Nendaz Freeride Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

In 2026, it will celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, notably with a Run of Legends set to leave a lasting impression.

A CONTINUOUS ASCENT
From its very first edition in March 2007, Nendaz Freeride was an immediate success: nearly one hundred registrations were recorded — twice the number initially expected. Just two years later, in 2009, the event joined the Freeride World Qualifier circuit, confirming both its potential and its appeal.

Over the years, the event has expanded its programme with the introduction of a junior competition, followed by 1*, 2* and 3* categories, before joining the FWT Challenger for the first time in 2023.

At the same time, Nendaz Freeride has opened its doors to new audiences:

• - Nendaz Freeride Kids, launched in 2018, introduces younger generations to freeride with a strong focus on safety.
• - Girls Powder, created in 2024, is organised by women, for women.
• - Backcountry Invitational, launched in 2021, brings together some of the world’s best freeride and freestyle athletes and last year hosted two world firsts.

These initiatives reflect the pioneering and inclusive spirit of Nendaz Freeride, ready to write the next chapters of its story.

HIGHLIGHTS
Nendaz Freeride Challenger
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026 (weather windows: 1–3 March)

This year, Nendaz Freeride is once again part of the FWT Challenger — the final stage for qualifying for the legendary Freeride World Tour — further cementing its place among the world’s leading freeride competitions.

The faces of Mont-Gond offer athletes an endless variety of lines and ideal conditions to showcase their craft. It is precisely this terrain that attracts numerous international freeriders in search of adrenaline. A spectacular event for both riders and spectators alike.

The competition can be followed live from Plan du Fou or online via livestream.

Run of Legends
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026

Immediately after the final runs of the Challenger, the spotlight shifts to the legends on Mont-Gond. All winners from the previous 19 editions are invited to ride the face once again. Who will rise to the challenge?

Freeride icons such as Léo Slemett, Benoit Lamour, Solan Dejouy or Mickael Bimboes could make a return.

Girls Powder
Date: Saturday, 4 April 2025 (weather window: 5 April)

This event offers girls aged 14 and over the opportunity to discover the world of freeride directly in the field, under the guidance of a certified mountain guide and a renowned freerider.

Nendaz Freeride Kids
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026

The Nendaz ski schools and the Nendaz Freeride association organise a day dedicated to freeride initiation and safety awareness for children aged 7 to 14.

Workshops include avalanche transceiver training, probing and shovelling, a mini competition run, avalanche dog demonstrations and freeride skiing technique sessions.

OTHER UPCOMING DATES

• Nendaz Freeride Village – 20 to 28 February
  Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, it serves as a meeting point for riders and the public.
  Programme: big airbag, competition briefings and prize ceremonies, DJ sets and bars.
• Nendaz Freeride Junior 3 – 22 February*
  Around one hundred young athletes aged 14 to 18 will compete in this 3-star event of the Freeride Junior Tour.
• Nendaz Freeride Qualifier 2 – 23 February* (weather windows: 24–25 February)
• Nendaz Freeride Qualifier 3 – 25 February* (weather windows: 26–27 February)

Around one hundred athletes are expected at each event, competing for qualification spots in the 3* and 4* Qualifier competitions respectively.

BACKCOUNTRY INVITATIONAL
The Nendaz Backcountry Invitational by The North Face took place on 7 February 2026 at a secret high-alpine location at approximately 3,000 metres above sea level in Nendaz.

This sixth edition brought together 16 elite athletes (11 men and 5 women) from around the world, including professional skiers, Olympic athletes, Freeride World Tour competitors and emerging talents.

They competed in exceptional conditions, with 10 cm of fresh snow and a stable snowpack under an azure blue sky.

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