First Ever FIS Freeride World Champions Crowned After a Historic Day in Andorra
Mountainwatch | Press Release
Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, Feb 3rd: The Allianz FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut took place for the first time ever today, Tuesday February 3, following exceptional snowfall that delivered 150 cm of fresh snow, creating outstanding competition conditions in Andorra.
Competition day at Ordino Arcalís delivered a defining moment for the sport, as the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships unfolded in front of an engaged audience. After a covered start which challenged visibility, the competition went under way with picture perfect conditions. On world-class terrain the Andorran resort provided a spectacular setting for a landmark event that brought together the world’s best freeriders on one stage.
*Australia had four riders competing and they put down solid runs, Briony Johnston placing 5th in women’s snowboard, Michael Davis-Meehan 8th, Vaughn Hardwick 7th in men’s snowboard and Zanna Farrell, 8th in women’s ski.
Local and visiting supporters came together to back their respective nations’ freeriders, while uniting in celebration of this defining moment in the sport’s history, creating an atmosphere worthy of a world championship debut. From the scale of the legendary venue; Basser Negre face (2,687 m), to the energy of the crowd, Ordino Arcalís rose to the occasion, hosting a competition that marked a historic new chapter for freeriding.
Snowboard men:Liam Rivera claims a dominant win for Switzerland
Liam Rivera (SUI) comes home victorious having confidently landed a score of 84.33. The Swiss snowboarder put down a clean and confident line against some challengingly rocky sections, followed by a momentous double feature which secured his place in the history books as the first ever Snowboard Men World Champion.
Victor de Le Rue (FRA) dropped in last, bringing immense pressure and showcasing a clean opening 360. A performance which reminded his audience of his fierce freeride prominence and earned him second place with a score of 80.00. Michael Mawn (USA) demonstrated bold determination and strong board control throughout his run as he re-entered the freeride scene for one single, yet unforgettable performance, awarding him 69.00 and a solid third place in the World Championship standings.
“The snow and conditions were amazing. I’m always nervous going into a competition, and at the top I felt even more nervous today because I really wanted to push myself. My only focus was landing my run without thinking about the result. Becoming the first FIS Freeride World Champion feels like a dream. This victory belongs to my team, my fellow Swiss athletes, and everyone who supported Switzerland.” – Liam Rivera
Snowboard Women: Mia Jones Takes the Top Spot for the USA
Mia Jones (USA) delivered a standout run, showing exactly why she leads the overall Freeride World Tour rankings in her rookie season. Dropping into the extremely steep upper section with confidence, and maintaining control at high speed was a defining feature of the run. Enough to earn her the triumphant 84.00 point win and title.
Noémie Equy (FRA), secured a score of 81.33 and a close second place dominance after an aggressive line approach. Núria Castán Barón (ESP) performance ignited the Spanish fans as she demonstrated once again, that she performs best in the Pyrenees, taking home a solid third place and 79.00 points.
“I can’t believe it. The venue was incredible and so much fun. It’s an honor to be in this position. Representing the USA alongside so many other American athletes truly felt special, we came here as a team. There was an incredible energy surrounding this competition, and it made the experience even more meaningful.” – Mia Jones
Ski Men: Ben Richards Delivers a Winning Performance for New Zealand
Ben Richards (NZL) completed a hat-trick of wins in just his third professional competition of the season, sealing a World Champion title in the process. He delivered a near-flawless, statement run that quickly became one of the highlights of the day and his consistently dominant performance rewarded Richards with a massive 91.67.
Ugo Troubat (FRA), after earning a late call-up to the event, achieved an impressive 86.00 and delivered a second place on the podium for Team France. Young newcomer, Kai Jones (USA) also established himself among the roster, earning 76.67 points in third place and a spot on the podium alongside winning cousin in the Snowboard Women category; Mia Jones (USA).
“I’m over the moon. I’m so proud to represent New Zealand. I wouldn’t be here without the many incredible skiers to have represented the country before me, so this win goes out to all of them. The crowd here is awesome and their support means the world. Like any other competition run, I just trying to point it and hold on. Thankfully I made it down cleanly, it still hasn’t sunk in that I’m the first ever Ski Men World Champion.”– Ben Richards
Ski Women: Historic Victory for Poland
The Ski Women category at the FIS Freeride World Championships was stopped due to a lack of visibility following a decision by the Contest Director, prioritising athlete safety. At the time of interruption, 11 of the 16 competitors had completed their runs, meeting the two-thirds threshold required under FIS Freeride Competition Rules. The results of the Ski Women category have therefore been validated.
Zuzanna Witych (POL) has been crowned FIS Freeride World Champion in the Ski Women category. After a mighty performance under deteriorating weather conditions, Witych maintained composure and read the terrain tactfully, for which she was rewarded with a score of 80.33 and the ultimate title.
Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) followed closely in second place with a competitive score of 76.33, secured by stomping one of her renowned backflips in a strong redemption after narrowly missing a challenging landing last week in Val Thorens. Molly Armanino (USA) put down a clean run, combining style and precision at arguably the most important competition of the year.
“The feeling is incredible. The wait was long, and it’s bittersweet considering the weather and the five riders who weren’t able to complete their runs, but it’s still mind-blowing. I can hardly believe it. Representing my country as the only Polish rider in this competition means everything to me. Carrying my flag and representing my people was incredibly special, and I couldn’t be happier to finish the competition in first place.” – Zuzanna Witych
France Leads Nations Ranking
In addition to the individual titles, the event introduced a Nations Ranking, adding a medal-based team competition that rewarded collective performance. Points were awarded to the top five finishers in each category, with a maximum of 100 points for first place, contributing to an overall Medal Standing used to determine the top-performing nation.
France topped the Nations Ranking, followed by the USA in second place and Canada in third.
The Allianz FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut marked a historic milestone for freeriding. Blessed with exceptional snow conditions, athletes showcased the full majesty of the sport on the international stage while proudly representing their nations. Although the competition concluded with a bittersweet note, the riders pushed their limits to deliver unforgettable performances, culminating in the crowning of four inaugural FIS Freeride World Champions.
