Haines Hosts Freeride World Tour: Weather Wildcard

0:00This is Anchorage News Today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. In the small Alaska town of Haines, locals are ramping up to host the major stop on the Freeride World Tour. This global competition brings top-back country skiers and snowboarders to tackle ungroomed mountain faces. Over 100 athletes, staff and visitors are set to arrive soon, with the event tentatively planned for March 15, 2026. The big challenge is the weather, which controls everything from visibility to avalanche risks. Organizes have a nine-day window to run the contest, or it could get canceled. Recent stops in Austria and Georgia were scrapped for unsafe snow conditions, showing how nature calls the shots in Freeride sports. Locals are all and despite the risks. The Hainesboro pledged $75,000 and they'd owe the full amount if it falls through or half if rescheduled. Community groups, volunteers and businesses like Alaska Halisking are pitching in, committed to showcasing their town no matter what. Preparations involve

1:03shuttling people by helicopter to spots like the mountain face called the venue, with safety checks and emergency plans in place. Organizers have trained staff and lined up back-up fun, including welcome drinks, bonfires, hikes and movie nights for athletes during wait times. Everyone's watching the forecast closely, but staying cautious until a few days out. Snow looks promising now, and the team hopes it holds for a smooth event that boosts the local economy and pertains on the map. Quick things to today's sponsor. See the description for more. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.