2026 YETI Alaska Haines Pro makes it’s long awaited return as the first stage of the 2026 FWT final

After a nine-year absence, the Freeride World Tour returned to the legendary Alaskan spines of Haines, delivering a spectacular showcase of pure freeride. The competition unfolded on The Venue, last ridden in 2017, under excellent conditions with 20 cm of fresh snow blanketing the face.

• Victor De Le Rue (FRA), Mia Jones (USA), Sybille Blanjean (SUI), and Toby Rafford (USA) made a lasting impression with runs that secured them the win
• The Venue featured classic Alaskan freeride terrain set against a backdrop of spectacular views.
• Title Race Intensifies Ahead of Xtreme Verbier

Defined by its dramatic ridgelines and iconic spines, the venue offered riders countless opportunities to link technical features with creative freeride lines. With a 740-meter vertical drop, competitors needed both endurance and precision to maintain control, speed, and fluidity from the start gate all the way to the finish.

snowboard men:

Victor De Le Rue (FRA) claimed a convincing victory by delivering a commanding run, setting the tone immediately with a perfectly executed frontside 540 off the cornice. Riding with speed, power, and total control, he attacked the face from top to bottom, combining technical features and freestyle tricks while maintaining exceptional flow. His dominant performance earned him a leading score of 91.67 points and reaffirmed his pole position in the overall rankings.

Liam Rivera (SUI) finished in second place with a fluid and highly controlled descent, blending strong freeride technique with freestyle elements. Demonstrating smart line choice, he moved confidently down the face while executing technical airs and 360s. His precise execution and confident riding earned him an impressive 89.00 points.

Sacha Balicco (FRA) secured third place with a powerful run, opening with a textbook 360 high on the face. Carrying strong momentum throughout the descent, he made full use of the terrain, sending several airs while navigating the steep sections with confidence. His composed performance earned 78.67 points and a place on the podium.

Snowboard Women:

Mia Jones (USA) claimed victory by opening the Snowboard Women’s competition with a powerful and confident performance, charging down the face with her trademark high-speed, fall-line riding. Demonstrating excellent slough management and precise control through steep terrain, she made full use of the natural features while maintaining impressive pace from top to bottom. Her aggressive display earned 91.00 points, setting a strong benchmark for the field.

Anna Martinez (FRA) finished in second place with a composed descent, navigating the challenging Alaskan terrain with smart line choice and solid control. She used the snow conditions to her advantage, maintaining flow through the upper section and making the most of the available features while riding with speed and confidence. Despite a small mistake near the bottom, her calculated approach earned 58.33 points.

Noémie Equy (FRA) rounded out the Snowboard Women’s podium in third place, committing to a fast descent with a direct fall-line approach. Riding with confidence and power, she carried strong speed through the upper section while managing the firmer snow conditions with control. Her effort earned 53.33 points.

ski women:

Sybille Blanjean (SUI) claimed first place with a clean and strategic performance, combining powerful skiing with precise control on the demanding Alaskan face. Confidently making use of multiple features, she managed her speed effectively through the steep terrain while maintaining strong fluidity from top to bottom. Her composed and well-executed performance earned 75.67 points, boosting her into first place in the overall rankings and setting her up well for the second stage of the 2026 FWT Finals at the Xtreme Verbier.

Lou Barin (FRA) finished in second place with a powerful and committed performance, opening with a strong air off the cornice before taking on several sizeable features in the upper section of the face. Despite heavy landings and challenging snow conditions, she maintained solid control and determination while navigating the steep terrain. A late fall in the lower section impacted her score, but her aggressive and technically strong riding still earned 72.67 points and second in the overall rankings.

Zoé Delzoppo (FRA) took an aggressive approach from the start, launching off a spine feature and attacking the upper section with strong, confident turns. She chose a smart line and sent several sizeable airs while carefully managing her speed through the steep and complex terrain. Despite a fall in the lower section, her powerful performance earned 58.67 points.

ski men:

Toby Rafford (USA) charged into the run with a full-speed approach, committing immediately to the steep Alaskan face. Launching a clean 360 over the upper cliff band, he maintained exceptional pace while navigating the complex terrain with impressive control and precision. His fast and confident descent earned 90.67 points, securing the event victory and propelling him into first place in the overall rankings, narrowly edging ahead of his main rival, Ben Richards (NZL).

Season rookie Ugo Troubat (FRA) delivered a dynamic and creative run, opening with a high-speed 360 before immediately linking another spin on the upper section of the face. Riding with strong momentum and confidence, he continued to add features throughout the descent, including a large air in the lower section while maintaining impressive speed and control. His fluid and high-energy performance earned 89.67 points.

Ross Tester (USA) set the bar high early in the competition, dropping second in the Ski Men category with a bold and technically impressive run. Opening with a perfectly executed 360 in one of the steepest sections of the face, he maintained strong commitment and control while linking another huge 360 and navigating the complex terrain with confidence and fluidity. His standout performance earned 89.00 points, elevating him to third place in the overall rankings.

Next Final: YETI Xtreme Verbier, the ultimate battle of the 2026 season

After a spectacular first Final on the steep and iconic spines of Alaska, riders now turn their focus to the final stop of the season. The YETI Xtreme Verbier, held on the legendary Bec des Rosses, will provide the ultimate challenge with its intimidating steepness and complex maze of cliffs.

For the riders, this final showdown will decide the 2026 Freeride World Tour Champions. With everything on the line, the world’s best freeriders will push their limits one last time to deliver a spectacular conclusion to the season. It is a finale you won’t want to miss.

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