2026 FWT Challenger by Orage Region 1 Calendar and Roster announcement

A strong line-up for six elite stops across Europe. 66 riders confirmed for six elite European stops as the battle for qualification to the 2027 Freeride World Tour heats up.

● 6 events across iconic freeride destinations in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France
● 66 riders set to compete in Region 1, including FWT veterans and rising stars
● Only 9 athletes from Region 1 will qualify for the FWT 2027

The Freeride World Tour (FWT) is excited to unveil the
2026 FWT Challenger by Orage Region 1 calendar and roster. The circuit is the final proving ground
for athletes aiming to qualify for the prestigious FWT 2027.
Featuring nine high-stakes stops across two competitive regions, the Challenger Series showcases
the next generation of snowboarding talent, alongside seasoned riders seeking
redemption and a path back to the Pro Tour.

Second season of the new format
Now in its second year under the updated format, the FWT Challenger by Orage continues to prove its
value, delivering strong competition and a clearer pathway to the FWT Pro level. The two-region
structure ensures accessibility, and fosters deeper regional rivalries.

● Region 1 (Europe-Asia-Oceania): Six events from January through April. Riders’ best four
results count toward their final ranking.
● Region 2 (Americas): Three premier events in March held across North America.
Each region will host approximately 60–80 riders, including top finishers from the FWT Qualifier Series
and FWT Pro Tour athletes who missed the 2025 Cut, all vying for limited spots on the FWT 2027
roster.

Only the very best will make the jump:
● Top 2 Snowboard Men
● Top 1 Snowboard Woman per Region will qualify for the FWT 2027.

An additional Snowboard Woman may also be selected at the discretion of the Organization, based on
performance and potential.

2026 FWT Challenger by Orage Region 1: Roster Overview
The Region 1 lineup promises intense battles, featuring former FWT champions, hungry young talent,
and seasoned veterans, setting the stage for one of the most competitive Challenger seasons to date.
This second-tier league has truly matured into a formidable proving ground that mirrors the FWT Pro
Tour in both skill level and intensity.

Snowboard Men
The men’s snowboard category is stacked with fierce competition among 14 riders. Prominent names
include Kea Chretien (FRA) , a three-time FWT Junior World Champion, and Rémi Benamo (SUI) and
Timm Schröder (GER) , both of whom scored second-place finishes on the FWT Pro Tour last season.
Expect a high-stakes clash between youthful ambition and seasoned drive.

Qualified riders:

Rémi Benamo (SUI)
Timm Schröder (GER)
Christophe Charlet (FRA)
Gabin Bouzanne (FRA)
Marc Robert (SUI)
Kéa Chretien (FRA)
Arvid Gustavsson (SWE)
Hugo Serra (FRA)
James Veitch (GBR)
Kealan Venning (IRL)
Pol Sabidó Juvé (ESP)
Vaughn Hardwick (AUS)
Macéo Peresson (FRA)
Florian Handschuh (GER)

Snowboard Women
This category features 11 riders, nearly all with extensive competition experience. Jacquelina De Jong
(NLD) , the youngest at 19, will need to hold her own against names like Estelle Rizzolio (FRA) ,
recently relegated from the Pro Tour but highly motivated to return, and Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA) , the
2022 FWT Champion, widely seen as the rider to beat.

Qualified riders:

Estelle Rizzolio (FRA)
Celina Weber (GER)
Anna Orlova ( )
Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA)
Mikaela Hollsten (FIN)
Briony Johnson (AUS)
Lou Ruiz (FRA)
Jacquelina De Jong (NLD)
Giulia Bottazzin (ITA)
Gosia Śniegórska (POL)
Laurence Barrau (FRA

2026 FWT Challenger by Orage Region 1: Calendar overview
This year’s Region 1 tour spans four freeride countries, each offering unique terrain and world-class
conditions. A new stop in France adds fresh energy to the Series, as returning venues promise more
iconic moments.

Stop 1: Open Faces Silvretta-Montafon Challenger, Austria – January 26–29, 2026
Back for its second year, this Vorarlberg venue boasts diverse alpine terrain: exposed ridgelines, wide
powder fields, and steep technical zones, set in one of Austria’s most scenic valleys.

Stop 2: Nendaz Freeride Challenger, Switzerland – February 28 – March 3, 2026
In the heart of the 4 Vallées, Nendaz’s big-mountain terrain and ever-changing snow conditions make
it a vital test of adaptability and line choice for all riders.

Stop 3: X Over Ride Kitzsteinhorn Challenger, Austria – March 14–17, 2026
A legendary glacier venue offering everything from powder bowls to narrow couloirs. With reliable
snow and 3,000-meter summits, it’s a highlight of the Challenger season.

Stop 4: Open Faces Obertauern Challenger, Austria – March 21–24, 2026
Now a Challenger staple, Obertauern delivers a potent mix of consistent snow, complex lines, and big
drops, ideal for high-drama competition.

Stop 5: Monterosa Freeride Paradise Challenger, Italy – March 26–29, 2026
Surrounded by the towering Monte Rosa massif, this stop features high-altitude ridges, steep bowls,
and technical chutes, demanding strategy and skill from every rider.

Stop 6: Le Sauze South Line Series Challenger, France – April 2–5, 2026 (NEW)
The newest addition to the circuit, Le Sauze brings the soul of French freeride into the Challenger mix.
Its dynamic terrain and vibrant freeride culture make this a thrilling finale to the Region 1 season.

Don’t miss a moment

Follow the full roster of FWT Challenger freeriders throughout the 2026 season at
www.freerideworldtour.com and on social media channels. Stay tuned for updates on Region 2
Calendar and Roster, and catch the action at www.freerideworldtour.com. Subscribe to the FWT
newsletter to stay in the loop with all the latest updates.