Unexpected roster change brings a former champion back to the Freeride World Tour
Sybille Blanjean withdraws after sustaining a back injury during training.
Freeride World Tour Champion Elisabeth Gerritzen to return to the FWT as her replacement.
With Gerritzen’s return, the Ski Women Category now features three former FWT World Champions, setting the stage for an electrifying season.
BAQUEIRA BERET, Spain – January 14, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance confirms that skier Sybille Blanjean (SUI) has withdrawn from the 2025 season due to injury. Elisabeth Gerritzen (SUI), a former Freeride World Champion, will replace her in the Ski Women Category.
Sybille Blanjean Steps Aside
Sybille Blanjean, one of Switzerland’s brightest freeride talents, has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 season following a back injury sustained during training. Known for her technical skills and fearless approach, Blanjean made her mark in 2022 with a 1st-place finish at the Xtreme Verbier, the pinnacle of freeride competitions.
Reflecting on her injury, Blanjean said:
“Just 3.5 weeks ago, I suffered a back injury from a bad landing. As a result, I won’t be able to ski for a few weeks and, unfortunately, will have to step back from competing on the FWT this season. It’s incredibly sad and frustrating not to be able to share another season with all my friends out there, but I’m wishing everyone the best of luck and heaps of fun!”
The FWT community extends its heartfelt support and best wishes for a swift recovery.
Elisabeth Gerritzen Returns
Elisabeth Gerritzen, a freeride legend and fellow Verbier rider, steps in as Blanjean’s replacement. Gerritzen is celebrated for her bold style and extraordinary achievements, including her two victories at Xtreme Verbier (2019 and 2021) and her Freeride World Tour Championship title in 2021. Her return to competition is expected to raise the stakes in the Ski Women Category.
Commenting on her unexpected return, Gerritzen said:
“This last-minute invite was completely unexpected and, of course, bittersweet as it comes due to my friend Sybille being out with an injury. I hope to honor her and make the most of this opportunity. I’m super excited to be back in the start gate with Ari and all the other girls. The level of competition has skyrocketed since I last competed, so it’ll be thrilling to see if I can still be a contender.”
Elisabeth Gerritzen
Three Former World Champions
With Gerritzen’s addition, the Ski Women Category now features an incredible trio of former Freeride World Tour Champions: Arianna Tricomi (ITA), Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), and Elisabeth Gerritzen (SUI). This extraordinary concentration of talent promises to deliver one of the most competitive and thrilling seasons in FWT history.
The FWT 2025 season is shaping up to be unforgettable, with the world’s top freeriders pushing their limits on some of the most challenging and iconic venues. All eyes will be on this powerhouse lineup as they redefine the boundaries of freeride skiing.
About the FWT
FWT Management SA is based in Verbier, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996. The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding and, in 2008, it turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events, called the Freeride World Tour (FWT). The company has since grown to include multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). Discover more at www.freerideworldtour.com
About Peak Performance
Born in the Scandinavian mountains out of a love for skiing in remote, untouched terrain, our passion for adventure and nature runs deep. Our purpose is simple: we bring the freeride spirit to the world. As for our products, they all have the same purpose – empower the freedom to be adventurous and follow your own line. Whether it be horizontally or vertically, on skis, by bike, or on foot, they offer a balance of style and performance. Our Scandinavian heritage is ever present and our commitment to doing better things in a better way is our never-ending responsibility. For more information, please visit www.peakperformance.com.
