The Freeride World Tour has been going very well for #SaltysTeam rider Shannan Yates. Coming off of back to back wins, despite some travel and conditions setbacks, she is riding high as the FWT approaches its next stop, right here in the great state of Utah, at Snowbird. Even though she is catching up on school work and home life, she was able to give us a little write-up on the highs and lows of competition so far.
“The first two stops of the Freeride World Tour went very well for me. I went in with no expectation, I only knew that I wanted to ride well and enjoy my runs. It paid off! I won both of the stops! The trip involved traveling from SLC to Chamonix, France, stand-by, which ended taking me through Paris. I arrived in Chamonix from Paris by overnight train after a wrong train debacle that lost me 6 hours and a trip back to Paris. Nonetheless I made it in time for face check, one solid night’s sleep, and competition day. The morning of the comp was fabulous and we had great snow! I picked a steep line that none of the other women rode and I rode it clean. 1st place!
The trip to Fieberbrunn, Austria involved more trains and a quick visit to Munich. I was able to be a tourist in Munich for a day and visit ISPO, the gigantic winter/action sports trade-show. I got to hang out with Mervin Europe and had a great time. The time spent at Fieberbrunn involved face inspections, meetings, and debates about snow conditions. While inspecting the venue one more time before comp day, mountain guides were ski cutting the face and it slid, big time. This ruined the face for competition. With 18 hours the staff of the FWT along with some key athletes were able to locate a new venue 2 1/2 hours away at a resort called Kappl, still in Austria. Everyone traveled the day before competition to the new resort, and were unable to inspect due to low clouds and snow. Everyone had to inspect the next morning, and it was a fantastic blue bird day with high winds! Competition went off without a hitch, I rode another solid line, and got another win!
The theme of the season has been bad snow conditions. Due to the late snow at Kirkwood, the next scheduled stop, the venue has been moved. I am happy to announce that it will be here at Snowbird, Utah! Competition dates are set March 1st-4th with the 1st being the most likely contest day.”
There you have it folks! I had no idea just how stressful and last minute everything can be on the FWT, but I’m sure glad Shannan and all the competitors have the perseverance and patience to make it happen. Head to Snowboard Mag for their write-up on the current standings, and be sure to catch Shannan, and fellow Saltys Team rider Kaitlin Elliot, on their home turf at Snowbird early next month. Cheers.
