Freeride Crowns Its First World Champions

The Allianz FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut took place  following exceptional snowfall that delivered 150 cm of fresh snow, creating outstanding competition conditions in Andorra.

Competition day at Ordino Arcalís delivered a defining moment for the sport, as the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships unfolded in front of an engaged audience.

After a covered start which challenged visibility, the competition went under way with good  conditions.

On world-class terrain the Andorran resort provided a spectacular setting for a landmark event that brought together the world’s best freeriders on one stage.

Freeride World Championships 2026. Image c/o FWCH26 & DDAHER

Unfortunately the women ski event as stopped due to a lack of visibility following a decision by the Contest Director, prioritising athlete safety.

At the time of interruption, 11 of the 16 competitors had completed their runs, meeting the two-thirds threshold required under FIS Freeride Competition Rules.

Freeride World Championships 2026. Image c/o WCH26 & JBERNARD-

The winners made freeride history as they took home the first World Championship titles: in the sportride

• Snowboard Men: Liam Rivera (SUI)

The Swiss snowboarder put down a clean and confident line against some challengingly rocky sections, followed by a momentous double feature which secured his place in the history books as the first ever Snowboard Men World Champion.

• Snowboard Women: Mia Jones (USA)

Mia Jones (USA) delivered a standout run, showing exactly why she leads the overall Freeride World Tour rankings in her rookie season. Dropping into the extremely steep upper section with confidence, and maintaining control at high speed was a defining feature of the run. Enough to earn her the triumphant 84.00 point win and title.

• Ski Men: Ben Richards (NZL)

Ben Richards (NZL) completed a hat-trick of wins in just his third professional competition of the season, sealing a World Champion title in the process. He delivered a near-flawless, statement run that quickly became one of the highlights of the day and his consistently dominant performance rewarded Richards with a massive 91.67.

• Ski Women: Zuzanna Witych (POL)

Zuzanna Witych (POL) has been crowned FIS Freeride World Champion in the Ski Women category. After a mighty performance under deteriorating weather conditions, Witych maintained composure and read the terrain tactfully, for which she was rewarded with a score of 80.33 and the ultimate title.

France, USA, and Canada topped the nation rankings.

Freeride World Championships 2026. Image c/o FWCH26 & DDAHER

The real significance of the event is that it is the first ever Freeride World Championships and it paves the way for entrance into the Winter Olympics in France in 2030.

• Freeride for the Winter Olympics?

Freeride World Tour. Image c/o @freerideworldtour+ D.DAHER.

It is all a long way from the early days of the Freeride World Tour.

PlanetSKI has been following the sport since those days and back in 2009 PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, was on a media judging panel alongside the legendary US skier, Glenn Plake.

FWT, Tignes 2009. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

FWT, Tignes 2009. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

FWT, Tignes 2009. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

See more here:

• PlanetSKI is slopeside for FWT in Spain
• Cody Bramwell qualifies for FWT Finals
• Freeride is officially recognised by FIS

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