FIS Freeride World Tour celebrates freeride inclusion in the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games
    FIS Freeride World Tour celebrates freeride inclusion in the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games
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    FIS Freeride World Tour celebrates freeride inclusion in the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the inclusion of freeride in the programme of the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games.

    VERBIER, Switzerland – July 7, 2026: The FIS Freeride World Tour (FWT) proudly welcomes the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced today in Lausanne, to include freeride skiing and snowboarding on the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games programme. Freeride will make its Olympic debut in 2030, a first for a sport built on natural terrain and judged on the line a rider chooses.
    The inclusion of freeride in the Olympic programme marks a defining moment in the sport's evolution and recognition at the highest level. It reflects freeride’s growth from a small competitive scene into a worldwide discipline with a fast-expanding base of athletes and fans.
    As the home of competitive freeride, the FWT has shaped the sport's development for three decades, from the creation of the legendary Xtreme Verbier in 1996 to the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships in 2026. Today, the FWT provides a structured pathway for athletes through four competition series, from Junior and Qualifier events to Challenger competitions and the elite Freeride World Tour, giving riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate and progress within the sport.
    The FWT ecosystem now includes more than 10,000 licensed riders worldwide and hosts over 300 competitions annually across four continents. This pathway nurtures the next generation of freeride talent and drives the sport's continued growth.

    “It's a moment of joy for the entire freeride community, and the result of three decades of commitment and dedication alongside an incredible team. My first thoughts go to the riders, from those who first believed in this discipline and helped build it, to the young athletes who can now dream of an Olympic medal. I think too of the organizers and everyone who has grown this sport over the years, and of all the partners who trusted us throughout the journey. Whatever the stage, the spirit of freeride remains. ” 

    Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT Founder and CEO

    “It is clear why Freeride’s combination of raw excitement on stunning natural terrain is an appealing addition to the Games. Above and beyond that, Freeride is a success story on the development level: within a couple of decades, the discipline created a structured pathway for athletes to compete, from the junior level all the way to the elite.”

    Alexander Ospelt, FIS President

    Olympic inclusion will create new opportunities for current and future generations of freeriders. Competing at the Games will allow athletes to showcase their skills on the highest stage in sport, represent their nations, and inspire new audiences worldwide.
    Looking ahead to the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games, the FWT remains committed to the growth, accessibility, and global development of freeride, and to helping shape an exciting new chapter in the sport's history.
    For more information on freeride's path to the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games, including updates on the qualification pathway as they are confirmed, visit: https://www.freerideworldtour.com/olympic-integration/.
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