Ordino Arcalís Hosts 14th JAM Extreme FWTJ 3 Freeride Junior Event
Andorra's premier freeride junior comp launches national championships with 120 athletes from 12 countries battling for points in ski and snowboard.
Key Points
- Event on March 21-22 at two potential faces: Quinze Metres (170m drop) or Port del Rat (230m drop).
- 120 participants from 12 countries in U14, U16, U18 ski/snowboard divisions.
- 11 Andorran skiers compete for inaugural national titles; key for next-season points.
- Perfect snow: 310-370cm base + powder; boosts Ordino Arcalís as freeride hub.
Ordino Arcalís hosts the 14th JAM Extreme FWTJ 3 this weekend, part of the Freeride World Tour Junior circuit and Andorra's inaugural national freeride championship.
The event, scheduled for Saturday 21 or Sunday 22 March depending on weather—with Saturday the preferred option—represents one of Europe's last three-star junior competitions and the final one in the Pyrenees. It offers young athletes a key chance to earn points for the next season. Organisers expect the full 120 participants from up to 12 countries, competing in under-14, under-16, and under-18 categories for both skiing and snowboarding.
Andorran athletes will play a central role, with 11 skiers from the Principat competing for the first national titles. Event directors Dani Fornell and Marc Gálvez have called it a pivotal moment for freeride's growth and for positioning Ordino Arcalís as a leading international freeride destination. The competition coordinates with the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE).
Two face locations remain under consideration, to be finalised soon: the Quinze Metres face at Portelles, at 2,500 metres with a 170-metre vertical drop and 35-40% gradients; or Port del Rat at 2,630 metres, featuring a 230-metre drop, similar slopes, and separate start zones for categories.
Snow conditions are ideal, with winter accumulations of 310 to 370 centimetres topped by recent powder, ensuring safety and room for competitors to perform.
The resort strengthens its freeride credentials through 440 hectares of off-piste terrain, initiatives like the Freeride Academy, and its recent hosting of the first FIS Freeride World Championships—a sport eyeing Olympic inclusion.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: