I think that the collegiate tour will bring a new dimension to the sport.
That can only be good for those who are participating and good for the sport in general.
Any plans for the Collegiate Big Mountain Tour to ever come east?
-steezyjibber
Right now I’m not aware of any discussions in that regard.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed in that regard.
What goes in to deciding where an event will be held?
-Krotch
It’s a mix of things.
First, there has to be some interest and institutional will from the host resort.
Secondly, it has to make sense when it comes to the big picture.
Will the junior comps be affected in any way?
Will the IFSA collegiate tour be judged the same way as FWQ?
Do you think they will bring a stop back to Canada/USA other than the Alaskan stop in 2016?
Such a shame to drop the Revelstoke stop just because of a couple of bad snow conditions.
Revelstoke is an amazing venue, and an amazing place.
For 2015-16 I would expect to see a second FWT stop in North America in addition to Haines.
I don’t know where that stop will be yet.
Actually, you won’t have to.
Can you go over how big mountain contests are judged?
Admittedly I’m a little lacking in knowledge of the matter.
-Mr. Bishop
Right now there are two systems that have been refined and that are in use.
There is the IFSA system, which awards points in categories for an overall score.
And then there is the FWT system, which is an “overall” impression score.
Judging is an issue for Region 2.
That would be stupid.
Regardless, prior to becoming a 4* FWQ event, Taos used the IFSA system.
It’s super important.
Great work with Independent Skier Mag!
Thanks for your props in regards to Independent Skier!
In other words, don’t hold your breath when it comes to NCAA recognition of big-mountain skiing competitions.
Have a few questions for ya!
Not sure if I heard this correctly but are the collegiate stops also FWQ 2*s?
Is it a separate title awarded within a normal FWQ or is it only for college students?
Also is there a chance that other existing competitions like the Subaru Freeride Series will be FWQ’s again?
Yes, the Collegiate Tour will award FWQ 2* points to athletes.
There will be a collegiate overall winner, the IFSA is organizing that.
It’s become a serious business.
The days of just being a ripping skier and showing up and scoring a podium are nearly over.
Most ski areas now have freeride teams, with coaching and training, including hitting the gym.
The same goes for collegiate clubs and freeride teams.
They have strength training, coaching, etc.
If you want to do well, you’re going to have to put in the work.
Pre-season strength and conditioning, get after it.
And then get yourself in the park and pipe.
Finally, work hard and shoot for consistency.
Podiums are great, but the point system also rewards year-long consistency.
And that consistency will lead to podiums.
You don’t want to beat yourself in an event by making mistakes.
Let others do that.
Sickest thing you saw on the tour last year?
The venue is insane, it’s so intense and the crowds are huge.
Candide was competing that season and he’s just an amazing skier to watch in person.
For me watching him in that big-mountain environment was really cool.
If you ever have the chance to see the Verbier stop, go do it.
Are the collegiate series for university and college students only?
Have a great winter!
[ All Photos credit toFWT]
