2025 Freeride World Tour To Start This Friday

After a few nervous days waiting for confirmation, the organisers of The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance has confirmed that the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar competition will take place this Friday, January 17, 2025.

The iconic Pyrenean venue is set to challenge the world’s top freeriders in an event that promises unforgettable performances.

The event will be staged on the stunning La Bamba area of the famous Spanish resort, known for its dramatic and technical terrain.

Rising to a summit of 2541 meters and descending to a finish at 2069 meters, La Bamba is a striking face within the Vielha e Mijaran County. With an average slope of 40 degrees and sections reaching a staggering 53 degrees, this Alaska-style mountain is a freeride paradise that commands attention. Visible from the road, its imposing beauty and freeride potential have long inspired locals.

Sadly snowfall in the Pyrenees has been below average so far this season, but as the next best option to the renowned Baciver face, La Bamba delivers a thrilling alternative with its diverse terrain and technical demands.

“The last snowfall came with strong southwesterly winds, gusting up to 100 km/h, which scraped much of the snow from the mountains,” explained Laurent Besse, FWT Commissioner. “While the venue could have worked with spring snow conditions, the upcoming cold temperatures and high-pressure forecast have left the west-facing slopes unsafe for competition. Thankfully, La Bamba provides an excellent alternative with its diverse terrain, superior snow quality, and optimal protection, ensuring an exciting and safe start to the season.”

Massive cliffs, spines, and wind lips define the mountain, creating an ideal playground for freeriders to unleash their creativity. Freestyle riders, in particular, will find La Bamba’s natural features the perfect stage to showcase their skills and imagination.

Located near Baqueira, La Bamba perfectly embodies the spirit of freeride competition. With its mix of steep pitches and challenging natural features, it stands as an iconic venue for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Pyrenean mountains.

La Bamba is located in Vielha e Mijaran, a key area in the Val d’Aran. In summer, the region draws visitors to the scenic Artiga de Lin and serves as a base for excursions to peaks like Molieres, Forcanada, and Lac des Pois. In winter, it transforms into a tranquil, snow-covered haven, perfect for backcountry exploration.

Meanwhile, Vielha itself is the vibrant hub of the Val d’Aran, offering a dynamic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and leisure activities. The town balances traditional Pyrenean charm with modern amenities, making it a year-round destination for visitors.

Event Logistics

Due to the remote nature of La Bamba, the event will not be accessible to the public. This decision was made to prioritize safety for both athletes and spectators. However, fans can still catch all the action live via the official FWT broadcast or head to Pla de Beret in Baqueira Beret, where the competition will be shown on a maxi screen for an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, there will be a screening of the replay of the competition on Saturday at 9:00 am at Pla de Beret.

The first rider drops at 10am CET on Friday with the dropping order: Snowboard Men, Ski Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Women.