It’s crunch time as the world’s top freeriders seize their last chance to qualify for the remaining events on the FWT and move on to the dream stop in Haines, Alaska.

After several days of heavy snowfall at the Tyrolean ski resort, the skies finally cleared to allow the competition to take place on the renowned Wildseeloder face (2118m). Competitors were treated to good visibility and somewhat variable snow conditions on the 600 vertical meter face due to snow safety control work conducted during the previous days.

As the last stop before qualification cuts, athletes felt the pressure to execute their very best lines of the season which resulted in a high level of riding across all disciplines.

SKI MEN

Challenging conditions and a spate of spectacular crashes marked the start of today’s competition. Nonetheless, Kristofer Turdell (SWE) stomped a massive air high on the venue followed by impeccable riding in difficult snow, earning first place. Reine Barkered’s (SWE) line featured his signature full-throttle skiing but was marred by a lack of flow on the lower part of the venue which pushed him to third place.

Kristoffer Turdell (SWE), 1st Place Ski Men, current leader of the FWT ski overall ranking

I guess I couldn’t feel better, of course! For the next competition the goal is to lay down as good of runs, as I plan to do, and find good lines. Hopefully the judges think they look good and I will get a good score as well. I am looking forward to Alaska; it’s an unbelievable place!

SKI WOMEN

The Austrian women ruled the day with stunning no-hesitation skiing from Lorraine Huber (AUT), who entered the face with confidence on a double-air and followed through with stylish skiing and a stomped bottom air, delivering her into first place, and closely followed by Eva Walkner (AUT) in second.

Additionally you can find out below, who made the cut to go to Alaska, as well as the rest of the Freeride World Tour stops in 2017.