The 1st stage of the Swatch Freeride World Tour 2017 in Chamonix Mont-Blanc has been cancelled. The conditions posed too much risk for the competitors.
The FWT High Mountain Guides have attempted to locate a competition face outside of the usual Brevent ski area, on a very remote venue only accessible by foot. Despite a sufficient quantity of snow in region, strong winds have eliminated every possible option for a competition on an out-of-bounds venue, in safe snow conditions, in the Mont-Blanc valley, as well as potential neighbouring venues.
The FWT Event organizers have decided to reschedule and relocate the competition, so the fifty-two competitors will face off in Vallnord-Arcalís, Andorra!
The 1st stage of the Swatch Freeride World Tour will take place in Vallnord-Arcalis (Andorra) from 9 to 16 February 2017.
The Andorran ski resort will host two competitions: the 1st stage & the 2nd stage of Swatch Freeride World Tour 2017
By hosting back-to-back events in Andorra, the FWT aims to guarantee three competitive stops before the first round of qualification cuts are made after Fieberbrunn, Austria.
Event organizers have combined events three times in the past ten years due to difficult snow conditions and/or safety concerns. The upcoming event will be the second time Vallnord-Arcalís hosts a combined contest due to the multiple options for competition sites situated around the ski resort.
Despite the rescheduling of the event, music, après ski activities, and ski and snowboard tests still took place this weekend in the town of Chamonix. In addition, all FWT athletes attended a safety workshop, to ensure the highest level of safety during the 2017 season.
For more info concerning the two upcoming events in Vallnord-Arcalís, stay tuned to Freeride World Tour Official page as well as on the social networks Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
Watch here the video Vallnord Arcalís FWT17
