Bonneval Waters Evolution 2 in La Rosière Sets the Bar High for the FWT Challenger by Orage

A spectacular debut on Mont Valaisan’s North Face kicks off the 2025 season in style.

The Bonneval Waters Evolution 2 La Rosière FWT Challenger, held on January 14, 2025, marked an exhilarating start to the FWT Challenger by Orage series. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, a destination renowned for its freeride culture and dynamic big-mountain terrain, La Rosière delivered steep descents, technical features, and an awe-inspiring display of talent that set the tone for the 2025 season.

The North Face of Mont Valaisan provided the perfect stage for a showcase of creativity and precision, with standout performances across all categories.

In the Snowboard Men, France’s Sacha Balicco delivered a show-stopping performance, landing a daring 360 on an exposed section of the course. His run earned him the top spot, edging out Switzerland’s Eliot Dänzer, who claimed second, and France’s Gabriel Bletton, who finished third with a solid, technical run.

The Ski Women category featured a close battle, with Kelly Berthon taking the win thanks to her playful and dynamic line that impressed both judges and fans alike. Elisabet Marina secured second place with a strong and composed performance, while Lou Barin rounded out the podium in third with her stylish and fluid run.

In the Snowboard Women, Russia’s Anna Orlova showed why she’s one to watch this season. Her massive air off the top section of the course set the tone for a commanding victory. Sweden’s Mikaela Hollsten and France’s Lou Ruiz joined her on the podium, earning second and third places, respectively, with consistent and confident performances.

The highlight of the day came in the Ski Men, where Anthony Cot delivered a high-octane run that featured massive backflips and a clean 360, earning him the top spot. Close behind was Ben Buratti, whose fluid and technical run left him just one point short of victory. Rising talent Nemo Plagne, representing the Freeski Academy, completed the podium with a brilliant third-place finish.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony filled with smiles and a celebratory after-party at the Alparena Hotel, where athletes, fans, and organizers came together to toast the success of the competition.

With this thrilling debut, the FWT Challenger by Orage series has set the stage for an unforgettable season. Stay tuned for more big-mountain action and groundbreaking performances as the series continues.

Learn more about the FWT Challenger by Orage and the latest updates at www.freerideworldtour.com/challenger and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and highlights.