All you need to know about the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut

From February 1–6, 2026, the legendary terrain of Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, will host the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships, a historic milestone for the sport of freeride skiing and snowboarding. Sanctioned by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), this new championship represents the highest level of freeride competition on the global stage.

Event overview

This single-event competition will officially crown the first FIS Freeride World Champions, marking the full integration of freeride under FIS governance and solidifying its position as a recognized discipline within international snow sports.

A new chapter for freeride

The FIS Freeride World Championships mark a defining new chapter in the evolution of freeride. Unlike the FIS Freeride World Tour, which unfolds across a season-long circuit, the Championships will determine the official FIS World Champions in a single, decisive showdown. The world’s best freeriders will gather in Ordino Arcalís to push the limits of commitment.

Host venue: Ordino Arcalís, freeride heart of the Pyrenees

Nestled in the northern valleys of Andorra, between France and Spain, Ordino Arcalís has become a mecca for freeride since first hosting international competitions in 2015. This small but mighty resort (just two hours from Barcelona) boasts more kilometers of slopes than roads and offers some of the best snow conditions in the Pyrenees thanks to its north-facing orientation. The resort is known for its technical lines, reliable snowpack, and natural terrain features ideal for freeride competition. The resort features:

• 450 hectares of skiable terrain

• 120 km of off-piste potential

• 3.4 km of marked freeride itineraries and two themed freeride zones

Ordino Arcalís’ unique terrain and reliable snow have earned it a permanent place in freeride history and now, as the host of the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships, it cements its reputation as one of the sport’s most prestigious arenas.

Qualification system

In total, there are five qualification groups through which athletes can earn their place at the FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026 by Mammut. These groups define the different qualification pathway, ensuring a fair and globally representative field of riders.

Group 1 - FWT Pro Ranking

The top-ranked riders from the 2025 FIS Freeride World Tour Pro standings earned direct qualification for the World Championships. All Group 1 athletes meet the official FIS eligibility criteria and were invited by FIS following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Should any athlete be unable to participate, their National Ski Association (NSA) is responsible for selecting a replacement within the same competition category.

Group 2 - Continental Quotas

To ensure global representation, five continental quotas (Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America) were added to the start list. Each quota was awarded to the highest-ranked rider on the Qualifying Global Seeding List, excluding injured athletes with frozen points. All Group 2 athletes were personally allocated by FIS, in communication with their respective NSAs, which also oversee potential replacements if necessary.

Group 3 - NSA Quotas

14 riders have earned their place via National Ski Association (NSA) quotas, granted to countries that do not already have qualified athletes (or only one in Ski Men) from Groups 1 and 2. These quotas were distributed based on a Nations Ranking, calculated using international results from the top 100 athletes in each discipline.

Each eligible NSA was invited to nominate one rider, who must meet FIS Freeride eligibility criteria. This system ensures increased global representation while maintaining the competition’s elite standards.

Group 4 - Wildcards

Alongside the NSA Quota Riders, four wildcard athletes (one per discipline) have been awarded a place at the 2026 FIS Freeride World Championships. These Group 4 Wildcards are allocated directly by FIS Freeride to address needs such as injuries, media visibility, or national interest.

All wildcard athletes must be members of a National Ski Association, and in the event of a withdrawal, FIS Freeride will designate a replacement, potentially from another nation.

Group 5 - Host Nation Wildcard

The final and 66th rider spot comes through the Host Nation Wildcard, allocated by the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE). This final selection ensures representation for the host country and officially completes the lineup.

Roster overview

A total of 66 athletes from around the world will compete in the four official categories: Ski Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Men and Snowboard Women. They represent the world’s best freeriders and will proudly compete under their national flags. The full qualification system will be explained in the next part.

Qualified Riders: