PR23 – FWT Challenger and Orage join forces for the next 3 years

Orage has become the presenting partner of the FWT Challenger series

• Orage takes center stage, fueling the FWT Challenger series with fresh energy
• FWT Challenger by Orage shows its commitment to promoting and developing sport

VERBIER, Switzerland – February 5, 2024:  In a significant development, FWT and Orage have joined forces, announcing a new partnership. This agreement marks Orage’s ascension as the presenting partner of the FWT Challenger.

Orage, a brand that was born from a profound passion for skiing and a deep-seated love of the mountains, is now stepping into the limelight.

“Since its genesis, Orage was built around progressive snowsports, skiers’ aspirations and authenticity. It only made sense that in this brand’s new era, Orage would cross paths with an initiative as candid and grassroots at the FWT Challenger series. With the intention of supporting the sport we love and its aspiring athletes, we’re extremely excited to bring a new flavor to a dynamic addition to the Superbowl of Freeriding.”

• Simon Brizard, Head Of Brand, Orage
  

Having a brand like Orage, known for its commitment to the sport and the environment, stepping in as the presenting sponsor of this competition series sends a powerful signal. It’s a true testament to the recognition and legitimacy that the FWT Challenger series has earned over the years.

The FWT Challenger series was designed as a stepping stone to the FWT, serving as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills, and has seen a surge in interest from media outlets and fans from all over the world.

Now, this series is evolving into the FWT Challenger by Orage. We are thrilled and energized by this development. Our commitment to building up this series remains steadfast, backed by a long-term vision and a solid foundation. We are eager for what the future holds and excited to continue promoting the sport we love so much.

“The FWT Challenger is the stepping stone to the FWT Pro, showcasing the future of the sport through its intense competition. The level of skill exhibited here is exceptionally high, reflecting the sport’s continuous evolution. We are very proud to associate this series with Orage, a brand that has upheld freeriding as its core value since its foundation.”

• Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT Founder
  

The FWT Challenger calendar gets more intense and attractive every year. And FWT is proud to collaborate with such renowned resorts, which make these events even more special.

The FWT Challenger has just confirmed a new event, the 2024 X-OVER Ride Kitzsteinhorn FWT Challenger, which will take place from March 21 to 24 in Kitzsteinhorn Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria. Over the years, Kitzsteinhorn has established itself as a popular venue for freeride competitions. The face offers numerous line options, steep terrain and opportunities for technical riding. The usually consistent snow conditions make the Kitzsteinhorn the ideal spot for a big mountain event like the X OVER RIDE.

To make sure you don't miss out on any action, here's the updated FWT Challenger calendar.  

Region 1: Europe and Oceania

• March 14-17, 2024 - 2024 Monterosa Freeride Paradise FWT Challenger (Italy)
• March 21-24, 2024 - 2024 X-OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn, Zell am See-Kaprun FWT Challenger (Austria)
• March 29 - April 1 2024 - 2024 French Freeride Series Avoriaz FWT Challenger (France)
• April 4-7 2024 - 2024 Open Faces Obertauern FWT Challenger (Austria)

Region 2: North and South America

• Calendar TBC

Be sure to tune in to www.freerideworldtour.com  and ifsafreeride.org to watch the athletes in action. In the meantime, stay tuned to the FWT social media channels and subscribe to the FWT newsletter to keep pace with the latest news as it drops. 

About FWT

FWT Management SA is based in Verbier, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996. The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding, and turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events in 2008, the Freeride World Tour (FWT). The company has since grown to include multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

About Orage

Representing today’s modern mountain culture. At Orage we were born cold. We live the life you do, ride the mountains you do and design the most protective apparel out there. Out in the cold, we all need an extra layer. Trust us to build yours. #borncold