FREESKI NEWS
2009 FREERIDE WORLD TOUR
16.11.2008
16.11.2008
Since 2008, The Freeride World Tour has made sports history bringing together top international freeride skiers and snowboarders, men and women, competing at prestigious resorts around the world, battling for the World Champion title.
The Freeride World Tour 2009: the best for the world’s Elite
Four Prestigious Freeride World Tour Events (FWT) in Europe and America selected for the second edition
20-25 January: the Nissan Russian Challenge in Sochi, Russia
Nissan Russian Challenge will take place at the ski resort Krasnaya Polyana in the Western Caucasus. Krasnaya Polyana is the host of the alpine and nordic ski events of the 2014 Winter Olympics with Sochi as host city. Sometimes called the "Russian Courchevel", Krasnaya Polyana is the most sophisticated ski and snowboard resort in Russia, located just 45 minutes from the Black Sea, and well known as one of President Putin’s favourite holiday resorts. It is also famous for its awesome heliskiing in the spectacular Caucasus mountain range.
27 Febrary-5 March: the Nissan Tram Face in Squaw Valley, USA - New Event
Mecca for Big Mountain skiing in the USA, perched atop the Sierra Nevada, the Californian resort of Squaw Valley USA will host the second stop of the Freeride World Tour 2009 on its granite-laden terrain. For the first time in history, the legendary Tram Face will be officially open for pro riders since the resort was open in 1949. The competition face is clear visible from the resort and the cable car system. Squaw Valley USA, host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, is one of America's largest and high tech resorts attracting over 600,000 visitors every year.
8-14 March: the Nissan Freeride de Tignes, France
Tignes, the Kingdom of Freeriding: the third contest of the Freeride World Tour will take place at one of the world's biggest ski domains "espace killy". The contest will be held at the legendary Grande Balme, with great viewing from village of Tignes Val Claret. The face is located right in the middle of the Tignes domain and very accessible for the public. One chair lift ride from the village Val Claret and you have the massive face just in front of you.
20-29 March: the Nissan Xtreme Verbier 09, Switzerland - the Finals
Since its start in 1996 the "Xtreme" has been considered the most prestigious event in the freeride world. For the "grande finale" of the Freeride World Tour the elite of freeride will tackle the mythical Bec des Rosses, a 500m north face, in places some 55 degrees sheer slopes. With steep and narrow couloirs, high rock cliffs, changing snow and terrain, it asks the riders to be highly skilled in top physical condition, thorough mountain experience. Only the top ranked riders in the Freeride World Ranking will qualify for the Nissan Xtreme - Verbier 2009.
The Freeride World Tour 2009: the best for the world’s Elite
100% of the invited world best riders confirmed for the first Freeride World Tour events (FWT)
40 qualified top riders and a selection of wild cards will be riding in each of the first three 2009 Freeride World Tour events (FWT). Only the Top 10 riders of the 2009 Freeride World ranking (8 men and 3 women) will then be qualified for the Grand Final at Nissan Xtreme, Verbier 09. (List of the 40 qualified riders enclosed).
10 Freeride World Qualifier Events (FWQ) worldwide elected to join the Freeride World Ranking 2009.
The Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) events are existing international events, all certified by the Pro Freerider Board and using the same judging system than the Freeride World Tour events. They will support the Freeride World Tour, allowing a greater depth of talent, nationalities and riders to enter the Tour and compete for the World champion title. The athletes will be pushed to perform with greater control, agility and power as the seasoned pros are challenged by the new talent.
The Freeride World Tour, approved by the best Salomon athletes:
Cody Townsend, Squaw Valley native skier and 5th in the Freeride World Tour 2008 ranking:
”The Tram Face at Squaw Valley is a legendary face that many have dreamed to ride but few have dared to. Getting to hold the first ever competition on the Tram Face at Squaw Valley is like the first time Monaco was raced in Formula 1, Teahupoo was ridden in surfing and the Masters was played at Augusta. Opening up the indefinitely off-limits Tram Face for the FWT competition is a dream come true for any person that has ever driven into Squaw Valley and seen the amazing face that dominates the mountain. Swatch is the legendary team in action sports. To be apart of the Swatch team is the true sign that you have made it. The Swatch team is built on the back of some of the most legendary athletes and the desire to always be innovative and creative. Without Swatch, action sports wouldn't be what they are today. They have helped lay the foundation for the incredible and creative sports we see today.”
Elyse Saugstad, the Freeride World Tour 2008 Ski Champion
“I believe that Big Mountain Freeriding has finally been awarded a worthy tour for both the athletes and fans. The organization of the FWT has grasped the necessities to pull off a successful multi-event series: a waiting period to optimize ski conditions, lucrative prize money, legendary freeride venues, substantial media coverage, the highest proven caliber of athletes, and a creation of an exciting environment for the competitiors, judges, and fans. I feel honored and thrilled to be a part of such a great Tour!”
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