World’s Best Freeriders Conquer the Steep and Technical Lac Noir Face as France Welcomes Back Elite Freeride Competition for the First Time Since 2017
French athletes shine on home soil, with Astrid Cheylus, Marion Haerty, and Enzo Nilo securing victories alongside Switzerland’s Martin Bender
Val Thorens proves itself as a world-class freeride venue, hosting a breathtaking competition in near-perfect snow conditions
A historic homecoming for the Freeride World Tour, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead
VAL THORENS, France – January 29, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance made a thrilling return to France, hosting the nation's first FWT event since 2017. Against the stunning backdrop of Val Thorens, the second stop of the 2025 season delivered an unforgettable showcase of freeride excellence, as the world’s best riders took on the Lac Noir face for the first time in competition history.
Arriving to prime freeride conditions, athletes were met with two days of heavy snowfall, leaving behind a pristine, powder-covered venue. The 400-meter vertical descent of Lac Noir, featuring steep chutes, technical features, and high-consequence cliffs, provided a challenging and dynamic playground, where creativity, skill, and courage defined the podium.
With three French riders claiming victory in front of an electrified home crowd, the Val Thorens Pro was a true celebration of freeride skiing and snowboarding. From flawless technical execution to bold, progressive riding, this event cemented Val Thorens as a world-class freeride venue and set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.
Thrilling Performances Across All Categories
Ski Men: Martin Bender Takes Maiden FWT Victory
In a stacked Ski Men’s field, Switzerland’s Martin Bender stole the show, claiming his first-ever Freeride World Tour win with a score of 91.67 points. His dynamic and technical run featured opposite-direction 360s, a massive air over a rock bench, and a perfectly executed double drop in the lower section. Despite a minor backslap, his flow and control through the challenging terrain secured him the top podium spot.
Valentin Rainer (AUT) followed closely in second place with 89.67 points, delivering a flawless 360 transfer and a powerful, fluid line. Marcus Goguen (CAN) rounded out the podium with 88.67 points, impressing the judges with a huge backflip off a cornice, a seamless 360, and a well-timed shifty.
"Winning my first FWT competition feels unreal—perfect powder, an amazing face, and great friends made it unforgettable. This win was a huge surprise, and it’ll take time to sink in."
Martin Bender, 2025 Val Thorens Pro Ski Men Winner
Ski Women: Astrid Cheylus Claims Victory on Home Soil
The Ski Women’s event was a showcase of power and progression, with France’s Astrid Cheylus taking a commanding victory with 93.67 points. Her high-energy, freestyle-heavy run included a massive backflip, well-calculated airs, and impeccable fluidity—a performance that electrified the home crowd.
Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) delivered a strong second-place finish (90.67 points), blending freeride fundamentals with freestyle flair, while Germany’s Lena Kohler (84.33 points) secured third with aggressive line choice and calculated cliff drops.
"Winning at home, in France, with my family and friends here, means everything. My line was exactly as I envisioned, and this morning, I was so excited to ski it, especially with these incredible snow conditions."
Astrid Cheylus, 2025 Val Thorens Pro Ski Women Winner
Snowboard Women: Marion Haerty Dominates with Near-Perfect Run
Four-time FWT Champion Marion Haerty (FRA) made a spectacular return to competition, taking gold with 95.00 points in a masterclass of speed, precision, and control. Linking technical drops with seamless fluidity, Haerty reaffirmed her status as a freeride legend.
Noémie Equy (FRA) placed second (88.33 points) with a fast, direct line, while Spain’s Núria Castán Barón (83.00 points) secured third with strong terrain management and fluid execution.
"The new generation is here—Noémie and Anna are incredible riders, and I’m stoked to share this podium with Noémie. Today was all about fun—passion drives me."
Marion Haerty, 2025 Val Thorens Pro Snowboard Women Winner
Snowboard Men: Enzo Nilo Wins Big in Front of Home Crowd
The Snowboard Men’s event saw France’s Enzo Nilo claim a career-defining victory with a score of 90.67 points. His massive backflip, precision double drop, and stylish freestyle elements earned him the top podium spot.
Switzerland’s Rémi Benamo (85.67 points) showcased a strong combination of backside 360s and a controlled backflip to take second place, while Michael Mawn (USA) (83.00 points) landed in third with a powerful and technical run.
"Riding in Val Thorens was unreal—the snow was incredible, maybe the best contest conditions I’ve ever had. My run went exactly as planned, and I couldn’t be happier. Now, it’s time to celebrate!"
Enzo Nilo, 2025 Val Thorens Pro Snowboard Men Winner
A Triumphant Homecoming for Freeride in France
The Val Thorens Pro was a historic return to France for the Freeride World Tour, with exceptional riding, deep powder, and an electric atmosphere defining the event. With French athletes dominating the podium and a brand-new competition face proving its world-class potential, the stage is now set for an intense battle for the FWT crown.
Next up, the Freeride World Tour heads to Kicking Horse, Canada, where the season’s momentum continues.
For live updates, results, and exclusive content, visit www.freerideworldtour.com or follow the FWT on social media.
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
