Presentation Nissan O'neill Xtreme in Verbier

Watch the live replay of the Verbier Xtreme, in partnership with freecaster.tv

 

For the 13th edtion, since it started in 1996, the “Xtreme” is considered the most prestigious event in the Freeride world. For the “grande finale” of the Freeride World Tour the elite of Freeride will tackle the mythical North Face of the Bec des Rosses, a dauntingly steep and frighteningly jagged 500 m rock-face.

The Bec des Rosses presents in places some 55° sheer slopes. In an upright position one could nearly lean on the face with one's elbow. With steep and narrow couloirs, high rock cliffs, changing snow and terrain, it asks the riders to be particularly skilled with top physical condition, thorough mountain experience, and top placements in the previous contests.

Around 5000 spectators join the riders at one of the most beautiful natural arenas of the Alps, the Col des Gentianes in Verbier.

The winner of each discipline will receive the Gilles Voirol Trophy, named after a young swiss snowboarder who was killed in an avalanche in Bella Coola in 2003. Gilles Voirol was the rookie of the Verbier Xtreme’s first edition in 1996 and placed second. He had one of the best style and the greatest personality.

After the Xtreme there will be a winner of each discipline of the Tour and the four Freeride World Champions will be crowned.
 
The contest will be transmitted live on www.freerideworldtour.com and on www.freecastertv.com 
 
When: From 14th to 23rd March (see detailed program)
 
Riders: 37 in total.

16 male skiers and 12 snowboarders
- 10 of the best ranked riders from the four previous contests of the Freeride World Tour
- 5 wild cards ski and 2 wild cards snowboard

5 female skiers and snowboarders
- 2 of the best ranked riders from the previous contests of the Freeride World Tour 
- 3 wild cards ski and 2 wild cards snowboard
 
Judged runs: 1 run, hike access to Bec des Rosses, 3222m:
- Vertical drop: 500 meters
- Average steepness: 45 degrees
- Features: numerous lips, gullys & jumps
- General: Freeride-Extreme / some Freestyle lines
 
Prize money: 100'000 USD

Men ski and snowboard
1st 12'000 USD
2nd 6'000 USD
3rd 3'000 USD
4th to 16th 2'000 USD

Women ski and snowboard
1st 5'000 USD
2nd 3'000 USD
3rd to 5th 1'000 USD