The beautiful village of Chamonix in the French Alps host the start of the fifth Freeriding season

The energetic, imaginative and ultimately dangerous sport of freeriding may still be in its infancy as a recognised competitive pastime. But its stars are preparing for the 2012 World Tour's start at Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, that runs from 21st to 27th January.

Not to be confused with cycling events under the freeriding title, Chamonix will see some of the finest skiers and snowboarders testing their control and sheer daring, in the pristine Alpine scenery.