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FWT & FWQ Thread 2013/2014

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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
The Freeride World Tour & Freeride World Qualifier now both consist of some of the most important and simultaneously the most challenging competition events in freeskiing, and I want to create a thread which brings together both the people involved or interested, and also the latest news, event locations, dates & info.

Go ahead and post anything FWT / FWQ related! This includes pics, vids, news articles, interviews, opinions and any other info!

Click for larger image
Send it!

Hope for an injury free, exciting freeride season for both riders and the public.

http://www.freerideworldtour.com
Jun 18 2013 3:47PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
FWT Event Dates 13/14:

18 Dec.
Revelstoke, BC, Canada

18 Jan.
Courmayeur-Mont-Blanc, Italy

25 Jan.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

1 Feb.
Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal, Austria

1 Mar.
Kirkwood, California, USA

22 Mar.
Verbier, Switzerland
Jun 18 2013 3:50PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
The first stop of the FWQ has been announced. It will be a four star event on the 9th / 10th August 2013 in El Colorado, Chile. Registration opened yesterday!

"Freeride is very up and coming in Chile. The sport is a mixture of freedom, speed and exploration - both of the mountain and of your own boundaries," said Tomás Philipps with The North Face South America. "Hosting an FWQ event at Santa Tere, the most prolific freeride zone in Chile, is not only a victory for all skiers, but also demonstrates the promising future for the sport itself."
Jun 18 2013 3:53PM
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forrest-cole
Posts: 1145 - Karma: 495
I'll be competing at a few spots in the US, wish i had more money to hit up Chile and all the other sick spots around the world.

Most likely will make it to Taos, Moonlight Basin, Crested Butte, and maybe snowbird.

The whole atmosphere of the FWQ series is as good as it gets, sick group of people and everyone charges hard and parties hard! I'm sure the FWT is even better. Looking forward to meeting some new rippers and shredding with all the other homies again!

Click for larger image

^ This was in moonlight last year, I was sitting in 5th on the final day and super stoked. I ended up skiing this line a little sloppy and took 11th, still got a sweet picture though! Other then that i did shitty at the other stops but still managed to build up some points. Ready to shred harder next year!
Jun 18 2013 4:39PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
GREAT thread! i'll be checking all the time to keep informed

forrest cole, gnarly line.. did you touch down on the middle pad or gap it?
Jun 18 2013 4:42PM
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forrest-cole
Posts: 1145 - Karma: 495
Hit the middle pad and tripled it, landed pretty low on the last pad on some rocks and was off balance, then landed back seat. I should have just went with the double and gapped it.
Jun 18 2013 7:11PM
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polmei
Posts: 410 - Karma: 1,463
This is probably one of the sickest venues ever... Im so pissed that im not going to be there, my first summer in the US and not enjoing the winter in Chile and they put Santa Tere as the venue, im jealous.... Ive skied this SOOO MANY TIMES !

Its going to be very very sick

http://www.powdermag.com/stories/can%E2%80%99t-stop-the-tide/

check out these pictures
Jun 18 2013 7:42PM
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cheener12
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 5,887
i've always wanted to do one of the qualifiers just for kicks but have never had the time...hopefully I'll make it to one this year!
Jun 18 2013 9:36PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
Is that a sit-ski or am I just really blind? Looks like a nice line anyway!
Jun 19 2013 6:43AM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
FQW Update

Aug. 23rd - 25th: K2 Big Mountain Chill Series Craigieburn, New Zealand (2*)
Link http://freerideworldtour.com/k2-big-mountain-chill-series.html

Aug. 30th - Sep. 1st: The Black Diamond CHILL Series Temple Basin, New Zealand (2*)
Link http://freerideworldtour.com/black-diamond-chill-series.html
Jun 29 2013 4:51PM
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lp.
Posts: 269 - Karma: 322
I did a few last year, ended up in 6th at crested butte. I don't know yet if ill be in the US or studying abroad during the spring semester but either way i'm definitely trying to compete in at least 3 or more

met this chick in sun valley but ran into her again at the FWQ in crested butte and snow bird. she ended up being the top qualifying woman from the FWQ's (with more points than the #6 girl in the tour)

http://www.crestedbuttenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4883&Itemid=44
Jun 29 2013 6:54PM
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,462
Makes me wish I was good at big mountain
Jun 29 2013 7:29PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
I want to ski FWQ so badly, too bad ill be living in ONterrible next year. Fingers crossed I can do the Ski The East Freeride your though.
Jun 29 2013 11:17PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
FWQ Update

Sep. 2nd - Sep. 7th: The North Face New Zealand Freeski Open, The Remarkable, NZ (3*)
Link http://freerideworldtour.com/the-north-face-new-zealand-freeski-open.html

Sep. 16th - Sep. 21st: Mt Ruapehu Xtreme, Mt Ruapehu, NZ (3*)
Link http://freerideworldtour.com/mt-ruapehu-xtreme.html
Jul 15 2013 11:05AM
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FigNewton
Posts: 2459 - Karma: 5,783
I really want to do one of these.
Jul 15 2013 4:07PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
Looks like he's just on his tails.


Would love to ski the Revy event, I feel so intimidated though. It's a weird feeling.

Oh well, this is my season to get back into competing big mountain. Maybe I'll shoot for Revy
Jul 15 2013 9:42PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
it's not a qualifier though.
Jul 15 2013 9:59PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,823
I really want to do the Bird qualifier and the Canadian Open at Red this year. That probably won't happen though. I was signed up and blew my knee right before the Bird comp last winter.
Jul 15 2013 10:47PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
do you know if Red is doing a comp this year? It was a shame that it didn't happen last year.
Jul 15 2013 10:54PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
I see that now...darn.


Oh well, there's always hope in Red, I'm well overdue for a trip down there.
Jul 15 2013 11:04PM
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
il'l be in for a few quals again this winter! so stoked!
Jul 15 2013 11:14PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,823
No idea. I was shocked to learn they didn't do it last year.
Jul 15 2013 11:56PM
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GrahamGould
Posts: 713 - Karma: 2,439
yep. This is my new favorite thread
Jul 16 2013 12:31AM
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Ryanvdonk
Posts: 12811 - Karma: 1,971
there's other comps in canada you can do, castle was the only FWQ last year but there are others like wrangle at kicking horse (might be invite) and the lake louise comp. also talk of bringing back red and getting a senior event at fernie again. keep your eyes out!

also, i've heard that they're trying to add more FWQ stops in north america. last year there was only one 3 star and a handful of 2s, both of which there are quite a bit more in Europe. so hopefully we can get some more stuff going on this side of the pond (fingers crossed for a crystal senior comp).
for people looking to enter for their first year, don't expect to go straight to the 4 star events, they have a point system now that makes that pretty hard unless you get lucky. but CB and snowbird both had a qualifier day 2 star and there could be more 2stars as well (i think winter park was the only one last season). if you're still in high school, there are two junior tours, both of which seem to be well organized with lots of stops around the west.
Jul 16 2013 2:00AM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
Threads. Really want to get into the big mtn comp scene. Not even close to this level yet, but it still gets me stoked reading about it.
Jul 16 2013 2:55AM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
I've been hitting up Wrangle since it started, and it's by far the funnest comp I've ever done. With my placing in it last year, it was that boost I needed to get myself to want to start competing again.
Just didn't have the time last season.

If RCR has a Senior Circuit this year, that'll be sweet.
Plus hopefully the Canadian open returns, plus Castle.

It could make a good season
Jul 16 2013 7:23AM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
Forgot about Louise not being RCR, that's 5 am for you.

So add Lake Louise, and seems like Western Canada can have a lot of things going for them
Jul 16 2013 8:02AM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
Go for it. FWQ is designed for the "lower" level riders, just try some one or two star events. They are super fun even if you don't ski well.
Jul 17 2013 2:38PM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
One of my local resorts, Crystal Mountain, hosts a junior freeride comp for teens every year, called the triple crown. I believe it's washington state's jr. freeride comp and the top scoring skiers go to some regional comp in revelstoke (athough I'm not 100% on that...). I was thinking about doing it last year but didn't end up doing it for one reason or another. I'm definitely going to compete this year though.
Jul 17 2013 5:22PM
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
this is good news! got into wrangle last year last minute but couldn't swing it with work. Any dates posted for all these events? might have to make this a contest season with all these venues popping up
Jul 17 2013 11:40PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
I would create a calendar, or make a thread for smaller regional events, but it's just too difficult for me being based in Europe trying to work out what is actually what.

The way some of the events here run is so confusing, as in they have two or three names (mountain name, event name & whatever the locals call it) and adding to that, they may be changed last minute due to snowpack, weather conditions, or just outright cancelled. There are some which are only advertised sparingly and it can be a challenge to find the right website for info.

That said, I think you should just post whatever events you see, and feel should be mentioned, in this thread because that way more people will see them.
Jul 18 2013 9:05AM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
I'll be competing in the El Colorado comp, can't wait, but we are hurting for snow down here, snowing right now, but not hard. I've only skied Santa Tere once before but it's a super sick venue. Will see how this comp goes and maybe do some more in Europe in the spring.
Jul 18 2013 7:45PM
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lp.
Posts: 269 - Karma: 322
What is the El Colorado camp?

And for people looking for calendars, the FWQ sign up opens in December and the schedule of events is posted a few weeks before that I think on their website. Guys -make sure you're on top of when the sign up opens because spots fill up really fast. Girls usually don't have too much difficulty with 2 stars but 4 stars can be hard if you wait too long.
Jul 20 2013 6:51PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
Coe Cup, Glencoe, Scotland 15th and 16th march 2014, last year it was a 1* but they're talking about trying to make it 3* apparently, doesn't sound like a good idea, don't know that they should even have it as a 1*, but I guess it still counts.

Click for larger image

Jul 20 2013 7:35PM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
It's the Chilean Freeskiing open, a 4* FWQ, held in the Sta Teresa area near El Colorado. It's snowing here now, so it could be really good. Some big names signed up as well.
Jul 20 2013 9:26PM
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inthewoods
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 111
Says live webcast but considering it's at 7pm EST, I dont think its live. Anyways, here it is, the 4* FWQ in Chile.

http://www.powdermag.com/videos/live-webcast-the-north-face-chilean-freeskiing-championships/
Aug 9 2013 1:37PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Women are on now, men should come later. And yeah its not live, just a rebroadcast, still sweet though!
Aug 9 2013 8:00PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
It's so risky to try and hold a comp of that Caliber in Scotland, they got so lucky with snow/weather last time round though. Shame Coe or any of the other mountains dont run a junior event of some description.
Aug 9 2013 8:39PM
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McFellon
Posts: 1841 - Karma: 2,005
STEFT is way fun man. For sure come down for a few stops if you get the chance. So sick sending some of the best inbounds terrain in the East.
Aug 9 2013 9:35PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Yeah I'm definitely going to try and make it to all four!

On a separate note, why is Callum Pettit, yes PETTIT, competing in a FWQ?
Aug 9 2013 10:27PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
how has it been the past couple years?

And by junior event, I completely agree with you, assuming you don't mean age wise.
Aug 9 2013 10:37PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
Is this a big mountain Newschoolers thread?

#bigmtnnserfrlyfe

Fuck yes boys.
Aug 9 2013 10:59PM
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NE.
Posts: 234 - Karma: 428
I'm in New Zealand for the winter so I'm hoping to get to a couple of the stops!
Aug 9 2013 11:34PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
Last year everything fell into place apparently, good snowfall the few days before and decent weather. But of course knowing Scotland it could be horrific some years.
Aug 10 2013 8:46AM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
I think Nth Face (sponsors of the comp) paid for the trip to Sth America for him if he competed, he's going surfing in Peru now. We both crashed in our first (and second actually) runs so he started right behind me in finals.

It was a sick event and I had a great time, can't wait to do some more comps and try to actually stick a run!
Aug 11 2013 2:28PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
You were in the space trooper saga with a green helmet right? The course looked okay, good snow, but from the webcast it looked super wide, not very steep, with lots of flat landings. I was surprised how many people were falling, but nerves can take the better of you.
Aug 11 2013 3:21PM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
Yeah that's me, the course was so fun to ski, not sure how it compares to other comp courses as I haven't done any, but everyone was saying it's the best 4* venue they've seen, really long with a good variety of features. No it wasn't super steep.

The difficulty for me (and I guess everyone) was just finding my route with rollovers etc and having only had inspections from the side. Not sure if that was more falls than usual, I've only watched the FWT before, which obviously has a higher level of rider, but those guys crash a lot too.
Aug 11 2013 5:28PM
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Pugalope
Posts: 376 - Karma: 508
Kinda getting the feeling I should come back and make a run at the snowbird podium and possibly go for first... Third was cool back in the day...
Aug 11 2013 11:51PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
Oh right I meant age wise, because minimum age for FWQ is 18. So there's no under 18s big mountain competition skiing in Scotland.
Aug 12 2013 6:43AM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5983 - Karma: 3,603
I'll keep you posted on Wrangle the Chute. They haven't started talking with me about it yet.
Aug 12 2013 1:59PM
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polmei
Posts: 410 - Karma: 1,463
Santa Tere is a Sick Venue
Aug 12 2013 2:54PM
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