Freeride World Tour 2017 Preview

The Freeride World Tour (FWT) is made up of some of the best freeride skiers and snowboarders from across the world.

Each year experienced FWT riders are joined by fresh talent from the qualifier competition (FWQ), where the stars of the future join the ranks of the elite, battle it out over five stages for top spot in their category and ultimately aim to bag the title of overall winner.

The venues are challenging, the mountains are big and the riders are scored on their line choice, speed and flow as they try to impressive the panel of judges.

Here's a quick run down of who to look out for in the 2017 event:

Snowboard Women
Anne-Flore Marxer (SUI/FRA) will once again be hungry for the title of world champion as she presses Elodie Mouthon (FRA) and attempts to recapture the world title. Returning American star Shannan Yates (USA) will have to use her experience to defend against the tenacity of the incoming riders Audrey Hebert (CAN) and Manuela Mandl (AUT).

Ski Women
This year could be ripe for a shake-up as longstanding champions like Eva Walkner (AUT)and Jackie Paaso (USA) face intense competition from FWQ skiers Elisabeth Gerritzen (SUI) and Kylie Sivell (CAN). Fresh on the FWT last year but finishing strong, Arianna Tricomi (ITA) is also to be watched.

Snowboard Men
An established American presence will be felt again this year with the likes of Ralph Backstrom (USA) and Sammy Luebke (USA) posing a formidable challenge to younger European riders like Thomas Feurstein (AUT) and French sensation Camille Armand (FRA).

Ski Men
All eyes will be on the rising star, Logan Pehota (CAN), who was narrowly edged out of top spot on the podium by returning champion, Loïc Collomb-Patton (FRA) on the 2016 FWT. The question remains: can the upcoming posse of crossover FWT riders like Carl Renvall (SUI) and Sam Lee (NZL) oust these experienced champions?

Find the full list of riders for this year's event and see who is taking part in the Qualifier (FWQ) and Juniors competitions.

Calendar

28th January 2017 – CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC, FRANCE – The winter begins

11th February 11, 2017 – VALLNORD-ARCALÍS, ANDORRA – Hold the line

4th March 2017 – FIEBERBRUNN, AUSTRIA – Crunch time

17th March 2017 – HAINES, ALASKA, USA – The dream stop

1st April 2017 – VERBIER, SWITZERLAND –The grand final

Find accommodation to come and watch the event, or if you can't be at one of the venues in person the competitions are streamed live on Daily Motion.