FIEBERBRUNN REMAINS A FREERIDE MECCA DESPITE THE CANCELLATION OF THE PRO EVENT

FIEBERBRUNN REMAINS A FREERIDE MECCA DESPITE THE CANCELLATION OF THE PRO EVENT

THE CONTEST AND EVENT VILLAGE, INCLUDING A JUNIOR COMPETITION, DELIGHTED THE CROWD

Once again, the Pillerseetal Tourist Board and Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn proved – despite the cancellation of the Fieberbrunn Pro as part of the 2026 Freeride World Tour (FWT) – that Fieberbrunn ranks among the top freeride destinations. In fantastic weather, the Contest Village at the Wildalmen and the Event Village at the valley station of the mountain railways welcomed enthusiastic guests from near and far. The supporting programme and the Junior Competition ensured a relaxed weekend dedicated to freeriding.

The 2026 Freeride World Tour season has been a complex one. On more than one occasion, the organisers were forced to make adjustments. Right up until last weekend, conditions at the Wildseeloder in Fieberbrunn looked promising. However, increased humidity and fresh snow altered the snowpack and triggered an avalanche that affected a large section of the slope. All hopes for clear nights, during which the snow conditions might improve, were in vain.

In addition, several alternative venues in Fieberbrunn and across Tyrol were assessed. Although Fieberbrunn continued to offer the best available conditions, none of the options assessed met the requirements for safety, snow quality and competitiveness necessary for hosting a Freeride World Tour event. As no significant improvement in conditions is expected in the coming days, the organising committee had no choice but to cancel the Fieberbrunn Pro event.

But the veterans can be immensely proud of the next generation of freeriders – that much is certain. What the youngsters delivered last weekend in the impressive terrain at Wildseeloder was unbeatable in terms of excitement. Over 100 up-and-coming athletes from all over the world brought the Contest Village in the finish area, packed to the rafters, to a fever pitch. In glorious sunshine, the large crowd cheered them on right up to the very last run.

Freeriding like the pros  

“The YETI Freeride World Tour Junior competition is very close to our hearts, and we’re absolutely delighted that so many guests have come along,” enthuses Christof Willms, Managing Director of the Pillerseetal Tourist Board. Christoph Heistracher from the mountain railways adds: “It’s simply brilliant to watch how professionally, and with how much fun and passion, the next generation is embracing the sport of freeriding.”

It wasn’t just the spectacular runs that caused a sensation; the various DJs, the live commentary and the food and drink on offer – ranging from freshly grilled burgers to speciality drinks – also contributed to the fantastic atmosphere. Numerous exhibitors provided updates on the world of freeriding, whilst competitions rounded off the event perfectly.

After the cut: The qualifiers for the 2026 FWT Finals

The current overall standings, based on the results of the two events held so far, now officially determine the list of participants for the 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance (FWT) Finals. As only two events have been completed this season so far, this development significantly changes the field of competitors. Several established riders have missed out on qualification, whilst 15 FWT newcomers have secured a place in the finals. An exciting battle between up-and-coming talents and experienced athletes is now expected there.
 

Men’s Ski: Valentin Rainer misses the cut

Many of the best-known skiers have reached the final in the men’s category, including Ross Tester (USA), Max Hitzig (GER) from St. Gallenkirch in the Montafon, Toby Rafford (USA), Marcus Goguen (CAN) and WeiTien Ho (CAN). Tiemo Rolshoven (GER) also made the cut, finishing tenth. Ben Richards (NZL) leads the rankings comfortably with two wins and goes into the events in Haines and Verbier as the favourite.

Due to the shortened season, Tyrolean Valentin Rainer has missed the cut, as has two-time overall winner Kristofer Turdell (SWE).

Women’s Ski: Strong Competition 

The women’s final promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, as every qualified athlete has already secured at least one podium finish this season. Last year’s FWT overall winner Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) has once again made it to the final, though this time not as the leader. The rookies in particular have made a strong impression so far, as four of the six finalists are competing in their first FWT season. On the other hand, some of the experienced riders have fallen by the wayside, including last year’s fourth-placed finisher Lena Kohler (GER) from Memmingen.
 

Men’s Snowboarding: The Rookies Are Lying in Wait

The list of snowboarders who have made it through to the final reflects a strong mix of experienced riders and up-and-coming talents. Victor de Le Rue (FRA) and Liam Rivera (SUI) lead the rankings following their respective victories this season, closely followed by Enzo Nilo (FRA).

Women’s Snowboarding: The title race is wide open

The women’s title is wide open ahead of the final, with several riders still in contention for first place. Mia Jones (USA) leads the overall standings, closely followed by Anna Martinez (FRA), who has shown remarkable consistency with two second-place finishes this season. Defending champion Noémie Equy (FRA) sits in third place following her victory in Val Thorens. Michaela Davis-Meehan (AUS) completes the field for the final.

Surprisingly, Nuria Castán Barón (ESP) will not be returning to the final this year after six consecutive seasons on the FWT. Rookies Natalie Allport (CAN) and Sarah Bacher (AUT) from Vienna have also missed out on qualification.

The final challenge: Haines and Verbier

The riders who have qualified will now compete to be crowned 2026 champions in two legendary freeride arenas. The two venues present them with completely different challenges. They must prove that they can hold their own on big-mountain slopes, but also keep their cool under pressure.

The YETI Haines Alaska Pro, set amidst the mountain ranges of Alaska, offers vast and wild terrain characterised by towering peaks and a remote landscape that will push the riders to their limits. The YETI Xtreme Verbier challenges them with the Bec des Rosses and one of the most demanding runs in contest freeriding, on a 50-degree slope with complex terrain and iconic cliffs.

On the road to the 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance titles, the competitors now face the ultimate test.

Further information at www.freerideworldtour.com