The Swatch Freeride World Tour Announces 2016 World Tour Dates

The most intense and exciting freeride venues in the world highlight the Freeride World Tour’s line-up for 2016. With 5 stops in 5 countries, the FWT sets the global standard for freeriding events, as the best skiers and snowboarders in the world compete against themselves and the mountain. The tradition is being made with events at Vallnord Arcalis, Andorra and Haines, Alaska, while historical venues remain on top, combining old with new to create an action-filled season that is sure to excite and inspire. This year, the tour returns to popular Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and reaches its peak on the heights of Verbier’s Bec des Rosses in Switzerland, the spiritual home of the Freeride World Tour. This legendary venue, a place where dreams are crushed and heroes are forged, turned 20 last winter and is a fitting finale for 2016. It's going to be an epic ride.

5. 1. 2016

The 2016 edition of the SWATCH Freeride World Tour is destined to be one for the history books as it will host the most talented freeriders on the planet competing on legendary venues across the world for a total prize purse of 467,000 USD. With a total of 62 athletes representing 14 countries, this diverse assembly of freeride athletes is composed of 27 male skiers, 14 male snowboarders, 14 female skiers, and 7 female snowboarders.

Photo: © freerideworldtour.com / D.Daher

SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2016 Event Calendar:

Vallnord Arcalís, Andorra – January 23, 2016

Few people have even heard of this hidden gem deep in the Pyrenees Mountains straddling the France-Spain border – but that doesn’t mean that this ski resort in Southern Europe isn’t gaining a reputation among hardcore freeriders for having incredible terrain and a welcoming alpine culture.

Photos: © freerideworldtour.com / D.Aenguita

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France – February 6, 2016

The legendary alpine playground with a rich history of alpinism and freeride will once again welcome competitors to the Mont Blanc massif. With stunning vistas in every direction and a population of hardcore mountain enthusiasts, Chamonix is guaranteed to deliver an exciting event.

Photo: © freerideworldtour.com / D.Daher

Fieberbrunn Kitzbüheler Alpen, Austria – March 6, 2016

Anyone who has been to the Austrian Alps knows that mountain culture runs deep in the Tyrolean Pillerseetal valley. Fantastic terrain combined with a legendary event village and warm welcome from the local community is a treat for athletes and spectators alike.

Photo: © freerideworldtour.com / D.Daher

Haines, Alaska, USA – March 17, 2016

Descending the impossibly steep and aesthetic terrain of the Alaskan mountain is every freerider’s dream. This dream becomes reality in one of the most unique venues in freeride history. Take a ride on the wild side as riders push their limits on the most revered lines in the world, far from any ski resort or chairlift.

Photos: © freerideworldtour.com / D.Carlier

Verbier, Switzerland – April 2, 2016

For over 20 years competitors have given their most astounding performances during the Xtreme Verbier. It’s a place where legends are made and broken on the most committing and infamous venue of the tour: the Bec des Rosses. The intimidatingly exposed pyramid-shaped peak has long challenged top riders to face their fears and put everything on line to seek the glory of victory on the definitive grand finale of the tour.

Photo: © freerideworldtour.com / D.Daher

Photo: © freerideworldtour.com / J.Bernard

Not all riders will get a chance to prove their skills on the last two stops (Haines/Verbier) as they are required to make the cut-off after the first three events for Haines, and again after Haines for Verbier. This reduction in the competitive field ensures the highest level of competition for these spectacular venues and amazing performances throughout the season. So stay tuned, in less than three weeks on January 23, 2016, the finest freeriders in the world will head to Vallnord Arcalís, Andorra for to commence their journey to be crowned world champion of the 2016 SWATCH Freeride World Tour.

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