The annual Red Bull Raid seeks to push all-mountain skiers and splitboarders to the limit on a wild course. Skiers and riders from across the U.S. are welcome to apply for the 2022 event at Palisades Tahoe.
Forecasters in the Lake Tahoe area expect a good weather window from March 7-11, 2022. Red Bull announced it will pounce on the opportunity to host its freeriding competition at Palisades during the sunny break.
The Red Bull Raid combines uphill ski mountaineering with modern big-mountain downhill riding involving jumps, flips, and speed. The result is an often raucous multi-discipline competition that focuses on local talent.
Red Bull invites competent skiers or riders with experience in skinning, transitioning gear, and descending variable and advanced terrain to apply. The contest aims to showcase “the best of human-powered on-snow challenges” and gives everyday athletes the chance to lock horns with a pro.
Red Bull athlete and Olympian Daron Rahlves will take on the course alongside 79 amateur competitors.
Twelve total prize purses are at stake for the top three finishers in men’s and women’s ski and splitboard events.
The contest takes place in two heats of 40 athletes each, followed by a finals event. In each heat, riders and skiers compete in two events: an uphill race and a big-mountain freeride contest.
Each athlete scores up to 100 points in each event. The uphill race is timed; the freeride course is judged on technicality. Top finishers advance to the finals and repeat the process until only the top three in each category remain.
GearJunkie’s Nate Mitka threw himself into the Red Bull Raid fray back in 2019; read his report below.
Past Raids at Palisades Tahoe (which went by a different name in each previous edition) showcased big drops on bluebird days. This year will be the first chance for athletes from anywhere in the United States to compete in a Raid since 2019.
COVID-19 shut down the 2020 edition altogether. And due to regulations imposed by the virus, Red Bull restricted the 2021 event to Tahoe locals only.
The Raid’s prize structure is straightforward: First place gets $1,000, second place gets $500, and third gets $250.
Red Bull says this year’s Raid seeks to recognize ski resort workers after two challenging pandemic years. The 2022 Raid, the brand says, will “celebrate all aspects of snowsports and the local lifties, ski and ride instructors, hospitality workers, patrollers, and food and beverage staff who make it all possible.”
Registration costs $40 and the 79 slots are first-come, first-serve. To learn more and sign up, visit the Red Bull Raid landing page.
