FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2026 roster revealed: Intense season ahead as the 2025 FWT champions return to defend their crowns

VERBIER, Switzerland – October 23, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance is thrilled to reveal its 2026 athlete roster, featuring a dynamic mix of renowned freeride icons and promising rising stars. Among the lineup are 19 qualified riders, including 18 rookies, who earned their place after a demanding season on the FWT Challenger, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the qualification process. This experience will serve them well as they step onto the Tour, and it would come as no surprise to see a few rookies make their mark. Last season already proved that newcomers have what it takes to challenge the favorites.

Meanwhile, the returning FWT 2025 athletes will need to draw on their experience to withstand the ambition of these new challengers and the four returning FWT champions. Experience will indeed be key this season, as the qualification format for the two FWT Finals will include only four events to earn a spot, leaving very little room for error. In this high-stakes environment, terrain knowledge could make all the difference.

Reigning champion Marcus Goguen (CAN) heads into the 2026 season ready to defend his crown against a strong roster, that includes two former FWT Champions: Kristofer Turdell (SWE), and Valentin Rainer (AUT). With so much proven talent on the start list, reaching the podium will be very challenging. However, experience alone will not decide the outcome. Last season’s revelations, including Martin Bender (SUI), Toby Rafford (USA) and Virgile Didier (FRA), return with valuable experience and renewed confidence, ready to challenge the established names.

Adding another layer of excitement, eight rookies join the Tour this season, bringing fresh energy, and ambition. The Ski Men category promises intense battles on the world’s most demanding freeride venues.

Marcus Goguen (CAN) - Reigning FWT Champion

Valentin Rainer (AUT) - 2023 FWT Champion

Kristofer Turdell (SWE) - 2018 & 2021 FWT Champion

Victor Hale-Woods (SUI) - Rookie

Paul De Portalès (SUI) - Rookie

Ugo Troubat (FRA) - Rookie

Fynn Powell (NZL) - Rookie

Kelly Hilleke (USA) - Rookie

Joey Leonardo (USA) - Rookie

Lochlan Harvey (CAN) - Rookie

Jack Kolesch (CAN) - Rookie

Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) heads into 2026 with her sights set on a third FWT title, but the landscape around her is evolving fast. Astrid Cheylus (FRA) also returns for her third consecutive season, determined to finally claim the top step of the podium after back-to-back strong seasons. The two delivered a thrilling head-to-head battle last season and both are back, ready to pick up where they left off.

Yet, this duel won’t play out in isolation: a new wave of talent is on the rise. Jenna Keller (SUI) and Lena Kohler (GER), both rookies last season, made the Cut and finished the year on a high note. With a full season’s experience now under their belts, they’re poised to challenge the dominance of Dufour-Lapointe and Cheylus.

Four new rookies also join the roster with this mission. Among them is Agostina Vietti (ARG), who makes history as the first Argentinian female skier ever to qualify for the FWT. The Ski Women category promises a thrilling season of rivalries.

Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) - Reigning FWT Champion

Lou Barin (FRA) - Rookie

Zoé Delzoppo (FRA) - Rookie

Wynter McBride (USA) - Rookie

Agostina Vietti (ARG) - Rookie

Four-time FWT Champion Victor de Le Rue (FRA) returns with a chance to make history, aiming to become the first athlete ever to claim a fifth FWT title. But as last season proved, the road to the crown is long, demanding, and full of challengers ready to seize their moment. Cody Bramwell (GBR) and Liam Rivera (SUI), both podium finishers in 2025, concluded the season on a high note and are now aiming for their first FWT title. Adding even more depth to the roster, Jonathan Penfield (CAN) embarks on his ninth FWT season, bringing with him invaluable experience.

Meanwhile, four riders have earned their place among the elite, stepping into a fiercely competitive roster determined to shake up the rankings. Among them is Warren Doyle (USA), who made his first appearance on the FWT in 2024 and returns this season determined to make the Cut this time.

Victor de Le Rue (FRA) - Reigning FWT Champion

Sacha Balicco (FRA) - Rookie

César Barin (FRA) - Rookie

Shayne Blue Sandblom (USA) - Rookie

Noémie Equy (FRA) returns after a dominant 2025 season, with one clear goal in mind: a win at Val Thorens Pro, the only stop missing from her collection besides Alaska. After her commanding performances last season, riders will need to get creative if they hope to steal a victory from her this time. However, the rookie roster looks ready for the challenge. Talents such as Sarah Bacher (AUT), Natalie Allport (CAN), and Mia Jones (USA) bring a high level of riding and fresh motivation to the lineup. And who’s to say one of them couldn’t replicate Equy’s breakout success in their own rookie season?

Noémie Equy (FRA) - Reigning FWT Champion

Sarah Bacher (AUT) - Rookie

Natalie Allport (CAN) - Rookie

Mia Jones (USA) - Rookie

The 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance promises to deliver another unforgettable season. As the world’s best freeriders take on legendary venues like Alaska and Verbier in the Finals, fans can expect intense battles, and groundbreaking performances from start to finish. And the story isn’t complete yet: the season wildcards are still to be announced, set to add even more intrigue, and rivalry to an already electrifying lineup. One thing is certain: the road to the 2026 FWT crown will be as unpredictable as it is spectacular.

Stay connected for updates on the 2026 season at www.freerideworldtour.com and follow on social media for all the latest news.

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

Victor Le Vély

victor@freerideworldtour.com

+33 6 78 41 48 53