Freeride World Tour Confirmed for Monday in Val Thorens
23rd January 2026
Last modified on January 24th, 2026
The Freeride World Tour is in the high-altitude French resort for the Val Thorens Pro. Race Day has been confirmed as the event switches slope. UPDATED
It marks the Tour’s return to Val Thorens for the second consecutive year and signals the revival of elite freeride competition on French soil after a long absence.
The Val Thorens Pro is officially confirmed for Monday, January 26th.
Due to current snow conditions, the original competition face at Cime Caron has been deemed unsuitable.
In its place, organizers have selected Pointe de Thorens, located on the eastern edge of the resort.
This north-facing slope is part of an ancient glacier zone and will make its Freeride World Tour debut.
“With a 460-meter vertical drop and an average gradient of 38°, the venue promises dynamic line options and big-mountain terrain,” said the FWT organisers.
“The upper section features pitches up to 47° with natural features ideal for technical freeride lines, while the lower section opens into a freestyle-friendly zone, perfect for tricks and creative finishes.
“Benefiting from consistent snowfall from eastern systems throughout the early season, the face is set for action.”
PlanetSKI was in the resort last year for the buildup to the event:
Val Thorens is in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, and it has once again been named World’s Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards.
Its altitude of 2,300m, coupled with steep couloirs and dynamic faces, offers the perfect canvas for bold freeride performances.
FWT at Val Thorens. Image c/o @freerideworldtour +J.Bernard.
The French freeride star Léo Slemett will be competing as an Event Wildcard, making a special one-off appearance in the Ski Men category.
The French freeride icon, who last appeared on the Tour in 2022, has since focused on personal film projects, including an emotional documentary released last autumn.
Now fully recovered from injury and back on snow, Slemett will look to test himself once again on the biggest stage.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the mix for another dance,” said Leo.
“The new generation has raised the bar since I left the Tour, and I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with such talented riders.”
His participation marks a historic moment for the Tour: for the first time ever, five FWT Champions will compete in the Ski Men category at a single event.
It’s a true clash of titans, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Val Thorens.
The Val Thoresn Pro is the second edition on this season’s FWT with the first event taking place in Baqueira Beret in Spain last week.
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel reported live from the event:
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel at the 2026 Baqueira Beret FWT. Image © PlanetSKI
Fans around the world can watch the event live at www.freerideworldtour.com, and follow exclusive athlete stories, highlights, and updates across FWT’s social media platforms at @freerideworldtour.
See more about Val Thorens:
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
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