After the success of last year’s inaugural event the Freeride World Tour is set to return to Hotham later this month with a FWT Qualifier event scheduled for a July 24th to 27th window. Building on last year’s momentum the upcoming event has been upgraded to 2 Star status and will kick off the 2026 World Tour season.
Since 2008 the Freeride World Tour (FWT) has captivated the minds of free-skiers and boarders alike with the best athletes in the world displaying gravity defying skills on some of the steepest and most technical big mountain terrain all over the world. The best of the best can be seen flying down awe inspiring mountains sending cliff bands, launching mind blowing flips and spins all while making strong powerful turns to the finish line.
The facts: What is Freeride and how is a winner decided? As the name suggests Freeride is exactly that. Riding free! It’s up to skiers and boarders to choose their own line down the mountain applying their own individual creativity and expression.
Aside from the riders themselves, there’s many moving parts that go into awarding the placings at each event. Being a judged sport there’ll always be a human element in the process. However a points based system has been developed in close consultation with the athletes to ensure the best and fairest process possible.
To simplify the process the judging criteria is broken down into 5 categories:
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Line chosen: How difficult is it? How well does the rider navigate the terrain? How creative is it, and how does it compare to other athlete’s line choices?
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Control: Mistakes in big terrain can have dire consequences. Judges place great emphasis on control. Does the rider make a mistake? Can the rider navigate the complex line choice with confidence?
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Technique: This is closely examined at Junior and Qualifier events and will be a feature at Hotham. Has the rider made an error as a result of a technique issue? Is an athlete side slipping a piece of terrain where others have made confident turns? This isn’t to compromise differing riding styles. If skiers and boarders are strong, confident and mistake free, individual expression is encouraged.
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Fluidity: ‘Speed and Flow’ is key. Does the rider pause, get lost or have to traverse long distances to hit a feature? Is there any hesitation before sending a cliff? How does the athlete’s speed and confidence compare to other’s with similar line choices?
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Air and Style: The exciting part putting the freeride in freeride. For the most part terrain features are naturally formed. Cliffs, wind lips and cornices are carved out by mother nature over the winter and therefore have natural variability. How big is the air? What tricks are thrown? Is the athlete in control or did they crash? All of these factors are taken into account when formulating a score.
Where will the event be staged? Hotham has long been regarded as the ‘powder capital’ of Australia having no shortage of exhilarating advanced terrain which is perfectly suited to hold these FWT events. This year’s competition will again be held in the ‘Peach Bowl’ zone accessed from the top of Heavenly Valley. This natural amphitheatre provides the perfect setting for both athletes and spectators alike. With a south-easterly aspect the terrain picks up abundant snow loading from trademark Hotham storms carrying a north-west airflow.
The terrain itself is packed full of natural features including gullies, wind lips and cliffs with something for everyone to display their skills on. Spectators will also have front row seats to all the action above Mother Johnson’s Return providing spectacular elevated viewing of all the thrills (and occasional spills).
A word on safety: As with all competitive sport the safety of athletes, spectators and officials is paramount. Riders will be equipped with helmets and back protection and a full safety brief will be provided to athletes in the lead up to competition.
Excellent snowfalls throughout July has ensured the competition venue will be in tip top shape come July 24th. The resort and wider community look forward to welcoming all of the athletes, officials and spectators for another round of a fantastic event.