Above: Britain’s Sascha Hamm winning the 2016 FWT event in Andorra

Arguably the spiritual home of European freeriding, you couldn’t find a more fitting place than Chamonix to host the first leg of the Freeride World Tour. Unfortunately for all concerned, poor conditions – something that has plagued all of France so far this winter – meant that the tour opener could not go ahead.

Frustratingly, it wasn’t a lack of snow that was the problem, but high winds. Despite days of trying, event organiers couldn’t find an appropriate zone, and were forced to make the call.

“During the weather window for the Andorra stop (currently 9th-16th February), two separate competitions will be run”

The FWT runs a tight ship, however, and a contingency plan has been put in place. During the weather window for the Andorra stop (currently 9th-16th February), two separate competitions will be run. It’s great news for anyone planning to head over for the comp, one that we enjoyed massively last year.

It’s by no means ideal, but at least Andorra’s terrain is bountiful enough for the riders to have a shot at two different faces. Besides, under the circumstances it was the only sensible decision.

We’ll have a full report from the Andorra legs once the dust has settled – stay tuned.