Thrilling Battles and French Dominance at the 2025 Nendaz Freeride Challenger

The third FWT Challenger by Orage, organized by Nendaz Freeride, delivered an unforgettable day of high-flying action on the legendary Mont Gond face. Perfect bluebird conditions greeted the 63 riders from across Europe, the USA, New Zealand, and Japan, as the competition reached new heights. The younger generation came out swinging, while seasoned FWT pros faced stiff challenges in their pursuit of the podium. France once again showcased its dominance, claiming victories in three of the four categories.

Ski Women: France’s Zoé Delzoppo Takes the Crown

France’s Zoé Delzoppo impressed the judges and took the top spot with a commanding score of 81.33. She was closely followed by Switzerland’s Eva Battolla, who secured second place with an 80-point run. Rounding out the podium was another rising star, Mila De Le Rue from France, daughter of FWT Legend Xavier De Le Rue, landing in third with 77.67. The competition was fierce, with multiple riders putting down outstanding performances, but Delzoppo’s run stood out as the best of the day.

Ski Men: Rudy Collet Reigns Supreme

In the Ski Men’s category, France’s Rudy Collet emerged victorious with the highest score of the day, an impressive 84.33. Switzerland’s Victor Hale-Woods wasn’t far behind, claiming second place with a score of 82. Paul de Pourtalès, another Swiss contender, secured third with an 81-point run. The top ranks were hotly contested, with USA’s Alex Hackel and Benoît Lamour landing just outside the podium in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Snowboard Women: Celina Weber Claims Victory

Germany’s Celina Weber delivered a stellar performance to take gold in the Snowboard Women’s division with a score of 84. Austria’s Sarah Bacher put up a strong fight, finishing second with 81 points. Finland’s Mikaela Hollsten rounded out the podium with 80.33, making for an ultra-close battle among the top three. France had a strong presence in the final rankings, with riders Tiphanie Perrotin, former FWT Pro World Champion, and Iyoma Fugain finishing in the top six.

Snowboard Men: Gabin Bouzanne Tops the Podium

France’s Gabin Bouzanne dominated the Snowboard Men’s category with a winning score of 81.33. He edged out fellow Frenchman Kea Chretien, who took second with 78. Christophe Charlet, another French powerhouse, secured third with 75.67. Switzerland’s Marc Robert finished just off the podium in fourth, keeping the competition tight until the very end.

A Day to Remember in Nendaz

The 2025 Nendaz Freeride Challenger was a spectacular display of top-tier freeriding, with athletes pushing their limits on Mont-Gond’s legendary terrain. With France excelling across multiple categories, the event highlighted the country’s continued strength in the sport. As always, Nendaz Freeride delivered an exceptional competition, and fans can’t wait to see what next year’s edition brings!