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Via a majestic face towards the premier class?

From 4*FWQ Obergurgl-Hochgurgl straight to the Freeride World Tour

Mighty Hangerer face: a mountain in Ötztal's main alpine ridge, resembling an awe-inspiring king with a majestic face. A very special "face" that attracts the attention of the international freeriding scene. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is once again the venue for a 4* Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) as part of the OPEN FACES FREERIDE SERIES, guiding top riders from around the globe to the local hinterland. On the mystical northern slopes of the 3020 meter high mountain, they take up a true challenge. On the way from the drop-in point at 2700 meters to the finish, steep walls of up to 70 degrees, narrow access and exit spots, long runs and deep jumps await them. Fabian Lentsch's legendary airline in 2014 proves how deep it can go. He dropped 16 meters from a cliff - comparable to jumping from a 5-storey house.

Ötztal, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Open Faces, Freeride Contest, Event, Hangerer, Winter

Who will be riding in the Freeride World Tour next winter?

In addition to the passion for freeride sports, the riders on Hangerer are also yearning for important points for the FWQ ranking. The 4* event – a contest in the highest category of the Freeride World Qualifier Tour – awards a whopping 2500 points for a win. Such points are highly coveted as they can top up the FWQ points account and thus become a first stepping stone towards the Freeride World Tour. In this "premier class" only the world's best athletes are allowed to fight for the world championship title in the powder. Qualification takes place via the Freeride World Qualifier Tour with contests in two regions - overseas and Europe. The three best female and male skiers, the best female and male snowboarder of each region can advance to the FWT.

How is victory determined?

For the freeriders taking part in the 4*FWQ Obergurgl-Hochgurgl - among them the local elite, international top riders but also World Tour riders - it is most important to draw the perfect line on Hangerer face. Not only to make a good impression on fans and spectators, but also on the jury in particular. The jury members keep a close eye on the runs of the skiers and snowboarders by evaluating each single run according to five different criteria: choice of line, air & style, fluidity, control and technique. Based on the overall impression, points between 1.0 and 10.0 are awarded at the end of each run – deciding on the victory.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Winter, Open Faces, Winner, Freeride Contest, Mens
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Open Faces, Freeride Contest, Freeride, Snow, Winter, Viewer, Hohe Mut Alm

Where do you have the best view of the freeride spectacle?

On the day of the contest, freeride fans head to the public area of Hohe Mut Alm. It can be easily reached without skis via Hohe Mut mountain gondola and offers the best view of runs and riders. On an LED screen with live feed, the audience will not miss any detail of the contest event. Among other highlights, a DJ, an event area including an exhibition and the Red Bull Riders Lounge offer prime conditions for experiencing a day brimming with freeride passion and spectacular freeride sports - always keeping an eye on "King Hangerer" that may pave the way to the freeride premiere class.