Nendaz Freeride: Sister Event to the Nissan Xtreme de Verbier this weekend!

This year offers a particularly high level of competition as Nendaz Freeride has now become the « sister event » of Verbier Xtreme meaning that the top riders of each category (ski & snowboard, men & women) will automatically qualify for this competition, which is considered the most prestigious in the world.

A great opportunity which has attracted the level of interest of riders from all over the world. Indeed, more than 470 riders of 29 different nationalities have registered for the competition. 100 of them will be at the start.

In the men’s category, Swedish skiers Sverre Liliequist and Reine Barkered, currently 2nd and 4th of the Freeride World Tour will go for the victory while Jonas Emery (2nd) and Julien Falco (5th) are the biggest swiss competitors in the snowboard category. Some of the local riders have great potential to compete with lthe international stars. Some of them are Guillaume Roux (winner of the first edition), Richard Amacker (2nd in 2008) and Raphaël Bullet (2nd in 2007).

The level will be particularly high for the women this year with the presence of the best world skiers and snowboarders. In the ski category, American Jess McMillan and neo-zeelander Janina Kuzma, respectively 3rd and 5th of the world ranking, should be followed with full attention. In snowboard, Swiss Nathalie Zenklusen (3rd) and Finn Anniina Karvinen (10.) should play important roles and win their ticket for the final of the Freeride World Tour, which takes place in Verbier from March 20th.

All factors are there for a great freeride party. A competition which has rapidly developed and which also benefits the representatives of the Wallis resort. « The Nendaz resort has always been appreciated for the quality of its slopes and for it’s freeride domain, renowned amongst passionate riders. The entry of Nendaz Freeride to the Freeride World Qualifier is not only a recognition of the organisational quality, but also of the ski lift organisation of Télénendaz, making sure that each event becomes a success. This quantum leap will allow us to improve our notoriety internationally, which is benefical for the image of our resort», says Sébastien Epiney, director of Nendaz Tourisme SA. « Since the very beginning the organizers have professionally and seriously communicated on the safety prevention at such events. This positions us as a dynamic resort playing the card of the freeride whilst informing the young riders about the dangers of the mountain ».

We hope to have many interested spectators for this great event and we invite you to join us from Saturday morning for the qualification and of course on Sunday at 9 am at the Plan-du-Fou to watch the great final.

More info at www.nendazfreeride.ch