Freeride World Tour Returns to Val Thorens

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted January 23, 2026

It marks the Tour’s return to Val Thorens for the second consecutive year and signals the revival of elite freeride competition on French soil after a long absence.

PlanetSKI was in the resort last year for the buildup to the event:

PlanetSKI is in France for the Freeride World Tour

Val Thorens is in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, and it has once again been named World’s Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards.

Its altitude of 2,300m, coupled with steep couloirs and dynamic faces, offers the perfect canvas for bold freeride performances.

FWT at Val Thorens. Image c/o @freerideworldtour +J.Bernard.

The French freeride star Léo Slemett will be competing as an Event Wildcard, making a special one-off appearance in the Ski Men category.

The French freeride icon, who last appeared on the Tour in 2022, has since focused on personal film projects, including an emotional documentary released last autumn.

Now fully recovered from injury and back on snow, Slemett will look to test himself once again on the biggest stage.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the mix for another dance,” said Leo.

“The new generation has raised the bar since I left the Tour, and I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with such talented riders.”

His participation marks a historic moment for the Tour: for the first time ever, five FWT Champions will compete in the Ski Men category at a single event.

It’s a true clash of titans, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Val Thorens.

The Val Thoresn Pro is the second edition on this season’s FWT with the first event taking place in Baqueira Beret in Spain last week.

PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel reported live from the event:

PlanetSKI is slopeside for the FWT in Spain

PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel at the 2026 Baqueira Beret FWT. Image © PlanetSKI

The Val Thorens Pro will take place during the weather window of January 24–29, 2026, with the exact competition day selected based on safety and snow conditions.

Fans around the world can watch the event live at www.freerideworldtour.com, and follow exclusive athlete stories, highlights, and updates across FWT’s social media platforms at @freerideworldtour.

See more about Val Thorens:

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