I am an avid amateur who likes to think he skis somewhat well.
The FWT is a massive operation.
It is awesome to watch.
But, to explain the present issue, we first must talk about how we got here.
Back in the day freeride was crazy in a different way than it is today.
It was about skiing the gnarliest lines, as fast as you could, with control.
The broom closet double hit by Drew Stoecklein and Lars Chickering Ayers at the end is ridiculous.
These are two of the heaviest hitters of that era duking it out on hardpack.
Injuries, and sadly, even fatalities, forced a change, and a good one at that.
2018-2020 was where the judges had it as close to right as its ever been in my opinion.
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/996308/Run-Drew-Tabke---FWT18-Vallnord-Arcal--s-Andorra
Now we arrive at the present day, where freestyle reigns supreme.
Getting onto the FWT is a grind.
It takes a ton of time, money, and travel just to participate in the qualifiers.
In no way shape or form do I want to dog anyone on the tour.
Just to make it to the tour is ridiculously hard and an incredible achievement.
What the judging system rewards right now is freestyle.
Granted backflips and 360s in the middle of freeride lines are extremely difficult.
For his efforts, he received 7th place.
He had more features up top and skied a new double at the bottom too.
The difference between his run, and Leifs was the fluidity.
Leif skied his run beautifully, fluidly, in full control at an incredible pace.
Also, his double was a larger, scarier line.
Somehow, some way, the fluidity factor needs to be scored higher.
However, judging criteria as it is today rewards these kinds of lines.
They consistently pick great lines, and freestyle becomes a natural part of their line.
If you think the judging should be different than what I described above, Id love to hear why!
