PlanetSKI Sits Down with ‘The Godfather of Freeride’

In 1994 Nicolas was snowboarding on the Bec des Rosses in Verbier with his friend Philippe Butter while making a film for Victorinox.

The pair came up with the idea of having an invitation-only snowboard freeride event on the legendary face to judge who was the best.

Hike to the top and then head down selecting any route, going at any speed while doing tricks.

Riders needed to demonstrate ‘the spirit of freeriding’.

Two years later in 1996 the first Xtreme Verbier took place.

The rest, as they say, is history:

• 2004: The Xtreme Verbier opens its doors to skiers, expanding the competition beyond snowboarding.
• 2008: First Freeride World Tour with events in Sochi (Russia), Mammoth Mountain (USA), Tignes (France) & Verbier (Switzerland).
• 2013: The Freeride World Tour merges with the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding, consolidating these circuits into a single global series.
• 2022:  The International Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS, acquires the Freeride World Tour.
• 2026:  First Freeride World Championships held in Arcalis, Andorra.
• 2026:  Announcement that Freeride becomes an Olympic event.
• 2026:  Launch of Freeride – No Second Run, a new 5 series programme that offers viewers the opportunity to explore the world of freeride and gain a deeper understanding of what makes the sport so compelling.

Baqueira Beret Pro 2026. Image © FWT/D Daher

Nicolas sat down with PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, at the Curzon cinema in Central London on Thursday evening for the premier of Freeride – No Second Run.

Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT, with PlanetSKI’s James Cove. Image © PlanetSKI

The dates and venues of the upcoming season have just been announced with the return of a legendary freeride venue in the USA – Snowbird in Utah.

James asked for Nicolas’s reaction on the return of Snowbird:

 

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PlanetSKI followed the tour closely in its early years and we have reported from FTW  events in Verbier, St Moritz, Fieberbrunn, Baqueira Beret, Val Thorens and Tignes.

At the Tignes event in 2009 James was one of the media judges on a panel headed by Glen Plake.

FWT, Tignes 2009. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

FWT, Tignes 2009. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

FWT, Tignes 2009. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

Next winter James is planning to be at the event in Georgia.

See here for details of the events next season:

• Freeride World Tour unveils 2027 calendar
• Athlete lineup unveiled for 2027 Freeride World Tour

In Georgia James will be reporting not just on the FWT, but all about skiing in Georgia that is seeing a growing number of  international visitors.

So, what about the new film?

Freeride: No Second Run

As the 2030 Olympics beckons the FWT decided to help people discover the discipline, its rules, judging criteria, and unique challenges that may not always be easy to grasp.

The new TV program aims to offer viewers the opportunity to explore the world of freeride and gain a deeper understanding of what makes this sport so compelling.

FWT Studios launched Freeride: No Second Run, a new five-episode original series produced by Koastal Forest, in collaboration with Biotherm, Peak Performance, GoPro and Alpina Watches.

It takes viewers beyond the competition to explore the people, emotions and stories behind the 2026 season.

Featuring 10 riders across all four categories, the series captures the reality of life on Tour, from the pressure of competing at the highest level to the setbacks, breakthroughs and personal moments that define a season.

Through behind-the-scenes insights and the riders’ own perspectives, the episodes reveal the personalities behind the performances and what drives them to push their limits in one of the most demanding disciplines in snow sports.

The series features the 2026 FWT Champions:

• Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) – women’s ski
• Mia Jones (USA) – women’s snowboard
• Victor de Le Rue (FRA) men’s snowboard
• Max Hitzig(GER) men’s ski

There is also:

• Astrid Cheylus (FRA)
• Toby Rafford (USA)
• Cody Bramwell (GBR)
• WeiTien Ho (CAN)
• Shayne Blue Sandblom (USA)

GB’s Cody Bramwell. Image © PlanetSKI

Across five episodes, their journeys reveal the highs and lows of a season where conditions can change in an instant, pressure is constant and every run matters.

Freeride: No Second Run offers a closer look at the human side of freeride, a sport defined not only by results, but by resilience, individuality and the courage to commit when there is no second chance.

Episode 1: CALCULATED RISK – November 8, 2027

Every season, the world’s best freeriders come together to compete on some of the most challenging mountain terrain.

But who are the athletes willing to push their limits where few others would dare to ski?

This episode introduces four of them: Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), Astrid Cheylus (FRA), Max Hitzig (GER), and Toby Rafford (USA).

From different countries and backgrounds, each has followed a unique path to reach the highest level of freeride.

Through their personal stories, discover what drives them to compete, the challenges they’ve faced, and the passion that brings them together in one of the world’s most demanding sports.

Episode 2: SIDEWAYS – November 8, 2027

Meet the snowboarders of the Freeride World Tour, three riders from different generations with very different ambitions.

Young and reserved, rookie Mia Jones (USA) carries a family name deeply rooted in freeride.

Having grown up surrounded by the sport, she seems destined for this stage, but must now find her own path in the world of professional competition.

On the other hand, veterans Victor de Le Rue (FRA) and Cody Bramwell (GBR) know exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level.

With years of experience behind them, they enter the season with clear objectives and a determination to leave their mark.

While Mia discovers the Tour and learns to navigate its challenges, Victor and Cody are already focused on the battle ahead.

Episode 3: AGAINST THE ELEMENTS – November 13, 2027

In freeride, nature has the final say.

Unpredictable weather and snow conditions force organizers to make crucial decisions under immense time pressure, with direct consequences for the riders, their rankings, and their careers.

For organisers, a cancellation means months of preparation can come to nothing.

For riders, it can mean lost opportunities, disrupted seasons and dreams put on hold.

This episode takes viewers behind the scenes of the decision-making process, revealing the challenges, responsibilities, and stakes involved in every call.

Episode 4: THE DREAM RUN – November 17, 2027

Alaska is the ultimate dream for freeriders.

After growing up watching legendary ski and snowboard films set in its mountains, the athletes now have the chance to experience it for themselves.

But with such high expectations comes a reality that can be very different.

From pushing too hard to losing their way on the mountain, every rider experiences Alaska differently.

With The Cut behind them, the pressure to qualify for the Finals is gone, but every run still counts in the race for the world title.

Alaska can crush dreams just as easily as it creates them.

Yet when everything comes together, it delivers some of the most spectacular riding and unforgettable moments of the season.

Episode 5: THE LAST DANCE – November 21, 2027

The Bec des Rosses is the most intimidating mountain of the season, and the stage for its highest-stakes competition.

With the titles on the line, every rider knows exactly what result they need to become Champion.

Behind the excitement lies an unspoken pressure, as fear, ambition, and the desire to win collide on one of freeride’s most legendary faces.

Everyone arrives with the same goal, but only four riders will claim the ultimate reward.

Beyond lifting a trophy, they have the chance to leave their mark on the sport, build a lasting legacy, and write their names into freeride history.

Who will rise to the challenge and be crowned FWT Champion?

Where to Watch

The series will be available on the Freeride World Tour’s official YouTube channel.

For exclusive early access, the FWT Fan platform allows viewers to watch each episode two days before its YouTube release.

Visit freerideworldtour-fans.com to watch the episodes early.

Acknowledgements

Freeride: No Second Run is a series produced for FWT Studios by Koastal Forest, a production company specialising in capturing the essence of outdoor sports and telling athletes’ stories.

FWT Studios would like to thank all Freeride World Tour staff and athletes, with special thanks to the partners whose support made this series possible: Biotherm, Peak Performance, GoPro, and Alpina Watches.

About 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

Nicolas  Hale-Woods has a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Fibourg and lives in Lausanne.

One of his sons, 24-year old Victor, competes in the FWT and last year was placed 10^th.

About Peak Performance

Born in the Swedish mountain resort of Åre out of a love for skiing,

Peak Performance designs outerwear and apparel with one purpose: to bring the freeride spirit to the world.

Our products are designed with style at the forefront and technicality at the core, to empower the adventurous and equip them to follow their own line.

For more information, visit www.peakperformance.com

See here for its new collection for 2026/27: