The Cut is set: Riders qualified for the 2026 FWT Finals

The final contenders for the Overall titles are confirmed following the cancellation of the Fieberbrunn Pro. The 2026 FWT champions will now be decided across two iconic Finals venues: Haines, Alaska, and Verbier, Switzerland.

Following the cancellation of the Fieberbrunn Pro due to safety, snow quality, and contestability concerns, the current Overall Rankings based on each rider’s two results have officially determined the Cut and the lineup for the 2026 Freeride World Tour Finals.

With only two events completed this season, the decision reshapes the competitive landscape. Several established riders narrowly miss qualification, while 15 rookies secure spots in the Finals, setting up a compelling battle between rising talents and seasoned veterans.

Ski Men: several top contenders miss the Cut

Many of the Tour’s top contenders successfully advance, including Ross Tester (USA), Max Hitzig (GER), Toby Rafford (USA), Marcus Goguen (CAN), and WeiTien Ho (CAN). Ben Richards (NZL) leads the rankings heading into the Finals after back-to-back victories, establishing himself as the rider to beat.

However, the shortened season also produces notable eliminations. Martin Bender (SUI), last year’s Overall runner-up, misses the Finals alongside 2023 Ski Men Champion Valentin Rainer (AUT) and Carl Regnér Eriksson (SWE). Perhaps the most significant absence is Kristofer Turdell (SWE). After 11 seasons on the FWT Pro Tour, the two-time Overall Champion (2018, 2021) misses the Cut for the first time, marking the end of one of the Tour’s most consistent eras.

Ski Women: An ultra-competitive field

The Ski Women Finals lineup promises one of the most competitive fields in recent years, with every qualified rider already securing at least one podium this season.

Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), last year’s Overall Champion, once again advances to the Finals - this time without the Golden Bib. Rookies have made a remarkable impact, with four of the six finalists competing in their first FWT Pro season: Agostina Vietti (ARG), Zoé Delzoppo (FRA), Wynter McBride (USA), and Lou Barin (FRA). Notably, every rookie in the category makes the Cut.

Meanwhile, several early-season favorites fall short of qualification, including FIS Freeride World Champion Zuzanna Witych (POL), 2025 Xtreme Verbier winner Jenna Keller (SUI), 2025 Overall third-place finisher Astrid Cheylus (FRA), and rising German talent Lena Kohler (GER).

Snowboard Men: Rookie power

The Snowboard Men field heading into the Finals reflects a powerful mix of experience and rising talent. Victor de Le Rue (FRA) and Liam Rivera (SUI) lead the standings following their respective victories this season, with Enzo Nilo (FRA) close behind. The remaining three spots go to rookies Sacha Balicco (FRA), Shayne Blue Sandblom (USA), and César Barin (FRA), further proof of the new generation’s strength on the Tour.

The category has also been affected by injuries to key riders, including Cody Bramwell (GBR), winner of the 2025 YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda, and Jonathan Penfield (CAN), a two-time Xtreme Verbier champion.

Snowboard Women: A wide-open title race

The Snowboard Women title remains wide open heading into the Finals, with multiple riders still in contention. Mia Jones (USA) currently leads the standings but close behind is Anna Martinez (FRA), who has demonstrated remarkable consistency with two second-place finishes this season. Defending champion Noémie Equy (FRA) sits in third place following her victory in Val Thorens. Michaela Davis-Meehan (AUS) completes the Finals lineup.

Major surprise comes from Nuria Castán Barón (ESP), who after six consecutive seasons on the FWT Pro Tour will not return to the Finals this year. Rookies Natalie Allport (CAN) and Sarah Bacher (AUT) miss qualification.

The final challenge: Haines and Verbier

The riders who made the Cut now face two of freeride’s most legendary arenas, where the 2026 Overall Champions will be crowned. Each venue presents a radically different challenge, testing both big-mountain mastery and composure under pressure.

YETI Haines Alaska Pro and the Alaskan ranges: vast, wild terrain defined by towering spines and remote Alaskan landscapes that push riders to the limits of big-mountain riding. YETI Xtreme Verbier and the Bec des Rosses: one of the most demanding faces in competitive freeride, featuring 50-degree slopes, complex terrain, and iconic cliff features.

With the stakes higher than ever, the road to the 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance titles now leads to the ultimate test.