The sole North American stop on the 2014-15 Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face (FWT) is scheduled for March 14, 2015 (nine day weather window) in Haines, Alaska. Haines has long been considered a mecca of big-mountain skiing in North America, making it an ideal venue for some of the best steep skiers in the world to compete. The top 60 percent of the total FWT field of skiers (16 men and 7 women) will gain entry into the Alaska stop of the tour.
“Alaska has long been recognized as one of the best locations in the world for skiing and snowboarding,” says General Manager of the FWT, Nicolas Hale-Woods (SUI). “And Haines is known as one of the premier locations in Alaska. We are very excited to be able to name this location as our fourth stop this year. It is fantastic working with the community there and we expect this event to be one of the highlights of the season.”
For more on this season’s FWT, see the press release below.
Press Release provided by the Freeride World Tour:
Lausanne, Switzerland and Haines, Alaska — It is with great excitement that the SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR BY THE NORTH FACE® (FWT) announces that Haines, Alaska has been selected as its fourth stop of the coming season. Since the launch of FWT in 2008, it has been a goal to organize an event in the epicenter of big mountain freeriding. Haines, Alaska is the realization of this dream and will be a highlight of the FWT season. The event is scheduled for March 14, 2015 (9-day weather period – March 14-22) and all the action and images will be accessible for everyone following the livestream on www.freerideworldtour.com.
On March 14, the FWT will make its historic first visit to Haines, Alaska, bringing with it a select group of both male and female athletes; the top 60% of the total field secure their spot (16 Ski Men, 8 Snowboard Men, 7 Ski Women and 5 Snowboard Women after the first three events).
“Alaska has long been recognized as one of the best locations in the world for skiing and snowboarding,” says General Manager of the FWT, Nicolas Hale-Woods (SUI). “And Haines is known as one of the premier locations in Alaska. We are very excited to be able to name this location as our 4th stop this year. It is fantastic working with the community there and we expect this event to be one of the highlights of the season.”
For freeriders around the world, Haines, Alaska is seen as the Mecca of the sport. For an event organizer such as the FWT, this spectacularly remote area provides exciting challenges. Wild and unpredictable weather, massive storms and the raw nature of Alaska means that flexibility and creativity are needed to execute an elite FWT event. In this regard, the FWT is announcing a extended “weather window” for Haines, Alaska, allowing the contest day to be moved to ensure the best possible conditions.
There is no doubt this event will stand as a landmark in the history of the sport for both the athletes and the fans. The athletes agree that this is an event not to miss out on. As 2013 FWT Champion, Drew Tabke (USA) says: “Exploration and discovery is a huge part of the freeride experience, so going to new locations is really exciting.”
“For freeride of skiers and snowboarders around the globe Alaska has always represented a dream destination,” adds FWT Americas Manager, Tom Winter (USA). “Haines represents the best the state of Alaska has to offer and I’m extremely excited that the FWT’s elite athletes will be able to experience this legendary location.”
The season ends with a special anniversary: the 20th edition of the Xtreme Verbier. Only the top riders in each category will have a chance to ride in this prestigious FWT final event. The total prize money for the season is a record high just above $400,000 USD.
