The first stop of the 2013 Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face (FWT) came to a close on Friday, with American Drew Tabke topping the men’s field and Swede Christine Hargin emerging victorious on the women’s side.

The competition was slated to begin on Monday, January 7, but event organizers opted to make use of the allotted weather days, postponing the start date to Friday. That decision proved to be a wise choice as the weather cleared on Friday, and the sun burst through the clouds, illuminating the venue: a snow-covered Mac Daddy face.

Taking top honors on the men’s side was Drew Tabke of Crystal Mountain, WA. Skiing strong from top to bottom, and incorporating three+ features into his run, Tabke was awarded a score of 91.00. “Mac Daddy is the most beautiful mountain we get to ski on the tour and the snow in British Columbia is amazing,” said Tabke. “Some challenging conditions existed on the venue due to slides, but my line had great snow.”  Tabke indicated his goal for the 2013 season is to win the overall FWT title. “The title means more than ever before, but mostly, I want to have fun skiing with all of these incredible athletes from around the world.”

Jeremie Heitz (SUI) and Julien Lopez (FRA) rounded out the men’s podium in second and third place, respectively. Heitz’s run included a high-speed double, situated in the fall-line; he earned a score of 79.67. Lopez skied along the skiers’ right-hand side of the face, sending multiple pillow drops and cliffs—his efforts good enough for an even 73.

On the women’s side, 2012 overall FWT champion Christine Hargin (SWE) took the win, earning a 65.00. Nadine Walker of Arlberg, Austria bagged a 58.00, enough for second, while Australian Natalie Segal—whose run included a double pillow drop—walked away with a 55.33 and a bronze medal.

“It is difficult to describe what a momentous accomplishment today’s event was for the riders and sport of freeriding,” said FWT Americas Event Director, Bryan Barlow. “Today officially marked the unification of the Freeride World Tour. We have set the bar very high here at Revelstoke and I look forward to watching the season unfold.”

The FWT moves now to Courmayeur-Mont-Blanc, Italy, with competition slated to begin on January 19. For a full tour schedule, plus more information on the tour, follow this link.

Men’s Top 10, Swatch FWT by The North Face at Revelstoke

1. Drew Tabke (USA) — 91.00
2. Jeremie Heitz (SUI) — 79.67
3.  Julien Lopez (FRA) — 73.00
4. Laurent Gauthier (CAN) — 72.00
5. Charlie Lyons (NZL) — 70.33
6. Griffin Post (USA) — 68.33
7. Sam Smoothy (NZL) — 66.33
8. Nicolas Salencon (ARG) — 62.33
9. Markus Eder (ITA) — 59.00
10. Wille Lindberg (SWE) — 56.33

Women’s Top 5, Swatch FWT by The North Face at Revelstoke

1. Christine Hargin (SWE) — 65.00
2. Nadine Wallner (AUT) — 58.00
3. Natalie Segal (AUS) — 55.33
4. Pia Nic Gundersen (NOR) — 40.33
5. Ashley Maxfield (USA) — 12.00