FIS Freeride World Championships: Qualification System Explained

In February 2026, the world’s top freeriders will gather in Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, for the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships. This historic event not only crowns the FIS Freeride World Champions but also marks a new chapter for freeride under the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

With a one-run format deciding the final rankings, riders will push their limits across four competitions—Ski Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Men, and Snowboard Women—as they battle for national pride and the prestigious world title. A total of 67 athletes will earn their place through a carefully structured qualification process, ensuring a competitive and diverse field.

How Does Qualification Work?

The championship roster will be determined through five qualification groups, designed to balance top-ranked competitors with broad international participation:

• https://www.freerideworldtour.com/rankings/?season=2025Group 1: FWT Pro Ranking – The highest-ranked athletes from the 2025 FWT Pro season secure their spots, with 27 quotas allocated across the four competitions.
• Group 2: Continental Quotas – One spot per competition is reserved for the highest-ranked freerider from Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America who has not yet qualified, adding 20 more athletes to the lineup.
• Group 3: NSA Quotas – National Ski Associations (NSAs) receive additional spots based on the Nations Ranking, prioritizing countries with limited or no qualified riders, contributing 15 more athletes.
• Group 4 & Group 5: Wildcards – One wildcard per competition is granted to ensure exceptional athletes have a shot at the title, while the host nation has the opportunity to award one additional wildcard to a local rider.

With the Official Start Lists set to be published on September 16, 2025, this system guarantees a high level of competition while embracing freeride’s expanding global reach.

To better understand how this groundbreaking event will unfold, watch Episode 2 of our 3-part video series, where we explore the qualification process in depth and uncover why Andorra’s untamed mountains and legendary freeride terrain make it the perfect stage for the sport’s most anticipated championship.

Watch the video