This is also visible in development of new technologies and equipment designs that make riding in deep snow easier and more accessible. The biggest European resorts organize competitions some of them focus on promotion among rapidly growing group of freeriders. Andrzej Lesiewski, organizer of first ever Polish Freeride Open presented by Armada Skis & Outerwear (also responsible for The North Face Polish Freeskiing Open and Fiat Big Air) says it is no different in Poland – There are a lot of skiers and snowboarders from our country who spend their season looking for best conditions and new lines whole over the world. One difference is that in Tatra Mountains, where you can find great terrain, freeriding - as we understand it - is forbidden (due to natural preservation area). This is why we decided to organize first ever Polish freeride competition in the Alps. Together with Heiligenblut our sponsors and partners we want Polish Freeride Open to be not only a sport competition but also a chance for skiers and snowboarders to meet, talk about their passion, travels and experiences. But what is most important we want everybody to have fun while riding together in beautiful Grossglockner area.

Heiligenblut is a small village in Carinthia, close to the highest peak in Austria (Grossglockner 3,798 m). Easily accessible terrain offer ideal conditions for organizing freeride competition. The site was chosen so that freeriders at every level will find their line. Less experienced riders will be able to ride down wide gullies, and those more advanced will find some cliffs to jump.Registration (www.freerideopen.pl) is open for skiers and snowboarders from whole over the world. There are already 120 registered riders! There will be 4 categories: men ski, men snowboard, women ski, women snowboard. Every competitor will have 2 runs.

Heiligenblut prepared special packages for participants (3 nights + 3 day skipass). The event will also open the Sign Freeride Camp organized by Grossglockner Bergbahnen Touristik GmbH. Thanks to that all participants will have opportunity to watch some freeride movies at Saturday evening. Before making first turns on the chosen slope competitors will have a chance to check their searching skills in special area prepared by PIEPS. Red Bull will take care for energy and good atmosphere on the slope and in the evening. The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear will also support the event, so skiers and snowboarders can expect some nice prizes.

Agenda:
 
- 11.03.2011 Warm up Day
Contest office (located in Tourist Office Heiligenblut) will be opened from 9 am till 5 pm.

- 12.03.2011 Event Day (10.00 – 15.00)
9.00 - 9.45 – Contest office near finish line
10.00 – 12.00 – First run
12.00 – 13.00 – Lunch
13.00 – 15.00 – Second run
19.00 – Prize giving ceremony (Hoely Moely)
20.00 – Freeride movies

 - 13.03.2011 Weather Day

Main sponsor - Armada Skis & Outerwear
Sponsors - The North Face, Pieps, Montana, miniTRAVEL
Partners: PSF, Karyntia.pl, Austria.info, Heiligenblut, fikcja.pl, delikatesyfilmowe.pl
Media: Extreme Sports Channel, SKI, Snowboard MDS, onet.pl, ski2die.pl, skionline.pl, freestyle.pl, roninsnowboards.com, Extremium.


For more details visit www.freerideopen.pl and www.facebook.com/polish.freeride.open