Almost all of these freeride events have one thing in common: the pursuit of money. Of course, this is often not reprehensible, as many people in the ski industry make a living from contest riding. Unfortunately, these types of events are quite problematic from an ecological point of view. A huge amount of effort is put into organizing and holding mega-events like the FWT. The ecological consequences are usually disregarded.
The Kick the Vik Eco Freeride Tour takes a different approach and is aimed at environmentally conscious freeriders who also like to compete with other riders, but pursue a different core idea. Sustainability and the fun of skiing are at the forefront of the events.
It is therefore not surprising that the entire contest runs a little differently to what we are used to from the Open Faces, for example. At each event, the riders spend up to three days together at a mountain hut, which must first be reached using their own muscle power, with the help of touring skis or similar. The tour also differs from other events in the choice of contest slope. The safety of the riders is the top priority and the organizers also take the issue of sustainability very seriously, as avalanche blasting is deliberately avoided and, in case of doubt, flatter slopes are chosen as venues. Kick the Vik also takes a different approach to judging during the contest than previously known. The runs will not be judged by external judges, but the riders themselves will judge each other with the help of video presentations on the evening of the event. If there is no clear winner, an online vote will also be held.
In addition to the competition, an extended supporting program will be offered at the events, such as a safety camp or a photo workshop. The Kick the Vik Eco Freeride Tour has established itself as an interesting alternative to all the conventional freeride contests, which is not based on the higher, faster, further principle. To get an even closer look at the event, we will be there live for you at the first stop of the tour in the Pyrenees and report from there.
