Freeride World Tour

• The Xtreme Verbier began in 1996 as a snowboard competition.
• Skiers were first invited to the event in 2004.
• The international Freeride World Tour launched in 2008.
• Ski and snowboard athletes compete on natural terrain.
• The structure includes Pro, Challenger, Qualifier and Junior series.
• The Xtreme Verbier finals take place on the Bec des Rosses.

The Freeride World Tour developed from a single event. Founded in 1996, Xtreme Verbier was initially a snowboard contest. Skiers were invited for the first time in 2004, creating a shared stage for ski and snowboard freeriding. The international tour was launched under its own name in 2008. Its format shifted attention away from constructed park features towards steep natural mountain faces, where athletes select their own line.

Freeride is not about completing a prescribed sequence of rails or jumps. Judges assess the chosen line, including its difficulty, controlled execution and the overall impression of the run. Snow and visibility can change the conditions on a competition day. Organisers and the jury define the rideable area and the format for each edition.

The current structure extends beyond the Pro series. Riders collect points in Qualifier events; successful competitors progress to Challenger events, where places in the next Pro season are awarded. Junior competitions are for young athletes up to 18 years old. These levels organise competition by experience and performance. The tour is therefore more than a sequence of final days: the pathway runs from local and regional events through qualification to the international elite.

The tour has ski and snowboard categories for women and men. Venues change from season to season, and the route may connect countries and continents. Verbier’s finals have particular historical importance because the Xtreme Verbier was the series’ starting point. The final runs are held on the Bec des Rosses in Verbier.

Freeride and freestyle have related roots in progressive skiing, but they place emphasis on different things. Park contests such as Red Bull PlayStreets use jumps and obstacles built into a designed course. In the Freeride World Tour, natural terrain shapes each run. Historic park examples also include the Winter X Games Europe in Tignes and the women’s snowboard competition Roxy Chicken Jam. Park and urban contests use designed courses, while freeride competitions take place on natural mountain faces.