Freeride Days 2024: A Spectacular Display of World-Class Slopestyle Talent at Big White Ski Resort
Sanctioned by the Freeride Mountain Bike (FMB) World Tour, this year's event featured 30 of the top riders from around the globe, making it one of the premier slopestyle competitions on the international circuit. Hosted by renowned slopestyle rider and course builder Tom Van Steenbergen, the event raised the bar for what is possible in the world of freeriding.
Freeride Days is truly one of a kind, not only for its standalone status outside of other competitive series but also for its inclusive nature. As a sanctioned event by the FMB World Tour, it draws elite competitors eager to earn crucial points in the global rankings. Additionally, Freeride Days features a dedicated Women's Slopestyle event, showcasing the incredible progression of women's freeride sports. This inclusive approach highlights the event's commitment to fostering talent across all levels of the sport.
"The whole Freeride Days weekend, including the Big White Invitational Slopestyle event, is unique as a standalone contest outside of other series," said Trevor Hanna, VP of Hospitality at Big White Ski Resort. "This was the 6th edition, and we've seen athletes who have used our event to progress through the sport, from young groms into contending Gold level athletes. In particular, the competition among women has reached another level. It's very special to see the loyalty that the riders have to make Big White a stop on their circuit."
The highlight of the weekend? The winningest FMB World Tour athlete, Nicholi Rogatkin's historic 1440 in the FMB Gold slopestyle competition, earning him first place. With scores that were off the charts—97.33, 95.67, and 95.57—the competition was fierce. BC's Griffin Paulson, who finished in second place, also clinched the top spot in the inaugural FMB Gold Cup series, bringing an extra level of excitement to the event.
"With the help of Tom Van Steenbergen and our crew of builders, the course is always the star of the show. This year was no different. The minor changes and improvements they made over the past few weeks paid huge dividends in the riders' confidence to throw down some insane tricks. The crowd on hand for all the competitions this weekend was treated to some of the highest levels of skill from top to bottom. It makes us, as the host, feel very satisfied that we've been able to offer a complete entertainment and sporting opportunity with many positive outcomes in our local community and within the global slopestyle scene," added Hanna.
Freeride Days at Big White wasn't just about the incredible riding. The event also featured food trucks, beer gardens, a live DJ, and vendors, creating a festival atmosphere that offered something for everyone. Whether you're a rider or simply love the outdoors and good vibes, Freeride Days is free to spectate and definitely worth marking on your calendar for next year.
With the conclusion of this year's event, Big White Ski Resort is already looking ahead to its next major events, including the Spartan Race on August 24-25 and the BC Cup downhill race on the last weekend of the summer season.
For additional information about Big White Ski Resort, upcoming events, and booking inquiries, please visit bigwhite.com.
About Big White Ski Resort: Established in 1963, Big White Ski Resort is a locally family-owned and operated landmark, ranking as one of Canada's top destinations for winter sports and outdoor recreation. Featuring Canada's second-largest lifting system, Big White showcases over 2,765 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is renowned for its "Okanagan Champagne Powder," consistent snowfall and a family-friendly environment.
Dedicated to community involvement and environmental stewardship, Big White Ski Resort actively participates in local and industry-wide initiatives to promote sustainability and enhance community welfare throughout the year. This commitment shines year-round as the resort transforms its landscape each summer into a dynamic center for hiking, downhill mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides, available from June 27 to September 2, 2024.
About Freeride Mountain Biking Association (FMBA): The FMBA is the world governing body for the sport of freeride mountain biking. The FMBA was founded in 2010 and is registered as a non-profit organization in Munich, Germany. The FMBA promotes Mountain Bike Freeride Sports which comprises the development, governance and structure for freeride disciplines: Dirt Jump, Park, Slopestyle, Big Mountain. The main objective of the FMBA is to continuously develop and support the progression of the sport, athletes and events. The FMBA owns and administers the FMB World Tour.
The FMB World Tour is the official international circuit of amateur and professional Freeride Mountain Bike competitions in the disciplines Dirt Jump, Big Air, Slopestyle and Big Mountain governed by the Freeride Mountain Bike Association e.V. („FMBA”). The FMBA sanctions events, which are part of the FMB World Tour, in 4 different categories: Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze. The Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) is the highest echelon of the Slopestyle sport and determines the annual Slopestyle World Champion. Athletes must compete at Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze Events on the FMB World Tour, collecting points for the FMB World Ranking, in order to qualify for the SWC. The FMB World Ranking is a roll-over ranking system, which considers the three best results of each athlete in the past 52 weeks. The FMB World Ranking includes all FMB World Tour licensed athletes. Learn more at fmbworldtour.com.
Photo credits: Clint Trahan, Andrew Jay
Smoking of any kind (including tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes and vaporizers) is strictly prohibited anywhere on Big White Ski Resort property outside of designated smoking areas. Applies to summer and winter seasons. Mountain Safety Info >>
