THE DREAM IS ALIVE IN HAINES, ALASKA ON THE SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2017 (FWT)

After several competition delays, riders were finally treated to epic powder on the stunning terrain of the most coveted freeride peaks on the planet.

The remaining qualified twenty-seven athletes of the Swatch Freeride World Tour competed today on the so-called “dream stop” and last competition before the season finale in Verbier, Switzerland. Always a highly anticipated event due to the renowned terrain and remote nature of the competition site, the level was exceptionally high today as riders exploited their final opportunity to earn points before the final.

Unsettled weather marked the days preceding the event but this morning the skies cleared and revealed nearly perfect snow conditions on the 760m vertical meter (2493ft) Alaskan face. Riders and spectators were treated to one of the most spectacular competitions in FWT history.

SKI WOMEN

Competing among a field of strong skiers, phenom Arianna Tricomi (ITA) commenced her line with big airs and continued with enough style to nudge Lorraine Huber’s (AUT) similarly confident line into second place. Eva Walkner (AUT) skied a playful line which kept the overall ranking in close contention for the finals in Verbier.

3rd place Ski Women Lorraine Huber

2nd place Ski Women Eva Walkner

1st place Ski Women Arianna Tricomi

SKI MEN

The story of today’s ski men field was the showdown between Frenchmen Loïc Collomb-Patton (FRA) and Léo Slemett (FRA). Collomb-Patton opened the men’s field with a powerful run, taking a large double-set into an impressive 360 high on the venue. Only two riders later, Slemett dropped into a similar line but executed a smoothly stomped backflip and finished strong in the lower venue. As a result of these finishes, the overall ranking features an unprecedented three-way tie with Kirstoffer Turdell (SWE) whose day ended in a crash.

3rd place Men Ski Sam Lee

2nd place Ski Leo Slemett

1st place Ski Loic Collomb-Patton

As the FWT season reaches its climax, the world champions in the remaining three categories will be decided at the Xtreme Verbier on April 1-9th. Stay tuned to www.freerideworldtour.com and FWT social media channels for the latest event information and rider news.