X Over Ride Kitzsteinhorn Challenger 2025: FWT Spots on the Line in High-Stakes Showdown

The 2025 X Over Ride Kitzsteinhorn Challenger was a decisive battleground in the Freeride World Tour (FWT) Challenger Series, drawing top freeriders to the demanding slopes of Kitzsteinhorn, Austria. As the penultimate event before FWT qualification, tension was high, and every run mattered. Riders faced a formidable 600 m vertical face packed with steep chutes, exposed cliffs, and freestyle-friendly sections, pushing their limits in pursuit of a spot the 2026 Freeride World Tour.

With fresh snowfall setting up solid conditions but sun exposure adding complexity, competitors had to find the perfect balance between aggression and precision to stay in the race for a spot on the world’s most prestigious freeride tour.

Men’s Ski: Fynn Powell Leads the Charge

Fynn Powell (New Zealand) delivered a dominant performance, scoring 84.33 to claim the top spot. His aggressive yet controlled approach solidified his standing as a top FWT hopeful. Close behind, Victor Hale-Woods (Switzerland) tackled a technical and calculated line, earning 78 points and strengthening his bid for tour qualification. Ugo Troubat (France) rounded out the podium in third with 77.33, keeping himself well-positioned ahead of the final Challenger event.

Women’s Ski: Zoé Delzoppo Secures the Win

Zoé Delzoppo (France) claimed victory in the women’s ski category with 80 points, setting herself apart with a confident and composed run. Elly Olsson (Sweden) followed in second with 65.67, keeping her FWT qualification hopes alive. Lou Barin (France) secured third with 65.33, adding another solid result to her Challenger campaign.

Men’s Snowboard: Eliot Dänzer Steals the Show

Switzerland’s Eliot Dänzer took the men’s snowboard win with 82 points, blending freestyle flair with big-mountain control. Right behind him, Cesar Barin (France) landed 78.33 for second place, keeping his FWT dreams in sight. Sacha Balicco (France) continued his podium streak, finishing third with 76.33 as the season approaches its climax.

Women’s Snowboard: Celina Weber Edges Out the Victory

Celina Weber (Germany) put down a well-executed run to claim first place with 65.33 points in the women’s snowboard division. Close behind, Austria’s Sarah Bacher delivered a strong performance, taking second with 65 points. Briony Johnson (Australia) secured third with 64.33, staying in contention for an FWT spot.

What’s Next?

With just one event left in the Challenger Series, the battle for FWT qualification now heads to Obertauern. The final stop will decide which riders earn their spot on the elite tour, making every turn, jump, and landing critical.