FWT Returns to Alaska Next Winter

14th April 2025

Last modified on May 16th, 2025

The world’s top freeride athletes will once again descend on the towering, technical spines of Haines, one of the most revered destinations on the planet in big-mountain freeride.

This marks the first FWT stop in Alaska since 2017, and its comeback is set to be momentous.

Renowned for deep powder, complex terrain, and dramatic relief, Alaska is widely regarded as the ultimate proving ground in freeride.

Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean results in consistently exceptional snow conditions, while its steep ridgelines and knife-edge spines demand absolute commitment and skill.

The stage is set for an historic showdown at the YETI Alaska Pro.

It’s the first FWT event in Alaska since 2017, marking a return to North America’s most iconic freeride venue.

FWT at Haines, Alaska, 2017. Image c/o DDaher

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FWT at Haines, Alaska, 2016. Image c/o JBernard.

Alaska: The Dream Stop is Back

Alaska hosted three  FWT events in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

These editions earned legendary status thanks to consistent snowfall, a deep snowpack, and long, demanding faces with 600 to 700 meters of vertical drop.

The terrain enabled extended, expressive runs that highlighted the full range of freeride styles.

Nicknamed “The Dream Stop” during its previous editions, Alaska captivated athletes and fans alike—and now, with the YETI Alaska Pro, it’s poised to reclaim that iconic status among the six stops on the 2026 FWT calendar.

A powerful partnership with YETI

The event is made possible through the Tour partnership with Peak Performance and a strengthened partnership with YETI, a brand synonymous with durability, performance, and passion for wild places.

As title sponsor of the YETI Alaska Pro, YETI joins forces with FWT to elevate the sport and support the athletes who define its future.

“Bringing the Tour back to Alaska has been a dream in the making for years,” said the Freeride World Tour CEO & Founder,  Nicolas Hale-Woods.

“Haines offers some of the most dramatic and respected terrain in the world—it’s the ultimate freeride venue. With YETI at our side, we’re not just coming back—we’re coming back stronger than ever.”

Nicolas Hale-Woods, founder & CEO of the Freeride World Tour. Image © PlanetSKI

“We are honored to play a role in bringing back FWT to AK” said YETI Senior Director, Joe Koehly.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the Freeride World Tour back to Haines with the YETI Alaska Pro,” said the Haines Alaska Tourism Director, Rebecca Hylton.

“This event puts a global spotlight on the awe-inspiring terrain we’re fortunate to call home.

“Haines offers some of the most iconic big-mountain lines on the planet, and we can’t wait to see the world’s top athletes push their limits right here in our backyard.”

FWT at Haines, Alaska, 2015. Image c/o DDaher.

A landmark moment for freeride

The return to Alaska represents more than just a location shift—it’s a return to the roots of freeride.

With its snow-laden spines, vast couloirs, and unpredictable weather, Haines remains one of the last frontiers of raw challenge and creative expression.

The YETI Alaska Pro promises to deliver a showcase of progression, style, and commitment in one of the sport’s most legendary venues.

This stop also marks the long-awaited return of the Freeride World Tour to the United States—a key milestone for the sport’s global trajectory.

The U.S. has played a pivotal role in shaping the freeride movement, from grassroots exploration to world-class competition.

By returning to Haines, the FWT is reigniting its deep connection with a passionate North American audience and reaffirming its commitment to showcasing elite freeriding on the sport’s most iconic terrain.

FWT at Haines, Alaska, 2015. Image c/o DCarlier.

About the FWT

FWT Management SA is based in Verbier, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996.

The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding and, in 2008, it turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events, called the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

The company has since grown to include multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania.

Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Discover more at www.freerideworldtour.com.

About YETI

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, YETI is a global designer, retailer, and distributor of innovative outdoor products.

From coolers and drinkware to backpacks and bags, YETI products are built to meet the unique and varying needs of diverse outdoor pursuits, whether in the remote wilderness, at the beach, or anywhere life takes our customers.

By consistently delivering high-performing, exceptional products, we have built a strong following of brand loyalists throughout the world, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who simply value products of uncompromising quality and design.

We have an unwavering commitment to outdoor and recreation communities, and we are relentless in our pursuit of building superior products for people to confidently enjoy life outdoors and beyond.

For more information, please visit www.YETI.com.

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