As the Tour’s only Pyrenean stop, Baqueira Beret offers a distinct challenge and atmosphere to launch the 2026 season
The 2026 FWT season starts with the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar
Weather window: January 16–21, 2026
Local wildcard Maria Castellví Bono joins the roster
Over 80 cm of fresh snow recently fell in Baqueira Beret, with more in the forecast
BAQUEIRA BERET, Spain - January 10, 2026: The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance launches its 2026 season in Baqueira Beret, the renowned resort in Spain’s Val d’Aran and Valls d’Àneu. As the only Pyrenean stop on the Tour, Baqueira Beret has become a key venue since joining the calendar in 2022. Now in its fifth year on the FWT calendar, the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar has consistently showcased the freeride potential of Val d’Aran and Lleida Pyrenees. Thanks to a variety of peaks across the resort, each edition has been held on terrain offering true freeride challenge, most notably the iconic Tuc de Baciver (2,644 m). The venue, known for its technical lines and striking alpine scenery, offers a strong platform to open the season.
The atmosphere at Baqueira Beret has made it a standout location for both athletes and fans, with freeride growing steadily in the region thanks to the resort’s extensive open terrain, covering 2,273 hectares. The event is expected to draw large local support and mark a strong start to this year’s Tour.
Recent snowfall has added to the anticipation, with over 80 cm of fresh snow falling in recent days and more in the forecast. However, avalanche risk in the region is currently high, and the public is advised to exercise caution and follow all safety recommendations when venturing into the backcountry.
Maria Castellví Bono earns Event Wildcard
The FWT is pleased to announce that Maria Castellví Bono (ESP) has received an Event Wildcard for the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar. Born and raised in Val d’Aran, Castellví Bono will make her FWT debut in a setting she knows well.
In 2025, Castellví Bono had a breakthrough year on the FWT Qualifier Tour, winning four events and securing the overall title in the Ski Women category. Her performance earned her a place among the sport’s top riders and marked her as one of the leading emerging athletes in the Spanish freeride scene, following in the tracks of local icons like Abel Moga (ESP) and Aymar Navarro (ESP), whose legacy continues to inspire the new generation of Spanish freeriders.
It means a lot to start my FWT Pro journey here at home in Val d’Aran. I’ve grown up watching riders like Abel Moga and Aymar Navarro, and now I have the chance to represent this new generation of Spanish freeriders. I feel proud, excited, and ready to give it everything on terrain I know and love."
– Maria Castellví Bono
Home ground for two other Spanish freeriders: Moga and Castán Barón
Spanish skier Abel Moga (ESP) returns to familiar ground, representing Val d’Aran with his characteristic power and fluidity. He will be looking to build on past results, including a memorable second-place finish at Baqueira in 2022.
"There’s nothing like competing at home. Baqueira Beret is where it all started for me, and every time I ride here, I feel the support from the local community. The level keeps rising on the Tour, and I’m ready to push my riding again this season.
– Abel Moga
Núria Castán Barón (ESP) enters the 2026 season following a strong 2025 in the Snowboard Women category, where she finished third overall, her second consecutive FWT podium. With solid experience and Spanish support, she remains one to watch.
"Starting the season in Spain always give extra motivation and it’s a great way to make visibility to this sport in this place as it has a lot of potential and Freeride culture it’s been there since always. The atmosphere is special and is great to start at home having all friends, family and all the Freeride crew from the zone cheering up from the bottom. Can’t wait to give my best!
– Núria Castán Barón
Title defenses and rivalries set the stage in Baqueira Beret
The season opener in Baqueira Beret is shaping up to deliver compelling moments across all four categories.
In Ski Men, the roster includes four former FWT Champions, with close attention on the evolving rivalry between Marcus Goguen (CAN) and Max Hitzig (GER), both known for pushing technical boundaries. Ross Tester (USA), last year’s Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar winner, will be looking to defend his title.
The Ski Women category features reigning Baqueira Beret champion Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), aiming for another strong start, while challengers like Astrid Cheylus (FRA) and Jenna Keller (SUI) are expected to bring competitive depth.
In Snowboard Men, all eyes will be on Victor de Le Rue (FRA) as he continues his pursuit of a fifth FWT title. With riders like Cody Bramwell (GBR) and Liam Rivera (SUI) looking to make their mark early, the conditions are in place for a tightly contested event.
Noémie Equy (FRA), the 2025 Snowboard Women Champion, returns to Baqueira Beret to defend her win from last year. With several promising new riders in the roster, the potential is high for breakthrough runs and surprises.
Follow the Tour
The 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance is set to deliver high-level competition across six events. Coverage of the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar – including live broadcasts, athlete stories, and behind-the-scenes content – will be available at www.freerideworldtour.com and across @freerideworldtour social media platforms.
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 Swedish mountain resort of Åre out of a love for skiing, Peak Performance designs outerwear and apparel with one purpose: to bring the freeride spirit to the world. Our products are designed with style at the forefront and technicality at the core, to empower the adventurous and equip them to follow their own line. For more information, please visit www.peakperformance.com
