Recapping Stop One of the Freeride World Tour 2024 in Verbier, Switzerland

We witnessed the true energy of strategic improvisation this weekend. With poor snow inflicting a worthy cancelation of the Freeride World Tour’s (FWT) unique First Cease in Baqueira Beret, Spain, the group was left with a troublesome selection: ought to they bag the primary cease and transfer on to spherical two or do you pack up and transfer? Being the stellar group that they’re, the FWT organizers determined to rally the troops and head for acquainted territory; Verbier, Switzerland. As we noticed on a number of completely different runs, the snowpack was nonetheless fairly punchy in Verbier, with skiers usually being thrown a bit on their landings. Riders needed to adapt to the circumstances, however with good protection and really sturdy snow, we received ourselves the present we had been ready for. The Freeride World Tour is again!

Within the Ski Girls’s area, there could have been extra air time than snow time. Our prime three ladies logged some severe flight miles on a number of options all through the course. One of many American favorites, Molly Armanino, grabbed third place with a inventive line that took her into recent snow on the looker’s left aspect. She discovered a fairly snowboard-influenced line that had been ridden by a couple of of the boarders, however she made positive to place her signature contact on it. Amongst different drops, Armanino discovered a technical double that required a left flip within the center. Excessive curler within the constructing! 21-year-old Manon Loschi of France secured second place. The younger gun certified final 12 months however was pressured to take a seat out as a consequence of harm. She clearly needed to start out the season sturdy and confirmed no signal of reserve. Three large cliffs mixed with highly effective turns at pace earned her a 94.00, 14 factors higher than the subsequent closest Armanino. It was Poland’s Zuzanna Witych who took the day, nevertheless. Her power was on show as she strong-armed her manner by means of the course, even gapping Loschi’s bomb gap on her remaining air. Shoutout to Justine Dufour Lapointe for her large backflip. That delicate base we talked about earlier threw her for a loop as she put the trick to her toes and was greeted with a entrance punch tumble. We will’t wait to see her stomp it subsequent time.

“I’ve no phrases; I’m so shocked. I beloved this line from the primary time I noticed the face, however I didn’t anticipate it to be that massive. I by no means imagined the situation of main the rankings, and I actually need to preserve pushing myself. I like Verbier – it’s such a mecca for freeriding and residential to so many good riders, and so to win right here is simply mind-blowing!”

– Zuzanna Witych, 2024 Verbier Professional winner

Within the Ski Males’s area, we had been handled to a stacked podium, as one may anticipate. The roster was 22 contestants deep, every one posing a real menace. Shout to Japanese ripper Tenra Katsuno who dropped first and held the new seat for fairly some time, finally ending fourth. We will’t wait to see extra from him. It was veteran Kirstofer Turdell who delivered a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort run to seize third place. The Swedish stud isn’t any stranger to large airs and controlling pace like none different. He lined up a few enormous cliffs and capped the run-off with a lofty backflip. Model guru Finn Bilous of New Zealand snuck into second place, beating our Turdell by one entire level. His freestyle background blended with a love for large mountains makes him such an entertaining skier to look at. Bilous caught an enormous step down 3 in addition to a laid-out flat spin, linking each tips again to again off neighboring options. Max Hitzig took house first place. In his second season on the tour, the German using out of Austria introduced the warmth. He floored it into every little thing he eyed up, stomping a big proper 3 with out hesitation! After all, we’ll dish out some FREESKIER bonus factors for his stunning kosak to finish the run.

“It was a very particular and technical run. Usually, I like flatter terrain, however I loved the steep slopes right here, it makes you focus. I needed to start out with a strong run this 12 months, and my plan is to have enjoyable this season and check out my finest. I look ahead particularly to the brand new cease in Georgia.”

– Max Hitzig, 2024 Verbier Professional winner

Under, you’ll discover the rostrum outcomes, successful runs and a full picture gallery of the occasion.

Click on right here to look at the complete protection of Verbier Cease One on the official FWT web site. Snow circumstances may once more influence the schedule, however at the moment, Cease Two continues to be on for Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, Jan. 31 – Feb 6.