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12 Dec 2024
18 March 2024
FWT Challenger by Orage Region 2 season kicks off at Crested Butte
FWT 2025 places up for grabs – FWT Qualifier riders face off against FWT relegated athletes.
The first event of the FWT Challenger series in Region 2 took place in Crested Butte, Colorado. This resort provided the perfect setting for competition, with athletes going large in steep, technical terrain. Conditions were decent at the top of the venue – with fresh pow greeting the roster – but deteriorated further down, making for complicated riding. However, that didn’t deter athletes from going large, showing spectators a full mix of freeride and freestyle, as they kicked off their campaigns to secure a spot on the FWT next season.
Here's what happened today in Crested Butte:
Snowboard Women
With three FWT Qualifiers wins this season, Audrey Hebert (CAN) came into Crested Butte as a hot favorite, and lived up to expectations by claiming the win with an impressive run. She chose a technical line through a gnarly zone, combining smooth freeride turns with a big air with a grab. Jaimie Figueira (CAN) wasn’t far behind in second place, with a clean line from top to bottom that oozed with style and control. Isidora Assler Escala (CHL) rounded off the podium with a solid run that included a nice cliff.
Snowboard Women
I never had been in high life before and really wanted to go in there. I wrestled with committing to a run. In the end knowing I was dropping in late, I figured I’d make a spur of the moment decision based on where there was snow left. I had mixed feelings about it. I do better when I’m well prepared but it paid off.
Snowboard Men
The Americans dominated the Snowboard Men’s category today, taking home all three trophies with impressive runs. The local Wildcard Tucker Andrews (USA) took the top spot, putting down an impressive run, maxing out his fluidity score with tons of speed and style. In second place, Conrad Niven (USA) lit up the course straight out of the gates – sending a backside 360 with great control – ahead of Brian Bozack (USA) in third.
As Tucker Andrews is a local wildcard, he won't be included in the official rankings. Thus, Conrad is now leading the rankings.
SKI MEN
It was wild in there, bouncy, but I made it through. Riding at my home resort as a wildcard on the Challengers feels great; I'm happy to have been invited. It's super fun!
Ski Women
Britta Winans (USA) stood atop the podium in the Ski Women’s category, making short work of the face with an incredibly fast run. She did this with style and control, and integrated multiple cliffs to take home the win. FWT relegated rider Lydia Nelsen (USA) displayed her hunger to requalify for the FWT in 2025, stomping a huge backflip to earn her a second spot finish, with Agostina Vietti (ARG) finishing in third place with a controlled run that included lots of airtime.
SKI WOMEN
My run felt so good; I felt nervous about my top air, but it felt great to stomp it. It was a fast run. I have No ski racing background but I used to compete in moguls for a while, then started freeriding from a young age.
Ski Men
Former FWT athlete Tom Peiffer (CAN) – who has a podium finish to his name on the FWT – made his intentions to requalify clear today, with a huge win in the opening FWT Challenger event. His technical line choice proved popular with judges, and he executed it with precision at full speed and control, including a massive triple for good measure. Young gun Finn Griffith (USA) looked more like a seasoned veteran today, claiming the second spot behind Tom by linking massive cliffs at high speed, while local rider Stephen Cal Hill combined two backflips and a 360 to take third.
SKI MEN
It’s so good to be back, we’ll see how Silverton goes but I’m stoked to be here.
The first event of the FWT Challenger series in Region 2 did not disappoint, with riders in all categories leaving nothing behind. All eyes now turn to the next event in Region 2 – 2024 Silverton IFSA Challenger with a weather window March 25-27 – but, in the meantime, stay tuned to the FWT social channels for all the latest updates as they drop.
