Over 80 cm of fresh snow recently fell in Baqueira Beret, with more in the forecast
The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance launches its 2026 season in Baqueira Beret, the renowned resort in Spain’s Val d’Aran. As the only Pyrenean stop on the Tour, Baqueira has become a key venue since joining the calendar in 2022. Now entering its fourth edition, the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar has consistently showcased the freeride potential of Val d’Aran. Thanks to a variety of peaks across the resort, each edition has been held on terrain offering true freeride challenge, most notably the iconic Tuc de Baciver (2,644 m). The venue, known for its technical lines and striking alpine scenery, offers a strong platform to open the season.
The atmosphere at Baqueira has made it a standout location for both athletes and fans, with freeride growing steadily in the region. The event is expected to draw large local support and mark a strong start to this year’s Tour.
Recent snowfall has added to the anticipation, with over 80 cm of fresh snow falling in recent days and more in the forecast. However, avalanche risk in the region is currently high, and the public is advised to exercise caution and follow all safety recommendations when venturing into the backcountry.
In 2025, Castellví Bono had a breakthrough year on the FWT Qualifier Tour, winning four events and securing the overall title in the Ski Women category. Her performance earned her a place among the sport’s top riders and marked her as one of the leading emerging athletes in the Spanish freeride scene, following in the tracks of local icons like Abel Moga (ESP) and Aymar Navarro (ESP), whose legacy continues to inspire the new generation of Spanish freeriders.
Words from Maria
Starting the season in Spain always give extra motivation and it’s a great way to make visibility to this sport in this place as it has a lot of potential and Freeride culture it’s been there since always. The atmosphere is special and is great to start at home having all friends, family and all the Freeride crew from the zone cheering up from the bottom. Can’t wait to give my best!
Home ground for two other Spanish freeriders: Moga and Castán Barón
Spanish skier Abel Moga (ESP) returns to familiar ground, representing Val d’Aran with his characteristic power and fluidity. He will be looking to build on past results, including a memorable second-place finish at Baqueira in 2022.
WOrds from Abel
There’s nothing like competing at home. Baqueira Beret is where it all started for me, and every time I ride here, I feel the support from the local community. The level keeps rising on the Tour, and I’m ready to push my riding again this season.
Núria Castán Barón (ESP) enters the 2026 season following a strong 2025 in the Snowboard Women category, where she finished third overall, her second consecutive FWT podium. With solid experience and Spanish support, she remains one to watch.
Words from Núria
Starting the season in Spain always gives me extra motivation. The atmosphere at Baqueira is special, and it’s amazing to see how the freeride scene has grown here. Hearing the crowd cheer in your own language, feeling that energy, it’s something you carry with you on every turn.
Title defenses, and rivalries set the stage in Baqueira Beret
The season opener in Baqueira Beret is shaping up to deliver compelling moments across all four categories.
In Ski Men, the roster includes four former FWT Champions, with close attention on the evolving rivalry between Marcus Goguen (CAN) and Max Hitzig (GER), both known for pushing technical boundaries. Ross Tester (USA), last year’s Baqueira winner, will be looking to defend his title.
The Ski Women category features reigning Baqueira champion Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), aiming for another strong start, while challengers like Astrid Cheylus (FRA) and Jenna Keller (SUI) are expected to bring competitive depth.
In Snowboard Men, all eyes will be on Victor de Le Rue (FRA) as he continues his pursuit of a fifth FWT title. With riders like Cody Bramwell (GBR) and Liam Rivera (SUI) looking to make their mark early, the conditions are in place for a tightly contested event.
Noémie Equy (FRA), the 2025 Snowboard Women Champion, returns to Baqueira to defend her win from last year. With several promising new riders in the roster, the potential is high for breakthrough runs and surprises.
This site uses cookies to help improve your user experience and gives you control over what you want to activate.
Cookie Settings
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
