Mancuso is undoubtedly one of the exciting wild cards for this year’s competition in Switzerland.
“Competing in the Verbier Xtreme is something that I've been wanting to do since I came to Verbier to participate in another event a couple of years ago," Mancuso says. "The Bec des Rosses is challenging. Last year when I was visiting in Verbier I knew it was something I wanted to conquer. I've never done a freeride competition but when I saw that the Xtreme was scheduled after our World Cup tour ended, I thought, 'Why not?' It’s another way I can challenge my own skiing and free skiing has always been a passion of mine.
"Growing up in Squaw (Valley, Calif.), I have had so many inspirational skiers to look up to. Of course JT Holmes and Cody Townsend have helped me push my limits, and I am really in awe of everyone out there living their passion and skiing for the love of the sport,” Mancuso added.
After the Freeride World Tour's first three stops in Russia, France and U.S., only the top eight male skiers, six male snowboarders, three female skiers and two female snowboarders have been invited to the finals in Verbier. They will be joined by a few selected “wild cards,” including Mancuso, along with the winners of the Freeride World Qualifier, Nendaz Freeride.
The action gets underway this Saturday in Verbier.
