Freeride momentum builds as Hotham hosts World Tour kick-off

Following a successful inaugural event in 2024, the sport of freeride returns to Mount Hotham this July for the opening events of the Freeride World Tour. From 24-27 July, the Peach Bowl in Heavenly Valley will once again welcome Australia’s top junior and open freeride skiers and snowboarders for a 2-star Qualifier and Junior competitions.

Last year’s event attracted 129 Junior and 71 Open entries, and strong registrations this year point to continued growth for the sport in Australia.

In a major boost for athlete development, Snow Australia will host a FUTURES program alongside the Hotham Peach Bowl for the first time, giving junior riders the opportunity to train and compete alongside leading national freeride athletes and coaches.

Beyond the competition, Snow Australia together with Hotham Alpine Resort and the Freeride World Tour, are delivering a four-day calendar of off-snow events aimed at strengthening the sport’s support network. From judging and TD workshops, to coaching clinics and sessions for event organisers, these community events are designed to upskill and inspire the individuals who will play a crucial behind the scenes role in the long-term development of the sport.

“Freeride is entering an exciting new phase in Australia,” said Snow Australia General Manager – Sport, Ben Wordsworth.

“As well as elevating the freeride development pathway for athletes, the Hotham Peach Bowl is providing valuable exposure to the sport for those in support and event delivery roles.

“We’re thrilled to debut our FUTURES program alongside the Freeride World Tour competitions, and equally excited to be supporting the coaches, officials and organisers who will carry this sport into the future. By laying strong foundations now, we’re hoping to give more opportunities for athletes to thrive in the years ahead,” he said.

Head of Sports Events at the Freeride World Tour, Benjamin Calmel, said the Hotham Peach Bowl is putting Australian freeride on the global map and showing that there’s talent and terrain down under.

“Bringing a Freeride World Tour Junior/Qualifier event to Australia, especially to a place like Hotham, is a big deal for us and for the sport here,” Calmel said.

“Local riders get a chance to compete at a high level without flying across the world, and it opens the door for the next generation to get involved and see a clear pathway in the sport.

“These events help coaches level up by working in a real comp environment, learning what judges look for and how to prepare athletes for the next stage. It’s also huge for growing a local crew of qualified judges, officials and organisers, people who are key to running safe, fair and high standard events in the long run,” Calmel said.

Freeride Facts

Visit the Hotham website for information on this year’s Peach Bowl as well as a Freeride explainer and information on how the sport is judged.

Register for the Freeride events, including Freeride FUTURES on the Snow Australia website.

Interested in coming along to one of the coaching or officials’ workshops or explainer sessions for event organisers? An activities schedule will be posted on the Snow Australia FUTURES webpage closer to the event.