Wildseeloder

"All good things come in threes" is often said, but it is not always true. This time, "exceptions prove the rule" would probably be more accurate. Due to the snow conditions, no Freeride World Tour contest can take place in Fieberbrunn either.

The Fieberbrunn Pro Event in Tyrol is an institution on the Freeride World Tour. The Wildseeloder is feared for its steep and narrow passages, but is also legendary for the Häusle Cliff and the parties afterwards. Unfortunately, not everyone had something to celebrate this time, as Fieberbrunn is always the last stop for some riders. While a few riders seized their last chance, others literally crashed or didn't even get the opportunity to compete, as their event was canceled. Although—or perhaps because—the male skiers were unable to race, there were still some exciting stories worth telling.

At the first stop of the finals, I had the opportunity to accompany the Freeride World Tour in Fieberbrunn and not only see the surface of a contest, but also get to know the people behind it. The entire organisational team, all the riders and some of the support staff spend the week of the weather window together in the hotel. The team does a lot of work and discusses details of the competition late into the evening. The dinners with the riders and staff have shown me that there is a very friendly relationship between the participants and the organisers.

At the fourth stop of the Freeride World Tour, riders can expect the face of the Wildseeloder in difficult snow conditions. The expected 20 cm of fresh snow overnight turns into 1 cm and the slope is frozen, especially at lower altitudes, due to the previous period of warm weather. On the day of the competition, however, the sun shone brightly and spurred on all participants. Victor De Le Rue, once again in first place, secured the title in the men's snowboard category. Canadian Erin Sauve came out on top in the women's category. Frenchwoman Astrid Cheylus and New Zealander Ben Richards came first on skis.

The dream comes true: Valentin Rainer wins the Freeride World Tour, together with Justine Dufour-Lapointe, Ludovic Guillot-Diat and Katie Anderson! After the crazy March weather had already caused a stir at the first part of the finals in Fieberbrunn, the Verbier Xtreme had to be canceled due to safety concerns. This is a bitter-sweet end to the FWT23. We sorely miss the showdown on the Bec des Rosses, and yet this is a strong sign: safety has top priority.

The Freeride World Tour 2022/23 starts its final stops in the Alps next weekend. The next stop at the infamous Wildseeloder in Fieberbrunn promises two new events and could become the unofficial finale.

The conditions at the tenth anniversary of the FWT stop in Fieberbrunn could not have been better: With fresh new snow and the best weather, Marion Haerty (FRA), Arianna Tricomi (ITA), Nils Mindnich (USA) and Craig Murray (NZL) won the fourth and penultimate FWT stage of 2020. Gigi Rüf (AUT) came second in the snowboarder category and Tao Kreibich (AUT) secured a strong fifth place in the skier category.

Since the merger with neighboring Fieberbrunn a few years ago, the "Skicircus" really does offer an almost infinite number of descents for freeriders and ski tourers. During our visit, we were particularly impressed by the opportunities to access long descents in great freeride terrain with short hikes. From extreme variations on the Wildseeloder to relaxed alpine terrain - there is something for everyone.

Bright sunshine, good snow conditions, spring-like temperatures and some fresh snow awaited the riders of the Freeride World Tour at the third stop of the season in Fieberbrunn on Sunday.

The FWT stop at the Wildseeloder in Fieberbrunn will take place this weekend and Andorra is just around the corner. After that, the FWT will soon be looking towards the final in Verbier! While we wait for the big contests, PG colleague Lukas Zögernitz spoke to FWT judge Dion Newport.

At the penultimate tour stop of the FWT, things got down to business once again and in most categories it remained exciting right up to the end in Verbier. However, Kristoffer Turdell has already secured the FWT title in the men's skiing category. The day after the FWT, a 3* FJT contest took place at the Wildseeloder from the women's start, which we will also report on at the end.

The FWT calls the event in Fieberbrunn 'Crunch Time' and that's exactly what it was. Contests in Nendaz and Axamer Lizum had to be canceled due to the high risk of avalanches. Read all about the latest ContestHappenings here: