The 2010 Salomon Freeride Championships at Taos is proud to welcome the some of the best skiers in the world, as an international field descends on the New Mexico’s best ski area from March 3 – 5. A showcase event for the Freeride World Tour (FWT) women, and a 4* Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) event, for this year’s athlete lineup includes some of the top freeride athletes in the world.

“These are some of the best in the game,” says Taos’ Alejandro Blake. “The women’s field is particularly strong this year due to the importance of Taos in the overall Freeride World Tour standings. The girls should be very exciting to watch.”

Headlining this action is Snowbird, Utah’s Angel Collinson. Currently ranked 7th overall in the world, Collinson comes to Taos with a victory at the Nissan Freeride de Chamonix, France. Collinson will be battling Clare Burns. Burns, who is currently ranked 14th in the world has two podium finishes to her credit, 3rd at the Scott Czech Ride and 3rd at the Stimorol Engadin Snow in Switzerland. Burns and Collinson will be chased by Louise Lintilac. Skiing out of Crested Butte, Colorado, Lintilac Finished 2nd at the 2010 Subaru Telluride Freeskiing World Tour Qualifier

As a 4* FWQ event, Taos is a crucial stop on the global big-mountain competition circuit. At Taos, athletes will be looking to earn a spot at the FWT’s legendary finals hosted in Verbier, Switzerland. As a 4* World Tour Qualifying event (FWQ), Taos is one of a handful of elite FWQ events in the world, and only one of two in North America this year.

“This is a unique opportunity to watch some of the best athletes in the world,” says Chief of Race Tom Winter. “These skiers and snowboarders are internationally ranked, they’re at the top of their game and if you’ve never seen a freeriding competition, this is one to watch. The talent and ski level of these competitors is truly amazing.”

To learn more about the Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships, to make reservations or to see results from past year competitions, please visit skitaos.org/freeride. To learn more about the Freeride World Tour, check out freerideworldtour.com. And stay tuned for special see and ski deals that will allow spectators to take advantage of discounted accommodations and skiing during the March 3 – 5 timeframe of the event.