FIS Freeride World Tour 2026 Calendar: The Tour Returns to Alaska With a New Stop in Haines
Mountainwatch | Press Release
VERBIER, Switzerland – October 9th, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance returns in 2026 for its 19th season, featuring six elite stops across Europe and North America. The Tour launches in Baqueira Beret, Spain, and introduces a brand-new venue in Haines, Alaska, rekindling the sport’s connection with one of its most iconic freeride destinations.
Athletes will compete across four regular season events, with their top three results counting toward qualification for the two prestigious FWT Finals: the YETI Alaska Haines Pro and the YETI Xtreme Verbier. These Finals present two contrasting big mountain challenges: Alaska’s deep, wild backcountry and Verbier’s steep, technical terrain. The stage is set for a season of high-stakes competition and the path to the 2026 titles won’t be easy.
Inside the 2026 FWT Season
Stop 1: Baqueira Beret Pro – January 16-21, 2026
The season kicks off in Baqueira Beret, Spain, a freeride hotspot in the heart of the Pyrenees. Athletes will tackle the challenging slopes of Tuc de Bacivèr, known for its varied terrain and complex snowpack. This high-energy opener is a fan favorite, with passionate local crowds bringing a festival-like atmosphere. From rookies making their debut to Tour veterans aiming to start strong, Baqueira is where momentum begins.
Stop 2: Val Thorens Pro – January 24-29, 2026
Val Thorens returns for its second appearance on the Tour, bringing riders into the high alpine heart of Les Trois Vallées. Last season’s deep snowpack produced some of the year’s most memorable lines, and all eyes are now on Cime Caron, whose steep face offers both exposure and creative possibilities. With strong local talent and a supportive French crowd, the atmosphere is electric.
Stop 3: Georgia Pro – February 22-28, 2026
Set in the towering Caucasus Mountains, the Georgia Pro has earned a special place on the Tour for its raw terrain and cultural richness. Athletes will take on the Kakhiani face in Tetnuldi, featuring steep, technical pitches and natural features. While the landscape offers isolation and challenge, it’s paired with the warmth and hospitality of the Georgian people, whose passion for freeride creates an unforgettable stop on the Tour.
Stop 4: Fieberbrunn Pro – March 5-10, 2026
Fieberbrunn marks a critical moment on the Tour: the final chance to qualify for the FWT Finals. Set on the legendary Wildseeloder face, this Austrian venue delivers steep & technical terrain. With Finals qualification on the line, every turn carries weight. The alpine heritage, the passionate local fans, and the high-stakes atmosphere combine to make Fieberbrunn one of the most emotionally charged stops of the season.
The Cut
After the first four events, only the top 60% of riders will qualify for the FWT Finals, a pivotal turning point in the season. Rankings are determined by each athlete’s best three results. Those who make The Cut will advance to two contrasting venues: the vast backcountry of Alaska and the steep, technical terrain of Verbier.
Finals 1: YETI Alaska Haines Pro – March 15-22, 2026
The Tour returns to Alaska for the first time since 2017, landing in Haines, a freeride mecca known for massive spines, deep snow, and dramatic terrain. As the first of two FWT Finals, this stop is a pivotal battleground where the smallest mistake can end a title run. The backcountry lines here are as beautiful as they are brutal, offering the ultimate test of a rider’s creativity, skill, and courage.
Finals 2: YETI Xtreme Verbier – March 28-April 5, 2026
The 2026 season culminates on the revered Bec des Rosses, home of freeride and the sport’s most iconic venue. With pitches exceeding 50 degrees and a maze of cliffs and rocks, it’s the ultimate proving ground. The pressure is immense, the FWT title on the line, the mountain unforgiving. As the final showdown of the year, Verbier remains the heart and soul of freeride competition.
Don’t miss a moment
Follow the Freeride World Tour live at www.freerideworldtour.com, where every stop will be broadcast. Stay connected through our social media channels for behind-the-scenes content, rider interviews, and more. The countdown to the 2026 season has begun, and the world’s best freeriders are ready to deliver standout performances on the world’s most challenging terrain.
