FREERIDE WORLD TOUR ORDINO ARCALÍS RECAP
Sunshine and consistent conditions welcomed the second stop of the 2023 Freeride World Tour (FWT) earlier today in Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, with athletes showing few signs of fatigue after last Sunday’s masterclass in Spain. The competition went down on Ordino Arcalís’ Pic De Les Planes face, which proved the perfect playground for athletes in all categories to unleash their tricks and big mountain turns.
Here’s a look at what went down…
Snowboard Women
The snowboard women category went off today, with all athletes delivering fluid, clean runs. Katie Anderson (CAN) made it two wins in a row, extending the gap in the overall rankings and making her the one to beat this season. The Canadian stacked her run with features and fluidity, throwing in a couple of grabs to bring in the freestyle element and a big air mid-run to show her freeride expertise. The 2022 FWT World Champion Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA) came out swinging after a disappointing first event to finish in second place, while Estelle Rizzolio (FRA) rounded off the podium in third.
“My run was fun, although I did get a little lost, but I made it work. The conditions were kind of variable, but were pretty good overall. I really love Ordino Arcalís!” —Katie Anderson
Snowboard Women Results
1) Katie Anderson
2) Tiphanie Perrotin
3) Estelle Rizzolio
4) Anna Orlova
5) Erika Vikander
6) Michaela Davis-Meehan
Snowboard Men
Ludovic Guillot-Diat (FRA) took his first FWT win with an exhilarating run, leapfrogging him above the rest of the field to take the first spot in the overall rankings. Guillot-Diat navigated some exposure early in his run and sent it large off a cliff to exit, before stomping multiple airs and a huge backflip. Fellow seasoned campaigner Jonathan Penfield (USA) put down a strong run to finish second, and Mexican rookie Liam Rivera (MEX) third, earning his first podium in his maiden year.
“I feel so good. My run was okay; I missed a few jumps, but I am so happy. I have worked so hard in the last few years to make the tour again, so to be here on the podium, and to take the win as well as the yellow bib is just amazing.” —Ludovic Guillot-Diat
Snowboard Men Results
1) Ludovic Guillot-Diat
2) Jonathan Penfield
3) Liam Rivera
4) Hans Mindnich
5) Enzo Nilo
6) Holden Samuels
7) Michael Mawn
8) Cody Bramwell
9) Camille Armand
Ski Women
Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) claimed victory with an effortless display of freeriding. Justine has a decorated background in mogul skiing—including dozens of FIS World Cup podiums and two Olympic medals—but this is just her second FWT competition, making this win a truly incredible result. Her run was stacked with features including a stomped air into a creamy cross-court air off a wind-lip, sending another big cliff before straight-lining to victory. Molly Armanino (USA) and Elisabeth Gerritzen (SUI) both had solid runs, finishing second and third, respectively.
“It feels unbelievable to win here! Honestly, I had so much fun today, and I think I was lucky to be the last rider, as I could adjust my line and choose something different. I was able to showcase how playful I can be on skis and how much fun I can have. I reached my goal; I am super proud and so happy!” —Justine Dufour-Lapointe
Ski Women Results
1) Justine Dufour-Lapointe
2) Molly Armanino
3) Elisabeth Gerritzen
4) Sybille Blanjean
5) Megane Betend
6) Olivia McNeill
7) Addison Rafford
8) Jessica Hotter
9) Delila Quinn
Ski Men
Less than three points separated the top three riders in the ski men category, with each man standing on the podium throwing down high-speed runs complete with freestyle tricks. Valentin Rainer (AUT) finished in first place, putting down a run that can only be described as pure class, combining speed and impeccable technique with a full bag of tricks. He made quick work of the top section—combining a huge air with a backflip to bolts—before spinning two 360s in technical terrain and one last massive backflip. Ross Tester (USA) finished second ahead of Maxime Chabloz (SUI) in third.
“I think my run went really well. I wanted to do three or four tricks, which ended up being two backflips and two 360s. I have always wanted to put down a run like this, and today was the day – I’m just so stoked. I lost a good friend in an avalanche a few days ago, so this run was 100% for him.” —Valentin Rainer
Ski Men Results
1) Valentin Rainer
2) Ross Tester
3) Maxime Chabloz
4) Max Hitzig
5) Finn Bilous
6) Andrew Pollard
7) Simon Perraudin
8) Xander Guldman
9) Marcus Goguen
10) Reine Barkered
11) Carl Regnér Eriksson
12) Max Palm
13) Jack Nichols
14) Craig Murray
15) Oscar Mandin
16) Jedidiah Kravitz
17) Jamesa Hampton
18) Leif Mumma
19) Kristofer Turdell
20) Manu Barnard
21) Iker Reyes
22) Ralph Welponer
23) Abel Moga
After an incredible—and rapid—transition between events, the second stop of 2023 FWT delivered the goods. Athletes will now head across the Atlantic for stop three at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C. on February 17th to 22nd for their last chance to secure points before The Cut, where the top-ranked riders will advance to the FWT Finals.
Visit freerideworldtour.com for a full replay of today’s action, and stay tuned to the FWT’s social channels (@freerideworldtour) to stay up to speed with all the latest news as it drops.