ContestHappening 2 2025/26 | 2nd FWT Stop Val Thorens

Snowboard ladies, a home win with heart

Noémie Equy won the overall ranking last year - but this victory was her most emotional. At home, in front of family, friends and a completely escalating crowd. Her run: technically clean, zero stress, maximum flow. You could really see how relaxed she was at the start - more "Sunday Ride" than World Tour final.

Fun fact: She said afterwards that the view of the Glacier de Thorens had distracted her from the contest for a moment. Just priorities.

Rookie Mia Jones takes another podium - the 19-year-old from the USA is definitely one of the most exciting newcomers on the tour.

1. Noémie Equy (FRA) - 84.00

2. Anna Martinez (FRA) - 78.33

3. Mia Jones (USA) - 64.67

Snowboard men - Victor is back!

Victor de Le Rue and Val Thorens - it's been an on-off relationship so far. Four-time overall winner, but never at the top here. Until now. After a rather disappointing start to the season in Baqueira, Victor came with anger in his stomach and delivered a run that had everything: a steep line, flow, control, risk. No gimmicks, but "big mountain snowboarding at its best".

Sandblom pulled off a massive backflip and was briefly on course for gold - until Victor followed suit as the local hero. Enzo Nilo, last year's winner here, had to settle for third place this time, but was celebrated like a rock star by the crowd.

1. Victor de Le Rue (FRA) - 90.67

2. Shayne Blue Sandblom (USA) - 87.00

3. Enzo Nilo (FRA) - 84.67

Men's skiing: Two victories and zero doubts

Ben Richards simply continues where he left off in 2026: second stop, second victory. And as the last starter - maximum pressure, maximum performance. 360, straight airs, perfect landings. No discussion.

Highlight of the day: rookie Joey Leonardo. The guy is riding his first full season and drops backflips like he's never done anything else. The USA really does send new freeride monsters into the race every year.

German note: Max Hitzig came a strong fourth with a completely new line - high risk, clean style. Timo Rolshoven in fifth place with two backflips and plenty of speed: definitely one of the most spectacular runs of the day.

1. Ben Richards (NZL) - 92.00

2. Joey Leonardo (USA) - 89.00

3. Ross Tester (USA) - 84.33

Conclusion: Val Thorens remains freeride gold

This event had it all: weather drama, slope changes, home heroes, rookie moments and historic victories. Val Thorens once again showed why it is a fixture on the FWT calendar. Not necessarily because of the perfect conditions, but because of the real big mountain feeling.

While some of the riders are now moving on to the Caucasus for the Georgia Pro, one thing is clear: the season is officially on. And for real. The other part of the riders and our PowderGuide.com contest crew are making their way to Andorra for the first Freeride World Championships (weather window 1th toth 6 February 2026) and will be reporting live on site about this historic event! The PowderGuide.com forecast maps have been specially coloured for the event and the snow conditions are already exceptionally good anyway! This is sure to be a great event!