YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda: The Most Legendary Event in Freeride is Back

VERBIER, Switzerland – March 17, 2025: The YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda marks the highly anticipated conclusion of the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance, as the world's best freeriders prepare for the ultimate test on Bec des Rosses.

This year’s edition is particularly special, as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Xtreme Verbier, an event that has defined freeride competition since 1996. Originally a snowboard-only contest, it welcomed male skiers in 2004 and female skiers in 2006 before evolving into the official Freeride World Tour Finals in 2008. Over the years, it has been the proving ground where freeride legends were made, and 2025 will be no different.

With three world titles still undecided, the battle for the crown will come down to one final performance on the most technical face in FWT history. Who will rise to the challenge and carve their names into the sport’s history books?

The Bec des Rosses is synonymous with extreme freeriding. Towering at 3,223 meters, with a 600-meter vertical drop and 50-degree slopes, it is the steepest, most complex terrain on the FWT circuit.

Riders will navigate a labyrinth of tight couloirs, exposed ridges, and massive cliffs, choosing lines that balance technical precision and progressive freestyle elements. The high-stakes nature of the FWT Finals means competitors must take risks—but only those who execute flawlessly will claim victory.

For three decades, freeride’s most iconic champions have conquered this mountain. Now, the next generation of freeriders will test themselves on the same legendary face.

Noémie Equy (FRA) has already secured the Snowboard Women’s title, but in the remaining categories, everything is still to play for. In Ski Men, Marcus Goguen (CAN) leads the standings after an exceptional season with two victories and a podium, yet the title is far from decided. Swiss rider Martin Bender is closing in fast with strong momentum, and 2023 FWT Champion Valentin Rainer (AUT) is always a threat.

In Ski Women, Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) and Astrid Cheylus (FRA) are locked in a tight battle, with the Canadian holding a slight advantage. Meanwhile, Swiss rider Jenna Keller has been on a late-season charge and will have the home crowd behind her as she fights for a spot on the podium.

Victor de Le Rue (FRA) remains at the top in Snowboard Men as he chases a record-breaking fourth FWT title, but he still needs a strong result to claim it. Liam Rivera (SUI) and Cody Bramwell (GBR) have been unstoppable in the last two events, swapping first and second places at the Georgia and Fieberbrunn Pro, making them serious contenders heading into the final showdown.

The forecast calls for clear skies and stable conditions until Thursday, March 20, before a strong southern weather system moves in, bringing rising temperatures, strong winds, and possible rain up to 3,000 meters by Friday. The weekend looks stormy and overcast, with uncertain conditions in the following days—either heavy snowfall with high winds or minimal snowfall and poor riding conditions.

Right now, the Bec des Rosses has a solid snowpack with fresh snow from earlier this week, but recent dry weather has created a weak layer that could become unstable if major snowfall arrives. To ensure the best and safest conditions, organizers are preparing for the possibility of running the competition on Thursday, March 20.

This does not guarantee the event will take place that day, but it’s currently the best window. While this may impact fans hoping to watch in person, freeride fans worldwide can still experience all the action live at www.freerideworldtour.com/live. Stay tuned for updates as safety remains the top priority.

However, the celebrations in Verbier are far from over—the event village on Rue de Médran will be open from Friday at 12 PM until Sunday at 6 PM, offering a full weekend of activities. Fans can enjoy DJ sets, brand activations, and signing sessions with the riders, while on Saturday and Sunday, the Ski Test Village at Ruinettes will give visitors the chance to test the latest gear. Don’t miss out—discover everything happening here.

Fans around the world can catch all the action live at www.freerideworldtour.com/live, with real-time updates and exclusive content on @freerideworldtour.

As we mark 30 years of the Xtreme Verbier, stay tuned as we monitor conditions and confirm the official competition day soon!

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.

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.

Marianna Dallabetta Armani

marianna@freerideworldtour.com

+39 392 3254391