2025 Freeride World Tour Roster Announced: Elite Riders and Rising Stars to Battle Across Five Stops for Spot in the FWT Finals

October 18th, 2024
The infamous Bec Des Rosses in Verbier, the venue for final Freeride World Tour final. Photo: Daher/FWT

 Mountainwatch | Press Release

VERBIER, Switzerland – October 17, 2024: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance has officially unveiled the roster for its 2025 edition, sparking excitement and anticipation. A mix of freeride’s most accomplished athletes and hungry newcomers are set to compete, making this one of the most unpredictable seasons to date. Last year riders pushed the sport to new heights, delivering groundbreaking performances that left everyone wondering how far it can go in 2025. With this level of progression, the stage is set for another breathtaking season as the world’s best skiers and snowboarders take on the most challenging big mountain terrains.

This year, with a new stop in Val Thorens and only one FWT Final after the Cut, the season promises nonstop action from start to finish. Riders will need to be at their best from the first drop, as every run will count toward their chance to qualify for the ultimate showdown at the YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda.

Ski Men: Veterans and Rising Stars Ready for an Explosive Battle in 2025

Max Hitzig, 2024 Freerdie World Cgamp. Photo: D Daher/FWT

Eighteen of the world’s best riders are set to clash in what promises to be the most thrilling season yet. Defending champion Max Hitzig returns to protect his crown, but he’ll be facing relentless competition from fierce rivals like Marcus Goguen and Ben Richards, both eager to turn the tables after last season’s near misses.

The introduction of Val Thorens—a new battleground that’s unknown to most—adds an element of suspense, especially for the French riders who may use home advantage to shake up the rankings. As young, fearless talents collide with battle-hardened veterans, this season will come down to raw guts, razor-sharp focus, and the ability to conquer the unforgiving lines that separate legends from the rest.

Marcus Goegen’s go-for-it approach has the other riders on notice. Photo: J Bernard/FWT

Get to know the Ski Men who will go head-to-head on the biggest stage of freeride:

Ski Women: A Wide-Open Field Ready to Push the Limits of Freeride

Astrid Cheylus,celebrating the biggest win of her career in Verbier. Photo: Lloyd/FWT

With reigning champion Hedvig Wessel stepping aside, the 2025 Ski Women’s title is anyone’s for the taking. Last season’s runner-up, Astrid Cheylus, is eager to capitalise on her recent success, while Zuzanna Witych, who finished third in 2024, is ready to push herself even further in pursuit of the crown. The field is set to be more unpredictable than ever, with wildcards still to be revealed—promising to shake up the roster and add even more intensity to the competition. From fearless newcomers to battle-tested veterans, this season will be a thrilling showcase of progression and determination on the world’s most daunting freeride terrain.

Verbier local Sybille Blanjean on her way to winning the Xtreme Verbier in 2022 and is always a threat if she makes the final cut. Photo: FWT/Bernard

Get to know the Ski Women ready to battle for the crown on the world’s most challenging freeride terrain:

Snowboard Men: The Pursuit of Glory and a Fourth Crown

World Champ Victor De Le Rue making light  work of a cliff drop in the 2024 Kicking Horse event. Photo: Daher/FWT

All eyes are on three-time FWT champion Victor de Le Rue as he aims to make history by securing a fourth title. After dominating the 2024 season with four wins out of five stops, de Le Rue has set a high bar for anyone hoping to challenge his reign. However, veteran Jonathan Penfield, in his eighth year on the Tour, is more determined than ever to claim his long-awaited first title. With heavy hitters like Liam Rivera and Timm Schröder joining the battle, the stage is set for an intense season. And with surprises likely to come from fresh faces who qualified through the Challenger Series, this year’s competition will be more unpredictable than ever. Success will come down to who can rise to the challenge under pressure and deliver flawless runs when it counts the most.

Jonathan Penfield, an eight-year veteran on the tour, is chasing his first world tour title. Photo: Daher/FWT

Meet the Snowboard Men who will push their limits in the ultimate freeride showdown:

Snowboard Women: A Tight Race for the Crown in 2025

Anna Martinez, 3rd in 2024,  a strong contender on this season. Photo: Bernard/FWT

After narrowly clinching last year’s title, Erin Sauve is back to defend her crown, but she faces fierce competition. Núria Castán Barón, last season’s runner-up, is hungry to take the top spot, determined to turn her close finish into victory. Anna Martinez, who finished third in 2024, is also a strong contender, ready to build on her momentum. With seasoned athletes and promising newcomers in the mix, this season promises edge-of-your-seat competition as the world’s best snowboarders battle for freeride supremacy.

Erin scoping out her line in Georgia. Photo: Bernard/FWT
Erin scoping out her line in Georgia. Photo: Bernard/FWT

Introducing the talented Snowboard Women set to compete for glory on freeride’s biggest stage:

The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most intense and unpredictable in Freeride World Tour history. With every rider determined to leave their mark, the stakes have never been higher. Fans can expect an electrifying showdown as the world’s top freeriders push their limits across five epic stops, culminating in the prestigious YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda. Adding to the excitement, season wildcards will be announced on October 24th, promising to shake up the competition and heighten the suspense in the race for the title.

Stay connected for updates on the 2025 season at www.freerideworldtour.com and follow on social media for all the latest news.