FWT23 YETI Xtreme Verbier – cancelled
Sadly, the highly-awaited FWT23 YETI Xtreme Verbier, the Freeride World Tour (FWT) finale, was canceled due to ongoing snow and wind. Over the past 48 hours, heavy snowfall and 135 km/h wind gusts created dangerous conditions on the Bec des Rosses. The location became unsuitable for the competition.
Since Saturday, all access to the site has been shut down due to the persistent wind and high risk of avalanches, with the danger level currently at four out of five. Mountain guides, in collaboration with the FWT founder and commissioner, surveyed the area from a helicopter yesterday. However, it wasn’t until this morning that safety teams could reach the venue.
Unfortunately, this morning’s safety work caused several layers of snow to release. Huge avalanches made the terrain unrideable, even for expert big mountain riders. Today was the only chance for the contest to happen. The weather forecast predicts more clouds and snow this afternoon and for the rest of the week. The Bec des Rosses will remain a serious danger for FWT athletes, leading to the event’s cancellation.
“Following this morning’s bombing on the Bec des Rosses, several large avalanches came down. The venue is therefore unusable for safety reasons, meaning the YETI Xtreme Verbier 2023 is canceled, and the world champion titles will be awarded according to the rankings after four events. We did everything possible with the challenging conditions, but Mother Nature has the final say, which we must respect.”
Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT CEO
This marks only the second instance in the annals of FWT where the Xtreme Verbier has faced cancellation, with the previous occurrence in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This situation highlights that nature’s power determines events, and athlete safety comes before competition. Still, this season will be remembered for many reasons, including the outstanding performances of FWT’s rising stars.
A big congratulations to the first-time FWT23 world champions, and a special salute to all riders who impressed spectators with their creative freeriding this season.
FWT23 YETI Xtreme Verbier – the final results
Ski men – Valentin Rainer (AUT)
Valentin spent six years in FWT Junior and Challenger events before a breakthrough in 2022.
He didn’t make the cut previously but was requalified through the FWT Challenger series, achieving a notable victory this year.
His outstanding performance at Ordino Arcalís combined speed, perfect technique, and freestyle, earning him the win and top ranking. He secured a podium finish in Kicking Horse and placed fourth in Fieberbrunn, just missing a medal.
Ski women – Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN)
Her meteoric ascent characterizes Justine’s season to prominence in the freeride arena.
Having transitioned from moguls skiing – a discipline in which she holds two Olympic medals and numerous FIS World Cup podiums – she remarkably became the FWT World Champion in her debut season.
Her skiing technique seamlessly adapted to the demands of big mountain terrains, resulting in remarkable consistency throughout the season, including a victory in Andorra and a runner-up finish in Austria. Justine has reaffirmed her status as an exceptional athlete, with an unparalleled work ethic that has undoubtedly paid off.
Snowboard men – Ludovic Guillot-Diat (FRA)
Ludo’s vast big mountain experience and dedication resulted in his first FWT World Champion title. He joined the tour occasionally since 2013, earning several podiums and FWT Challenger series success.
This year, Ludo won his first FWT event at Ordino Arcalís, adding three more podiums and dominating his category. His consistency shows his hard work and persistence, contributing to this significant achievement in his remarkable freeriding career.
Snowboard women – Katie Anderson (CAN)
Katie demonstrated her prowess this season, securing three out of four wins in a remarkable fashion.
In her first FWT title win, she almost succeeded in 2021, finishing second with three podium finishes. Since 2018, Katie has earned many FWT Challenger series accomplishments, demonstrating her big mountain skills and leading to this season’s strong performance.
As the Freeride World Tour concludes a thrilling season filled with spectacular events and standout performances, four new World Champions emerge. Their names will be etched in history alongside a multitude of talented riders, commemorating their accomplishments in the FWT.
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