THE WINTER BEGINS: JUST A FEW MORE DAYS UNTIL THE SEASON OPENER OF THE 2017 SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR IN CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC, FRANCE

Steep powder slopes, spectacular off-piste runs, and awe-inspiring drops from huge cliffs: since 2008, the world’s leading freeride skiers and snowboarders have fought for the World Championship titles of the Freeride World Tour (FWT) every year. Delivering unforgettable images and top-notch athletic performances, the tour has become a key part of the international winter sports calendar. In 2017, the FWT guests at 5 chosen European and US ski resorts with first-class freeride terrain. For the first time, there will additionally be a Freeride World Qualifier in Asia. 22 male and 11 female skiers as well as 9 male and 8 female snowboarders will join in. After 4 tour stops in all categories, the World Champions will be crowned at the big finals at Verbier (SUI).

At the upcoming weekend the Freeride World Tour 2017 kicks off in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (FRA). The weather window is Jan 28-Feb 2, 2017. Chamonix in France’s Haute-Savoie département is arguably the world’s most renowned alpine resort and a Mecca for freeriding with loads of varied faces. In recent years, competitions were held at Aiguille Pourrie at the La Flégère area and Chamois at the Brévent skiing area.

FWT 2017 start lists include the leading athletes from the 2016 tour, the best riders of the 2016 Freeride World Qualifier, and some exciting wild card entries. The line-up involves male skiers such as reigning FWT champion Loïc Collomb-Patton (FRA), 2016 vice champion Logan Pehota (CAN), and top-10 riders such as Fabio Studer (AUT), Kirstoffer Turdell (SWE), and Leo Slemett (FRA), as well as female skiers such as reigning FWT champion Eva Walkner (AUT), 2016 vice champion Jaclyn Paaso (USA), and third of the 2016 tour, Arianna Tricomi (ITA). The male snowboarders’ field will see the likes of reigning FWT champion Sammy Luebke (USA), third-placed Jonathan Penfield (USA), or fifth-placed Camille Armand (FRA). At the female snowboarders, 2011 FWT champion, Anne-Flore Marxer (SUI/FRA), will meet the third of the 2016 season, Marion Haerty (FRA), and the Xtreme Verbier 2015 winner and 1998 Olympic halfpipe gold medallist, Nicola Thost (GER).

Moreover, we will have livestream from the Event, further infos coming your way very soon!