4th stop of the 2026 FWT Challenger by Orage delivers high-level action in Obertauern

The fourth stop of the 2026 Freeride World Tour Challenger by Orage took place in Obertauern, Austria, on the challenging Hundskogel face (2,150m). Known for its steep upper section, technical cliff features, and wide variety of line choices, the venue pushed riders to combine creativity, control, and commitment.

Snowboard Men

Switzerland’s Rémi Benamo claimed victory with a powerful and technical run, marking a strong return to the Challenger Series after narrowly missing the 2026 FWT Pro cut. Drawing on his experience from the past two seasons on the Pro Tour, Benamo combined an engaged line with high-level freestyle elements, including multiple 360s and a double in steep terrain. His performance earned 86.33 points and the top spot.

Kea Chretien (FRA), just 19 years old and a three-time FWT Junior World Champion, impressed in his Challenger debut this season. Competing against more experienced riders, Chretien delivered a standout run featuring an innovative line through complex cliff sections and a cleanly executed triple in steep, rocky terrain. He secured second place with 84.67 points.

In third, Nicolas Huber (SUI) attacked the upper section with speed and precision, opening with an aggressive approach and a 180. He maintained fluidity throughout the venue, incorporating additional 180s and sizeable airs off natural features. His dynamic run earned 84.00 points, rounding out a tightly contested podium.

Snowboard Women

Nuria Castán Barón (ESP) took the win, demonstrating her determination to return to the FWT Pro Tour after six seasons at the top level. Dropping into the steep upper section, she executed a clean 360 before navigating the lower section with confidence and control. Her balanced and composed run earned 81.33 points.

Germany’s Celina Weber finished second with a smooth and controlled performance. She managed the steep upper section effectively and selected precise take-offs in the lower terrain to deliver a clean, consistent run, scoring 70 points.

Third place went to Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA), former FWT Champion and current category leader. Staying true to a classic freeride approach, she chose a technical line featuring exposed sections and committed cliff drops. Her run earned 69.00 points, maintaining her strong position in the overall standings.

Ski Men

Noah Peizerat (FRA) claimed first place with 90.33 points after a tightly contested competition marked by an exceptionally high level of riding. Delivering a playful yet technical run, he combined big airs, hand drags, and clean flat spins to secure his second consecutive podium following his runner-up finish in Kitzsteinhorn. This victory adds valuable points to his overall tally, moving him up to third place in the rankings.

Nemo Plagne (FRA) followed closely in second place with a score of 89.67, opening up a fresh line on the venue and delivering a fiercely competitive run. Showcasing creative creative line choice, he linked two smooth backflips off large natural features with confidence and control. With this result, he moves into fourth place overall and is making a strong case for qualification to the 2027 Pro Tour.

Alex Williams (SUI) rounded out the podium with a close score of 88.67, securing his first podium finish of the season. He set the tone early with a confident 360 and maintained strong execution throughout his run, linking solid tricks from top to bottom. This result earns Williams valuable points in the race for Pro Tour qualification.

Ski Women

Mila De Le Rue (FRA) claimed her first podium of the season in style with 82.67 points, taking the win with an impressive and confident run highlighted by a cleanly executed backflip. This standout performance moves her up to fifth place in the overall rankings.

Elisabet Marina (ESP) also secured her first podium finish of the season, taking second place with 81.00 points. Her standout run featured an impressive backflip, one of the strongest in her category, and made a clear statement to both spectators and competitors that she’s a serious contender in the rankings.

Continuing the trend of first-time podium finishers this season, Zanna Farrell (AUS) claimed third place with a strong score of 80.00 points. She showcased her trademark speed on the venue as she floated over features whilst maintaining fluidity and style.