While other big-mountain events are being postponed due to lack of snow, the 2012 Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships at Taos is on schedule, with prime conditions on all of the event’s venues. The ski area’s current base clocks in at a respectable 69 inches.
“We have enjoyed one of the best starts to the winter in the history of the resort,” says Taos’ Alejandro Blake. “Snowfall has been consistent and the venues are starting to look very filled in. We expect conditions to be prime for the athletes when they arrive in March.”
The 2012 Salomon Freeride Championships at Taos are scheduled for March 1-3. A 4* Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) event, this year’s athlete lineup is expected to include some of the top freeride athletes in the world, continuing the Extreme’s tradition of high-level international competition that started eight years ago. The recent agreement between the Freeride World Tour (the sanctioning body for Taos) and the Freeskiing World Tour (organized by Utah-based Mountain Sports International) to harmonize world rankings ensures that Taos remains a crucial event for athletes looking to score points and move on to the top-tier World Tour events. As 4* FWQ event, Taos grants top points for competitors who finish on the podium, and is one of a handful of elite FWQ events in the world.
“With the North American freeride event schedule thrown into disarray due to lack of snow at many of the major venues, Taos is excited to offer some of the best conditions in the United States right now,” says Chief of Race Tom Winter. “Taos already has enjoyed a stellar start to the winter, and each new storm will just make things that much better for the athletes. We’re on schedule and the event is going to be a great showcase not only for Taos but also for the athletes who will finally be able to compete after so many other events have been cancelled.”
As of this date, all fields including the JR, Snowboard and Ski divisions are sold out. “We are at capacity,” says Blake. “Individuals who are interested in competing and who have not registered can be put on a waiting list in case of injuries or other issues prevent registered athletes from competing.”
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. Stay tuned for special see and ski deals that will allow spectators to take advantage of discounted accommodations and skiing during the March 1-3 timeframe of the event.
