FWT21 calendar update: Japan and Canada stops cancelled

With international travel becoming increasingly difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FWT and local organisations have decided to cancel the 2021 events in Hakuba and Kicking Horse Golden BC. This decision was made to ensure the health and safety of the athletes, staff, partners, fans and local organisers.

Although the epic conditions in Japan and Canada will be missed, the FWT is already in discussion with various European resorts to replace these cancelled events. Minimising travel between competitions will limit the risk and make it easier to comply with international travel restrictions. Based on the information at hand, there will be no changes to the last three stops, with the new calendar to be finalised in the upcoming weeks:

1. HAKUBA, JAPAN – ELITE COMPETITION CANCELLED & LOCALLY REPLACED BY A FWQ 4* FROM JANUARY 12-15 2021 

“As Freeride World Tour’s No.1 priority is “Safety First”, now is the time to enjoy freeriding in your hometown or places close to you. Winter comes every year, and the spirit of freeriding will never die. We are looking forward to hosting the elite competition again, and in the meantime we will still be hosting the FWQ4* in Hakuba from January 12-15 2021.” — Yojiro Fukushima, Director of the Tourism Commission of Hakuba village. 

2. KICKING HORSE GOLDEN BC, CANADA – ELITE COMPETITION CANCELLED

“Though it is extremely disappointing that the 2021 Freeride World Tour event in Golden, BC at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is being cancelled, it is the right course of action. Thank you to the FWT and all stakeholders for trying to have it take place this year.  We are already excited to welcome the FWT back to Kicking Horse in 2022!  I wish everyone a safe, and hopefully powder filled winter.” — Mike Rubinstein, Area Manager of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Golden BC.

"Although deeply disappointed, we fully support the Freeride World Tours difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Kicking Horse Golden BC event. This is a responsible decision that takes the safety of their staff, athletes and our community into account. Over the past 3 years, the staff and athletes have made a lasting impression on our community and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2022." — Joanne Sweeting, Executive Director of Tourism Golden. 

3. ORDINO ARCALÍS, ANDORRA – February 22-27 
4. FIEBERBRUNN, AUSTRIA – March 6-12, 2021
5. VERBIER EXTREME, SWITZERLAND – March 20-28, 2021
 
The FWT would like to thank their local partners in Hakuba and Kicking Horse Golden BC for their support and tireless help in exploring all possible alternatives to try and make these stops happen.
 
The 2022 calendar promises to be back to normal with five international stops confirmed. Until then, the FWT is working hard on a new scenario for 2021 – to be communicated in the upcoming weeks.

As health and safety is always the priority for FWT organisers, they are actively working in conjunction with local authorities to make sure each competition is compliant with current regulations.   
 
Competition broadcasts will be available on www.freerideworldtour.com. Until then, stay tuned and follow the FWT social media channels for all the latest news as the countdown to winter begins.