FWT Challenger by Orage 2026 Region 1: Nine Riders Earn Qualification for the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2027
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The 2026 FWT Challenger by Orage Region 1 season has come to a close, with the top riders across the circuit securing their spots on the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2027 (FWT). Athletes competed in six demanding events across Europe, culminating in a decisive final stop in Le Sauze, France, where the last qualification spots for freeride’s elite circuit were claimed.
A six-event battle for qualification
The FWT Challenger by Orage serves as the gateway to the Pro level, requiring riders to deliver consistent, high-level performances throughout the season. Only the best four results out of six events count toward the overall rankings, placing a premium on both performance and consistency.
The 2026 season brought together a compelling mix of emerging talent and experienced athletes aiming to reclaim their place on the Tour. Among them were former FWT Champions Maxime Chabloz (SUI), Valentin Rainer (AUT) and Tiphanie Perrautin (FRA), respectively highlighting the exceptionally high level of competition across the field.
Ski Women: Two French riders qualify on home soil in a full-circle moment
Despite a strong field that included four athletes with experience competing at the 2026 FIS Freeride World Championships, the Ski Women category remained wide open heading into the final event, with six riders still in contention for qualification. Ultimately, the season came down to two standout performers: Mia McNab (FRA) and Mila De Le Rue (FRA), who rose above the rest to secure their spots. McNab claimed two victories, while de Le Rue earned one win, both demonstrating consistency and dominance throughout the FWT Challenger season.
Mia McNab, representing the Freeski Academy Les Arcs, is no stranger to the Challenger circuit. Having competed at this level for the past four years, her journey has been defined by resilience. After a particularly challenging season last year, McNab committed herself to both physical and mental preparation, returning stronger than ever. Her qualification stands as a testament to perseverance. She will join fellow Freeski Academy athlete Ugo Troubat on the FWT, further highlighting the strength of the program in developing top-level freeride talent.
Even though last year was a really tough season, you have to keep going and never give up, hard work always pays off.
Mila de Le Rue, representing the Freeride Club Verbier, continues the legacy of one of freeride’s most iconic families. She follows in the footsteps of her relatives, Xavier de Le Rue, three-time FWT Champion, and Victor de Le Rue, newly crowned five-time FWT Champion. Carrying that heritage, Mila has quickly established herself as a rising force in her own right. She made an early impression with a second-place finish at the Junior World Championships and, at just 20 years old, now earns her place on the Freeride World Tour. Ready to carve her own path, she begins a new chapter for the de Le Rue name, this time in the Ski category.
Ski Men: Maxime Chabloz, 2022 FWT Champion, is back
The Ski Men category saw intense competition, with several riders in contention for qualification until the final runs. Former Pro riders who missed the Pro Cut, including Valentin Rainer (AUT) and Oscar Mandin (FRA), were in the mix but ultimately unable to match the level required to qualify.
Maxime Chabloz (SUI), 2022 FWT Champion, requalifies after a difficult 2025 season on the Pro Tour. Fully aware of the high level on the Challenger circuit and facing a field of many unfamiliar freeride faces, he had to wait until the very last run of the day to secure his qualification. With a win this season and several strong performances, he returns to the Tour with renewed confidence, joining a roster that will include three other FWT Champions next season.
He is joined by three other qualified riders: Simon Zwischenbrugger (AUT), Noah Peizerat (FRA), and Edvin Olsson (SWE), all of whom demonstrated an impressive level of skiing throughout the season. Entering with a season wildcard, Zwitschenbrugger emerged as one of the surprises of the year, claiming a victory and delivering consistently strong results. Olsson, who already competed on the Pro Tour in 2025 but was forced to withdraw due to injury after the second event, returns ready to compete at the highest level. Peizerat, another athlete from the Freeski Academy, will look to build on the experience and momentum of his teammates as he steps onto the world stage.
In the Snowboard Men category, several former Pro riders who missed the Pro Cut were aiming to reclaim their spots on the Tour. Timm Schröder (GER) successfully achieved that goal. After two seasons on the Pro Tour, he returns for the 2027 season. A consistent podium contender, Schröder delivered a strong campaign, including a win and a second-place finish, securing his return to the FWT.
Kealan Venning (IRL) also secured qualification ahead of the final competition. With two victories, he demonstrated his high level throughout the season, earning his place on the Pro Tour. Venning will make history as the first Irish rider to compete on the FWT.
Qualified Riders Region 1 – FWT 2027 (Snowboard Men)
In the Snowboard Women category, Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA) delivered an outstanding performance. With three wins, she dominated the season and secured her spot on the 2027 FWT. Perrotin is no stranger to the Tour, having previously competed at the Pro level and claiming the overall title in 2022.
After two years on the Challenger circuit attempting to requalify, this marks a significant achievement. She will join a highly competitive field next season, which already includes two FWT champions in the Snowboard Women category.
Qualified Rider Region 1 – FWT 2027 (Snowboard Women)
With the FWT Challenger by Orage season now complete, these newly qualified riders will join the world’s best freeriders on the 2026 FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance. Their performances over the past season have demonstrated their technical skills, mental resilience, and ability to perform under pressure, all crucial attributes needed to compete at the highest level of freeride.
CEO of the Freeride World Tour
This season has been a testament to the depth of talent in the freeride world. The level of competition on the Challenger Tour was incredibly high, and the athletes who qualified have truly earned their places on the FWT. We can’t wait to see them take on the world's biggest freeride stages next year.
The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2027 is set to begin in January, featuring legendary venues and the most challenging terrain in the sport. Stay tuned for the full schedule and all the latest updates at www.freerideworldtour.com.
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