The Freeride World Tour has announced the dates for its third season. The world’s best skiers and snowboarders will once again be battling it out in four ski resorts spread across the world. The tour will all start on the Russian slopes of Sochi in January, followed closely by the next stage in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. The competition will then journey to the United States to hopefully “ride” the Tram Face at Squaw Valley in late February, although that has not yet officially been cleared for a freeriding competition. Finally, those riders with the top ratings will compete in the Tour’s grand final in Verbier in March during the Nissan Xtreme by Swatch which celebrates its 15th year. “It is with great satisfaction that we announce the Freeride World Tour’s third season. This year the Tour will be staged in some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts. Our partner, Nissan, co-founder of the Tour, continues its unwavering support. Swatch, among other partners is reinforcing its involvement by presenting two of the Freeride World Tour’s stages this year. Ensured by the participation of the world’s top freeriders, we are very keen for the FWT’s third season to kick off” commented Nicolas Hale-Woods, founder of the Freeride World Tour. Who is going to follow in the steps of Aurélien Ducroz – FRA (ski/men), Xavier de Le Rue – FRA (snowboard/men), Ane Enderud – NOR (ski/women) and Susan Mol – USA (snowboard/women)? The pressure is already on. Most riders have already begun their physical and mental pre-season work outs. “The level among the riders has increased constantly since the first edition of the Tour. It is no longer enough to be a great skier to take part of the Tour. Physical and mental preparation, thorough inspection of the competition face, and top gear, are all important elements that has helped develop freeriding to a professional sport, becoming more and more known by the broad public,” says Freeride World Champion 2009 Aurélien Ducroz of France. www.freerideworldtour.com
