Want to get on the Freeride World Tour (FWT)?
For most riders, this involves entering the Freeride World Qualifers (FWQs).
Today however this has all changed.
So, how do the Qualifiers work?
How can you progress?
With the Verbier Extreme being the super bowl.
The FWQs are broken down into 4 categories from 1 to 4*.
1* being the lowest level and 4* being the highest.
Generally riders will begin at either 1 or 2* depending on how popular the event is.
A rider may compete in as many contests as they want over the season.
But only the top 3 results count towards your overall ranking.
For a break down of points rewardedclick here.
There are many factors that apply to choose the star level for a venue.
The minimum amount of vertical drop (1* being 300ft, 4* being 900ft).
Meaning you have to be more consistent.
Do you play qualifiers safe and risk not making the finals?
or go all out and risk falling on the first turn?
4* events are the step below the world tour.
This is where the U.S has the advantage with 7 events where as Europe only has 5.
Winning one of these gives you a great chance at making the tour regarding points.
To put it into perspective coming 25th is the same points as winning a 1*.
A result stays valid for 1 year from the date of the event.
Making it very hard for low/unseeded riders to skip into high level contests.
Each event has 5 Wildcard positions as chosen by the individual organizers .
These are worth looking out for as it’s a great way to gain great points.
If you have the time I seriously suggest getting into an event.
The only age limit is 18+ (you have the junior tour for those under 18).
They just ask you are competent enough to get down the mountain.
