Audi & Völkl to Sponsor 2014 Freeride World Tour

Freeride World Tour have announced German automobile manufacturer Audi and winter sports brand Marker Völkl will sponsor the 2014 series.

Audi has long distinguished itself as one of the most important partners in the world of skiing with enduring involvement in alpine skiing across the world. Audi is a twelve-year sponsor of the Hahnenkamm race, title sponsor of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and the FIS Ski Cross World Cup, presenting sponsor of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, and sponsor of 15 national alpine ski teams. Freeride World Tour is proud to announce their new three-year sponsorship agreement with the German brand as official partner of the tour. 

Florian Zitzlsperger, Head of brand partnerships and sports marketing AUDI AG, said: “The commitment in the Freeride World Tour perfectly complements our winter sports program. By presenting the Ski Cross World Cup we’ve started to address a young target group and are now logically continuing to pursue this path with the Freeride World Tour. Impressive images, exciting locations and new presentation opportunities for our brand in a fascinating environment – we look forward to the constructive partnership with the Freeride World Tour.”

Nicolas Hale-Woods, General Manager of FWT Europe, praised the new development. “Freeride World Tour’s partnership with Audi is fantastic news. Audi is simply the ideal automotive partner for any alpine event. Their product, image, and commitment to winter sports are unequaled. There’s no better fit for Freeride!”

Marker, official ski binding supplier to the FWT since 2012, returns in 2014 with the addition of Völkl. Völkl becomes one of two official suppliers for the ski category along with Scott. Marker Völkl International has always been one of the most recognized names in Freeride, and their commitment to FWT 2014 builds on that legacy. The Marker Völkl international team includes decorated FWT riders like Sam Smoothy (NZL), Charlie Lyons (NZL), Markus Eder (ITA), Nadine Wallner (AUT) and many more.

“The Freeride World Tour is a unique contest based on a great concept. The world’s elite take on the toughest challenges this sport has to offer, thrilling the fans with spectacular lines. Years ago we started campaigning for the tour with Marker, now we’re working with Völkl as well. As an equipment maker, the FWT provides us with the ideal platform for showcasing the tremendous performance of all our Freeride products — from skis and bindings to the new Marker Protective Snow Equipment. The widespread success of our riders speaks for itself,” said Bert Lammel, Marketing Manager of Marker Völkl International.

Nicolas Hale-Woods added: “The renewal of FWT’s partnership with Marker is a great sign for the freeride industry. And as good news never comes alone, we are welcoming iconic ski brand Völkl to the FWT family!”