The highly-anticipated roster of Skiers Cup team riders is finally available to the public after the two team captains have meticulously selected some of the finest riders in the world to compete on the slopes of Grandvalira, Andorra from January 30 to February 4, 2016. The 6th of edition of the Skiers Cup will take advantage of the the picture-perfect freeride terrain of the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees.
With a long history of progression and high-level freeskiing, this event takes a unique format where two continents (Europe vs. Americas) will face each other in two classic disciplines: big-mountain (freeride) and backcountry slopestyle (tricks off kickers and natural jumps). Team captains are sure to select riders that have the necessary skills to round-out a versatile team capable of excelling in both disciplines. The 16 riders comprising two teams face each other over two days, with one discipline per day, and two rounds per discipline for each pair of riders. The winners for each round will be determined and the points will be summed for a grand total of 32 possible points.
Team Americas always has a strong showing – from legendary big mountain heroes such as Seth Morrison (USA) to crossover veteran and film segment star Tim Durtschi (USA). Native Alaskan Nick Mc Nutt (CAN) is guaranteed to give viewers their money’s worth as he sends huge airs and stomps switch landings. Up-and-coming crusher Logan Pehota (CAN) will demonstrate how to send stylish airs with unique backcountry style as he competes with fellow North American heavy-hitters Grant Howard (USA), Parker White (USA), and three-time Skiers Cup veteran Tanner Rainville (USA).
With such an impressive line-up, Permin’s Europe will need outstanding firepower to maintain their 3-2 lead over Cattabriga-Alosa’s Americas. Maybe the strongest freeskier to join Permin’s team will be Bene Mayr (GER) who has been pushing the progression of the sport to the next level for years and is also competing on the Freeride World Tour this season. Familiar Skiers Cup faces such as Markus Eder (ITA) and Sam Anthamatten (SUI) will secure Europe’s strength in backcountry slopestyle and big mountain, respectively. 2014 Freeride World Tour champion Loic Collomb-Patton will be demonstrating his big mountain skills alongside some of the most versatile riders from across the Alps such as Fabio Studer (AUT), Nico Vuignier (SUI), and Sam Favret (FRA).
