The Andorran resort of Ordino Arcalís experienced a historic day for freeride skiing today with the celebration of the first Allianz FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut. And it did so under exceptional conditions after recent snowfalls, with more than 30 cm falling last night, leaving Basser Negre in perfect shape for the event.

After a start with overcast skies and low visibility, the competition was able to begin at 1 p.m. with perfect conditions. On world-class terrain, the Andorran resort provided a spectacular stage for this historic event, which brought together the best freeriders in the world in one place.

Local fans and visitors united to support the freeriders and their nations, creating an atmosphere worthy of a World Championships debut. From the magnitude of the legendary face chosen, the Basser Negre (2,687 m), to the energy of the crowd, Ordino Arcalís rose to the occasion, hosting a competition that marked a new historic chapter for freeride.

Men’s Snowboard: Liam Rivera delivers a dominant win for Switzerland 

Liam Rivera (SUI) took the victory with a confident score of 84.33. The Swiss snowboarder completed a clean and safe line through demanding rocky areas, followed by a spectacular double trick that secured him a place in the history books as the first men's snowboard world champion.

Victor de Le Rue (FRA) was the last to descend, under huge pressure, and showed off a flawless opening 360. A performance that reminded the audience of his fierce presence in the freeride world and earned him second place with a score of 80.00. Michael Mawn (USA) demonstrated courageous determination and great board control throughout his ride, returning to the freeride scene for a single but unforgettable performance, which awarded him a 69.00 and a solid third place in the World Championship standings.

“The snow and conditions were incredible. I’m always nervous before a competition, and today, at the start, I was even more so because I really wanted to give it my all. The only thing on my mind was nailing my run without thinking about the result. Becoming the first FIS Freeride World Champion is like a dream. This victory is for my team, my Swiss teammates, and everyone who has supported Switzerland.”

Liam Rivera, FIS Men’s Snowboard Freeride World Champion

Women’s Snowboard: Mia Jones takes the win and Núria Castan Barón is third

Mia Jones (USA) delivered an exceptional run, showing exactly why she leads the overall Freeride World Tour in her debut season. She confidently entered the extremely steep upper section and maintained control at high speed, one of the defining features of her run. All of this earned her a convincing win with 84.00 points and the title.

Noémie Equy (FRA) secured a score of 81.33 and a close second place after choosing an aggressive line. Núria Castán Barón's (ESP) run electrified the local fans, proving once again that she delivers her best in the Pyrenees, her home turf. The Catalan won the bronze medal and completed the podium, celebrating her great outing, which earned her 79.00 points. The snowboarder completed a very direct line where the judges valued her great control and technical difficulty.

“I can’t believe it. The venue was incredible and so much fun. It’s an honor to be in this position. Representing the United States alongside so many other American athletes has been really special; we came here as a team. There was an amazing energy around this competition, and that made the experience even more meaningful.”

 Mia Jones, FIS Women’s Snowboard Freeride World Champion

Men’s Ski: Ben Richards delivers a winning performance for New Zealand

Ben Richards (NZL) completed a hat-trick of wins in just his third professional competition of the season, securing the title of World Champion. He executed an almost flawless run, a true statement of intent that quickly became one of the day's highlights. His consistently dominant performance earned him a huge score of 91.67.

Ugo Troubat (FRA), who qualified for the Worlds almost at the last minute, achieved an impressive score of 86.00 and took France to second place on the podium. Young debutant Kai Jones (USA) also established himself among the best, adding 76.67 points and a third place finish that put him on the podium alongside his cousin, Women’s Snowboard champion Mia Jones (USA).

“I’m on cloud nine. I’m very proud to represent New Zealand. I wouldn’t be here without the many incredible skiers who have represented the country before me, so this victory is for all of them. The crowd here is spectacular and their support means everything. Like any other competition run, I was just trying to point straight and hold on. Luckily, I made it cleanly to the bottom; I still haven’t processed that I’m the first Men’s Ski World Champion.”

Ben Richards, FIS Men’s Ski Freeride World Champion

Aracil puts in a great performance despite not scoring

The Andorran skier Joan Aracil took part in these first Worlds as a representative of the Principality. The Andorran was unable to score after falling following an incredible cork 720, one of the most impressive tricks seen during the day, which he could not land cleanly. Up until that point, Aracil's performance was spectacular—with a backflip and a shifty on a great, highly technical line that, had he finished, would have placed him well in the standings.

“I’m very happy with my run. Too bad I couldn’t stick that last jump, but I think everything else was flawless, perfect. I’m taking that with me: just need to polish those small details, but I’m super pleased. I did exactly what I wanted, I was just a little short to get over my ski tips on the last jump, but it was amazing.”
Joan Aracil, Andorran rider

Meanwhile, Abel Moga finished in eighth place with a run scored at 68 points. The Catalan chose a very risky line in a narrow, rocky couloir, which he handled with great solidity, generating much anticipation, though the judges penalized his fluidity. During the descent he pulled off a spectacular backflip that he landed perfectly.

“It was an honor to represent the Pyrenees, Catalonia, and Spain in this event. The competition was crazy, totally lived up to expectations. My run could have been a bit better, yes, but it was different... and I’m happy. Also because it was really nice, for the harmony in the team, because Andorra is a very good place to compete and because it’s always an honor and a pleasure to be among the best.”

Abel Moga, 8th in the FIS Men's Ski Freeride World Championships

Women’s Ski: Historic win for Poland

The Women’s Ski category of the FIS Freeride World Championships had to be stopped due to lack of visibility after a decision by the Competition Director, giving priority to athlete safety. At the moment of interruption, 11 of the 16 competitors had already completed their runs, surpassing the two-thirds threshold required by FIS Freeride competition rules. Therefore, the category results were validated.

Zuzanna Witych (POL) was crowned FIS Freeride World Champion in the Women's Ski category. After a powerful performance in increasingly adverse weather conditions, Witych remained calm and read the terrain with great intelligence, earning her a score of 80.33 and the final title.

Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) followed closely in second place with 76.33 points, thanks to one of her trademark backflips, a solid redemption after narrowly missing a tricky landing last week in Val Thorens. Molly Armanino (USA) completed a clean run, combining style and precision in what was likely the most important competition of the year.

“The feeling is incredible. The wait has been long, and it’s bittersweet given the weather and the five riders who weren’t able to complete their runs, but it’s still overwhelming. I can hardly believe it. Representing my country as the only Polish rider in this competition means everything to me. Carrying my flag and representing my people has been incredibly special, and I couldn’t be happier to have finished in first place.”

Zuzanna Witych, FIS Women’s Ski Freeride World Champion

France leads the Nations Ranking

In addition to the individual titles, the event introduced a Nations Ranking, a team competition based on medals that rewards collective performance. Points were awarded to the top five in each category, with a maximum of 100 points for the winner, contributing to an overall medal ranking that determined the best-performing nation.

France topped the Nations Ranking, followed by the United States in second and Canada in third place.

Andorra achieves a historic milestone for freeride

The Allianz FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut marked a historic moment for freeride. With exceptional snow conditions, athletes showcased the greatness of the sport on an international stage while proudly representing their countries. Although the competition ended with a bittersweet aftertaste, the riders gave their all, leaving unforgettable performances and culminating in the crowning of the first four FIS Freeride World Champions.