"Georgia’s Tetnuldi ski resort in northwestern Svaneti region will host the Freeride World Tour on February 29 for the first time in the history of the country," - the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia reports.

The decision was announced at the annual Freeride event in the French city of Annecy.

"For two years, Georgia has successfully hosted the qualifying stages of Freeride. The events held at the highest level triggered the attention of international experts towards Georgia. Georgia is among the 6 leading exclusive countries: (Canada, Andorra, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Georgia) which have received the right to hold the Freeride World Tour.

Freeriding is a special type of winter sport, which involves sliding in untracked snow on difficult and mountainous terrain. The International Ski Federation (FIS) included it in its composition, and the competition is held under their auspices.

50 outstanding riders from 15 countries (France, Canada, Spain, the USA, Mexico, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Norway, New Zealand, Japan, Georgia) will compete in the event, among them will be a "wild card owner",  Georgia Representative, Jaba Skhvediani. Mestia has become a new freeride destination in the world, and Tetnuldi ski Resort has positioned itself as a new discovery destination for freeride enthusiasts.

The Freeride World Tour covers 300 million spectators, in total, the mentioned event is very important for the development of winter sports and tourism.

Conducting the event at a high standard will present the potential of the Georgian mountain and ski resorts on an international scale. It will increase the awareness of the Georgian mountain and ski resorts in a new direction and make them more attractive for local and foreign vacationers and investors, which, in turn, will contribute to the development of tourism in Georgia and the creation of an appropriate investment environment.

The event will be held with the support of the Government of Georgia, organized by the Mountains Trails Agency (MTA) LLC of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the sponsor of the competition is the TBC company, and the partner is the USAID's Economic Security Program and Andersen Georgia", - the statement says.