The first event of the FWT 2025 is on! This Friday, January 17, the world’s best freeriders will compete on an exciting new venue in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees.
Competition confirmed for this Friday, January 17
Venue change to La Bamba ensures optimal competition conditions
A backcountry event with no public access prioritizing safety
Dropping order: Snowboard Men, Ski Men, Ski Women Snowboard Women
BAQUEIRA BERET, Spain – January 15, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance is excited to announce that the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar competition will take place this Friday, January 17, on the stunning La Bamba. Known for its dramatic and technical terrain, this iconic Pyrenean venue is set to challenge the world’s top freeriders in an event that promises unforgettable performances.
La Bamba: The Ultimate Freeride Stage in the Pyrenees
Rising to a summit of 2541 meters and descending to a finish at 2069 meters, La Bamba is a striking face within the Vielha e Mijaran County. With an average slope of 40 degrees and sections reaching a staggering 53 degrees, this Alaska-style mountain is a freeride paradise that commands attention. Visible from the road, its imposing beauty and freeride potential have long inspired locals.
As the next best option to the renowned Baciver face, La Bamba delivers a thrilling alternative with its diverse terrain and technical demands. Massive cliffs, spines, and wind lips define the mountain, creating an ideal playground for freeriders to unleash their creativity. Freestyle riders, in particular, will find La Bamba’s natural features the perfect stage to showcase their skills and imagination.
Located near Baqueira, La Bamba perfectly embodies the spirit of freeride competition. With its mix of steep pitches and challenging natural features, it stands as an iconic venue for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Pyrenean mountains.
Why the Venue Change?
Originally planned for the Tuc de Baciver, the competition has been relocated to La Bamba due to the impact of recent weather conditions.
“The last snowfall came with strong southwesterly winds, gusting up to 100 km/h, which scraped much of the snow from the mountains,” explained Laurent Besse, FWT Commissioner. “While the venue could have worked with spring snow conditions, the upcoming cold temperatures and high-pressure forecast have left the west-facing slopes unsafe for competition. Thankfully, La Bamba provides an excellent alternative with its diverse terrain, superior snow quality, and optimal protection, ensuring an exciting and safe start to the season.”
About Vielha e Mijaran
La Bamba is located in Vielha e Mijaran, a key area in the Val d’Aran. In summer, the region draws visitors to the scenic Artiga de Lin and serves as a base for excursions to peaks like Molieres, Forcanada, and Lac des Pois. In winter, it transforms into a tranquil, snow-covered haven, perfect for backcountry exploration.
Meanwhile, Vielha itself is the vibrant hub of the Val d’Aran, offering a dynamic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and leisure activities. The town balances traditional Pyrenean charm with modern amenities, making it a year-round destination for visitors.
Event Logistics
Due to the remote nature of La Bamba, the event will not be accessible to the public. This decision was made to prioritize safety for both athletes and spectators. However, fans can still catch all the action live via the official FWT broadcast or head to Pla de Beret in Baqueira Beret, where the competition will be shown on a maxi screen for an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, there will be a screening of the replay of the competition on Saturday at 9:00 am at Pla de Beret.
Event Schedule
Live coverage begins: 9:30 CET
First rider drops: 9:45 CET
Dropping order: Snowboard Men, Ski Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Women
Stay Connected
Catch the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar event live at https://www.freerideworldtour.com/live
Follow @freerideworldtour on social media for live updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and event highlights.
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
Contact Information
Marianna Dallabetta Armani
Communication Manager
marianna@freerideworldtour.com
+39 392 3254391
