The last stop of the Europe-Asia-Oceania FWT challenger series just wrapped in Obertauern, and 9 riders have officially qualified for next year's top flight. The challenger series is the gateway to the pro level FWT.
Qualification is based on each rider's best 4 out of 6 performances, making consistency a huge part of reaching and staying at the highest level of free-ride skiing and snowboarding.
Ski Men: Tightest Race of the Season
Victor Hale-Woods and Paul de Pourtalès secured early qualifications, while Fynn Powell made a late-season charge, winning the final two events. Ugo Troubat claimed the last spot in a nail-biting finish, edging out Paul Dentan by just 10 points.
Ski Women: A Dominant Duo
Zoé Delzoppo and Lou Barin dominated, qualifying before the final event. Delzoppo, despite missing an early competition, took two wins and topped the rankings. Barin followed closely with two wins and two third-place finishes.
Snowboard Men: All France
Sacha Balicco and César Barin emerged victorious. Balicco’s win at Bonneval and consistent podiums secured his spot, while Barin clinched late-season victories at Silvretta Montafon and Obertauern, joining his sister Lou on the FWT.
Snowboard Women: Consistency Wins
Sarah Bacher was the sole qualifier for snowboard women, locking in her FWT 2026 spot with four solid second-place finishes before the final stop.
We're stoked to see what these 9 rider's bring to the table next season.
Amber Brion
April 2nd, 2025
The Europe-Asia-Oceania Freeride World Tour (FWT) Challenger series concluded with the final event in Obertauern, Austria, solidifying the roster for the upcoming FWT 2025 season. This series serves as a critical pathway for athletes aiming to compete at the highest level of freeride skiing and snowboarding. Safebound Moving