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Get Ready for More Double-Backies and Extreme Skiing on This Year’s Freeride World Tour
Last season, we witnessed wild cards and rookies turn steep, technical lines into terrain parks. will they go even bigger this year.
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Freeride fans, the Freeride World Tour just announced its schedule for the upcoming season, with the first event kicking off in January next year. Last season on the Tour, we witnessed the evolution of freeride live with a group of trick-oriented young guns throwing down, a new event format, and more than one mind-blowing wild card run. These developments indicate that we could be in for another outstanding season.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the next generation of freeriding. For years, a crowd of freeride OGs who prioritized technical, fast, and precise skiing dominated the Tour. To see any of these riders bobble or select the wrong line was an upset. However, aside from the occasional backflip or 360, they kept it simple in the freestyle arena—think Reine Barkered or Arianna Tricomi.
Watch: FWT23 Teaser
But nothing in skiing stays the same for long. Last season, a new approach to FWT competitions involving risk-taking and freestyle firmly took root. Take 19-year-old Max Palm from Sweden, recipient of a wild card slot for last season’s first stop. Palm, a previous junior freeride champion, clinched first place in a field of stacked talented veterans by laying down the Tour’s first double backflip. Going upside down twice in a no-fall-zone is hardly cautious— insane might be more apt.
Watch: Max Palm lands first FWT double backflip
Palm is one of many younger riders turning the Tour’s technical venues into terrain parks. Switzerland’s Maxime Chabloz, who won the title last season as a rookie, crammed multiple tricks into one run at Kicking Horse, including a cork 720. And, due to a crowd of fresh faces set to join the Tour, the likes of Chabloz will have plenty of competition.
On the women’s side, France’s Manon Loschi is a notable stand-out who qualified for the 2023 FWT after a string of impressive finishes in qualifying events last season. Loschi has the skills to bring a jibby style to the Tour with dialed 360s, backflips, and flat spins. Expect her to challenge Hedvig Wessel’s jaw-dropping backflips with some tricks of her own.
On the men’s side, we’re excited about Max Hitzig from Austria who also qualified for the Tour this season. Like Palm, Hitzig received a wild card slot last season, an opportunity he used to swing a first-place run involving huge airs and a massive backflip in Fieberbrunn.
Don’t miss: The best lines and crashes from last year’s FWT
Then, there’s the two-run format, a carryover from last season. In sticking with brief tradition, this new format will just apply to the first finals stop, Fieberbrunn. Historically, FWT riders only had one chance to carve up a competition face, making errors potentially fatal score-wise. With two runs, the field has more room for experimentation and risk-taking. Anticipate impressive season highlights from Fieberbrunn 2023 as riders take advantage of their second chance.
What does all this mean for next season’s FWT? It’s simple: even better riding and more high-octane stunts. The level of competition on the Tour has never been higher, a fact that we viewers stand to take advantage of once the snow starts flying.
The upcoming FWT will be broadcast for free on the FWT’s website and Youtube. Here’s when to tune in.
2023 Freeride World Tour Competition Schedule
- January 13-18: Stop #1, Kicking Horse, B.C.
- January 28-Feb. 2: Stop #2, Baqueira Beret, Spain
- February 4-9: Stop #3, Ordino Arcalís, Andorra ( only top athletes advance to Finals after this stop )
- March 11-17: Finals #1, Fieberbrunn, Austria
- March 25-April 2: Finals #2, Xtreme Verbier, Switzerland
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Freeride World Tour 2023 Calendar – The World’s Best Freeriders Return to The Big Stage
Mountainwatch | Press Release
Pully, Switzerland, October 5 : The Freeride World Tour is proud to announce the calendar for 2023, featuring awe-inspiring freeride destinations around the globe. The world’s best athletes return for the 16th version of this iconic series, ready to push the limits of what’s possible in the high mountains in their quest for the sport’s ultimate prize.
This year’s schedule boasts five stops in five different countries, with two finals events and a two-run format in Fieberbrunn, where riders’ top score will count towards their result. To up the pressure even more, and to reward those with the nerves – and legs – of steel, 12,500 points for first place (instead of 10,000) will again be up for grabs in the FWT finals events. Who can tame Verbier’s Bec des Rosses and Fieberbrunn’s Wildseeloder to maximise their chance of being crowned the champ? Time will tell.
Until then, let’s check out the world-class venues on offer for FWT23:
Kicking Horse Golden BC, Canada: January 13-18, 2023
Known for its champagne powder and long, steep runs, it’s no wonder Kicking Horse attracts riders from all over the globe. The world’s best will have to shake off any early-season nerves and be on point from the very first turn, as these mountains dish up some classic freeride terrain that is unforgiving for the unprepared.
Baqueira Beret, Spain: January 28 – February 2, 2023
After leaving the scenic Rocky Mountains, the Tour heads across the pond for the European leg. Baqueira Beret will again play host, following the success of last year’s inaugural event at this epic venue. Consistent snowfall and varied terrain make this world-class resort an ideal test for freeride fanatics.
Ordino Arcalís, Andorra: February 4-9, 2023
The third stop of FWT23 heads to Ordino Arcalís, where athletes will have one last chance to rack up the points before the cut. This venue has become a permanent fixture on tour, and for a good reason, with playful terrain offering opportunities for creative freeride lines.
THE CUT will be after stop three to set up the FWT Finals. Athletes can qualify using results from two out of the first three events.
Fieberbrunn, Austria: March 11-17, 2023
The first finals event heads to Fieberbrunn, where athletes must navigate the glorious – yet intimidating – Wildseeloder. This mountain is a true test for even the most seasoned pro, and athletes will surely put it all on the line to ensure they have the best shot at the crown.
Xtreme Verbier Switzerland: March 25 – April 2, 2023
The Grand Finale returns to the undisputed home of freeride, the Bec des Rosses at Verbier, Switzerland. Unrideable to most mere mortals, athletes not only tame this beast year after year, but turn it into their playground, consistently combining new line variations with death-defying stunts.
All events will be broadcast live at www.freerideworldtour.com so you don’t miss any action.
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