The tumultuous start to the year didn’t deter the athletes, who held nothing back to secure some valuable early-season points.  
 
The Petit Bec was in prime condition for the athletes, with a consistent snowpack from top to bottom, and a fresh layer of snow overnight that softened the landings. Quests for the coveted FWT crown began today; here’s what went down in Verbier…
 
Snowboard men
Two-time FWT Champion Victor de Le Rue (FRA) continued his dominance in this category with an aggressive, fluid run to take the win. He opened his account with a switch 180, then made quick work of the Petit Bec, combining an oozy backside 360 mid-run and a huge, fall-line triple drop with ease. Holden Samuels (USA) started his FWT by Peak Performance campaign with an impressive second place, while rookie Timm Schröder (GER) exploded onto the FWT scene with an insane display of freeriding to round off the podium in third.
 
“I am super happy to stomp my run on this face – it’s steep and fast, but you can still go big and do tricks. I am pumped for this winter and can’t wait to get back here for the next event and to ride at Fieberbrunn again. This year’s rookies look solid, and will push us to do some sicker runs.”
-        Victor de Le Rue, 2024 Verbier Pro winner
 
Snowboard women
Núria Castán Barón (ESP) firmly announced her return to competition after an avalanche incident last season, confidently claiming her first FWT victory. The Spanish sensation sent a huge cliff up top, then linked some dreamy powder turns surrounded by exposure, and finished with a shifty before the end gates. Rookie Anna Martinez (FRA) put down a strong run to finish in second spot, with Estelle Rizzolio (FRA) taking third.
 
“I chose a line that was the best option for me; I don’t like to take it easy, so I chose something more technical with a big drop. I am super stoked to finish first, and I think all the girls did a great job. It has been such a personal challenge for me after the avalanche, but I am so happy to get to the bottom with the win – a good start for my dream of becoming FWT world champion!”
-        Núria Castán Barón, 2024 Verbier Pro winner
 

About the FWT
FWT Management SA is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996. The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding, and turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events in 2008, the Freeride World Tour (FWT). The company has since grown to include multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
 
About Peak Performance
Born in the Scandinavian mountains out of a love for skiing in remote, untouched terrain, our passion for adventure and nature runs deep. Our purpose is simple: we bring the freeride spirit to the world. As for our products, they all have the same purpose – empower the freedom to be adventurous and follow your own line. Whether it be horizontally or vertically, on skis, by bike, or on foot, they offer a balance of style and performance. Our Scandinavian heritage is ever present and our commitment to doing better things in a better way is our never-ending responsibility. For more information, please visit www.peakperformance.com.