With the ski season underway, Andorra has launched the countdown to becoming the global epicentre of freeride next February – in less than two months – with the first edition of the FIS Freeride World Championships by Mammut. The mountains of Ordino Arcalís, internationally renowned for their high-quality snow and technical terrain, will host this historic event, which will crown the very first freeride world champions under the auspices of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), establishing the sport’s recognition within the wider world of snow sports.

The competition will be held on a single day, within a weather window set between 1 and 6 February 2026, with four categories in play: men’s ski, women’s ski, men’s snowboard, and women’s snowboard.

Joan Aracil among the world’s top 66 freeriders

The line-up includes the world’s top freeriders — a total of 66 athletes from 17 countries — among them Andorran rider Joan Aracil. He will compete in the men’s ski category and take full advantage of his deep knowledge of the terrain, having trained there since childhood. A former ski instructor at the Ordino Arcalís Ski School and an experienced international athlete, Aracil represents the new generation of Andorran freeriders. His debut on the Freeride World Tour in 2025 was a historic milestone for the country, and his participation in these World Championships ensures Andorra’s strong presence as host nation.

Unlike the FIS Freeride World Tour, which takes place over an entire season with various stops, this championship will be decided in a single, decisive day. This gives top freeriders every reason to push their limits to deliver the greatest show on snow and fight for the world title.

Ordino Arcalís, the heart of freeride in the Pyrenees

Located in the north of the country, Ordino Arcalís is considered the freeride capital of the Pyrenees. Since 2015, it has hosted multiple international freeride competitions and has been a regular stop on the Freeride World Tour for nearly a decade, gaining a reputation as a world-class venue.

Its 450 hectares of skiable terrain and 120 unmarked off-piste routes provide an exceptional setting for freeride. The resort's unique topography — a mix of steep slopes and natural couloirs — allows for highly varied and technical lines, making for a spectacular show. Additionally, its north-facing orientation ensures consistently high snow quality and often the longest season in the Pyrenees. These features make Ordino Arcalís a unique venue where nature and sport come together to offer technical lines and breathtaking scenery.

A milestone for freeride and for Andorra

By hosting the first FIS World Championships in the discipline, Ordino Arcalís reinforces its global presence and confirms Andorra as a top-tier snow and mountain destination. The country already has extensive experience in organising major international sporting events, including several Alpine Ski World Cups — such as the Finals in 2019 and 2023 — as well as Ski Mountaineering World Cups and Mountain Bike World Cups and Championships.

At the same time, freeride continues to evolve, with its sights set on becoming an Olympic discipline. The hosting of these first FIS World Championships is a key step toward that goal, consolidating its position within the global snow sports arena.

Useful links and updates

View the full qualification criteria: Qualification System Summary
Stay updated via freerideworldtour.com and fis-ski.com/freeride