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Freeride World Tour 2025 Stop Two Confirmed for January 29

Freeride World Tour 2025 Stop Two Confirmed for January 29

Featured Image: Jeremy Bernard, Courtesy of the Freeride World Tour


Stop Two of the 2025 Freeride World Tour has been confirmed for Wednesday, January 29 in Val Thorens, France. The second stop of the 2025 season brings the FWT back to France after nine years away, with this being the first-ever Val Thornes FWT Pro.

With all the incredible skiing found throughout the French Alps, Val Thorens can sometimes fall under the radar. But the area is a freeride playground, with the town totaling over 250″ of snow per year, and the high peaks receiving even more. After a phenomenal first stop of the 2025 FWT season, in which riders threw down despite challenging conditions, the excitement is high for Stop Two.

This year’s event will be held on the Lac Noir face. “This dreamy face is a haven for freeriders, boasting an average steepness of 37 degrees and a maximum pitch of 43 degrees,” the official FWT press release read. “Constant snowfalls over the past week have blanketed the mountain in deep powder, setting the stage for an explosion of turns, incredible jumps, and soft landings that will undoubtedly elevate the riders’ performances.”

Flying the FWT Stop Two start gate into the peaks of Val Thorens, France

The area has had an overall positive snow year to date, with consistent storms throughout the previous month. Over the last five days, Open Snow reports Val Thornes has seen 16″ of fresh snow. Cold temps and precipitation are slated to remain over the coming days, with 27″ forecasted to fall by the end of Wednesday, January 29 (the day of the competition.)

It will be interesting to see how conditions play out. The Tour is thorough when it comes to avalanche mitigation and snow safety, so don’t be surprised if a necessary delay is implemented. However, if there is fresh snow that’s safe to ride, it’ll make the event all the more exciting.

While many stops on the FWT circuit lend themselves to serving up good chalky snow, there have been plenty of pow days in the past. Georgia has continuously provided stellar snow conditions, leading to plenty of massive sends from the riders.

The Tour is BACK in Val Thorens

If the incoming weather turns out to be advantageous, Stop Two of the 2025 FWT should be legendary. The Lac Noir face is more playful in ways than other Tour venues, such as the steeps of Verbier, Switzerland or Baqueira Beret, Spain. The ridge offers countless options, with the fluidity of the terrain and large features serving as a natural canvas.

Currently, Ross Tester leads the Ski Men field, followed by Toby Rafford and Ben Richards. Justine Dufour-Lapointe is the top seat for Ski Women, with Astrid Cheylus and Zuzanna Witych close behind. One of just four French skiers on the Tour and the only French woman, Cheylus will no doubt look to capitalize on this home-court advantage.

Be sure to check back and livestream the event right here on Freeskier.com

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