Hotham to Host Australia's First Ever Freeride World Tour Events

• Hotham to make history as first Australian ski resort to host Freeride World Tour events 

• Freeride is widely regarded as the most exciting snowsport competition of the 21st century 

• Recognised as Australia’s premier freeriding destination, Hotham’s unique terrain makes it an ideal venue for both competitors and spectators 

• The competition events are scheduled for Saturday 3 August 2024 

Hotham, Australia’s premier powder capital, is set to make history as the first Australian ski resort to host Freeride World Tour events, featuring both Qualifier and Junior competitions for ski and snowboard. Scheduled for Saturday, 3 August 2024, these groundbreaking events will take place in Hotham’s iconic Peach Bowl, nestled within the Heavenly Valley terrain area. 

“We are thrilled to bring the Freeride World Tour to Australia,” said Tina Burford, Hotham’s Vice President & General Manager. “This event is a perfect opportunity to showcase our resort and it's amazing terrain. It also provides a valuable platform for Australia's freeride skiers and riders to earn important FWT points without leaving the country.” 

“Freeride contests are about celebrating terrain features in their natural form, there’s a start gate at the summit and a finish gate at the bottom – best run down wins,” Benjamin Calmel, FWT Head of Sports Development. “It’s the ultimate expression of all that is fun and liberating about sliding on snow in wintertime and we can’t wait to see the best freeriders in Australasia take on Hotham’s legendary runs.” 

Recognised as Australia’s premier freeriding destination with its natural half-pipes, gullies, bowls, and cliffs, Hotham is an ideal location for the Freeride World Tour. The resort's unique terrain offers an exceptional venue for both competitors and spectators. 

The hosted competitions will include a 1-star Freeride World Tour Qualifier for both open ski and snowboard categories, as well as a 1-star Freeride World Tour Junior event for both disciplines. 

The event marks a significant milestone for the Freeride World Tour, especially following the recent recognition of Freeride Skiing and Snowboarding by the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS). This recognition is a pivotal step in the global development of the sport, enhancing athlete support and paving the way for potential inclusion in future Winter Olympic Games. 

Since its introduction in 2008, the Freeride World Tour has captivated the imaginations of freeride skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike. This awe-inspiring tour showcases the most legendary and challenging alpine faces at renowned ski resorts across the world, providing a platform for the world's top skiers and snowboarders to showcase their skills and push the boundaries of what is possible in freeride sports. 

Further event updates and details on how to enter will be featured on hotham.com.au and social media channels. Watch this space. 

Learn more about the Freeride World Tour here: https://www.freerideworldtour.com/