Pyrenean Showdown: Baqueira Beret Raises the Bar at the Qualifier & Junior 3* events

The 2026 YETI Freeride World Tour Baqueira Beret by Naut Aran Qualifier 3* and Junior 3* delivered a spectacular showdown in the Pyrenees, with riders throwing down under perfect bluebird skies in Spain with 20 cm of fresh powder.

Held at Baqueira Beret, the competition face, "Saumet" offered steep sections, technical features, and natural freeride terrain that pushed athletes to combine precision, creativity, and commitment.

In the Qualifier 3*, Gerard Busquets Espona claimed 1st place in the Ski Men category with a powerful and technical run, sending a huge cliff, linking it straight into a 360, and adding a stylish side-hit grab. His fully committed top-to-bottom line earned him 72.33 points and the top spot on the podium. In the Ski Women category, Mar Roura Monge took gold with 59.33 points, showcasing strength, control, and impressive technique. She confidently stomped two clean jumps and skied fluidly down the face, proving her consistency and composure under pressure. The Snowboard Men field saw Aitor Soto Marquez dominate with a massive 88-point run. His smooth flow combined with three big drops and a perfectly executed 360 off a cat track had the judges fired up and set the benchmark for the day. Rounding it out, Maria Hidalgo Perlas secured victory with 71.67 points at the 2026 YETI Freeride World Tour Baqueira Beret by Naut Aran Qualifier 3*. Charging down the face with confidence, she linked three solid jumps and finished her run in style with a clean, controlled grab — sealing a well-deserved win.

The Junior 3* category once again highlighted the sport’s rising stars, as young athletes attacked the face with confidence, style, and impressive maturity. Spain proved once again why it’s a key stop on the Freeride World Tour circuit. Baqueira delivered, and the riders answered with world-class freeride action!