Both events will take place in the Brévent sector from the early morning due to a narrow fair weather window.

 

The season opening stage of the 2015 Swatch Freeride World Tour by the North Face® will be held on a face never used for competition before: The Chamois face by the Cornu chairlift. The technical staff lead by mountain guide Stéphane Dan decided for this to be the spot with the best possible conditions. First start is set to 8.30 am.

 

The Chamois has a south-east and a south-west facing part with some nice features to play with. Riders were warned that slough management will very likely be relevant but there is basically no risk of avalanche. You will, however, see all riders wear their ABS airbag as part of the mandatory equipment. This is based on the logic that you don't start picking and choosing when you need it and when not, just like you always wear the rest of your safety gear when you go freeriding.

 

The juniors will be competing on the Clocher Clocheton face in the area called Hotel. First rider will start at 8.45am for this first stage of the Freeride Junior Tour by Dakine. The junior contest can be viewed from the Piste de Blanchot.

 

The riders will have the chance to inspect the face and pick their lines tomorrow at noon and it will of course be closed for access until the contest.

 

Spectators who wish to come on Saturday can watch from the bottom, by taking the Planpraz cable car and then the Cornu chairlift. The slope will take you close to the finish area. The Planpraz will open for the public at 8.30am.

 

There is also the possibility of watching the live streaming of the FWT on giant screen in the event village in the town centre.

 

In the meantime, you can meet the riders for the autograph session and opening ceremony tomorrow Friday at 4.30pm on Place Balmat.

 

Don't forget to come celebrate with the riders at the prize giving ceremony at 5pm also at Place Balmat on the day of the event.