freeride tour 2023

Freeride World Tour announces adrenaline-packed calendar

The countdown to the 17th edition of the FWT is underway, with a new presenting sponsor – Peak Performance – and an action-packed calendar that includes an electrifying new stop in Georgia. Last year, we bid farewell to multiple FWT legends, including Aymar Navarro and Reine Barkered, and ushered in the next generation of freeriders that pushed the level to an all-time high. The focus now shifts to what promises to be a scintillating season ahead, with the world’s best freeriders locked in and ready to take on the most challenging – and intimidating – freeride faces around the globe.

This year will include six stops, offering riders four competitions before the cut. Those who rack up enough points will compete in the FWT Finals in Fieberbrunn and Verbier, and fight for the right to be crowned World Champion. Relegated athletes will have the chance to re-qualify for FWT25 via the FWT Challenger series, where they will face off against the top riders from the FWT Qualifiers.

Here’s what’s in store for FWT24…

Stop 1: Baqueira Beret Pro, January 27 - February 1

The FWT kicks off in the Spanish Pyrenees for the third consecutive year, a location that never disappoints with its epic terrain backed up by an incredible local crowd. Competition returns to the Bacivér face, where we’ll get the first glimpse of the new class of rookies, and see if they can hold their own against the established roster and returning champions.

Stop 2: Ordino Arcalís Pro, February 1 - 7

Back-to-back action in the Pyrenees as the FWT moves to neighboring Andorra, where Ordino Arcalís will host the world’s best once again. Riders have been putting their mark on these mountains since 2015, and will be treated to the incredible venue of the Pic de les Planes, a creative big mountain haven with all the ingredients needed for playful, freeride action.

Stop 3: Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro, February 14 - 20

The tour then heads across the Atlantic to North America, returning to the ever-consistent snowpack of British Columbia, Canada. The competition is always intense at Kicking Horse Golden BC, which has hosted the world’s best since 2018. Action will likely be held on the formidable Ozone face, an extreme venue providing ample opportunities for riders to send it large.

Stop 4: Georgia Pro, March 1 - 7

Nestled at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia will host the last stop before the cut, and the ultimate chance for riders to qualify for the FWT Finals. Georgia boasts a rich tapestry of traditions and a culture renowned for its hospitality, as well as the imposing Caucasus Mountains, which contain multiple peaks over 5,000 meters. The country has successfully hosted FWT Qualifier events during the last two seasons, demanding the attention of the international ski community. Both Tetnuldi and Mestia have emerged as prominent freeride destinations, offering vast big mountain terrain that enjoys copious amounts of snowfall over the winter months.

The Cut will be after stop four, before the final two events that make up the FWT Finals. Athletes can qualify using their three best results from the first four events.

Stop 5: Fieberbrunn Pro, March 12 - 18

After the inaugural event in Georgia, the best of the best will head to Austria for the first FWT Final, a location that has been a tour mainstay since 2013. Competition returns to the ever-impressive Wildseeloder face, a truly intimidating big mountain venue, where riders will enjoy a two-run format to impress judges in their bid for the title.

Stop 6: YETI Xtreme Verbier, March 23 - 31

A freeride theater that needs no introduction, the Grand Finale – as always – will be held on the iconic Bec des Rosses in Verbier. Dangerous snow conditions forced the event to be canceled last season, but the FWT is ready to return to a place it has called home since 1996, and where the next four world champions will be crowned.

Lock in these dates to watch the best freeride athletes push each other to the limits in the high mountains. The roster will be announced soon, so stay tuned to FWT social channels and www.freerideworldtour.com to keep up with all the latest news.

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Freeride World Tour 2023 Calendar – The World’s Best Freeriders Return to The Big Stage

Mountainwatch | Press Release

Pully, Switzerland, October 5 : The Freeride World Tour is proud to announce the calendar for 2023, featuring awe-inspiring freeride destinations around the globe. The world’s best athletes return for the 16th version of 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.

This year’s schedule boasts five stops in five different countries, with two finals events and a two-run format in Fieberbrunn, where riders’ top score will count towards their result. To up the pressure even more, and to reward those with the nerves – and legs – of steel, 12,500 points for first place (instead of 10,000) will again be up for grabs in the FWT finals events. Who can tame Verbier’s Bec des Rosses and Fieberbrunn’s Wildseeloder to maximise their chance of being crowned the champ? Time will tell.

Until then, let’s check out the world-class venues on offer for FWT23:

Kicking Horse Golden BC, Canada: January 13-18, 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: January 28 – February 2, 2023

After leaving the scenic Rocky Mountains, 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: February 4-9, 2023

The third stop of FWT23 heads to Ordino Arcalís, where 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.

THE CUT will be after stop three to set up the FWT Finals. Athletes can qualify using results from two out of the first three events.

Fieberbrunn, Austria: March 11-17, 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: March 25 – April 2, 2023

  The Grand Finale returns to the undisputed 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.

All events will be broadcast live at  www.freerideworldtour.com  so you don’t miss any action.

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Edwards big mountain skier qualifies for Freeride World Tour

Finn griffith placed second and third at a pair of fwt challenger events in march to earn the exclusive slot on the globe's top freeride circuit.

Sports Sports | Apr 26, 2024

Ryan Sederquist   

[email protected]

Finn Griffith’s motto this winter was simple.

“A king a day keeps the doctor away,” the 19-year-old big mountain skier said.

A freshmen at the University of Washington, it took awhile for Griffith to adjust to skiing only on weekends. But the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail alumnus’ on-snow intentionality increased from anticipating and visualizing potential lines and big drops all week during classes. Every time he made the two-hour drive to Crystal Mountain, Griffith let loose, always making sure he did at least one lap of Silver King — the crown jewel run on the 7,000-foot peak.

“No matter the conditions,” he added. “And yeah…it worked out for me.”

This spring, Griffith earned a spot on the 2024-2025 Freeride World Tour (FWT), the globe’s top professional freeride circuit. He was one of eight skiers to qualify from the two regions comprising the FWT Challenger series and will join a group of 20 or so athletes on next year’s Pro Tour.

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“I know this was a dream of his for a very long time and he put in a ton of hard work to get there,” said Matt Luczkow, Griffith’s former coach at SSCV. “He has a lot of momentum from his junior year into this year and hopefully into next year.”

Last year, Griffith finished sixth at the Freeride World Tour Junior World Championships and went on to win the North American Junior Freeride Championship. He earned an FWT Challenger (the intermediate step between the FWT Pro and FWT Qualifier series) start by claiming the 2023 International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association (IFSA) U19 overall title .

His secret to taking another step forward this year?

“I was skiing a lot less,” he said. “Honestly, skiing this year was a lot more fun because when I was up there I was taking more advantage of my time and had a better appreciation of it.”

Even so, Griffith struggled at his first adult competitions. At the end of January, he placed 32nd at the Revelstroke Qualifier and just 20th in Kicking Horse.

“I was a little bit in my head about what to do and I didn’t necessarily stick to the way that I ski the best,” he said.

With his wildcard Challenger start in the back pocket, Griffith returned home for the Crested Butte event on March 14.

“Being in Colorado was pretty big,” he admitted. “It was a venue I’d skied before (and) I was just honestly in a better mindset.”

Even though he’d picked out a line during inspection of the Spellbound and High Life venues, he changed his mind when he got to the top.

“The first air was a 30-foot air into a pocket that I knew was pretty thin. I kind of knew it was going to be only good for three or four people,” he said. Ninth in the order, Griffith altered the top-half of his run to “something completely different.”

“The great part about it was all you could see from the top was the landing. You couldn’t see anything around it,” he said. “From the bottom, you see it and you pretty much have to go almost 35 feet over this rock field and pin this sniper landing in-between two rocks.”

The blindness cast out any fear or trepidation.

“I was like, might as well go for it,” he continued. “It ended up working out for me.”

Griffith finished second and went on to win a bronze in Silverton two weeks later.

“I kind of just knew I needed to land a solid line,” he said regarding his run at the ‘San Juan Showdown,’ where he “lined up as many features as possible in the fall line.”

“When he skis, he skis very hard. He’s always pushing himself and going at 100%,” Luczkow said, adding that Griffith’s style is to be “fast, go big and stay smooth.”

“He’s not a big trick guy,” the coach continued. “That’s not his specialty. He’s more of a pure skier.”

He’s worked at his weaknesses, though. The prospects of finding FWT-caliber skiers in the college dining hall is understandably grim, but Griffith lucked out. He met up with fellow University of Washington freshman and FWT Qualifier skier, Reed Naspinski. The pair sharpened one another on the Crystal Mountain slopes each weekend and made use of occasional night skiing at The Summit at Snoqualmie.

“I really improved on a lot of aspects, especially in terms of tricks,” Griffith said.

When he hops up to the top-tier of the FWT pyramid next season, the Edwards athlete will join a growing group of Vail-area athletes who’ve made the FWT. Jack and Kevin Nichols finished sixth in overall ski standings in 2022, a season which saw fellow Battle Mountain graduate Blake Moller win the snowboard title . Moller’s brother, Grifen, has also competed on the FWT.

“I mean growing up, Kevin and Jack were like gods to little 8-year-old me,” Griffith said. “Definitely take a little bit of inspiration from them for sure.”

When he’s home, Griffith drops in to inspire the next generation of riders, too.

“He’s kind of taken on a mentor role with the younger kids on the team,” Luczkow said. “He’s just a really hard worker and has a lot of passion and I’m really proud of what he’s doing.”

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American Rookie Wins First Freeride World Tour Event of the Season

Addison rafford is part of a cadre of younger riders shaking up the tour this season..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Earlier this season, SKI guessed that rookies would continue pushing the envelope on the Freeride World Tour in 2023, citing an explosion of young talent emerging from the qualifier series. This prediction panned out during the first stop of the Freeride World Tour at Baqueira-Beret , with 21-year-old American rookie Addison Rafford securing first place in the women’s category after a spotless run.

Before the event started in the morning, competitors were thrown a curveball when an avalanche ripped down the center of the Baciver, the competition face. The already nervy atmosphere, replete with pre-comp jitters, turned darker, and many wondered if the event organizers should postpone the competition. “All the riders got pretty scared and wanted to cancel the comp,” said Max Palm , winner of this year’s and last season’s Baqueira-Beret competition in the men’s category.

Related: FWT Baqueira Beret stop confirmed despite sketchy conditions

However, Rafford, who’s come-up required skiing notoriously questionable conditions in the Freeride World tour qualifier competitions, was too excited to ski an enormous big mountain face to worry about the avalanche.

“I was just so stoked to finally be able to ski something with no traverse tracks in the landings,” she said. Plus, she knew that “it wasn’t gonna slide when I was skiing it because they [the event organizers] were ski cutting it, and they were definitely following all the right safety precautions. They aren’t gonna send us on a face that still had stuff that needed to slide.”

Rafford kept it simple during her run, lining up a few quick drops on the skier’s right side of the venue before charging into one final cliff, which she stomped. The judges scored her at 72.67, allowing her to eke out a narrow lead over Molly Armanino, another American rider. 

Watch: Addison Rafford’s winning run at FWT Baqueira-Beret 2023

“It felt super good, like so great, but not what I was expecting at all,” said Rafford of her winning run.

While the American skier’s already carved out a niche as an athlete, nabbing sponsorships from big names like Smith, Sturtevants, and Black Crows, the Baqueira-Beret FWT stop was her first time on the world stage. Unlike many younger riders on the Tour, Rafford took to freeride later in life. She grew up skiing in Sun Valley, eventually joining the local mogul team. She competed in moguls until 11th grade when her coaches were let go. With her favorite coaches gone, and older friends graduating from the team, Rafford decided it was time for something new.

Briefly adrift, she eventually joined her mountain’s freeride team and started entering big mountain competitions. After graduating high school, she battled through one frustrating season of crashing on the Qualifier circuit before racking up enough points to earn a ticket to the big leagues. 

As the 2023 Tour unfolds, Rafford hopes to push herself further, taking on challenging new lines and throwing tricks. “Now I’m confident with line selection,” she said, “I know next time I go out to compete, I can feel a little bit more confident in my line choice and then hopefully pick definitely some bigger features and add some more things into it.”

On the men’s side, Sweden’s Palm, who needs no introduction, proved that his win at Baqueira-Beret last year wasn’t a fluke. While his skiing was more reserved this past weekend (no double backflips this time), the judges appreciated his precision and fluidity, handing him the day’s highest score. Palm found it reassuring “to be able to win with a run that I don’t have to be at my limit.”

Watch: Max Palm’s winning run at FWT Baqueira-Beret 2023

The 20-year-old skier has reported in multiple interviews that he rarely gets nervous before competing. However, he did note that his run at Baqueira-Beret had one close call, which gave him a scare. Early in his run, he nearly crashed into a rock wall when he overcooked his first 360.

“That was the only part I was scared of,” said Palm. “I went a little bit bigger than I was expecting, so I almost jumped straight into the rock. But I managed to like land with my ski and bounce back. When you see it on the GoPro, it’s insane. Like I came so close.”

Both Palm and Rafford represent a generational shift taking place on the Tour. The old guard—the Aymar Navarros, Kristofer Turdells, and Reine Barkereds—are suddenly struggling to meet the explosive talents of the younger riders who spin and flip their way down the mountain. These freestyle-oriented athletes haven’t foregone the discipline of pure freeride, which emphasizes fluidity and technical line selection. Instead, they marry freestyle and freeride in an awe-inspiring reinvigoration of the sport.

See the full results of the 2023 FWT Baqueira Beret comp here

“It’s weird because I didn’t even think of myself as a part of it [the next generation of freeriders] until literally like the past 24 hours,” said Rafford. “The past like three or four years, there’s been so many new young guns coming up. And even if you like, look down the qualifying circuit and the junior circuit like the young kids … the level of skiing is insane.”

This shift is bittersweet. While we viewers were treated to an unprecedented spectacle this past weekend, we also had to say farewell to Navarro, who announced his departure from the Tour after years of throwing down gnarly big mountain lines. The hometown Baqueira-Beret crowd roared when Navarro skied into the finish corral, and after he removed his goggles, he brushed tears from his eyes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝑨𝒀𝑴𝑨𝑹 𝑵𝑨𝑽𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑶 (@aymar_navarro)

“ Never in my wildest dreams this kid from a small town called Les (Val d’Aran) would have imagined me competing in my house in front of 5000+ people screaming my name,” wrote Navarro in an Instagram post after the competition. “Thank you thank you and thank you for all these years and for all the love you gave me yesterday at the Baciver.”

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