The most exciting global snowsports contest of them all, the Freeride World Tour, is back for its 16th explosive year – FWT23 – with five stops marked on the calendar at awe-inspiring freeride destinations around the globe between January and April 2023.
Kicking off at legendary powder and steeps central, Kicking Horse in BC, Canada, in January, the tour moves on to Baqueira Beret in Spain, Andorra’s freeride capital of Ordino Arcalís and then famously snowy Fieberbrunn in SalzburgerLand, Austria (where the wildly popular two-run format will return for a second year), before the annual climax at Verbier in Switzerland on the infamous Bec des Rosses. Here there’ll be 12,500 points for first place (instead of the usual 10,000) up for grabs in the FWT finals events.
The world’s best freeride skiers and boarders will be back for 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. Those with the nerves – and legs – of steel to score well through all five rounds will ultimately be crowned the champ.
The Venues:
Kicking Horse, Golden, BC, Canada: 13–18 January 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: 28 January–2 February 2023
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: 4–9 February 2023
Here the 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.
Fieberbrunn, Austria: 11–17 March 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: 25 March–2 April 2023
The Grand Finale returns to the 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.
Class Of 2023
Forty-three athletes will compete in the FWT23. This world-class spectacle would not be possible without the total commitment of the world’s best freeriders, ready to drop no matter the physical pain or mental pressure. Ready to drop regardless of the conditions Mother Nature dishes up on the day. Ready to drop to satisfy the seemingly unquenchable thirst of their audience, who feed off the next big trick or near-impossible line.
In the women’s ski division, World Champion Jess Hotter – who was also recently nominated as the best female athlete in New Zealand – is back to defend her title, as is World Champion Maxime Chabloz in the men’s contest. In the boarding, “The Sultan of Steez”, Blake Moller, will be defending his title, and Tiphanie Perrotin will be battling to hold onto her women’s title.
Tune in to FWT socials for updates and to keep the stoke high until the action begins! freerideworldtour.com
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