Two Season Wildcards announced for the 2026 FIS Freeride World Tour
Oct 29, 2025·Freeride)
The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance (FWT) is pleased to announce the two official season wildcards for the 2026 FWT: Max Hitzig (GER) and Sybille Blanjean (SUI). Both athletes were forced to withdraw ahead of the 2025 season due to injury but are now fully recovered, motivated, and ready to rejoin the world’s elite freeriders.
Their return adds new depth to an already stacked roster in the Ski Men and Ski Women categories. With notable past performances, Hitzig and Blanjean promise to shake up the standings and deliver thrilling performances across all six stops.
Ski Men
The German phenom Max Hitzig (GER) burst onto the FWT scene in 2022 with a stunning victory at the Fieberbrunn Pro as an event wildcard. He continued to impress in 2023 with a 4th overall finish, including a win at the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro.
Hitzig’s breakout year came in 2024, where he claimed the overall FWT Champion title with five podiums, including two victories. His consistent, aggressive style made him the dominant force that season.
Unfortunately, an injury ahead of the 2025 season prevented him from defending his title, leaving the door open for rival Marcus Goguen (CAN) to take his first championship. The upcoming 2026 season promises a high-stakes rematch between the two former champions, both hungry for a second title. And with a roster of top-tier contenders also in the mix, the race for the crown will be more competitive than ever.
Ski Women
A home resort favorite from Verbier, Sybille Blanjean (SUI) made an unforgettable debut in 2022, winning the Xtreme Verbier, the Tour’s most iconic stop. Her technical skiing and confident line choices quickly earned her a reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars.
In 2024, she continued her momentum with a landmark win at the inaugural Georgia Pro, solidifying her place among the elite. Sadly, a back injury during training forced her to withdraw just days before the 2025 season opener in Baqueira Beret, Spain.
Now fully recovered and armed with renewed determination, Blanjean is excited to explore the Tour’s expanded calendar, including recent additions like the Val Thorens Pro and the YETI Haines Alaska Pro.
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