Freeride Legends and Rising Stars Thrill the Crowds on the Iconic La Bamba Face in Baqueira Beret, Setting the Tone for a Historic Season Ahead
Victor de Le Rue (FRA), Ross Tester (USA), Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), and Noémie Equy (FRA) take category victories with breathtaking runs.
La Bamba face debuts as a world-class freeride venue: The challenging east-facing face, with gradients as steep as 53°, provided the perfect stage for high-stakes action.
A season opener for the ages: From rookies making a splash to veterans cementing their dominance, the competition in Baqueira Beret kicked off the 2025 season with unforgettable moments.
Baqueira Beret, Spain – January 17, 2025: The 2025 FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance began with an adrenaline-filled opening event at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar, hosted on the spectacular new La Bamba face. Nestled in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret has long been celebrated for its world-class terrain, and the debut of La Bamba has elevated the resort’s freeride pedigree to new heights. With a stunning mix of steep gradients, challenging couloirs, and natural freestyle features, La Bamba delivered all the ingredients for an electrifying showcase of freeride talent.
Named in honor of Spanish freeride legend Aymar Navarro, who hails from this region, La Bamba is already being hailed as one of the most technical venues on the FWT circuit. Located at an altitude of 2,541 meters, with an average gradient of 40% and sections reaching a jaw-dropping 53°, the east-facing venue challenged riders with variable snow conditions, dramatic features, and highly exposed terrain. Athletes across the Ski and Snowboard categories rose to the occasion, thrilling fans in Baqueira and around the globe with their daring performances and bold creativity.
Snowboard Men
The Snowboard Men category delivered non-stop action, with France’s Victor de Le Rue claiming victory after an awe-inspiring performance that earned him 83.33 points. A three-time Freeride World Tour Champion, De Le Rue proved why he remains a force to be reckoned with, blending technical mastery and creativity. His standout moment came with a laid-out backflip over a wind lip, perfectly landed and seamlessly integrated into a fluid, dynamic run.
Germany’s Timm Schröder secured second place with 77.33 points, wowing the judges with a high-energy line that started with a massive backflip and featured powerful, fluid riding through steep technical sections. Canada’s Jonathan Penfield, a veteran of the tour, rounded out the podium with 72.67 points. Penfield’s precise and calculated approach, highlighted by a smooth 360 and expert couloir navigation, earned him a well-deserved third place.
“The snow was much more technical than we expected, making control very difficult, but I am thrilled to ride in the Pyrenees, where I learned how to snowboard and developed my tricks.”
Victor de Le Rue, Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar Snowboard Men winner
Ski Men
The Ski Men category saw show-stopping performances from the world’s best freeride skiers, with the USA’s Ross Tester emerging victorious with a jaw-dropping 92.67 points. Returning to the Freeride World Tour after a hiatus, Tester delivered a flawless run that blended freestyle tricks with technical precision. His highlights included a massive backflip, a perfectly executed 360 grab, and seamless control through the steep, variable terrain of La Bamba.
American rookie Toby Rafford made an electrifying FWT debut, earning 91.33 points and second place with a run that featured a massive flat 360, a daring double flat spin, and fluid transitions across challenging terrain. New Zealand’s Ben Richards completed the podium in third with 89.00 points, impressing the judges with his smooth, composed skiing and a creative line featuring two perfectly executed 360s.
“The venue was super fun, and though the conditions seemed a bit odd at first, everything came together really well. I'm stoked about it.”
Ross Tester, Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar Ski Men winner
Ski Women
The Ski Women category was a masterclass in technical precision and creativity, with Canada’s Justine Dufour-Lapointe taking the win with an exceptional 82.00 points. The 2023 FWT Champion blended her Olympic-level technique with freeride prowess, highlighted by a massive backflip off a wind lip and a series of linked airs that showcased her control and composure on steep, technical terrain.
France’s Astrid Cheylus, last season’s runner-up, earned 77.00 points with a determined and well-rounded performance, including a cleanly executed backflip and smooth navigation of tricky snow conditions. Poland’s Zuzanna Witych secured third place with 73.33 points, combining creative line choice with confident execution of committed airs and fluid riding through untouched terrain.
“At the top, I felt nervous, but I reminded myself to trust my body, follow my heart, and ski with a smile on my face.”
Justine Dufour-Lapointe, Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar Ski Women winner
Snowboard Women
The Snowboard Women category delivered a thrilling mix of rookie breakthroughs and veteran consistency, with France’s Noémie Equy taking the top spot in her FWT debut with 76.00 points. Equy’s bold run featured a 360 in the steep upper section, clean airs through technical terrain, and seamless transitions that highlighted her freestyle skills and technical precision.
Fellow French rider Anna Martinez, a podium finisher last season, took second place with 72.67 points, demonstrating her trademark control and agility on the steep, exposed face. Her line featured multiple creative airs and fluid transitions that showcased her experience and versatility. Canada’s Audrey Hebert rounded out the podium with 68.67 points, delivering a consistent and stylish run that included precise navigation through a couloir and clean execution of stylish airs in the lower section.
“I’m so excited, winning my first FWT competition is unreel. I’m really happy and looking forward to what’s next”
Noémie Equy, Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar Snowboard Women winner
An Iconic Start to the 2025 Season
The Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar delivered a spectacular opening to the 2025 FWT season, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable year of freeride action. From the dynamic new La Bamba face to the bold performances of both rookies and legends, the event captured the true spirit of freeride skiing and snowboarding.
Next up, the FWT heads to Val Thorens, France, as anticipation builds for the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships in Andorra in 2026. Stay tuned as the world’s best freeride athletes continue their quest for glory.
For live updates, results, and exclusive content, follow the Freeride World Tour on social media or visit www.freerideworldtour.com.
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
