Chamonix Ramps Up for a Big Weekend!

The extreme mountains of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and the town's many freeride aficionados will once again see the world's best freeriders dropping in from the famous Swatch starting gate that marks the seemingly inaccessible peaks of all FWT competition faces on D-day.

Defending FWT Champion in men's skiing, Loïc Collomb-Patton (FRA) is feeling the itch to get going: “I spent some days with my partner in December, I have not skied much because the conditions were not good. For the first week of the holidays, I worked for the ski school in La Clusaz. Then the snow came and I could finally start training myself! I cannot wait to arrive in Chamonix, to find everyone and especially race again!!!”

And everyone's favourite snowboarder, the one and only Ralph Backstrom (USA) has had a bit of head start thanks to a stunt - literally - that took him to the backcountry of Courmayeur: “I've been getting ready for the FWT and season in numerous ways. Fitness and snowboarding have of course been part of my preparation, and I was in Courmayeur in November finishing up some stunt double work for a remake of the Hollywood film 'Point Break'. Just being in the Alps was great mental preparation.”

So fingers crossed for more snow this week and blue skies for the weekend! (And keep your eyes peeled for a snowboard version of 'Point Break'...??)

Program
Friday 23rd January
The event village in downtown Chamonix-Mont-Blanc opens on Friday, January 23 featuring various games and shows at the Place Balmat - Triangle de l’Amitié. ABS Airbag will be hosting public beacon search workshops and at 4.30pm there will be an autograph session with all the riders until the Opening Ceremony starts at 5pm with the bib draw.

Saturday 24th January
The FWT contest is scheduled for 9am-1pm at the Brévent - Flégère sector (more details to be released 36 hours before the competition), with a prize giving ceremony in the village on the main stage at 5pm. The competition can be followed live on a giant screen in the event village or directly on the mountain in the public viewing area. An official party will also be hosted by FWT partner, Mons Royale at La Terrasse, starting at 12am (public access).

Sunday 25th January
On Sunday its showtime for the juniors of the Freeride Junior Tour by Dakine. This will also to be held at the Brévent –Flégère 9am-1pm. It is a great occasion to watch the future of freeriding live and enjoy the great atmosphere cheering on the rookies! The official Juniors prize giving ceremony will be held at Place Balmat at 4pm.

Freeride Expo village: both Friday and Saturday there will be an FWT Ski and Snowboard Test at Télécabine Planpraz, which is open to the public.