- Competition confirmed for Friday 17 January at 9.30am.
- The change of venue to La Bamba guarantees optimum conditions for the competition.
- The backcountry event will be held without public access to prioritise safety, but will be shown on a giant screen in the Pla de Beret.
- Descent order: Snowboard Men, Ski Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Women
The prestigious FIS Freeride World Tour 2025, presented by Peak Performance, kicks off its electrifying season in Baqueira Beret. This jewel of the Pyrenees will once again be the stage where the world’s best freeriders will test their skills and defy gravity in spectacular surroundings.
This Friday 17 January 2025, the world’s best freeriders will compete in a new and exciting setting in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees.
The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance has officially announced that the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar competition will take place this Friday 17 January on the stunning La Bamba. Known for its dramatic and technical terrain, this iconic Pyrenees venue is set to challenge the world’s best freeriders in an event that promises unforgettable performances.
La Bamba debuts at Baqueira Beret FWT 2025
Climbing to a summit of 2,541 metres and descending to a finish at 2,069 metres, La Bamba is an eye-catching face within the Vielha and Mijaran region. With an average gradient of 40 degrees and sections reaching a staggering 53 degrees, this Alaskan-style mountain is an eye-catching freeride paradise. Visible from the road, its awe-inspiring beauty and freeride potential has long inspired locals.
As the next best thing to the famous Baciver face, La Bamba offers an exciting alternative with its diverse terrain and technical demands. Huge drops and cornices define the mountain, creating an ideal playground for freeriders to unleash their creativity. Experienced freestyle riders, in particular, will find La Bamba’s natural features the perfect setting to showcase their skills and imagination.
Located close to Baqueira, La Bamba perfectly embodies the spirit of freeride competition. With its mix of steep slopes and challenging natural features, it stands as an emblematic place to push the boundaries of what is possible in the Pyrenees mountains.
Why the change from Baciver to La Bamba?
Initially planned for Tuc de Baciver, the competition has been moved to La Bamba due to the impact of recent weather conditions.
“The last snowfall was accompanied by strong south-westerly winds, with gusts of up to 100 km/h, which removed much of the snow from the mountain tops. Cold temperatures and the forecast of high pressure have left the west-facing slopes unsafe for competition. Fortunately, La Bamba offers an excellent alternative thanks to its diversity of terrain, superior snow quality and optimal protection, guaranteeing an exciting and safe start to the season,’ commented Laurent Besse, FWT Commissioner.
Change of venue, same exceptional skiing conditions in Baqueira Beret
Although the main event of the FWT 2025 has been moved from the Baciver face to La Bamba due to the weather conditions on the peaks,
‘Baqueira Beret offers the best snow conditions in the Pyrenees’.
Recent snowfalls have ensured a solid and homogeneous base, ideal for enjoying the more than 110 km of open pistes. Skiers and snowboarders can make the most of their experience in a resort that continues to be a reference point for skiing in Spain and Europe.
Logistics and event schedule
Due to the remoteness of La Bamba, the event will not be accessible to the public. This decision was taken to prioritise the safety of both athletes and spectators. However, fans will be able to follow all the action live on the official FWT broadcast or head to Pla de Beret, in Baqueira Beret, where the competition will be projected on a giant screen for an immersive viewing experience. In addition, a replay of the competition will be shown on Saturday at 9:00 am in Pla de Beret.
- Start of live coverage 9:30 CET
- First rider drop: 9:45 CET
- Drop order: Snowboard Men, Ski Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Women
Spaniards to rock the crowd at the FIS Freeride World Tour 2025 by Peak Performance
With more than 110 km of open slopes, Baqueira Beret is not only preparing to offer a competition spectacle, but also an unforgettable experience for ski lovers who are enjoying the ski slopes of Baqueira and want to watch the Freeride event live on a giant screen from the Pla de Beret.
The FWT organisers have worked closely with local experts such as Aymar Navarro to choose the best times depending on the weather conditions, ensuring a safe and exciting competition.
In addition, two top talents from the Spanish freeride team are set to dazzle on home soil:
- Abel Moga, the charismatic skier from Aran, returns with renewed energy after receiving a wildcard to compete in front of his home crowd. The ‘Ultimate Showman’s’ aggressive style and his connection with the mountains of Baqueira promise unforgettable moments. Moga commented that ‘Competing at home is a unique opportunity to show the world the magic of our mountains’.
- Núria Castán Baron, the charismatic runner-up of the FWT 2024 and a benchmark for snowboarding in Spain, will be looking to start the season with a win that will make the country proud. ‘Starting the circuit in Baqueira Beret is a dream come true – we’re ready to impress,’ Castán declared.
Exclusive interview with Abel Moga before the Freeride World Tour: ‘Baqueira can compete with the best ski resorts in the world’.
We had the chance to talk to Abel Moga, who shared with us his thoughts and feelings before the start of the competition:
Abel, how are you preparing for this season and especially for the race in Baqueira?
‘Last season ended with a bit of a bitter taste because of an injury, but now I’m full of energy and motivated to get back to the skiing I know I can do. I’m really looking forward to my first competition in Baqueira. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the Freeride World Tour riders and the local crowd. I’m motivated, but with my head on my shoulders, because I want to be sure that my return from injury will be positive’.
How are you feeling physically?
‘I’ve been training a lot and I think I’m in good shape. We’ll have to see how I respond in competition, but I’m sure I can do a good downhill and aim for a good result.’
The list of competitors this year is impressive, what are your feelings about it?
‘The Freeride World Tour brings together the best skiers in the world, people who can do anything on any terrain. It’s a bit scary, because everyone has the level to win. But at the same time, it’s exciting to see who stands out and proves to be the best.’
This year the FIS is more involved in the FWT, how has this benefited you personally?
‘Being part of the FIS gives us recognition as athletes and opens doors to more support, such as financial aid. This is vital in a sport as expensive as skiing. I have also had the opportunity to train at the High Performance Centre in Barcelona thanks to the Catalan Federation. Moreover, this is creating a structure for the young people who come after me, something that I consider very important for the future of freeride in Spain’.
Finally, what do you think of Baqueira Beret’s role as host of this international event?
‘Baqueira can compete with the best ski resorts in the world. Many international riders were blown away by what we have here when they came here for the first time. People don’t expect to find mountains and snow of this quality in Spain. When the conditions are good, Baqueira is without doubt one of the best freeride resorts in Europe’.
Who are the big favourites for the FWT Baqueira Beret 2025?
The 2025 edition of the FWT presents interesting novelties in the competitive panorama. Absences such as Max Hitzig and Katie Anderson, due to injury, pave the way for new stars to emerge on the circuit.
- Ski Men: Favourites include Marcus Goguen (CAN) and Ben Richards (NZL), ready to make their mark.
- Ski Women: Arianna Tricomi (ITA) and Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) return to challenge the up-and-comers.
- Snowboard Men: Saint-Lary valley rider Victor de Le Rue (FRA) is looking for his fourth world title, with Timm Schröder (GER) hot on his heels.
- Snowboard Women: Reigning champion Erin Sauvé (CAN) faces fierce competition led by Núria Castán.
Where to watch FWT 2025 in Baqueira Beret?
Fans can enjoy every moment of this exciting event through live broadcasts on www.freerideworldtour.com and the official social networks (@freerideworldtour).
Don’t miss this date with the adrenaline and talent of world freeride in Baqueira Beret, a place where mountains tell stories and riders turn them into legends.
