The 2026 Freeride World Tour Kicks off in Style at the Baqueira Beret Pro, Spain

Mountainwatch | Press Release

BAQUEIRA BERET, Spain – January 15, 2026: The 2026 Freeride World Tour (FWT) launched in spectacular fashion at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar, with Spain’s iconic Val d’Aran and Valls d’Aneu once again delivering an unforgettable opener. Under sunny skies and in front of a vibrant, vocal crowd of 3,000 spectators, the world’s best freeriders showcased their skills on the legendary Tuc de Bacivèr face, returning to the Tour for the first time since 2023.

Despite challenging weather in the lead-up, conditions aligned perfectly for a Day-1 competition window. A recent metre of snowfall, shaped by strong winds, created a dynamic surface that demanded adaptability and control.
Fans packed into the natural arena at the base of the venue, creating an atmosphere unlike any other stop on the Tour. Riders reported hearing the crowd from the top of the mountain, feeding off the energy and delivering bold, creative lines in response.

Snowboard Women: Mia Jones shakes up the Tour with debut victory

The Snowboard Women’s competition launched the 2026 FWT season with style in Baqueira Beret. Noémie Equy (FRA), 2025 FWT champion and last year’s winner in Baqueira, missed the podium after a small fall. Rookie Mia Jones (USA) took full advantage, showcasing her talent and claiming the victory. Dropping in aggressively, she attacked the upper section of the face with confidence. Her highlight came with a clean jump off a mandatory cliff, which she landed with ease. Her fast, controlled run earned a top score of 69.67 and the win: an exceptional debut that puts her firmly in the spotlight this season.

Anna Martinez (FRA) rode a confident and creative line, linking clean airs and controlled landings while showing strength and composure throughout. With slightly less risk than the winning run, she scored 66.00 to place second. Michaela Davis-Meehan (AUS) delivered a solid performance built on confidence and experience, feeding off the energy of the Spanish crowd. She executed clean airs and a stylish grab, highlighting her improved technique and control. She finished third with a score of 64.5. For the second year in a row, a rookie has taken the opening win of the season, raising the question: could Mia Jones follow in Equy’s footsteps and ride her rookie season all the way to the title?

“My run went really well and the snow was way better than expected. It’s my first time in Baqueira and Spain, and the resort is incredible with so much freeride terrain. Riding in front of such a big crowd was really special. At the top, I didn’t realize how many people were going to be out there, and the support at the bottom was amazing.” – Mia Jones,

Snowboard Men: Rivera sets the standard in season opener

The Snowboard Men category delivered a spectacular start to one of the Tour’s most competitive categories. Under blue skies and fired-up crowds, riders brought serious heat to the season opener. Liam Rivera (SUI), third overall last season, set the bar early with a powerful and precise run featuring a laid-out backflip, strong control through technical terrain, and a creative finish. He earned a top score of 88.67, taking a well-deserved win and sending a clear message for the season ahead.

French rookie Sacha Balicco impressed in his FWT debut, landing multiple stylish 360s with clean execution and confident pacing. His score of 84.67 placed him second and confirmed his arrival as a serious contender. Rounding out the podium was Holden Samuels (USA), whose high-speed line included big airs and a massive 360 over exposed terrain. He scored 82.67, locking in third place. With a mix of seasoned pros and fearless newcomers, the Snowboard Men category is clearly set for a thrilling year.

“I’m really happy with my run, it went exactly as planned. Of course, finishing in first place was the cherry on top. It’s always great to be back in Baqueira. The crowd goes absolutely wild, and you can really feel that energy everywhere.” – Liam Rivera.

Ski Women: Back-to-back wins in Baqueira for Dufour-Lapointe

The Ski Women competition in Baqueira Beret took place in front of an electric crowd. Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) claimed a dominant win with a score of 86.33, defending her title with a powerful run featuring smooth airs, strong control, and a perfectly landed backflip in technical terrain. Dufour-Lapointe returns for the 2026 season in style, making the Baqueira Beret Pro her signature stop.

French rookies Zoé Delzoppo and Lou Barin completed the podium with scores of 76.33 and 74.00, marking a strong statement from the next generation of French freeride athletes. Delzoppo impressed with clean airs and composure, while Barin opened her debut run with a stylish 360, showing off her freestyle background. With big crashes elsewhere in the category, the day belonged to those who balanced risk with control.

“I was really nervous at the start because of the snow, but it turned out much better than expected. Landing the backflip in such an exposed spot was way outside my comfort zone, and I’m really proud of that because pushing my limits is my goal this year. Finishing with big airs and celebrating with the Baqueira crowd, where everyone can see the face, made this win incredibly special and one of my favorite places to take my first victory.”  – Justine Dufour Lapointe.

  Ski Men: Ben Richards leads ultra-tight podium

The Ski Men category made it clear that this season will be a rollercoaster, with the level of riding already sky-high. With less than one point separating the top three podium spots, the show was on in front of an electric crowd. The tight scores set the tone for what promises to be an intense and unpredictable season. Ben Richards (NZL) claimed victory, with a standout run that combined smooth style, technical precision, and confident execution. He landed a clean Lincoln Loop (backflip) and a solid 360, managing difficult snow conditions with control and flow. His score of 86.67 edged out fellow podium finishers Toby Rafford (86.50) and Wei-Tien Ho (86.33) in an incredibly tight top three.

Rafford delivered one of the most creative and stylish runs of the day, charging into an unexplored zone on the rider’s left with speed, confidence, and precision. Blending bold line choice with massive 360s and clean execution. He followed the same legendary line taken by Aymar Navarro (ESP) in 2023, just before his retirement, offering a powerful tribute as Navarro met him at the finish line to congratulate the rising star. Ho, who won the final event of 2025 in Verbier, delivered a clean and complete run, with multiple smooth 360s, shifty airs, and finished with a laid-out backflip.

“My run went well, even though it felt a bit loose and sketchy at times. The conditions weren’t ideal for showing our best riding, so I’m just happy to have made it down. Being back in Baqueira is awesome, and competing in front of this crowd is really special.” – Ben Richards

A memorable start to the 2026 season The 2026 Freeride World Tour is officially underway, and Baqueira Beret delivered on every front. From breakout rookie performances to seasoned champions defending their ground, the level of riding was nothing short of world-class. With several categories decided by razor-thin margins, the competition proved just how unpredictable this season will be.

The crowd energy in Spain was electric and the conditions tested every athlete. The rankings take shape, and one thing is clear: the road to the FWT Finals is wide open, and anything can happen. Next up: Val Thorens, France. For live updates, results, and exclusive content, follow the Freeride World Tour on social media or visit www.freerideworldtour.com.