1st November 2025
The primary World Championships are set to happen in Andorra, in February 2026. NEW
The FIS Freeride World Championships, launching in 2026 underneath the Worldwide Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), symbolize the head of freeride snowboarding and snowboarding competitors.
In contrast to the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Efficiency, which is a season-long circuit, the World Championships will crown official FIS Freeride World Champions in a single-event format.
The inaugural version will run from February 1–6, 2026, bringing the world’s high freeriders to the famend and difficult terrain of Ordino Arcalís within the Pyrenees.
Earlier this yr, 47 riders earned their spots by way of Teams 1 and a pair of, primarily based on FWT Professional Rankings and Continental quotas.
With the announcement of Group 3 NSA Quota Riders, Group 4 Wildcards and Group 5 Host Nation Wildcard, the roster now contains 66 of the 66 whole athletes who will compete for World Champion titles.
Freeride World Tour. Picture c/o @freerideworldtour+ D.DAHER.
Teams 1 & 2 – FWT Professional Rankings and Continental Quotas
The primary wave of certified athletes for the 2026 FIS Freeride World Championships was decided by way of Teams 1 and a pair of, representing the highest freeriders from the 2025 FWT season and the highest-ranked athletes from every continent.
Group 1 – FWT Professional Rating:
The highest-ranked riders from the 2025 FIS Freeride World Tour Professional standings earned direct qualification for the World Championships.
All Group 1 athletes meet the official FIS eligibility standards and have been invited by FIS following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Ought to any athlete be unable to take part, their Nationwide Ski Affiliation (NSA) is chargeable for choosing a alternative inside the identical competitors class.
Group 2 – Continental Quotas:
To make sure international illustration, 5 continental quotas (Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America) have been added to the beginning listing.
Every quota was awarded to the highest-ranked rider on the Qualifying International Seeding Record, excluding injured athletes with frozen factors.
All Group 2 athletes have been personally allotted by FIS, in communication with their respective NSAs, which additionally oversee potential replacements if essential.
Collectively, Teams 1 and a pair of account for 47 athletes, forming the core of the roster and representing the easiest of the 2025 freeride season worldwide.
Group 3 – NSA Quotas: broadening international illustration
14 riders have earned their place through Nationwide Ski Affiliation (NSA) quotas, granted to international locations that don’t have already got certified athletes (or just one in Ski Males) from Teams 1 and a pair of.
These quotas have been distributed primarily based on a Nations Rating, calculated utilizing worldwide outcomes from the highest 100 athletes in every self-discipline.
Every eligible NSA was invited to appoint one rider, who should meet FIS Freeride eligibility standards.
This method ensures elevated international illustration whereas sustaining the competitors’s elite requirements.
Group 4 – Wildcards: 4 athletes added to the lineup
Alongside the NSA Quota Riders, 4 wildcard athletes (one per self-discipline) have been awarded a spot on the 2026 FIS Freeride World Championships.
These Group 4 Wildcards are allotted instantly by FIS Freeride to handle wants corresponding to accidents, media visibility, or nationwide curiosity.
FIS Freeride confirmed the allocation of 4 wildcards, awarded to the next athletes:
Ski Males: Kai Jones (USA)
Ski Girls: Manon Loschi (FRA)
Snowboard Males: Blake Moller (USA)
Snowboard Girls: Marion Haerty (FRA)
All wildcard athletes should be members of a Nationwide Ski Affiliation, and within the occasion of a withdrawal, FIS Freeride will designate a alternative, doubtlessly from one other nation.
Group 5 – Host Nation Wildcard: the ultimate spot
The ultimate and 66th rider spot comes by way of the Host Nation Wildcard, allotted by the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE).
This ultimate choice ensures illustration for the host nation and formally completes the lineup.
Ski Males: Joan Aracil (AND)
FIS Freeride World Championships. Picture @freerideworldtour.
Concerning the FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut
Date: Climate window February 1–6, 2026, with one competitors day chosen for optimum conditionsLocation: Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, a famend freeride venue within the PyreneesFormat: 4 competitions: Ski Males, Ski Girls, Snowboard Males, Snowboard Girls / one run per athleteTotal athletes: 66 riders will compete
This landmark occasion marks the official integration of freeride snowboarding and snowboarding underneath the governance of FIS, establishing freeride as a globally recognised self-discipline.
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