The 2024 FWT Challenger by Orage kicked off in Monterosa

Region 1 best FWT Qualifier riders and FWT Pro riders who didn’t make the Cut battle up for a spot on the Freeride World Tour 2025.

Today, the first event of the FWT Challenger Region 1 took place on the steep and playful Bettaforca face in Monterosa Freeride Paradise, located in Valle d’Aosta, Italy. Since 2022, the FWT Challenger events have served as a gateway to the FWT. The best riders from the FWT Qualifier series have the chance to compete against the FWT riders who didn't make the Cut on the Pro tour that same year.

Despite warm temperatures, Monterosa Freeride Paradise offered solid conditions today. Thanks to significant snowfall over the past week, a good base build up for the competition and riders had the opportunity to shred some good powder turns putting down a great show amidst scenic 4000m peaks.

Notably, across all categories, many of the younger riders are part of freeride academies and train with coaches. This emphasizes the growth of the sport and the development of young riders, which is a very important sign for the freeride community.

Here's what happened today at Monterosa Freeride Paradise during the first-ever Italian Challenger event:

Snowboard Men

19-year-old French rider Cesar Barin set a high standard in the Snowboard Men category with a solid run featuring two huge backflips and consistent speed from top to bottom. Cesar demonstrated his ability to adapt to varying snow conditions and delivered a clean run in his Challengers Rookie season. Hugo Serra (FRA), a more seasoned competitor who didn't make the Cut in the FWT, finished second, impressing with a huge feature in the top section of the venue and showcasing his smooth riding skills. Christophe Charlet (FRA) secured third place, completing an all-French podium. The Chamonix rider chose a different line from his competitors and demonstrated his stylish riding.

Snowboard Women

Noemie Equy (FRA), a former member of the French freestyle national team coming from Val Thorens, executed a run where air time and control combined perfectly, securing her victory. Her smooth turns on the rocky section and great adaptability set the standard for this category. Second place was claimed by the 2022 FWT World Champion Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA), who didn't make the Cut following the Georgia Pro event. A skilled steep rider, Tiphanie is able to stomp features and draw clean, beautiful runs, as she showed today. The Austrian Sarah Bacher claimed the third spot on the podium, showcasing her creative skills by choosing a line unlike any others in her category.

Ski Women

Germany’s Lena Kohler secured her spot at the top of the rankings with a proper line from top to bottom, maintaining excellent speed and doubling up two big features before crossing the finish line. Jenna Keller (SUI), a Verbier rider, secured the second spot on the podium. Her performance was defined by a massive cliff stomped without hesitation and a smart line choice, proving her to be a very technical rider. Third place went to Mia McNab (FRA), a young rider from Chamonix who chose a steep line and delivered an impressive and flowing run.

Ski Men

As the temperatures increased and the snow conditions deteriorated, the riders in the Ski Men category attempted big jumps but ended up in numerous crashes. The French Benoit Lamour claimed first place, stomping a massive backflip with a perfect landing. Benoit only started freeriding four years ago and has worked his way up to the Challengers. Verbier rider Paul Dentan (SUI), who received a wildcard for the FWT Challenger, claimed second place. His creative line included big features and fun transfers. Max Zimmermann (GER) took third place, dropping in with style and delivering a fast, playful run.