Excitement is building in Verbier in anticipation of the third Verbier Ride on 24/25 January, now incorporating the British Freeride Championships.

Over the last few years the event has increased massively in popularity with riders coming from across the Alps to compete. This year sees the introduction of an 'off piste expression session' (Big Mountain Freeride) with the help of the IFSA (International Free Ski Association).

The Ride is a Pro/Am event with a prize fund this year of 25,000 SFR (£10,000) and consists of a Skier/Boarder X, Big Air and Big Mountain Freeride.

Skier/Boarder X (Weds 24 Jan 1000)

This event takes place in Verbier's now well established Snow Park. The Park is used for many Skier/Boarder X comps throughout the season and is maintained on a full-time basis. Four riders will be in the course at a time and the first two go through to the next round till the final.

Slope Style (Big Air)

This will also take place in the Snow Park where there is a 10-jump slope style course. The area of this park is La Chaux, which is situated at the bottom of Verbier's Le Jumbo cable car, which gives access to the Mont Fort glacier. Competitors are judged on: 1. Style/Form 2. Difficulty of Jump 3. Amplitude

Big Mountain Freeride (Thursday 25 Jan from 1000)

The 'Off Piste Expression Session' will take place on the Mont Gele, a mountain that leads down to the area of the Boarder X and Slope Style events.

Competitors will be judged on:

1. Degree of difficulty/line- Each skier chooses his/her line down the venue. Competitors are given high scores for choosing a difficult line. Difficulty is determined by steepness, exposure, snow conditions and obstacles or hazards.

2. Control- Skiers MUST BE IN CONTROL. ANY loss of control will result in a lower score. A fall is the ULTIMATE LOSS of control. However, a skillful recovery will reduce a penalty.

3. Fluidity- Constant direction toward a goal (areas of the course, the finish etc.) This category includes CONTINUITY, PACE, and SMOOTH transitions.

4. Form & Technique- Competitor is judged on STYLE and technical ability.

5. Aggressiveness (attack)- ENERGY with which the competitor attacks his or her chosen line.

Partying

-- Le Pub Mont Fort will have a Snow Bar in the La Chaux Snow Park.
-- At the finish area, DJ's from NRJ Radio in Switzerland will spinning 'the phatist tunes'
-- Le Pub Mont Fort evening party 10pm
-- Taratata evening and VIP party From 11pm.

Where to catch the action...The event will be featured on the Extreme Channel (Sky), Chilli Factor (Channel 5) and of course on Natives.co.uk

For more Details and to Enter...To enter 'The Verbier RIDE' please contact organiser Warren Smith (+44(0) 7775 500599)

NB
The race organisers have asked us to point out that they accept no responsibility for injury or personal loss while competing or attending the race. Helmets are obligatory for 'Off Piste Expression Session' (Freeride) and Skier/Boarder X