CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESYup, it’s that time of the year again, when the world’s best big mountain skiers and snowboarders come together for the Freeride World Tour. The first event of the 2016 season went down this past weekend in Andorra at Vallnord Arcalís.
Tour rookies like Kristofer Turdell stepped up to the plate, while many bigger names failed to reach the podium. In the FWT, athletes get a single run to test their metal, meaning that those who play it safe rarely make it out of the middle of the pack and true competitors are either riding high or find themselves at the bottom of the heap. A beautiful line can be spoiled by a single fall, so riders have to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.
Men’s Ski:
Kristofer Turdell (SWE), a rookie, didn’t hold back, unleashing one of the biggest and most controlled hits of the competition to win it for the stacked Men’s Ski division.
Men’s Snowboard:
Former racecar driver Sascha Hamm (GBR) burnt rubber to the finish. His unique take on the terrain, big cliff hits and fluidity earned him a win for the Men’s Snowboard division.
Women’s Ski:
Jackie Passo (USA), held it down for the ladies, staying on her feet through several big features.
Women’s Snowboard:
Estelle Balet (SUI), had an impressive showing, linking up some mellow turns up top and then threading the needle on a tight couloir for the second half of her run.
