8 October 2026

A new generation rises as freeride’s elite gear up for a competitive season

As freeride enters its Olympic era, the 2027 Freeride World Tour season brings together the sport’s established stars, emerging youngbloods and returning contenders for one of the most anticipated seasons yet.

The Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance is back for 2027 and the new season comes with a fresh wave of talent ready to shake things up. The world’s best freeriders are lining up once again, but they will have to watch their backs as 12 unique riders are coming in hot. After battling their way through the FWT Challenger events, these rising and returning stars have earned their place among the world’s elite and they are not here to play it safe. Last season proved that the next generation has what it takes to challenge the established order. In fact, 13 rookies made their way to Verbier. But taking the throne won’t be easy as the reigning and 8 former FWT Champions are lining up in the roster, adding even more pressure to an upcoming fierce battle. The mountains are waiting and only four new Champions can stand on top.

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Ski Men: Proven winners, rising threats and everything to fight for

Ben Richards (NZL) owned the 2026 season. From claiming the FWT overall title to becoming World Champion, the smoothest man on skis left the competition chasing his tracks. But in 2027, the target is firmly on his back. This year’s category gathers more than four former FWT champions, just as Marcus Goguen (CAN) comes for his crown, hungry to reclaim the title he once held. And the battle does not stop there: respectively second and third last season, Toby Rafford (USA) and Ross Tester (USA) are ready to push their limits, and the boundaries of what’s possible, to fight their way onto the top step of the podium. The battle of the Maxes is also set to ignite the Ski Men category. With both Maxime Chabloz (SUI), returning from the Challenger, and Max Hitzig (GER) bringing serious experience and proven skills to the table, the question is simple: which Max will come out on top?

This year’s wildcards, Martin Bender (SUI) and Max Palm (SWE) are set to make their return to the FWT stage and shake things up from the very first run.

Ski Men - Qualified riders:

Ski Women: No clear favorite in a wide-open possibilities category

The 2027 Ski Women roster brings together proven winners, fearless newcomers and athletes ready for their next breakthrough. Leading the field is defending FWT Champion Lou Barin (FRA), returning after a breakthrough rookie season that saw her claim the title on the Bec des Rosses. After last season’s unexpected scenario, everyone can stand a chance, including Sybille Blanjean (SUI) ranked second overall, followed by one of the most experienced and decorated skiers in the women's field, Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN).

The Champions had better watch out: the rookies are coming! Hannah Baldwin (USA) and Mia McNab (FRA) both took the crown of their respective Challenger Series. Now, inspired by Lou Barin’s incredible rookie success last season, they’re setting their sights on an even bigger prize: the FWT Pro crown. The other one to watch is Mila de Le Rue (FRA): as Victor de Le Rue’s niece, Mila carries a familiar name into the sport, but she is here to carve out a story entirely her own in the ski women category.

Astrid Cheylus (FRA) and 2026 FIS Freeride World Champion Zuzanna Witych (POL) got offered a Season Wildcard to make the cut in 2027.

Ski Women - Qualified riders:

Snowboard Men: Can the reigning Champion do it again?

Could 2027 mark another season of supremacy for Victor de Le Rue (FRA) as he hunts a sixth world title? With five titles already to his name and three straight crowns from 2024–2026, he enters the season as an incredible force in an increasingly competitive FWT roster. Hot on his heels, Sacha Balicco (FRA) returns with momentum after being named 2026 Rookie of the Year, while 2026 FIS Freeride World Champion Liam Rivera (SUI) and rising talent César Barin (FRA) add even more firepower to an increasingly competitive field.

Kealan Venning (IRL) and Johnny Duty (USA) join the FWT roster with plenty to prove, while Timm Schroder (GER) returns with a wealth of experience.

Alongside returning contender and 2027 Wildcard, Cody Bramwell (GBR), set the stage for a season full of potential surprises.

Snowboard Men - Qualified riders:

Snowboard Women: The rookie reign is over

We started last season asking who could match Noémie Equy (FRA)’s rookie-season breakout. Mia Jones (USA) didn’t just match it, she surpassed all expectations, powering through the competition to claim the title in seemingly effortless fashion. But the tornado may face a storm of its own, with French riders Anna Martinez (FRA) and Noémie Equy (FRA) ready to stop it in its tracks, while Australia’s Michaela Davis-Meehan (AUS) brings a twist to the fight.

As 2027 comes in hot, the Snowboard Women category stands out with no rookies entering the field. Instead, a fresh breeze of déjà vu is also set to sweep through the 2027 Tour, with two former Champions Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA) and Katie Anderson (CAN) returning alongside Audrey Hebert (CAN).

For three straight seasons, a rookie has stormed to the crown. With no newcomers in the mix this time, that streak is guaranteed to end. But who will rise above the pressure and seize the top spot?

Snowboard Women - Qualified riders:

The roster is set. The rivalries are taking shape. And the battle for 2027 is ready to ignite. With champions to chase, rookies ready to disrupt and no shortage of contenders hungry for the top step, the new season has all the ingredients for a full-throttle fight from start to finish.

Next up: the 2027 FWT calendar. The names are locked in, now all eyes turn to the mountains, where the season’s battlegrounds are about to be revealed.

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