The Freeride World Tour is an annually toured series of events in which the very best freeskiers and snowboard freeriders compete for individual event wins, as well as the overall title of World Champion in their respective genders and disciplines!
Originally known as the Verbier Extreme launched in 1996, it was a snowboard contest with skiers only invited to compete in 2004. The first event series under the Freeride World Tour took place in 2008 and for the 2013 season, the Freeride World Tour merged with the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding, combining all three tours under one unified global 5-star championship series!
The events take place on what’s commonly referred to as “back country” “big mountain” or “extreme” terrain. For the average Joe this is essentially ungroomed powder snow on dangerously steep, mountainous slopes.
As you can imagine the reward in finding such remote locations are truly breath taking views and spectacular freeride scenes for all involved. For the likes of you and me however, it is extremely difficult to actually track down and watch!
Previous winners include the well renowned USA skier Drew Tabke who also won the Freeskiing World Championship in 2011, Chamonix’s own Jonathan ‘douds’ Charlet and Sweden’s Janette Hargin the former alpine skier who competed in the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics, won six Swedish national titles and scored six top ten finishes in alpine skiing World Cup races!
We still have plenty of chalets available so why not book a trip at the beginning of the Swatch Freeride World Tour 2015 commencing 24th January in Chamonix, or at the end finishing on 28th March in Verbier….
Situated in the hamlet of Les Bossons in the Chamonix Valley, Chalet Amazon Creek sleeps up to ten guests in five stunning bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. It boasts vast living areas, a cinema room and a fully equipped luxury spa with hamman steam room, sauna and sunken jacuzzi. Available for one week at a discounted price from £18,230 down to just £14,580!
Chalet Amazon Creek may also be rented fully catered in conjunction with Chalet Baby Bear and Chalet Baloo for parties of up to 22.
Situated in Les Bois, a lovely picturesque Savoyard village in the woods, Chalet Bibendum is just five minutes from Chamonix and a few minutes’ walk to the La Flégère lift.
This 300 year old farmhouse sleeps 10 and comes fully catered for just €10,500 Euro. It has been tastefully renovated by the current owners into a stylish chalet which includes a sauna and outdoor wood fired hot tub ideal for those après ski moments!
Chalet Dalmore is a brand new, luxury five bedroom chalet offering contemporary design with sumptuous interiors and plenty of space to socialise both indoors and outdoors. The chalet has it’s own outdoor pool and unique roof terrace with views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
The chalet is surrounded by mountains on all sides with each bedroom balcony offering incredible views. The chalet is a move away from the traditional Swiss style as it encompasses a modern open plan living style, with lots of luxurious elements. Cleverly designed and beautifully furnished, this chalet provides a truly unique setting and is available for 10 people at just £15,000 fully catered!
Located just opposite the Le Rouge piste Chalet Monterosa combines spectacular views with easy access to both the town centre and the two main lift stations. Designed with families and groups of friends in mind, Chalet Monterosa is modern, contemporary and at the same time, rustic. The spacious living and dining area is extremely welcoming. Doors open out onto a large terrace with magnificent views over the Val de Bagnes, towards the Dents du Midi.
Sleeping a family of 8 across two double rooms and two bunk rooms, Chalet Monterosa is available for just CHF 37,000 Swiss Francs.
Chalet Truffe Blanche, Verbier
A truly exceptional alpine residence, Chalet Truffe Blanche is a vision of grandeur and elegance. Occupying one of Verbier’s most exclusive address’s this uber luxurious chalet will not fail to disappoint.
Adorned with specially selected Italian silks, rich textures and 17th century inspired furnishings, attention to detail is at its finest.
This tremendous chalet spreads over 3,000 m2 and sleeps 18 people in 7 suites and 2 superior bedrooms, all with en- suite facilities. Each room is symbolic of the owner’s unique style; the perfect combination of classic decoration and old fashioned ambiance fused with modern design. A week’s stay will set you back CHF 99,500 Swiss Francs!
If you want to keep up to date with all the action for this years tour take a look at the event calendar below….
SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2015 BY THE NORTH FACE®
Event calendar
1. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC BY THE NORTH FACE®
Date: Jan. 24, 2015; Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, FRA
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard
2. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR FIEBERBRUNN KITZBÜHELER ALPEN BY THE NORTH FACE®
Date: Jan. 31, 2015; Location: Fieberbrunn Kitzbüheler Alpen, AUT
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard
3. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR VALLNORD ARCALIS / ANDORRA BY THE NORTH FACE®
Date: Feb 14, 2015; Location: Vallnord Arcalis, AND
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard
4. SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR ALASKA BY THE NORTH FACE®
Date: March 14, 2015; Location: tbc
Disciplines: Men’s Ski and Snowboard
5. SWATCH XTREME VERBIER BY THE NORTH FACE®
Date: March 28, 2015; Location: Verbier, SUI
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard
Season teaser – Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face 2014
* Join the Freeride World Tour on Instagram or Twitter
* Take a look at last years photo’s of the event
