Second edition of Val Thorens Pro reaffirms France’s prominence on the FWT calendar. A dynamic venue and energized crowd made Val Thorens the perfect host for Stop Two of the 2026 FWT, delivering an unforgettable day on the mountain.
For its second stop of the season, the Freeride World
Tour by Peak Performance landed in Val Thorens, France. Despite challenging snow conditions that
rendered the original competition face on Cime Caron unusable and unpredictable weather during the
inspection days, a two-day weather window carefully managed by the organizers allowed for a
spectacular event to unfold.
The competition was relocated to the Pointe de Thorens (3,266 m), whose unique terrain provided the
perfect stage for riders to showcase their full range of skills. The result: a series of spectacular runs
and an unforgettable day of freeride action.
A passionate French crowd, fully behind their home athletes, brought even more energy to the show
under clear blue skies. Gathered between the finish area and two vibrant fan zones within the resort,
spectators turned out in force, and their support was rewarded with multiple French podium finishes
throughout the day. The atmosphere once again confirmed that Val Thorens is a premier destination
for freeride skiing and snowboarding in France.
Snowboard Men: Val Thorens riders dominate the podium
Victor de Le Rue (FRA), a true legend of Val Thorens, claimed a victory that had been firmly in his
sights since last season, delivering a powerful and highly technical run in exposed terrain. After a
mixed opening stop in Spain, the four-time Freeride World Tour Champion returned to the podium in
style with a score of 90.67, reminding everyone why he remains one of the sport’s defining figures.
In second place, Shayne Blue Sandblom (USA) lit up the face with an electric performance,
highlighted by a massive backflip, earning a score of 87.00. Defending event winner Enzo Nilo (FRA)
thrilled the home crowd with a confident and fluid run, making the most of his local knowledge. While
he may not have taken the win, his performance ignited the Val Thorens spectators and secured a
strong score of 84.67.
“This morning I was a bit nervous, but once we arrived and saw all the fresh powder, everything
changed. The conditions were amazing, the crowd was there, and the motivation went through the
roof. I even adapted my line at the top because the snow was better than expected. This run was for
the people of Val Thorens and the whole riding community, it means a lot to share moments like this
with everyone who supports us”
Snowboard Women: Noémie Equy claims long-awaited home victory
Noémie Equy (FRA) finally claimed the home victory she had been chasing since last season, an
achievement that meant even more to her than last year’s FWT title. In front of a roaring Val Thorens
crowd, the reigning Champion delivered a confident and precise performance, showcasing the
technical mastery and composure that have defined her rise on the Tour. Equy secured the win with a
score of 84.00. She was closely followed by Anna Martinez (FRA), who once again secured second
place, confirming her remarkable consistency and control in technical terrain. Backed by strong
support from the French crowd, Martinez earned a score of 78.33. Completing the podium, Mia Jones
(USA) continued an impressive rookie season, claiming her second podium finish with a score of
64.67. Despite an early fall that could have shaken her confidence, Jones recovered with
determination to deliver another standout performance.
“I’m really happy. From the start of the day I felt great and completely in the right headspace. At the
top, I was just enjoying the view, you can see the Glacier de Thorens, and it’s a place I truly love to
ride. Being at home made it even more special. I felt no stress at all, just fully in the flow during my
run. It was the perfect feeling.”
From the Alps to the Caucasus: the Tour charges on
With the completion of this second stop, the season is now in full swing, and the overall rankings are
beginning to take shape. The strong French contingent drew energy from the home crowd, pushing
their limits in front of an enthusiastic local audience.
Looking ahead, they’ll be without that home advantage, as the Freeride World Tour by Peak
Performance heads next to the majestic Caucasus Mountains for the third stop of the season: the
Georgia Pro.
Don’t miss the first-ever Allianz FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026, presented by
Mammut, taking place from 1–6 February, where the first FIS Freeride World Champions will be
crowned.
For live updates, results, and exclusive content, follow the Freeride World Tour on social media or visit
www.freerideworldtour.com.
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