Japan lands its first Freeride World Qualifier event

Asia's first Freeride World Qualifier event will be hosted in Hakuba, Japan in 2017.

Japan’s status in the global freeride community has been boosted with the announcement that it will host its first ever Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) event in January 2017. The 4* qualifier event will take place in Hakuba, Japan – situated high in the Japanese Alps and home to some of the country’s most challenging freeride terrain.

It will be preceded by an FWQ 2* event, which will give local and international athletes the chance to qualify for the major competition.

Some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders will take on Hakuba, Japan at the FWQ events in January 2017.

In making the announcement, Freeride World Tour management recognised that “with the increasing popularity of the sport in Japan and talented young athletes looking for professionalized events and a gateway to worldwide recognition, this expansion into the country opens door to the possibility of seeing one day a Japanese Freeride World Tour (FWT) World Champion.”

…one of the most important milestones in Freeride World Tour history

“Partnering with Hakuba, Japan is one of the most important milestones in Freeride World Tour history. Hakuba proposes an incredible playful terrain with fantastic snow conditions, over a century of winter-sports culture, and a unique, very fine hospitality.”