2026 FWT QUALIFIER SEASON KICKS OFF IN NEW ZEALAND

The 2026 Freeride World Tour Qualifier season roared to life at The Remarkables Ski Area, with two days of high-octane action at The North Face Frontier Qualifier competitions. A competitive field of elite international and local freeriders charged the iconic Alta Chutes, delivering a thrilling display of skill, courage, and creativity.

4-Star Event: A Test of Nerve and Skill

The season launched with the prestigious 4-star Qualifier, where competitors faced steep, exposed terrain and lean snow coverage. The challenge was to balance risk with reward, and the athletes delivered.

In a story of redemption, New Zealander Luke McConnell clinched the Ski Men win after crashing out of the competition the previous year. "I’ve been doing lots of gym training, lots of skiing, and I was fired up, ready to go," said McConnell, whose winning run included a bold last-minute decision to hit the demanding Pipeline feature.

The Ski Women’s podium was topped by Harriet Lucas, who fearlessly dropped first and was the only woman to hit the Pipeline chute, earning her a decisive victory. She was joined by local Kiwis Jessie Violet and Jessica Hotter, both of whom impressed with aggressive skiing and big backflips.

On the snowboard side, Australia’s Vaughn Hardwick dominated the Men's field, scoring an impressive 97.33 with a run that included a huge double air. Japan’s Hana Kinoshita secured the win for in the Snowboard Women category with her strong technique and control.

4-Star Podium

• Women’s Snowboard: 1st: Hana Kinoshita (JPN) | 2nd: Jaimie Figueira (CAN) | 3rd: Johanna Lindqvist (SWE)
• Men’s Snowboard: 1st: Vaughan Hardwick (AUS) | 2nd: Mitchell Davern (NZL) | 3rd: Temma Tamai (JPN)
• Women’s Ski: 1st: Harriet Lucas (GBR) | 2nd: Jessie Violet (NZL) | 3rd: Jessica Hotter (NZL)
• Men’s Ski: 1st: Luke McConnell (NZL) | 2nd: Coen Bennie-Faull (AUS) | 3rd: Ben Leifer (USA)

2-Star Event: The Action Continues

Day two saw a packed field of 110 hard-charging athletes return to the Alta Chutes for the 2-star event. With different course options and high stakes, the competition was fierce.

It was a triumphant day for New Zealander Jessica Hotter, who stepped up from her 4-star third place to win the Ski Women’s division. Hotter was rewarded for her confident skiing and for hitting a particularly challenging cliff feature no one else had tackled, which the commentators quickly dubbed the "Jess Hotter Cliff."

Joshua Bull dominated the Men’s Ski field with an explosive run filled with creative spins, including a front flip and an off-axis backflip. “I was stoked to put it to my feet,” said Bull.

In a remarkable show of consistency, Vaughn Hardwick claimed his second victory of the weekend in Men's Snowboard, while Jaimie Figueira took the win in the Snowboard Women’s division.

2-Star Podium

• Women’s Snowboard: 1st: Jaimie Figueira (CAN) | 2nd: Stefania Canclini (ITA) | 3rd: Angelina Stratton (AUS)
• Men’s Snowboard: 1st: Vaughan Hardwick (AUS) | 2nd: James Thompson (NZL) | 3rd: Haruki Takeuchi (JPN)
• Women’s Ski: 1st: Jess Hotter (NZL) | 2nd: Harriet Lucas (GBR) | 3rd: Carmela Olmo (SPA)
• Men’s Ski: 1st: Joshua Bull (USA) | 2nd: Lach Powell (NZL) | 3rd: Ethan McLean (NZL)

The North Face Frontier once again proved why it's a cornerstone of the international freeride qualifier calendar, delivering a world-class showcase of talent and passion. A huge thank you to The North Face for their continued support, making this unforgettable season opener possible.