The FWT Qualifier/Junior, a subsidiary of the Freeride World Tour (FWT), the pinnacle competition for top-level freeriders worldwide, will kick off in Japan as the 2025 TOYO TIRES FWT JAPAN SERIES. The FWT held its first competition in Switzerland in 1996, and its scale has expanded along with the growing number of freeride fans. Currently, it is recognized as the world's only and largest freeride world tour.
By the way, the top image is the key visual for the 2024-2025 season. The colorful lines and spray paints express the idea that when each line drawn by the snow artists (riders) is completed by the final rider, the event itself will be completed as a work of art
2025 TOYO TIRES FWT JAPAN SERIES, held at 3 venues with 6 events
The tournament schedule is as follows. Slopes are rated from 1* to 4* depending on their difficulty, and the number of points awarded for each tournament varies. The number of points accumulated after finishing the race determines whether or not you can participate in the following year's tournament, which is a system unique to FWT
Event Name: 2025 TOYO TIRES FWT HAKUBA QUALIFIER 4*
Dates: January 27th (Mon) - January 30th (Thu), 2025
Venue:HAKUBA VALLEY(Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture)
Organizers: Hakuba Village Tourism Association, Pioneerwork Inc.
Event Name: 2025 TOYO TIRES FWT YUZAWA NAKAZATO QUALIFIER 2* 1* / JUNIOR 1*
Dates: February 1st (Sat) - February 4th (Tue), 2025
Venue:Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort(Minami-Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture)
Organizer:Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Event Name: 2025 TOYO TIRES FWT ARAI QUALIFIER 3* / JUNIOR 3*
Dates: February 27 (Thu) - March 2 (Sun), 2025
Venue:ARAI MAOUNTAIN RESORT(Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture)
Organizer:ARAI MAOUNTAIN RESORT
HAKUBA QUALIFIER 4*: A location that rivals the real thing
The 2025 TOYO TIRES FWT JAPAN SERIES will see the participation of famous riders from around the world, and one event to watch in person is the HAKUBA QUALIFIER 4*. This is one of the few 4* competitions in the world, held in the Alpine area of Hakuba, and is comparable to European competitions such as those in Switzerland, where the FWT originated
For several days leading up to the competition, local security teams will restrict access to the competition course, including for both general riders and athletes, to protect the slopes. Therefore, watching from the slopes will be difficult, and we recommend watching from the finish area, which is accessible by hiking.
The competition slope will not be decided until two days before the event, but the entire competition course should be visible from the finish area.
It is the only place where you can witness the moment when the athletes, who looked like tiny dots when they burst out of the starting gate, pass through the finish gate with adrenaline pumping, and you can also see the athletes congratulating each other in the finish area up close, which is a truly premium experience.
*The competition slopethe FWT JAPAN official Instagramwill be announced on
The ski resort has developed a slope suitable for FWQ: "YUZAWA NAKAZATO QUALIFIER 2* 1* / JUNIOR 1"
For those who find the backcountry area too challenging, we recommend Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort or Lotte Mountain Resort, where the ungroomed areas of the slopes are set up as competition slopes. Both have lift access, so you can watch the race from the lifts on the slopes, and get up close to the start and finish areas
In particular, at Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, the competition slope is located right in front of the rest house at the entrance to the ski resort. This slope is
specially prepared by Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, the organizer of the FWT Qualifier/Junior, from summer onwards to make it suitable for the competition and welcome the participating athletes.
In the summer, it is used as a service road, so when it is covered in snow, it becomes uneven and jump points are scattered around, making it a highlight to watch the lines that showcase the individuality of each athlete.
Yuzawa Nakazato is also easily accessible by Shinkansen from the city center, making it the perfect place to go and watch a freeride competition
"ARAI QUALIFIER 3* / JUNIOR 3*" - Feel the tension of the athletes in the starting area
Another reason why the 3* competition held at Lotte Mountain Resort is easy to watch is that you can take a series of lifts to reach the starting area.
Last season, the "Zentana Bowl," which is only open on days with heavy snowfall, was used as the competition slope. This slope is wide and vertical due to its valley topography, and is characterized by its steep slope with a maximum gradient of 41 degrees. Watching the riders ski down from the finish area allows you to witness the sense of speed firsthand.
Furthermore, because many riders, from juniors to adults, are taking part in the competition, many riders can be seen warming up on the slopes while riding the lifts while waiting their turn to ski. This means you may be able to see the riders' riding in action beyond just one run in the competition
This year, why not visit each ski resort according to the competition dates?
■FREERIDE WORLD TOUR JAPAN https://freerideworldtour.jp