We're off, headed into the Ecrins National Park to set up our Mountain Hardwear "Free the Ride" backcountry base camp.  It's looking like a powder week, with the weather forecast calling for fresh snow.  The southern Alps are being hit with as much as snow as is expected in the North.  The team of riders was selected 2 weeks ago in La Grave, and the selected team members will be kitted out head to tow by Mountain Hardwear.  All the athletes are super motivated to make this week a memorable part of their winter season and are keen to get into the backcountry to rip up new lines.  We've got a photographer and camera man with us to make sure that the spirit of this event is captured and more important than ever, to record the lines and keep you dreaming.  We'll look forward to catching up with you after March 8th, and in the meantime, enjoy the powder skiing!