World-class freeriders take on Val Thorens’ technical terrain during a weather window from January 27 to February 1, 2025, marking a thrilling return to French soil after nine years.
Val Thorens debuts on the Freeride World Tour as an exciting new stop for the 2025 season.
Golden Bib leaders Victor de Le Rue and Noémie Equy, supported by a strong contingent of French athletes, prepare to compete in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Four-time FWT Champion Marion Haerty returns as an event wildcard, making a highly anticipated appearance on home soil.
VAL THORENS, France – January 22, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance is set to return to French soil for the first time in nine years with the highly anticipated debut of the Val Thorens Pro. Situated in the heart of Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, Val Thorens, the world best ski resort, promises to deliver thrilling freeride action on its dramatic terrain. Athletes, fans, and freeride enthusiasts can expect steep faces, technical lines, and breathtaking moments as the world’s elite freeriders compete in this stunning alpine setting.
With the weather window spanning from January 27 through February 1, 2025, athletes will need to adapt to the unique challenges of Val Thorens’ high-altitude terrain. FWT organizers, in collaboration with local teams, will select the ideal competition day to ensure prime conditions for both safety and spectacular performances.
A New Highlight on the Freeride World Tour Map
The Val Thorens Pro is already quickly establishing itself as a standout addition to the FWT. Known for its steep couloirs and varied terrain, the venue provides an ideal stage for freeriders to demonstrate their skill, precision, and creativity. At 2,300 meters above sea level, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and a dream destination for mountain enthusiasts. Its high-altitude slopes and dramatic faces make it perfectly suited for the challenges of a world-class freeride competition, offering opportunities for riders to explore bold lines and technical features.
FWT Founder and CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods shared his thoughts on the new destination:
"Having Val Thorens on the Freeride World Tour for 2025 is a significant moment. The resort’s world-class terrain and dedication to top-tier sports make it a perfect fit for the Tour. We’re thrilled to see how this exceptional venue will elevate the freeride experience for athletes and fans alike."
Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT Founder and CEO
Golden Bibs and French Favorites Lead the Charge into Val Thorens
The 2025 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance kicked off with an electrifying opener at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar, where standout performances across all categories determined the first Golden Bib holders of the season. Ross Tester (USA) leads the Ski Men category after a creative and precise run, while Olympic champion Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) claimed the top spot in Ski Women with her flawless technique. In the Snowboard Men category, France’s Victor de Le Rue demonstrated why he is a three-time FWT Champion, delivering a bold and technical performance. Fellow French athlete Noémie Equy shone in Snowboard Women, earning her first-ever Golden Bib with a confident and stylish line in her debut FWT event.
As the Tour moves to Val Thorens, the spotlight intensifies on Victor and Noémie, who will compete on home snow in front of a passionate local crowd. For Victor, Val Thorens represents an opportunity to showcase his deep connection to the French Alps and his flair for creativity in a high-stakes environment.
For Noémie, the stop holds special significance in her first FWT season:
“I’m so happy to arrive in Val Thorens with the Golden Bib—it brings even more motivation to ride my best during this comp! It’s unreal to have an event at home in my debut season on the FWT. I feel so grateful for all these memorable moments this winter!”
Noémie Equy
Adding to the excitement, a strong contingent of French riders is set to compete, including Camille Armand and Enzo Nilo in Snowboard Men; Virgile Didier, Oscar Mandin, and Mathys Fornasier in Ski Men; Astrid Cheylus in Ski Women; and Anna Martinez and Estelle Rizzolio in Snowboard Women. These talented athletes will bring their unique styles and skills to the competition, eager to make their mark on home soil and captivate the local crowd.
Event Wildcard to Marion Haerty: A Legendary Return
The Val Thorens Pro also welcomes four-time FWT Champion Marion Haerty as an event wildcard in the Snowboard Women category. This French freeride legend, who shifted her focus to the Natural Selection Tour in recent years, is making a highly anticipated return to the Freeride World Tour for a special one-off appearance at her home venue.
"I’m really happy to play at home with friends and family after focusing on the NST these past years! I can’t wait to share this special day with the new generation of freeriders and inspire future champions in the freeride world"
Marion Haerty, four-time FWT Champion
As the most successful rider in FWT history, Marion’s return to the Tour, even for just one event, brings excitement and anticipation to the freeride community. Her unparalleled achievements and technical mastery cement her status as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. The Snowboard Women field, which has grown stronger and more competitive each year, will face a thrilling challenge as Marion showcases her legendary skills once again.
Don’t Miss the Action
For fans looking to experience the thrill of the Val Thorens Pro, the event will be streamed live on www.freerideworldtour.com. The exact competition day and details will be confirmed 48 hours in advance to ensure optimal conditions. Follow @freerideworldtour on social media for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and insights into the lives of the world’s best freeriders.
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
