FREERIDE WORLD TOUR KICKING HORSE PREVIEW
After an epic start to the 2024 season in Verbier, Switzerland, the 2024 Freeride World Tour (FWT) by Peak Performance heads across the Atlantic for the legendary Kicking Horse Golden B.C. Pro, with a weather window of February 14th - 20th. This is the seventh time a FWT event has been held at this resort, with the Ozone Face providing one of the most challenging venues on tour, offering varied terrain and huge features to suit all riders. Each year, riders surprise us with creative, new lines, ensuring a thrilling day of competition, which begs the question: What new tricks and takes on the mountain will the world’s best pull out of the bag this year?
Following the cancellation of the two events in the Pyrenees, points towards The Cut will now be earned from three events only, spicing up the already fierce competition. Zuzanna Witych (Ski Women), Max Hitzig (Ski Men), Núria Castán Barón (Snowboard Women) and Victor de Le Rue (Snowboard Men) are the current rankings leaders, but how will the second event change this? This year’s field is extremely strong—including 2023 FWT World Champions Valentin Rainer and Ludovic Guillot-Diat, who failed to fire at Verbier—ensuring the race for the coveted crown will remain tight. Also look out for Stan Rey—a Whistler local and former member of the Canadian ski cross team—who has received a wildcard for the event. He has a national title and a fourth place at the X Games to his name, as well as a long heritage of professional skiers in his family, making him a real possibility to shake up the proceedings.
Photo by Dom Daher / Freeride World Tour
“It feels amazing to get a wildcard for the FWT Kicking Horse event, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn’t a little anxious and terrified. I’m stoked to get out there and represent Whistler and Canada, and happy to ski alongside some of the young bucks that I have been fortunate to have front-row seats to their careers growing up in Whistler. I will do my best to show everyone that this old guy still has a few tricks up his sleeve!” —Stan Rey, 2024 FWT Kicking Horse Golden B.C. Wildcard
Photo courtesy of Freeride World Tour
Unfortunately, there have also been a handful of withdrawals. 2023 World Champion Justine Dufour-Lapointe will miss this event for personal reasons, while the Verbier Pro claimed a couple of casualties. Taylor Dobyns tore her ACL and is out for the season, and Simon Perraudin broke his scaphoid, sidelining him for the next six weeks.
Photo by Dom Daher / Freeride World Tour
“I'm really sad to injure myself on the mountain, as I hoped to complete the FWT season. However, I'm still happy that I had the opportunity to compete at my home in Verbier. I wish the best of luck to everyone for the remaining competitions!” —Simon Perraudin, FWT athlete
“Qualifying for the FWT was a dream come true and something I worked hard for, so to have it taken away is heartbreaking. But I know injuries are a part of the deal in this sport. I'm grateful mine isn't worse, and to also have so much support from the FWT community!” —Taylor Dobyns, FWT athlete
“It breaks my heart and saddens me that I won’t be competing at home in Canada, in front of my family, friends, and fans. Sometimes, there are things more important than skiing that need to be prioritized. I am grateful for the support of the FWT and wish good luck to everyone competing.” —Justine Dufour-Lapointe, FWT athlete
Photo by Dom Daher / Freeride World Tour
Recent warm weather brought some rain to high levels and consolidated the snowpack, which could help provide great conditions if the forecasted snowfall transpires in the coming days. Either way, action is guaranteed, so come to Golden, B.C. and watch if you’re in the area—the public can watch from Redemption Ridge or at the finish line, where you can rub shoulders with FWT riders. The program starts on Tuesday night with the screening of What the FWT at the Golden Cinema.
Remember that the Kicking Horse Golden B.C. Pro—like all FWT events—will be broadcast live at freerideworldtour.com! Until then, keep an eye on the FWT’s social media channels (@freerideworldtour) for competition updates and rider news as comp day approaches.