Swatch Skiers Cup Coming To Chile (10-Jul-11)

In the first ever big-mountain Freeride team matchplay event...

In the first ever big-mountain Freeride team matchplay event, Europe will challenge the Americas in Valle Nevado, Chile from 5-12 September, 2011.

This new competition will see the world's top male freeskiers going head-to-head in both big mountain freeride and back-country slopestyle formats.

The teams will be captained by two icons of the freeride world - Team Europe will be led by Kaj Zackrisson and Team Americas by Mark Abma.

"We've been working on this idea for a number of years, so it's super cool that Swatch has now made it happen.  We're going have a lot of fun and hopefully, after the competition, 12 months of bragging rights!" says Kaj.

"Who wouldn't be up for this? Pow, Chile in September and the coolest riders around, let me know if it gets any better?" added ‘Captain Americas’ Mark.

A long-term partner of the Freeride World Tour, Swatch has played an active role in the development of the sport and this most recent innovation. 

"I am extremely impressed to see the total professionalism of these young men. They’re so full of joy and happiness, you can’t help but share their emotion."  Swatch President Arlette-Elsa Emch said, commenting on the new event.

The event will include one day of Big Mountain Freeride and one day Backcountry Slopestyle with riders going head-to-head in a series of heats with one point awarded per heat.  There will be two rounds of 8 heats per discipline meaning a total of four rounds and 32 points available over the 2 days of competition.  Every rider must take part in the four rounds.