Mountain Sports International has announced the schedule for the 2015 Subaru Freeride Series. This Freeride World Qualifier will take place from February to April, hosting the world’s best athletes on some of North America’s best terrain, and one venue in South America. At each location, both men’s and women’s ski and snowboard divisions will be offered.

Founded in 1998,  the FWT is the oldest competitive big mountain free skiing and riding tour in the history of the two sports.  Heading into its 18th year, the FWT is unlike anything you’ll see in the Olympics – challenging competitors to navigate ungroomed snow down dangerously steep slopes.

The event’s format will be comprised of three days: a qualifying day (with open registration!), semi-finals, and finals (plus a weather day just in case).  The prize purse is as follows:

“The Subaru Freeride Series and MSI are deeply committed to producing the highest quality freeride competitions,” explained MSI CEO/Co-Founder Adam Comey. “MSI was founded with a passion for the freeride community, its athletes, photographers, journalists, fans and the amazing big mountain terrain of resorts around the world, but specifically in North and South America. For more than 18 years, athletes aspiring to stake a claim in the ski industry have achieved success through competitions produced by MSI.” (SFS)

Subaru Freeride Series 2015 Competition Calendar

Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard

Snowbird, Utah = Feb. 4-8 

Telluride, Colorado = March 4-8

Big Sky, Montana = March 25-29       

Fourth Stop = TBA 

In addition to podium spots, one lucky competitor will receive the Sickbird Award, and the coveted Backcountry.com Sickbird Belt Buckle, based on no numbered score and no judging criteria. A description of the award comes from Drew Tabke, who took home the Sickbird in 2007 in Kirkwood:

“Though a lot of people will explain the Sickbird as an award for the rowdiest run or most radical maneuver, for me it’s bigger than that. The Sickbird is about not just what a person does in the competition, but about that person’s dedication and passion for the entire lifestyle around freeskiing.”

You can find out more about the Subaru Freeride Series here, or about the Freeride World Tour here.