The 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance kicks off in style at the Baqueira Beret Pro

– by Movistar in Spain’s majestic Val d’Aran. Returning to the iconic venue of Baqueira Beret, the competition delivered a true spectacle in front of an electrified crowd

The 2026 Freeride World Tour (FWT) launched in
spectacular fashion at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar, with Spain’s iconic Val d’Aran and Valls
d’Aneu once again delivering an unforgettable opener. Under sunny skies and in front of a vibrant,
vocal crowd of 3,000 spectators, the world’s best freeriders showcased their skills on the legendary
Tuc de Bacivèr face, returning to the Tour for the first time since 2023.

Despite challenging weather in the lead-up, conditions aligned perfectly for a Day-1 competition
window. A recent meter of snowfall, shaped by strong winds, created a dynamic surface that
demanded adaptability and control.

Fans packed into the natural arena at the base of the venue, creating an atmosphere unlike any other
stop on the Tour. Riders reported hearing the crowd from the top of the mountain, feeding off the
energy and delivering bold, creative lines in response. This unparalleled ambiance has become a
defining feature of the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar.

Snowboard Women: Mia Jones shakes up the Tour with debut victory
The Snowboard Women’s competition launched the 2026 FWT season with style in Baqueira Beret.
Noémie Equy (FRA), 2025 FWT champion and last year’s winner in Baqueira, missed the podium after
a small fall. Rookie Mia Jones (USA) took full advantage, showcasing her talent and claiming the
victory. Dropping in aggressively, she attacked the upper section of the face with confidence. Her
highlight came with a clean jump off a mandatory cliff, which she landed with ease. Her fast, controlled
run earned a top score of 69.67 and the win: an exceptional debut that puts her firmly in the spotlight
this season.

Anna Martinez (FRA) rode a confident and creative line, linking clean airs and controlled landings
while showing strength and composure throughout. With slightly less risk than the winning run, she
scored 66.00 to place second. Michaela Davis-Meehan (AUS) delivered a solid performance built on
confidence and experience, feeding off the energy of the Spanish crowd. She executed clean airs and
a stylish grab, highlighting her improved technique and control. She finished third with a score of 64.5.

For the second year in a row, a rookie has taken the opening win of the season, raising the question:
could Mia Jones follow in Equy’s footsteps and ride her rookie season all the way to the title?

“My run went really well and the snow was way better than expected. It’s my first time in Baqueira and
Spain, and the resort is incredible with so much freeride terrain. Riding in front of such a big crowd
was really special. At the top, I didn’t realize how many people were going to be out there, and the
support at the bottom was amazing.”

Snowboard Men: Rivera sets the standard in season opener
The Snowboard Men category delivered a spectacular start to one of the Tour’s most competitive
categories. Under blue skies and fired-up crowds, riders brought serious heat to the season opener of
the 2026 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance.

Liam Rivera (SUI), third overall last season, set the bar early with a powerful and precise run featuring
a laid-out backflip, strong control through technical terrain, and a creative finish. He earned a top score
of 88.67, taking a well-deserved win and sending a clear message for the season ahead.

French rookie Sacha Balicco impressed in his FWT debut, landing multiple stylish 360s with clean
execution and confident pacing. His score of 84.67 placed him second and confirmed his arrival as a
serious contender. Rounding out the podium was Holden Samuels (USA), whose high-speed line
included big airs and a massive 360 over exposed terrain. He scored 82.67, locking in third place.
With a mix of seasoned pros and fearless newcomers, the Snowboard Men category is clearly set for
a thrilling year.

“I’m really happy with my run, it went exactly as planned. Of course, finishing in first place was the
cherry on top. It’s always great to be back in Baqueira. The crowd goes absolutely wild, and you can
really feel that energy everywhere.”

A memorable start to the 2026 season
The 2026 Freeride World Tour is officially underway, and Baqueira Beret delivered on every front.
From breakout rookie performances to seasoned champions defending their ground, the level of riding
was nothing short of world-class. With several categories decided by razor-thin margins, the
competition proved just how unpredictable this season will be. The crowd energy in Spain was electric
and the conditions tested every athlete. The rankings take shape, and one thing is clear: the road to
the FWT Finals is wide open, and anything can happen.

Next up: Val Thorens, France.