Max Hitzig and Sybille Blanjean set to return after injury sidelined their 2025 seasons
VERBIER, Switzerland – October 28, 2025: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance (FWT) is pleased to announce the two official season wildcards for the 2026 FWT: Max Hitzig (GER) and Sybille Blanjean (SUI). Both athletes were forced to withdraw ahead of the 2025 season due to injury but are now fully recovered, motivated, and ready to rejoin the world’s elite freeriders.
Their return adds new depth to an already stacked roster in the Ski Men and Ski Women categories. With notable past performances, Hitzig and Blanjean promise to shake up the standings and deliver thrilling performances across all six stops.
Ski Men
The German phenom Max Hitzig (GER) burst onto the FWT scene in 2022 with a stunning victory at the Fieberbrunn Pro as an event wildcard. He continued to impress in 2023 with a 4th overall finish, including a win at the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro.
Hitzig’s breakout year came in 2024, where he claimed the overall FWT Champion title with five podiums, including two victories. His consistent, aggressive style made him the dominant force that season.
Unfortunately, an injury ahead of the 2025 season prevented him from defending his title, leaving the door open for rival Marcus Goguen (CAN) to take his first championship. The upcoming 2026 season promises a high-stakes rematch between the two former champions, both hungry for a second title. And with a roster of top-tier contenders also in the mix, the race for the crown will be more competitive than ever.
Last year, I had to step back from the FWT due to injury and didn’t get the chance to defend my title. I’m really happy to be back and chasing a second one. The level is super high this season again, and there are some serious battles ahead with strong riders like Marcus. But I had a strong summer of training and I feel ready. I’m excited and fully motivated to get back on Tour.”
Max Hitzig, 2024 FWT Champion
Ski Women
A home resort favorite from Verbier, Sybille Blanjean (SUI) made an unforgettable debut in 2022, winning the Xtreme Verbier, the Tour’s most iconic stop. Her technical skiing and confident line choices quickly earned her a reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars.
In 2024, she continued her momentum with a landmark win at the inaugural Georgia Pro, solidifying her place among the elite. Sadly, a back injury during training forced her to withdraw just days before the 2025 season opener in Baqueira Beret, Spain.
Now fully recovered and armed with renewed determination, Blanjean is excited to explore the Tour’s expanded calendar, including recent additions like the Val Thorens Pro and the YETI Haines Alaska Pro.
I’m so happy to be back on Tour this season and really grateful for the injury wildcard. Last year, having to withdraw just a few days before the start of the competition was really tough, but it was important for my injury to heal well. Now I’m fully recovered and ready. I can’t wait to travel, ride, and enjoy the experience with everyone again. With new destinations on the calendar, it’s going to be a really exciting season.”
Sybille Blanjean
Don’t miss a moment
Follow Hitzig, Blanjean, and the full roster of world-class freeriders throughout the 2026 season at www.freerideworldtour.com and on FWT's social media channels. Stay tuned for live event coverage, athlete features, and behind-the-scenes access from every stop of the Tour. Subscribe to the FWT newsletter to stay in the loop with all the latest updates.
About 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
Victor Le Vély
PR & Media Manager
victor@freerideworldtour.com
