Freeride World Tour Returns to Alaska with a Freeride Showcase at the with a Freeride Showcase at the Yeti Alaska Haines  Pro

Mountainwatch | Press Release

After an eight-year absence, the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance returned to the legendary Alaskan spines of Haines, delivering a spectacular showcase of pure freeride at the YETI Alaska Haines Pro.

Riders competed on The Venue, last used in 2017, under excellent conditions with 20 cm of fresh snow blanketing the face. Defined by dramatic ridgelines and iconic spines, the venue offered athletes countless opportunities to link technical features with creative freeride lines.

With a 740-metre vertical drop, competitors needed both endurance and precision to maintain control, speed, and fluidity from the start gate all the way to the finish.

Competing on home snow, two American riders claimed victory, marking a memorable return of the Freeride World Tour to the United States.

Victor De Le Rue (FRA), Mia Jones (USA), Sybille Blanjean (SUI), and Toby Rafford (USA) made a lasting impression with runs that secured them the win.

Snowboard Men: Victor  de Le Rue Showcases his Alaskan Expertise 

Fresh off his victory in Val Thorens, Victor de Le Rue (FRA) arrived in Alaska determined to maintain his momentum. A regular visitor to the Alaskan ranges, he used his experience on this unique terrain to full advantage. Riding with speed and total control, de Le Rue delivered a commanding run from top to bottom, linking technical freeride sections with freestyle elements. His highlight was a frontside 540, a trick rarely seen in FWT competition. His dominant performance earned 91.67 points, securing the victory and reinforcing his position at the top of the overall rankings.

Liam Rivera (SUI) finished second with a fluid descent that blended strong freeride technique with freestyle creativity. With smart line choice and confident riding, he linked technical airs and 360s throughout the face to earn 89.00 points.

Rookie Sacha Balicco (FRA) secured his second podium finish of the season with a composed run. Navigating the steep terrain with confidence and control, he earned 78.67 points and third place.

“I was really happy to compete in Alaska. It’s an incredible playground where you can truly enjoy riding and the snow is amazing. My experience in these mountains definitely helped. I’m also very happy with my grab 540. Now the title will be decided in Verbier.” – Victor de Le Ru

Snowboard Women –Victory of Mia Jones on her first visit to Alaska

Competing on home soil, Mia Jones (USA) arrived in Alaska wearing the Golden Bib and riding high on confidence after strong results earlier in the season. Dropping first in the category, she set the bar high immediately. Jones demonstrated excellent sluff management and precise control through the steep terrain, making full use of the natural features while maintaining impressive speed from top to bottom. She earned 91.00 points and secured a memorable victory.

Anna Martinez (FRA) finished second for the third time this season. Unfazed by the legendary Alaskan terrain, she showed smart line choice and strong control while maintaining fluidity through the upper section. Despite a small mistake near the bottom, her composed run earned 58.33 points, highlighting her consistency this season.

After winning the previous event in Val Thorens, Noémie Equy (FRA)rounded out the podium in third place. Choosing a direct fall-line approach, she carried strong speed through the upper section while managing the firmer snow conditions with control. Her run earned 53.33 points.

“It feels amazing to ride in America, and being here in Alaska is just unreal. I’ve never seen mountains like these before. The snow conditions were incredible and I enjoyed every moment of my run. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of confidence since the start of the season, and I’ll give it everything in Verbier for the last final.”- Mia Jones

Ski Women: Sybille Blanjean Claims first victory of the season

Sybille Blanjean (SUI) continues her strong rise this season. After building confidence in Baqueira and finishing second in Val Thorens, the Swiss rider secured her first victory of the year in Haines, Alaska.

Although it was her first time riding in Alaska, the Verbier-based skier showed strong big-mountain experience. She delivered a clean and strategic run, combining powerful skiing with precise control on the demanding face. Her performance earned 75.67 points, moving her into first place in the overall rankings ahead of the final event at the YETI Xtreme Verbier, held on her home mountain.

Rookie Lou Barin (FRA) once again reached the podium, finishing second. She opened with a strong air off the cornice and attacked several large features in the upper section. A late fall affected her score, but her impressive run still earned 72.67 points.

Rookie Zoé Delzoppo (FRA) completed the podium in third place. She chose a smart line and sent several sizeable airs while carefully managing her speed through the steep terrain. Despite a fall near the bottom, she earned 58.67 points.

“Being here in Alaska was already a childhood dream for me. I grew up watching freeride films featuring these mountains. When I was competing on the Juniors, I watched the FWT events here and imagined what it would feel like to ride them. Winning here is even more incredible. I had so much fun. Now the next event is at home on the Bec, my favorite mountain, and I hope I can do it again there.” –Sybille Blanjean

Ski Men – Long-awaited Victory for Toby Rafford

Toby Rafford (USA) has impressed since joining the Freeride World Tour last season, consistently delivering strong performances but narrowly missing the top step of the podium. Competing in his home country for the first time on Tour, Rafford seized the moment. The vast Alaskan terrain suited his style perfectly. He launched a clean 360 over the upper cliff band, then maintained exceptional speed and control while navigating the complex terrain below. His powerful descent earned 90.67 points, securing his first FWT victory and propelling him into first place in the overall rankings, earning the Golden Bib for the first time.

Season rookie Ugo Troubat (FRA) continued to build confidence with another impressive performance. Following a standout run at the World Championships, Troubat carried strong momentum into Alaska. Linking multiple features throughout the face, including a large air in the lower section, he earned 89.67 points.

Ross Tester (USA) also delivered a strong run on home snow. Opening with a perfectly executed 360 in one of the steepest sections of the face, he maintained control throughout the descent. His performance earned 89.00 points, placing him third and moving him into third in the overall standings.

“I was so hyped to be in Alaska with all the other American riders, and taking the win makes it even more special. It’s a crazy feeling. I just chose the line I liked the most and went for it without thinking about the result. Now it’s time to focus on the Bec des Rosses.” – Toby Radford

Next Stop: Yeti Extreme Verbier – The Ultimate Battle of the 2026 Season

After a spectacular first stage of the Finals in the legendary Alaskan spines, riders now turn their focus to the YETI Xtreme Verbier. Held on the iconic Bec des Rosses, this final event presents one of the most demanding faces in freeride, known for its steep slopes, complex cliff sections, and high-stakes line choices.

At stake: the titles of 2026 Freeride World Tour Champions.

With everything on the line, the world’s best freeriders will push their limits one last time to deliver a spectacular conclusion to the season. For live updates, results, and exclusive content, follow the Freeride World Tour on social media or visit www.freerideworldtour.com