Nendaz Freeride Challenger 2026 : Three Swiss Riders on the Podium
The Mont-Gond face delivered its verdict today, outlining the first major trends of the FWT Challenger season. Between experienced snowboarders dominating their category, Eva Battolla’s confirmation in women’s ski, Maxime Chabloz’s winning comeback and Marc Robert’s inspiring rise, the battle for the coveted Freeride World Tour tickets is intensifying. Four more stops remain to confirm these strong performances and make the difference.
Highlights
Podium of Experienced Riders in Snowboard Women
Tiphaine Perrottin (37) and Estelle Rizzolio (40) share far more than just a flag: both French riders have previously competed on the Freeride World Tour and have no intention of putting their snowboards away. The proof was on the face, as they stood together on the podium, finishing first and third respectively in their category. Alongside them, 31-year-old Polish rider Gosia Śniegorska showed that she is now a force to be reckoned with. In her very first FWT Challenger appearance, she already places among the best.
Third Place for Switzerland’s Eva Battolla in Ski Women
In Nendaz, the tide has definitively turned for Eva Battolla. Long hindered by bad luck on the Mont-Gond face, the Swiss rider confirmed she has found the right formula: after finishing second last year, she secured a strong third place in 2026. This result follows her performance in Silvretta Montafon last month, where she finished second at the opening stop of the circuit. She now positions herself well in the race for the coveted Freeride World Tour tickets. However, with only two spots available in this category, the battle will be fierce. Particular attention will be on Sweden’s Elly Olsson, winner in Nendaz, who has already competed on the Freeride World Tour and is determined to make her return.
The Comeback of Switzerland’s Maxime Chabloz in Ski Men
At just 24 years old, Maxime Chabloz has already experienced almost everything: four seasons on the Freeride World Tour, crowned with a World Champion title in 2022 and another world title in 2024, this time in kitesurfing. Years of success were followed in 2025 by a setback, marked by several crashes that cost him his place on the Freeride World Tour. But he is now truly back, delivering an outstanding run in Nendaz that propelled him to the top step of the podium.
Late Rise and Top-Level Confirmation for Switzerland’s Marc Robert
The rider from Neuchâtel has an atypical path, having only started competing in freeride after turning 30. Year after year, he continues to gain momentum. At 38, he is undoubtedly on track for his best season yet. Two consecutive third-place finishes at the first two Freeride World Challenger stops have put him in contention. The dream of reaching the Freeride World Tour is becoming tangible. Yet strong competition lies ahead, notably from the two riders sharing the podium with him today: Germany’s Timm Schröder and Britain’s James Veitch, who, despite being younger, bring significant experience.
A 20th Edition Concluding with a “Run of Legends”
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Nendaz Freeride paid tribute to those who have shaped its history. Winners from previous editions were invited to return to the Mont-Gond face and, during a symbolic run, retrace the lines that have marked two decades of competition.
Ten of them answered the call, delivering an emotional finale and closing this anniversary edition in style.
Participants: Gilles Sandoz (winner 2007), Flo Orley (winner 2009), Mickael Bimboes (winner 2018), Emilien Badoux (for Estelle Balet, winner 2013), Léo Slemett (winner 2012, 2014 and 2016), Megane Betend (winner 2021), Benoit Lamour (winner 2024), Julien Falco (winner 2010), Tiphanie Perrottin (winner 2021), Xavier Jordan (for Mike Aeschbach, winner 2008).
Results
SKI MEN
1. Maxime Chabloz (SUI) 86.00
2. Simon Zwischenbrugger (AUT) 84.67
3. Alex Hackel (USA) 84.00
SNOWBOARD MEN
1. Timm Schröder (GER) 81.67
2. James Veitch (GBR) 80.33
3. Marc Robert (SUI) 79.00
SKI WOMEN
1. Elly Olsson (SWE) 81.00
2. Léa Chapuis (FRA) 77.33
3. Eva Battolla (SUI) 76.33
SNOWBOARD WOMEN
1. Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA) 86.33
2. Gosia Sniegorska (POL) 83.33
3. Estelle Rizzolio (FRA) 75.33
Links
- News du Freeride World Tour
- Photos and videos : ScorePlay - Freeride World Tour – le contenu va être ajouté progressivement – content will be added progressively – please credit copyright
- Results
- Replay
- Ranking after Nendaz FWT Challenger 2026 : Rankings Overview – Freeride World Tour
Contact
Cyril Lanfranchi, President of the Organising Committee: +41 79 456 22 22 – cyril@nendazfreeride.ch