FWT 2023 Stop #1 – Bacqueira Beret, Spain
Showtime!
High in a remote Pyrenean valley of Spain the event we have been waiting for all season is about to go down. Locked, loaded, and ready to go is the official start of the 2023 Freeride World Tour (FWT) in Bacqueira-Beret, Spain. 48 elite athletes from 18 different countries have gathered together to compete on freeride’s world stage. And with local hero Aymar Navarro recently commenting, “The conditions are great with lots of new snow….” it’s lining up to be incredible weekend of action-packed riding.
Beautiful Bacqueira
For only the second time in FWT history the event will stop in what is widely regarded as the ‘best ski resort in the Pyrenees.’ Already known for its legendary cliffs, Bacqueira-Beret provides ample opportunities for these athletes to go big.
Only two hours from Toulouse, France, Bacqueira-Beret sits high on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees Mountain Range. The competition face (Tuc De Baciver) rises to a peak elevation of 8,675 feet. And with a W-N aspect receiving regular wet storms from the Atlantic with 1,457 feet of vertical drop on an average slope exceeding 40 degrees, this face demands every rider’s attention. (Just a taste of how rowdy these events can get.)
Competition face Tuc De Baciver at Baqueira Beret, Spain. pc laneu.cat
Veteran Wisdom, Rookie Welcome
FWT veterans well versed in competitive fever will leverage their prized knowledge by picking the most manageable lines. New invitees this year will be initiated with a serious challenge as they must pick a line that can both stomp cliffs and check their speed when needed. A task easier said than done when riding the Tuc De Baciver.
Abel Moga’s line at Baqueira Beret FWT 2022(red). pc nevasport
Updated 2023 FWT Competition Schedule
Baqueira Beret, Spain January 28 - February 2
Ordino Arcalís, Andorra February 4 – 9
Kicking Horse, Canada February 17 – 22
Fieberbrunn, Austria March 11 – 17
Verbier, Switzerland March 25 –April 2
2022 Bacqueira Beret Winners
Last year’s 2022 event showcased some truly incredible riding as well also introduced a new trick never done before. Men’s ski winner Max Palm threw down a massive double backflip high on the top of his run to the surprise of most everyone watching. A first-ever for the FWT! Congratulations Max!
Max Palm’s double backflip at Bacqueira Beret Pro, FWT 2022.
Last year’s other event winners included; Olivia McNeill (ski) who shredded a highly technical line with great fluidity, Michael Mawn (snowboard) who stomped two massive cliffs on his victory run, and Erika Vikander (snowboard) who ripped a dynamic and clean line capped off with a final double drop.
Podium finishers at FWT 2022 - Bacqueira Beret; Abel Moga (left), Max Palm (center), and Craig Murray (right). pc freeskier
Forecasts & Predictions
With a high-pressure system moving in this weekend adding temporary stability to the weather pattern it looks Saturday is likely a go for competition.This year’s FWT roster has once again shuffled at the last moment. Here is the most recent list as of 1/24/23 according to the FWT.
6-Day local weather forecast for Bacequira Beret, Spain. pc snow-cast
In terms of predictions, I’ll look for local skiers Abel Moga and Aymar Navarro to do well on their home turf. They both know the face well and are known for taking huge, massive lines and then stomping them in bomb pro-style. I would also think 14-year tour veteran Reine Barkerad could apply his wisdom with a solid run placing him hear the top. Then of course, don’t miss my favorite rider Ross Tester who has been [VIDEO] looking really good this season (except maybe his luck with luggage.)
My dark horse call of the event is Enzo Nilo who accepted his first invitation to compete on the FWT. Enzo comes from a deep and diverse snowboarding background. Enzo first achieved a top world ranking in slopestyle competitions then expanded his repertoire into halfpipe contests. A couple of years ago he finally went ‘all-in’ by adding backcountry and then most recently big mountain riding to his arsenal. Enzo is an electric, dynamic rider and definitely someone to watch this year.
Enzo Nilo showcasing some of his insane talent in La Rosiere, France 2022. pc @enzonilo
Live Broadcast
The contest is set for this coming Saturday, January 28, 2023 (**pending a final slope inspection.) You can follow the live broadcast here. It’s going to an incredibly exciting action-packed weekend of riding. I can’t wait to see who lays down the winning lines! We’ll be back next week with a recap and highlights of the event. Tomorrow we return with our ongoing discussion about turning with Tavo.
Abel Moga hucks another huge drop at Bacquiera Beret FWT 2022. pc nevasport
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!