Baqueira Beret First Stop On 2026 Freeride World Tour

Baqueira Beret is set to stage the fifth edition of the Freeride World Tour Baqueira Pro by Movistar this week, aiming to take place between 16th and 21st January 2026 in the Aran Valley and Valls d’Àneu. The Pyrenean resort of Lleida will once again be the starting point of the Freeride World Tour, consolidating its role as one of the international benchmark venues for this discipline.

As the only stop on the Freeride World Tour in the Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret offers its unique character at the start of the season. It’s more than 2,000 hectares of high mountain terrain, the consistently high quality of the snow, and the variety of runs make the Tuc de Bacivèr (2,644 m) once again an ideal setting for top-level freeriding. Each edition of the Baqueira Pro has taken place on demanding and visually striking faces, strengthening the resort’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading venues for the sport.

The resort has also enjoyed big snowfalls in January, with 60cm falling last weekend alone, giving a great backdrop for competitors, although visitors and recreational skiers and snowboarders are advised to follow all official advice due to consequential high avalanche danger.

Beyond the competition, the event has established itself as a spectacle that combines sport, natural environment, and atmosphere, with strong involvement from the local public and a mountain community that experiences freeriding as part of its identity.

The competition is scheduled to take place within the weather window from 16th to 21st January, which will allow the organisation to choose the best competition day based on snow and safety conditions. Baqueira Beret will offer parallel activities and an intense media presence that will give the Aran Valley global visibility.

Spanish Presence on the Freeride World Tour

The 2026 season will feature a strong Spanish presence in the Freeride World Tour, with Abel Moga, Maria Castellví (event wildcard) and Núria Castán forming part of the tour under the RFEDI umbrella. A presence that reflects the growth of national freeriding and the role of Baqueira Beret as the birthplace and development hub of this discipline in Spain.

Pep Casasayas, marketing manager of Baqueira Beret, highlights the international impact of the event: “After five editions, the Freeride World Tour in Baqueira is a well-established event that puts us on the international map and showcases the Catalan and Lleida Pyrenees to the world. Hosting the best riders, including local talent, is a source of pride for the resort and the region”.

Abel Moga highlights the value of competing at home: “Baqueira is my home and where I have skied all my life, so I approach this event with great enthusiasm. Bacivèr is a spectacular setting and, if conditions are favourable, we hope to experience a great freeride event”.

Maria Castellví emphasises her motivation to compete surrounded by her people: “Baqueira is where I grew up as a skier and being able to have this experience here, surrounded by my people, is very special. The terrain offers many options and usually very good snow, so the idea is to enjoy it and try to put on a show”.

Aymar Navarro highlights the scale of the event: “Having the FWT in Baqueira is a source of pride for the region, and it has become one of the tour’s key stops worldwide. With the current level of Spanish riders and the environment we have, a great show is guaranteed”.

Ones to Watch in 2026

The season opener in Baqueira Beret is set to deliver standout performances across all four divisions.

In Ski Men, four former FWT champions headline a stacked field, with particular focus on the growing rivalry between Marcus Goguen (CAN) and Max Hitzig (GER), both renowned for their progressive, high‑risk riding. Last year’s Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar winner, Ross Tester (USA), will also be aiming to repeat his victory.

The Ski Women lineup sees defending Baqueira Beret champion Justine Dufour‑Lapointe (CAN) return in search of another strong start, while Astrid Cheylus (FRA) and Jenna Keller (SUI) look poised to challenge.

In Snowboard Men, Victor de Le Rue (FRA) continues his hunt for a fifth FWT crown, with Cody Bramwell (GBR) and Liam Rivera (SUI) eager to make an early impact.

Reigning Snowboard Women champion Noémie Equy (FRA) is back to defend her 2025 win, and with several rising talents joining the roster, the stage is set for breakout moments.

Follow the Tour: Live coverage, athlete features and behind‑the‑scenes content will be available at freerideworldtour.com and across @freerideworldtour channels.

Image credit: J Bernard

The post Baqueira Beret First Stop On 2026 Freeride World Tour appeared first on InTheSnow.