FWT Announces 2027 Challenger Region 1 Roster and Competition Dates

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted November 12, 2026

As the level of competition steadily increases on the Freeride World Tour, the same goes for the final stage of the qualifying circuit, the Challengers.

In these events, FWT Qualifier athletes go head-to-head with former FWT competitors who didn’t earn enough points to stay on the pro tour. Whoever performs the best punches a ticket to the big leagues the next winter.

These are the athletes named to the 2027 Region 1 qualifier circuit so far.

Ski Women

Jenna Keller (SUI) FWT 2026 rider
Eva Battolla (SUI)
Zanna Farrell (AUS)
Maria Castellví Bono (ESP)
Léa Chapuis (FRA)
Elly Olsson (SWE)
Elisabet Marina (ESP)
Elfy Rouiller (SUI)
Kelly Berthon (FRA)
Lucinda Laird (AUS)
Ingrid Walhberg (SWE)
Jessie Violet (NZL)
Vilde Fimreite (NOR)
Jana Hausl (AUT) 2x Freeride Junior World Champion

Ski Men

Paul de Pourtalès (SUI) FWT 2026 rider
Virgile Didier (FRA) FWT 2026 rider
Oscar Mandin (FRA) FWT 2026 rider
Valentin Rainer (AUT) FWT 2023 Champion
Nemo Plagne (FRA)
Alex Hackel (USA)
Arno Vuarnier (SUI)
Alex Williams (SUI)
Noé Vouillamoz (SUI)
Johan Bachofner (SUI)
Gabin Siau (FRA)
Mathys Fornasier (FRA) FWT 2025 rider
Mickaël Bimboes (FRA) FWT 2019 rider
Xavier Scherwey (SUI)
Paul Dentan (SUI)
Arnaud Reymond (SUI)
Jonathan Hauss (AUT)
Lach Powell (NZL)
Ben Buratti (FRA)
Max Zimmermann (GER)
Macéo di Giorgio (FRA)
Tenra Katsuno (JPN) FWT 2025 rider
Simeon Pavlov (BUL)
Federico de Michiel (ITA)
Andreas Bakke (NOR)

Who To Watch

The ski men’s field, in particular, is loaded up with former FWT skiers. Oscar Mandin, Virgile Didier, Valentin Rainer, and Paul de Pourtalès all competed on the circuit last winter and, duly, have a good shot at making it again. You may recognize Tenra Katsuno and Mathys Fornasier, too, who last appeared in the FWT in 2025.

There are some other fun names worth watching. Alex Hackel has gone from winning X Games Real Ski medals to freeride. Now 40, Mickaël Bimboes put down some truly blistering runs during his time on the Tour and looks to be mounting a comeback after a hiatus.

Among the women, Jenna Keller has FWT chops and had a strong 2025 season with multiple podium finishes. She’ll face stiff competition from aspiring rookies and some of the 2026 FWT riders who missed the cut.

There aren’t many FWT tickets to go around. There are four openings for the men and two openings for the women.

Region 1 Challengers Schedule

Region 1 encompasses Europe, Asia, and Oceania. This winter, the six Challenger events will be held across Europe.

Open Faces Silvretta-Montafon Challenger, Austria – January 26–29, 2027
Nendaz Freeride Challenger, Switzerland – February 27 – March 2, 2027
X Over Ride Kitzsteinhorn Challenger, Austria – March 12–15, 2027
Monterosa Freeride Paradise Challenger, Italy – March 19–22, 2027
Le Sauze South Line Series Challenger, France – March 27–30, 2027
Open Faces Obertauern Challenger, Austria – April 5–8, 2027

The 2026/27 print issue of POWDER Magazine is here. Click here to have a copy shipped to your front door. Copies can also be found on newsstands at major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and more.

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