After the success of last years event, the backcountry freestyle comp ‘Red Bull Linecatcher’ will again return to the French Alps on 9-16th January 2010. This year, the cream of the crop of backcountry skiers will converge on the renowned resort of Vars La Forêt Blanche in the Haute-Alpes.

The concept remains the same: Skiers will unleash their talents on a vertical canvas of inspiring natural terrain which has been spiced up by kickers placed throughout the run. The spectacular 3000 meters (10,000 feet) high North facing Eyssina Ridge in Vars will be the venue for the event, an already famous freeride spot that is ideal for “The Show”, and it’s northerly exposure preserves the snow quality.

Three expert judges will score the best of three runs among fifteen competitors from North America, Australia, Sweden, Germany and France, which will include Red Bull athletes such as, Sven KUEENLE (Germany), Sean PETTIT (Canada), Richard PERMIN (France).

A qualifier stage is also scheduled, allowing aspiring skiers to compete with the selected backcountry skiers. This contest will take place prior to the main competition at a nearby location that will allow two hungry skiers out of the lot to qualify.

The confirmed invited riders are:

JP Auclair (Can)
Chris Booth (Aus)
Anthony Boronowski (Can)
Tim Durtschi (USA)
Mathieu Imbert (Fra)
Sven Kueenle (Ger)
Bene Mayr (Ger)
Richard Permin (Fra)
Sean Pettit (Can)
Martin Söderberg, (Swe)
Sage Cattabriga-Alosa (USA)
CR Johnson (USA)
Fabien Maierhoffer (FRA)

Riders in the qualifications (two go through)

Pierre Chedal
Thomas Theberge
Leo Taillefer
Arnaud Rougier
Antoine Diet
Pierre Guyot
Arnaud Kugener
Fabio Studer
Nicolas Vuignier
Bine Zalohar
Victor Galuchot
Thomas Hlawitschka

Check the teaser for this years event: