The first FWT Final of the 2026 season heads to Haines, Alaska for the YETI Alaska Haines Pro

The world’s best freeriders who qualified for the Finals will battle on Alaska’s legendary spines to secure crucial points in the race for the 2026 FWT Champion title.

The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance returns to North America as the first Final of the 2026 season takes place in Haines, Alaska. After a shortened start to the season with only two completed events, the 29 world-class freeriders who made the Cut arrive hungry and ready to prove themselves at one of the most anticipated stops on the Tour.

Back on the FWT calendar for the first time since 2017, Alaska’s dramatic mountain ranges provide the ultimate freeride battleground. With steep spines, massive faces, and legendary snow conditions, Haines offers the perfect stage for athletes to push the limits and make their mark on freeride history. The competition weather window runs from March 15 to 22, giving organizers flexibility to choose the best possible day to ensure optimal freeride conditions.

The Dream Stop

Nestled between the Chilkat, Takshanuk, and Coast Mountains, where glaciers meet the sea and wild rivers braid through ancient forests, Haines, Alaska is a place where raw adventure and pristine wilderness coexist. The destination previously hosted three unforgettable FWT events in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Those editions quickly achieved legendary status thanks to consistent snowfall, a deep snowpack, and long, demanding faces offering 600 to 700 meters of vertical drop. The terrain allows for long, expressive runs that showcase the full spectrum of freeride style and creativity.

Nicknamed “The Dream Stop” during its previous appearances on the Tour, Alaska captivated athletes and fans alike. With the return of the YETI Alaska Haines Pro, the venue is ready to reclaim its iconic place among the six stops of the 2026 FWT calendar.

The final race for the rankings begins

In the Ski Men category, Ben Richards (NZL) leads the standings with more than 5,000 points after securing two consecutive victories. He will look to extend this impressive streak, but strong challengers are close behind, including 2024 FWT Champion Max Hitzig (GER) and 2025 FWT Champion Marcus Goguen (CAN).

In Ski Women, Argentine rookie Agostina Vietti leads the standings following her historic win in Val Thorens. Close behind is Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), who also claimed a victory this season and is determined to defend her 2025 FWT title.

In the Snowboard Men category, defending champion Victor de Le Rue (FRA) currently holds the top position but faces pressure from Liam Rivera (SUI) and Enzo Nilo (FRA). De Le Rue will rely on his experience as a four-time FWT Champion and his familiarity with Alaskan terrain, where he has filmed several major freeride projects.

In Snowboard Women, the competition remains wide open. Mia Jones (USA) leads the rankings and will compete on home soil, while French riders Anna Martinez and Noémie Equy are both in strong contention and ready to shake up the standings.

Watch the action live

Fans around the world can watch the action live at www.freerideworldtour.com/live, with real-time updates, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes coverage on @freerideworldtour across social media.