FWT 2025 Season Preview: What’s in Store for the Season

A new season means new excitement, and FWT 2025 is pulling out all the stops. With a reimagined Cut format that adds an extra event, a bold restructuring of the FWT Challenger Series, and an all-new destination on the map, this season promises more thrills than ever. Get ready to be surprised and delighted by everything we have in store. Discover all you need to know in our FWT Season Preview.

So, let’s dive into the exciting new features awaiting you this season!

New Format for “The Cut”

This season, the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance is shaking things up with a new structure for "The Cut." Riders now face five total events to secure their top three results, which will determine who advances to the final showdown. Compared to last year, when they only had four stops to qualify with their best three results, this extra event offers more opportunities for riders to showcase their skills and take risks. The sixth and final stop, the YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda, promises a thrilling finale where only the best will make it to the grand stage. This shift allows for more dramatic performances, as riders can push their limits without the pressure of constant consistency across every stop.

This season, the Freeride World Tour has also made some exciting changes to give riders more chances to reach the grand finale in Verbier. Roughly 60% of riders who start the journey in Baqueira Beret Pro will now qualify for the final, up from just 50% in previous years. This shift comes after feedback showed that the previous Cut was a bit too tough, eliminating some great riders too early. The penultimate stop in Fieberbrunn Pro will be crucial as the final qualifying event before the Cut, adding an extra layer of intensity and strategy for those aiming to secure a spot in Verbier.

But the FWT Pro isn’t the only series seeing big changes this year...

FWT Challenger Series

The FWT Challenger kicking off on January 1st, will include six events in Region 1 (Europe-Asia-Oceania), with riders’ top four results counting toward their rankings. Region 2 (Americas) will continue with three events taking place between Canada and the US in the month of March. This tour aims to build a second elite tier that offers consistent, high-level competition, creating a genuine pathway for emerging talent to reach the top.

The top performers will earn coveted spots in the FWT Pro. Additionally, riders who don’t make the Cut on the FWT Pro will have the chance to qualify for the Challenger Series, either in the same season or for the next (depending on their region), keeping the door open for redemption.

The FWT Challenger isn’t alone in adding thrilling news this season...

Exciting New Stop: Val Thorens Pro

The Freeride World Tour is making a thrilling return to France after an eight-year break, with a brand-new stop in Val Thorens from January 27 to February 1, 2025. This event marks a long-awaited return since the last French FWT stop in Chamonix. Val Thorens promises an epic atmosphere, especially for the 10 French riders competing on home snow. With Victor de Le Rue calling this his home resort, expect an outpouring of local support, adding to the energy.

The competition will take place on the iconic Cime Caron, a renowned freeriding hotspot with challenging slopes and stunning views. The buzz around this event is already immense, and with the enthusiastic French freeride community set to turn out in full force, this could be one of the most electrifying stops in FWT history!

We've given you a taste of Val Thorens, but here’s a preview of all the other epic Stops on the Tour.

Tour Stops Highlights

Get ready for an epic season on the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2025! The journey kicks off in Baqueira Beret Pro, Spain (Jan 18-23), where the Pyrenees come alive with fans and fierce runs in a location that has quickly become a Tour favorite. Next, it’s a historic debut for the Tour at Val Thorens Pro, France (Jan 27-Feb 1), bringing freeride thrills to Les Trois Vallées with high-altitude excitement.

Then, we’re off to Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro, Canada (Feb 7-13), nestled in the Purcell Mountains, where rugged terrain and deep powder make for pure freeride bliss. After Canada, the action heads to Georgia Pro (Feb 23-Mar 1), a freeride paradise in the Caucasus Mountains, promising powder-filled thrills.

The tension heats up in Fieberbrunn Pro, Austria (Mar 8-13), the final Stop before The Cut, where riders will lay it all on the line to secure their place in the final. This sets the stage for the grand finale at the YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda in Switzerland (Mar 22-30), where only the best will compete for the ultimate freeride glory in the season’s most intense showdown.

This year, the YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda celebrates an incredible milestone—its 30th anniversary. Known as the birthplace of freeride competition, Verbier hosted its first freeride event in 1996, well before the inception of the Freeride World Tour. Over three decades, this legendary event has not only crowned champions but also shaped the very soul of the sport, becoming a revered proving ground for athletes who aspire to greatness. The steep, unforgiving face of Bec des Rosses has defined the world’s best freeriders, cementing their status in the freeride hall of fame.

With a new stop, legendary terrain, and endless action, 2025 is shaping up to be a season you won’t want to miss!

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We’ve been talking about the events, but we haven’t even introduced the participants yet—here are the:

Return of the Legends

The FWT 2025 season is set to be electrifying with the return of several legendary athletes:

• Arianna Tricomi: A three-time consecutive FWT Champion, Arianna has been a dominant force since her debut in 2016. Her dynamic style and consistent excellence have left an indelible mark on the tour.
• Ross Tester: Known for his memorable victories at stops like Ordino Arcalís Pro in Andorra and Fieberbrunn Pro in 2021, Ross brings a blend of technical prowess and daring creativity. His
• Camille Armand: Competing on the Tour since 2016, Camille's extensive experience and unwavering determination have made him a formidable competitor. With a wealth of experience, he is now more motivated than ever to secure his first FWT title.
• Justine Dufour-Lapointe: The 2023 Ski Women’s Champion, Justine returns to the Tour. Her resilience and competitive spirit are set to make a significant impact as she aims to reclaim her championship status.

The return of these athletes adds depth and excitement to the upcoming season. Their presence is sure to inspire both fans and fellow competitors, promising a thrilling and unforgettable FWT 2025.

But the Tour isn’t only about its legends—let’s explore each category and get to know the contenders

Rider Categories

SKI MEN

The spotlight is on Max Hitzig and Marcus Goguen, who have set the stage for an intense rivalry with new tricks ready to drop this season. Last season hinted at what promises to be a high-stakes battle, and with the new format adding an extra stop before the Cut, the excitement is only growing. However, the field remains open, with past FWT Ski Men Champions like Max Hitzig (2024), Valentin Rainer (2023), Maxime Chabloz (2022), and Kristofer Turdell (2018, 2021) all poised to bring their best to the competition.

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SKI WOMEN

While reigning 2024 FWT Champion Hedvig Wessel will be missed, the return of previous FWT Champions Justine Dufour-Lapointe (2023) and Arianna Tricomi (2018, 2019, 2020) sets up an exciting face-off. Young talents like Astrid Cheylus, last year’s runner-up, bring fresh ambition, promising an exhilarating season that will mix experience with rising stars in the Ski Women category.

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SNOWBOARD WOMEN

It’s an all-Canadian showdown this year, with two-time FWT Champions Katie Anderson and Erin Sauve back on the Tour. This “duel of compatriots” brings even more intensity to the Snowboard Women category.

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SNOWBOARD MEN

Victor de Le Rue dominated last season, but as he aims to break his brother’s record of three titles, he faces formidable opponents. Experienced riders like Jonathan Penfield and Camille Armand will make his path to another title anything but easy, turning the Snow Men category into a thrilling battle of skills and endurance.

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Partnerships Elevating the Tour

This season, the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance welcomes exciting new partnerships that promise to elevate the experience for athletes and fans alike. Mammut joins the lineup, bringing its renowned expertise in mountain safety and gear, while Therm-IC ensures athletes stay warm and comfortable with cutting-edge heating solutions. Additionally, Honda partners with the YETI Xtreme Verbier event, adding a boost of energy and prestige to the grand finale. These collaborations reflect the Tour's commitment to safety and innovation.