The FIS Freeride World Tour (FWT) has welcomed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to include freeride skiing and snowboarding in the programme for the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games.

Freeride will make its Olympic debut in 2030, marking a historic milestone for a sport built around natural terrain and judged on the line each rider chooses.

The inclusion of freeride in the Olympic programme represents a defining moment in the sport's evolution and recognition at the highest level. It reflects freeride's transformation from a niche competitive scene into a global discipline with a rapidly growing community of athletes and fans.

As the home of competitive freeride, the FWT has helped shape the sport for nearly three decades, from the creation of the legendary Xtreme Verbier in 1996 to the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships in 2026.

Today, the FWT provides a structured pathway for athletes through four competition series: Junior, Qualifier, Challenger and the elite Freeride World Tour. This progression gives riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete and advance within the sport.

The FWT ecosystem now includes more than 10,000 licensed riders worldwide and hosts more than 300 competitions each year across four continents. This pathway continues to develop the next generation of freeride talent while supporting the sport's ongoing global growth.

Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT Founder and CEO

"It's a moment of joy for the entire freeride community, and the result of three decades of commitment and dedication alongside an incredible team. My first thoughts go to the riders, from those who first believed in this discipline and helped build it, to the young athletes who can now dream of an Olympic medal. I think too of the organisers and everyone who has grown this sport over the years, and of all the partners who trusted us throughout the journey. Whatever the stage, the spirit of freeride remains."

Alexander Ospelt, FIS President

"It is clear why freeride's combination of raw excitement on stunning natural terrain is such an appealing addition to the Games. Above and beyond that, freeride is a success story in athlete development. Within just a couple of decades, the discipline has created a structured pathway that allows athletes to compete from junior level all the way to the elite."

Olympic inclusion will create new opportunities for both current and future generations of freeriders. Competing at the Olympic Winter Games will give athletes the chance to showcase their skills on sport's biggest stage, represent their countries, and inspire new audiences around the world.

Looking ahead to the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games, the FWT says it remains committed to growing the sport, improving accessibility and supporting the continued global development of freeride as it enters this exciting new chapter.

For more information about freeride's journey to the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games, including qualification updates as they are confirmed, visit:
https://www.freerideworldtour.com/olympic-integration/

About the Freeride World Tour

FWT Management SA, based in Verbier, Switzerland, has been organising leading mountain sports events since 1996. The company founded the iconic Xtreme Verbier freeride skiing and snowboarding competition before expanding it into the Freeride World Tour (FWT) in 2008.

The organisation now oversees several competition circuits under the FWT banner, including the Freeride World Tour, FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior. Events are held throughout Europe, North America, South America and Oceania.

Since December 2022, the Freeride World Tour has been part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Learn more at: www.freerideworldtour.com