for young talents. That’s why a
scout will be on location on the 19th of December. So, if you want to bag one of the two Anon Material
Sponsorships for the season 2016/17, you should definitely let your style do the talking.

With these facts there’s no room for excuses – the Blue Tomato Plan P is an absolute must-attend event
for all freeskiers. Now get your trip planned to the first stop of the QParks Freeski Tour 2015/16 –
we’re looking forward to catching up with you!

The International Freeride Film Festival, is this weekend!

These days, it is difficult to ignore the conflicts of the modern world society: individuality, ignorance and fear of those who are different to us. Certainly, films and arts in all its shapes are instrumental in breaking up boundaries and sending positive messages.

Word by IFFF

This festival is our yearly chance to show the beauty of the Planet we live in, how travelling and discovering the unknown can open our eyes and spirit through the eyes and courage of passionate adventurers, making us aware of the wonderful and at the same time fragile nature we live in.

This year’s film selection tends to throw an optimist message, a will to create a better world, where our mountains and our Planet are given the value and recognition they deserve, in order to preserve them for generations to come.

The Dew Tour Breckenridge is about to start : check schedule & riders

Every Year, the Dew Tour is not only one of the highlight of the season but also the kickstart of it. Plenty of freeskiers will be gathered for a 4 days competition.
Stay tuned on Downdays and get the latest info, like if you were in Colorado.

Men Halfpipe

Kris Atkinson
Jacob Beebe
Aaron Blunck
Noah Bowman
Lyman Currier
Justin Dorey
Alexander Ferreira
Jaxin Hoerter
Birk Irving
Gus Kenworthy
Thomas Krief
Broby Leeds
Brendan Mackay
Jake Mageau
Ryan Malone
Joffrey Pollet-Villard
Mike Riddle
Kevin Rolland
Taylor Seaton
Kyle Smaine
Colby Stevenson
Lennon Vaughan
Byron Wells
Beau-James Wells
Taylor Wilson
David Wise

Women Halfpipe

Sabrina Cakmakli
Anais Caradeux
Jeanee Crane-Mauzy
Annalisa Drew
Virginie Faivre
Roz Groenewoud
Abigale Hansen
Isabelle Hanssen
Janina Kuzma
Devin Logan
Marie Martinod
Ayana Onozuka
Kimmy Sharp
Cassie Sharpe
Brita Sigourney
Saori Suzuki

Slopestyle Men

Antoine Adelisse
Elias Ambuehl
Alex Beaulieu-Marchand
Alex Bellemare
Fabian Boesch
Oystein Braaten
Bobby Brown
Joss Christensen
Riley Culver
Robby Franco
Vincent Gagnier
Henrik Harlaut
Teal Harle
Russ Henshaw
Jonas Hunziker
Gus Kenworthy
Chris Laker
Evan McEachran
Noah Morrison
Antti Ollila
Andri Ragettli
Luca Schuler
Jesper Tjader
Matt Walker
Felix Usterud
Noah Wallace
Jossi Wells
Oscar Wester
McRae Williams
James Woods

Halfpipe Women

Coline Ballet-Baz
Silvia Bertagna
Nikki Blackall
Tiril Christiansen
Emma Dahlstrom
Keri Herman
Dara Howell
Johanne Killi
Kim Lamarre
Devin Logan
Kelly Sildaru
Katie Summerhayes
Giulia Tanno
Yuki Tsubota
Kaya Turski
Lisa Zimmerman

The BE @ B&E Invitational 2016 is on!

The contest is open to all skiers. Whether you shred your local hill or you are a world traveling super pro, this is your chance to ski with 22 of the most creative and innovative riders in skiing. The edit should represent your style of freeskiing; highlighting your creativity, technical skills, and style. The submissions are open from the 1st of December, 2015 until of the 1st January, 2016 and the two Wildcards will be announced on the 1st of February, 2016. To represent the entire community, there will be 1 Wildcard for Europe (including Russia) and 1 Wildcard for the Rest of the World (Americas, Asia, and Oceania).

What should the video edit look like?
1. Download the Pre-roll/Outro HERE and add to the start & end of your edit.
2. Add a title at the start with your name and home region, as well the song credit.
3. To access the MUSIC to use in the edits, first go onto www.beatcan.com/beinvite and sign up for an account. Then go to “my account” and enter the campaign code “beinvite2016”. This will give you access to a limited amount of free downloads from the B&E Invitational page as well as the whole Beatcan library, if you wish. You will need to select a song from the music library we provide for legal reasons or your edit will NOT be uploaded for the contest.
4. The edit should be no longer than 2 minutes (including pre-roll and outro)
5. You are allowed to use footage from the last two ski seasons in your edit.

How to submit your video?
1. Between the 1st of December and the 1st of January 1st, go to www.wetransfer.com
2. Add your video file
3. In the “friend’s email” text field write: contest@beinvitational.com
4. Enter your email address.
5. In the message include full name, where you live, email address and age. Then transfer.

Do I have to edit the video myself?
No you do not. You can have a friend, family member or whoever do it for you.

Where can I see all the submissions for the online contest?
From December 1st, 2015 until January 1st, 2016 all submissions will be published on the B&E Invitational YouTube channel. All videos will be hosted on www.downdays.eu after the 1st of January for the Europe entries and www. freeeskier.com for the Rest of the World Entries.

How does the judging process work?
– The videos will be separated onto two sites: “Europe” on www.downdays.eu and and “Rest Of The World “on www.freeskier.com
– 4-10th January, First Round of voting. Viewers will be able to vote for their 3 favorite videos from each category. The 15 videos with most votes in each category on January 10th reach the final round.
– 11-17th January, Second round of voting, Viewers will be able to vote for their 3 favorite videos from each category. The 15 videos with most votes in each category on January 17th reaching the final round.
– Henrik Harlaut & Phil Casabon will judge the final round and choose the two winners (1 EU and 1 ROTW)
Winners will be announced on the February 1st, 2015.

What does the wildcard include?
This includes a spot on the coveted B&E Invitational riders list, onsite accommodation in a 3 Star hotel, food and party, as well as, a Geneva Airport shuttle transfer from Tuesday the 8th of March, 2016 until Sunday the 13th of March, 2016. Airfare is not included.

*NOTE: By submitting your video to the competition you automatically agree to the terms and conditions of the contest. Once we have uploaded your edit on the B&E In- vitational YouTube channel, you have officially entered the online video contest.

 

Mora Banc Skiers Cup 2016 Grandvalira

With a star-studded roster of the most important names in freeskiing – from established legends to rising stars of the youth generation – the list of dates and team captains participating in the 6th edition of the world’s most innovative ski competition is now available. The legendary feud between two continents (Europe) and (Americas) will be settled from January 30 – February 4, 2016, as riders duke it out on the outstanding terrain of Grandvalira, Andorra.

This will be the first time that team captains Sage Cattabriga-Alosa (Americas) and Richard Permin (Europe) face each other as they lead their continent towards victory in the alpine playground of Grandvalira. Cattabriga-Alosa (USA) is a pioneer in crossover- style backcountry riding, where he has been known to combine the most cutting-edge big-mountain lines with smooth, stylish freestyle tricks in mind-blowing film segments. Permin (FRA) has an unrivaled reputation for sending it huge, both in the backcountry and in the park. Each captain has compiled an impeccably selected roster of athletes that are true masters of every aspect of the sport.

With so many talents gathered in the biggest station of Southern Europe, the 2016 edition of the Skiers Cup will once again be the most innovative showdown in skiing as riders clash in two classic disciplines: big mountain (freeride) and backcountry slopestyle. Fellow riders from both sides of the Atlantic will convene in the middle of the Pyrenees to demonstrate the best each school of skiing has to offer with Europe having defeated Team Americas in 2015, bringing the current overall score to 3-2

There’s no sure-fire formula for success in the Skiers Cup as innovation has proven king time and again in the previous editions of this legendary showdown. Team Americas’ deep tradition of high-level big mountain and backcountry riding will have to contend with some of Europe’s most versatile riders. Stay tuned to FWT media channels as team captains will unveil the first riders of each team Friday November 19 with additional riders announced each following Monday and Friday!

Snowpark Alta Badia – Tricks and Tunes for the Winter 2015/16

Not only this fact, but also the promise of the new freestyle season at the Snowpark Alta Badia will make every rider’s heart beat faster. The ski resort in the middle of the Dolomites, has been carrying the title UNESCO world heritage site for many years now. A grand total of 44 obstacles are planned to find their place at the snowpark in the winter of 2015/16, so most probably Alta Badia will be the next world freestyle heritage site. Moreover, this year’s season will feature a VIP Pro Coaching event as well as a musical highlight for all those who love good beats on the mountain.

After last year’s successful season our park staff are ready and eagerly awaiting the official “GO” in the form of massive snowfall. Bye-bye autumn blues, ciao snowpark action! When visiting Alta Badia, visitors find a vast and versatile ski resort. Apart from the Snowpark Alta Badia, there are even two Funslopes (the Funslope Biok and the Kidslope Pralongià II). That’s just the topping to the already broad range of the standard winter sports program of the resort. Altogether, it offers considerable 130 kilometres of slopes and 54 lifts. Let alone the stunning scenery of the Dolomites. Long story short: Alta Badia guests are definitely looking forward to a diverse winter season 2015/16.

Dolce Vita for all Freestyle Fans
In the upcoming season, freeskiers will be able to enjoy their lifestyle to the fullest and express themselves in form of various, daring tricks. A total of 44 obstacles will trigger every rider’s creativity on the snow, from the beginner to the advanced freestyler. As a little teaser, here are some of the highlights and the new features.
Freestyle beginners can ride various butter boxes (flat, elephant, rainbow, dance floor) and try out first smooth jumps on the 3-4 meter kickers of the beginner area. The medium area will definitely serve the interest of all riders who are looking for some jib action. The downright jib highlight is the new 4-meter tank. Another new addition is the 7 meter rainbow rail, which will find its place at the medium area next to other renowned features such as the lollipop, the pyramid and the wallride spine.
For loads of airtime, check out the advanced area. Six kickers with 8 to 10 meter tables and a 10 meter corner reveal some very special views on the Dolomites’ peaks. Three 6-7 meter tubes round off the setup in the advanced area.

Those who are not yet amongst the advanced riders but would like to, should definitely take part in the VIP Pro Coaching. Christof Schenk, freeski pro and well-experienced coach, will devote a full day to you and your questions about freestyle. All dates and info on how to registrate will follow soon – keep your twin-tips ready!
Bouncing DJ beats at the Snowpark Alta Badia

Another new feature of the winter season 2015/16 is “SnowTunes”. It’s a pure lifestyle event that will musically pump up the chill area of the Snowpark Alta Badia on February, 7th, 2016. A well-known DJ will supply you with tight beats during the day while shredding. Plus, a photographer will be on location to capture the snow party!

To shorten your waiting time until the season kicks off, we summarized all of last season’s highlights in a freeski edit and coupled them with a fitting soundtrack. We’re ready for the freestyle winter 2015/16!

For the latest information and updates from the park check out www.snowpark-altabadia.org and the Facebook page. Hear ya later!

X Games Aspen 2016 – More freeski athletes announced

The X Games has just announced the first wave of athletes for X Games Aspen 2016. Here are the updated freeski athlete invites. The Swiss Big Air triple threat of Elias Ambühl, Kai Mahler and Luca Schuler is back alongside fan-favorite Henrik Harlaut and last year’s champ Vincent Gagnier. On the women’s front, Tiril S. Christiansen will go tête-á-tête with Emma Dahlström in what’s sure to be an interesting match-up in women’s slopestyle.

Check xgames.com for more information on the latest wave of invites.

BIG AIR – MEN

SUPERPIPE MEN

SLOPESTYLE MEN

SUPERPIPE WOMEN

SLOPESTYLE WOMEN

FWQ and Freeride Junior Tour dates announced

The 2016 winter season is ramping up as athletes around the world begin to prepare for the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) and Freeride Junior Tour (FJT) by Dakine. Riders will battle it out on the FWQ and FJT against aspiring freeriders of all ranks in over 100 competition events all over the world. Check out the updated schedule, including the legendary resorts, now available on freerideworldtour.com. Stay tuned to the FWQ and FJT Facebook Pages to be the first to know when event registrations go online!

The 2016 edition of the Freeride World Qualifier is guaranteed to host an even higher level of competition this year as riders give it their all to have a shot at graduating to the SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR. With nearly 60 total FWQ competitions – over 40 competitions being held in Region 1 (Europe/Oceania) and 20 in Region 2 (Americas) – riders will have ample opportunity to participate in qualifier events. Riders from all over the world will compete in events ranked in importance from 1-4* with an accumulating point system. Additionally, in certain European countries, riders will have the privilege of earning the prestigious title of national champion. The top riders from each of the two regions and disciplines will earn a seat on the Freeride World Tour for the 2017 season.

Since 2011, the Freeride Junior Tour has served as a pivotal role in developing top riders and encouraging safe freeriding practices in mountain environments for young riders aged 14-17. FJT competitors will compete on an event ranking system of (1-3), similar to the FWQ, allowing young riders to compete at affiliated 3 events such as Chamonix, Fieberbrunn, and Verbier on junior-specific venues. Both regions will host a combined total of nearly 75 events (20 FJT and 50 IFSA Juniors) during the 2016 season, allowing these young guns to develop their skills in a variety of competition venues throughout the season.

Registration for each event opens seven weeks before the competition date and remains open until four weeks before the competition date. Don’t miss your chance to register for the upcoming 2016 FWQ/FJT season!

Stay tuned to freerideworldtour.com to stay up on the latest news, and follow along as the riders train for next winter’s historic campaign.