New Faces of FWT 2026: Abel Moga and Núria Castán to Represent Spain in a Season of Vertigo

Winter is approaching, and with it, the adrenaline of the Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2026. From Verbier, Switzerland, comes the official confirmation of the riders who will star in the new season of the planet's most demanding circuit.

A lineup that mixes freeride legends, experienced competitors, and a wave of new talent ready to make their mark on the world's most iconic mountains. Among them, two Spanish names: Abel Moga and Núria Castán, who will represent national freeride on an increasingly competitive global stage.

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Abel Moga: the strength of Valle de Arán

Abel Moga from Aran will once again stand at the FWT starting gate with a single idea in mind: to reach the podium. His powerful and fluid style, along with a natural connection to the snow of Baqueira Beret, make him a rider who can make a difference in every descent.

Moga will share his category with true giants of freeride skiing: past champions, emerging talents, and a generation of rookies who fear nothing.

Men's Ski – FWT 2026 Qualified Riders

• Marcus Goguen (CAN) – Reigning FWT Champion
• Martin Bender (SUI)
• Toby Rafford (USA)
• Valentin Rainer (AUT) – FWT 2023 Champion
• Ben Richards (NZL)
• Ross Tester (USA)
• WeiTien Ho (CAN)
• Virgile Didier (FRA)
• Tiemo Rolshoven (GER)
• Abel Moga (SPA)
• Oscar Mandin (FRA)
• Carl Regner Eriksson (SWE)
• Kristofer Turdell (SWE) – Two-time FWT Champion (2018, 2021)
• Victor Hale-Woods (SUI) – Rookie
• Paul De Portalès (SUI) – Rookie
• Ugo Troubat (FRA) – Rookie
• Fynn Powell (NZL) – Rookie
• Kelly Hilleke (USA) – Rookie
• Joey Leonardo (USA) – Rookie
• Lochlan Harvey (CAN) – Rookie
• Jack Kolesch (CAN) – Rookie

With twenty riders at the starting line and only three valid results from the first four events to reach the finals, every descent will count as a battle.

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Núria Castán: the constancy of a pioneer

The Catalan Núria Castán Barón returns to don the FWT jacket after a season in which she demonstrated consistency, technique, and vision. In 2026, she will share the stage with champion Noémie Equy (FRA), ready to break French hegemony in the women's snowboard category.

"Every season is a new challenge, but the most important thing is to enjoy the process and the environment. Freeride teaches me something new every time I strap on my board," Núria has said on several occasions.

Women's Snowboard – FWT 2026 Qualified Riders

• Noémie Equy (FRA) – Reigning FWT Champion
• Michaela Davis-Meehan (AUS)
• Núria Castán Barón (SPA)
• Anna Martinez (FRA)
• Sarah Bacher (AUT) – Rookie
• Natalie Allport (CAN) – Rookie
• Mia Jones (USA) – Rookie

The challenge will be immense: the circuit incorporates new faces with a very high technical level and a thirst for victory. But Castán, with her serenity and ability to read the mountain, has the advantage of experience.

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Women's Ski: Dufour-Lapointe aiming for the triple crown

Canadian Justine Dufour-Lapointe, the reigning champion, is eyeing a third consecutive title. Around her, a cast of riders who will not make it easy for her: Astrid Cheylus (FRA), Jenna Keller (SUI) and Lena Kohler (GER) arrive with strength and determination.

Women's freeride is experiencing a golden age, with more international presence and emerging talent than ever before.

Women's Ski – FWT 2026 Qualified Riders

• Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) – Reigning FWT Champion
• Jenna Keller (SUI)
• Astrid Cheylus (FRA)
• Lena Kohler (GER)
• Molly Armanino (USA)
• Lily Bradley (USA)
• Zuzanna Witych (POL)
• Lou Barin (FRA) – Rookie
• Zoé Delzoppo (FRA) – Rookie
• Wynter McBride (USA) – Rookie
• Agostina Vietti (ARG) – Rookie

Among the new faces, Agostina Vietti makes history by becoming the first Argentinian to qualify for the FWT. A clear sign of how freeride is expanding and globalizing.

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Men's Snowboard: Victor de Le Rue seeks fifth title

Frenchman Victor de Le Rue, a living freeride legend, sets out in search of his fifth world title, something no rider has achieved before. Around him, a group of competitors with their sights set on dethroning him: Cody Bramwell (GBR), Liam Rivera (SUI), and Jonathan Penfield (CAN) arrive with a mix of experience and hunger for victory.

Men's Snowboard – FWT 2026 Qualified Riders

• Victor de Le Rue (FRA) – Reigning FWT Champion
• Cody Bramwell (GBR)
• Liam Rivera (SUI)
• Enzo Nilo (FRA)
• Jonathan Penfield (CAN)
• Holden Samuels (USA)
• Michael Mawn (USA)
• Sacha Balicco (FRA) – Rookie
• César Barin (FRA) – Rookie
• Warren Doyle (USA)
• Shayne Blue Sandblom (USA) – Rookie

The men's category promises a spectacle of technique and power, with the return of veterans and the entry of rookies who could surprise.

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The mountain as a stage

The competitive format maintains the suspense: of the first four events on the calendar, only the three best results will count toward qualifying for the finals in Alaska and Verbier, where freeride reaches its maximum expression.

The season wildcards, yet to be announced, could add more excitement to the board and reconfigure predictions.