2026 Freeride World Tour Launches This Week At Spain’s Baqueira Beret

The FIS Freeride World Tour (FWT), sponsored by Peak Performance, launches its 2026 season in Baqueira Beret, the renowned resort in Spain’s Val d’Aran and Valls d’Àneu.

As the only Pyrenean stop on the Tour, Baqueira Beret has become a key venue since joining the calendar in 2022 and this year things are looking extra exciting after the resort picked up 60cm (2 feet) of snowfall at the weekend.

Now in its fifth year on the FWT calendar, the Baqueira Beret Pro, sponsored by Movistar, has consistently showcased the incredible freeride potential of Val d’Aran and Lleida Pyrenees. 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 Beret has made it a standout location for both athletes and fans, with freeride growing steadily in the region thanks to the resort’s extensive open terrain, covering 2,273 hectares. The event is expected to draw large local support and mark a strong start to this year’s Tour.

Avalanche risk in the region is currently high after all the snowfall, and the public is advised to exercise caution and follow all safety recommendations when venturing into the backcountry.

Maria Castellví Bono has received an Event Wildcard for the Baqueira Beret Pro. Born and raised in Val d’Aran, Castellví Bono will make her FWT debut in a setting she knows well.

"It means a lot to start my FWT Pro journey here at home in Val d’Aran. I’ve grown up watching riders like Abel Moga and Aymar Navarro, and now I have the chance to represent this new generation of Spanish freeriders. I feel proud, excited, and ready to give it everything on terrain I know and love," she said.

The venue is also home ground for two other Spanish freeriders: Abel Moga and Castán Barón. Moga  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.

"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," he commented.

Núria Castán Barón 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.

"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!" she commented.

Who To Watch in 2026

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 Beret Pro, will be looking to defend his title.

The Ski Women category features reigning Baqueira Beret 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 Beret to defend her win from last year. With several promising new riders in the roster, the potential is high for breakthrough runs and surprises.