Baqueira Beret has long been celebrated for its remarkable skiing terrain, but the introduction of la Bamba has catapulted its reputation to new heights on the international freeride stage.Nestled in the picturesque municipality of Vielha e Mijaran, this slope boasts a breathtaking combination of steep descents, rugged channels, and untouched natural beauty, creating an ideal backdrop for adrenaline-pumping freeride competitions.
La Bamba pays tribute to Aymar Navarro, a freeride icon from the region whose legacy continues to inspire. Recognized as one of the most demanding slopes on the freeride World Tour (FWT), it peaks at 2,541 meters with an average gradient of 40%, featuring sections that soar to a staggering 53º. Its east-facing orientation subjects riders to unpredictable snow conditions and exposed terrain, demanding precision, creativity, and nerves of steel. Competitors rose to the occasion, delivering jaw-dropping performances that captivated both the live audience at Beret cap and a global online following.
The event is proudly supported by Movistar and a coalition of key partners, including the Catalan Sports Council of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Province of Lleida, Council of Aran, Naut Aran City Council, and Vielha e Mijaran City Council. Additional backing comes from the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation (RFEDI) and the Catalan Winter Sports Federation (FCEH), ensuring the event’s success and growth.
Men’s Snowboarding: A Showcase of Skill and Style
The Men’s Snowboarding category delivered edge-of-your-seat action, with French phenom Victor de Le Rue clinching the top spot with an impressive 83.33 points. A three-time FWT champion, de Le Rue showcased his mastery of the sport, blending technical finesse with innovative flair. His standout moment was a flawless backflip,seamlessly integrated into a dynamic and fluid run.
German rider Tim Schröder secured second place with 77.33 points, wowing the judges with a powerful line that featured a massive backflip and a commanding presence on the steep, technical sections. Rounding out the podium was Canadian veteran Jonathan Penfield, who earned 72.67 points for his calculated approach, highlighted by a stylish 360 and impeccable control through a challenging channel.
“The snow conditions demanded more technical skill than anticipated, making it tough to stay in control. But riding in the Pyrenees, where I honed my craft and developed many of my signature moves, was an unbelievable experience.”Victor de Le Rue,Men’s Snowboarding champion
Men’s Skiing: A Battle of Titans
The Men’s skiing category brought together the world’s elite freeriders, each delivering unforgettable performances. American skier Ross Tester emerged victorious with 92.67 points, marking a triumphant return to the FWT after a hiatus. Tester’s flawless run combined freestyle tricks with technical brilliance, including a massive backflip, a perfectly executed 360 grab, and unwavering control on La Bamba’s challenging terrain.
Fellow American Toby Rafford, a newcomer to the circuit, made a sensational debut with 91.33 points, securing second place. His run featured a flat 360, a double flat spin, and seamless transitions across difficult sections.new Zealand’s Ben richards claimed third place with 89.00 points, impressing the judges with his smooth style and a creative line that included two perfectly executed 360s. Spanish competitor Abel moga finished in 12th place with 70.33 points.
“This venue is incredible, and even though the conditions where a bit tricky at first, everything came together perfectly. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”Ross Tester, Men’s Skiing Champion
“I’m thrilled to have executed a line I’m proud of, especially at the top. Breaking last year’s losing streak feels incredible, and I’m deeply grateful for the seasonal wildcard that brought me back to the FWT.” – Abel Moga, Spanish freerider (RFEDI)
Women’s Skiing: A Showcase of Precision and Innovation
The Women’s Skiing category delivered a masterclass in technical prowess and creative flair. Canadian athlete Justine Dufour-Lapointe claimed the top spot with an impressive 82.00 points. The reigning 2023 FWT champion seamlessly blended her Olympic-level precision with freeride artistry, wowing the crowd with a flawless backflip and a sequence of perfectly executed jumps that highlighted her mastery over diverse terrains.
French competitor Astrid Cheylus, last season’s world runner-up, secured second place with 77.00 points. Her performance was a blend of elegance and power,featuring a textbook backflip and remarkable fluidity despite challenging snow conditions. Rounding out the podium was Poland’s Zuzanna Witych, who earned 73.33 points with a creative yet controlled run, showcasing daring jumps and smooth transitions across untouched snow.
“I felt nervous at the start, but I trusted my instincts, followed my passion, and skied with joy. That’s what made the difference.” – Justine Dufour-Lapointe, Women’s Skiing Champion
Women’s Snowboarding: A Battle of Experience and Rising Talent
The Women’s Snowboarding division was a thrilling mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. French newcomer Noémie Equy made a stunning debut, clinching first place with 76.00 points. Her bold run included a jaw-dropping 360 spin on the steepest section, followed by clean landings and seamless transitions that underscored her freestyle expertise and technical finesse.
Fellow French rider Anna Martinez, a podium finisher last season, took second place with 72.67 points. Her run was a testament to her agility and control on steep, exposed slopes. Canadian athlete Audrey Hebert secured third place with 68.67 points, delivering a consistent and stylish performance that included navigating a narrow channel and executing precise jumps in the lower section. Meanwhile, Núria Castán faced challenges on a technical line, finishing seventh after two falls and earning 10 points.
“Winning my first FWT event is beyond words. I’m overjoyed and can’t wait for what’s next.” – Noémie Equy, Women’s Snowboarding Winner
2025 Season Kicks Off with Unforgettable Moments
The Beret Pro stool by Movistar set the stage for an electrifying start to the 2025 FWT season, promising a year filled with unforgettable freeride action. From the challenging new terrain of La Bamba to the fearless performances of rookies and legends alike, the event embodied the essence of freeride skiing and snowboarding. Held on a sunny Friday, the competition preceded a lively weekend where the resort planned to open 145 km of slopes for enthusiasts.
As the FWT heads to Val Thorens in France, excitement builds for the upcoming first-ever FIS Freeride World Championship in Andorra in 2026, marking a new chapter in the sport’s history.
Baqueira beret’s La Bamba: A New Benchmark in Freeride Excellence
The picturesque slopes of Baqueira Beret have long been revered by skiing enthusiasts, but the introduction of La Bamba has elevated this Pyrenean gem to a global freeride powerhouse. Nestled in the stunning municipality of Vielha e Mijaran, La Bamba is not just a slope—it’s a testament to the raw beauty and unrelenting challenge of freeride skiing and snowboarding. Wiht its steep descents, rugged channels, and breathtaking natural backdrop, La Bamba has quickly become a crown jewel of the Freeride World Tour (FWT).
This year’s event, held at the iconic Beret Cap, was a festivity of skill, courage, and innovation. The competition drew a diverse field of elite athletes, each pushing the boundaries of their sport. Supported by Movistar and a coalition of key partners,including the Catalan Sports Council,the Province of Lleida,and the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation (RFEDI),the event showcased the best of freeride skiing and snowboarding,captivating both live audiences and a global online following.
Men’s Snowboarding: A Masterclass in Technical Brilliance
The Men’s Snowboarding category was a thrilling display of skill and creativity. French phenom victor de Le Rue, a three-time FWT champion, once again proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Scoring an extraordinary 83.33 points, de Le Rue’s run was a masterclass in technical finesse and innovative flair. His seamless integration of a flawless backflip into a dynamic and fluid run left the judges and audience in awe.
German rider Tim Schröder secured second place with 77.33 points, delivering a powerful performance that included a massive backflip and commanding control over La Bamba’s steep, technical sections. Canadian veteran jonathan Penfield rounded out the podium with 72.67 points, showcasing a calculated approach and impeccable control, highlighted by a stylish 360 through a challenging channel.
Reflecting on his victory, de Le Rue shared, “The snow conditions demanded more technical skill than anticipated, making it tough to stay in control.But riding in the Pyrenees, where I honed my craft and developed many of my signature moves, was an astonishing experience.”
Men’s Skiing: A Triumphant Return and Sensational Debuts
The Men’s Skiing category was a battleground for the world’s elite freeriders, with Ross Tester of the United States emerging victorious.Scoring a remarkable 92.67 points, Tester marked his triumphant return to the FWT with a flawless run that combined freestyle tricks and technical brilliance. His performance featured a massive backflip, a perfectly executed 360 grab, and unwavering control over La Bamba’s challenging terrain.
Fellow American Toby Rafford made a sensational debut, securing second place with 91.33 points. His run,which included a flat 360 and a double flat spin,showcased his adaptability and seamless transitions across difficult sections. New Zealand’s Ben Richards claimed third place with 89.00 points, impressing the judges with his smooth style and creative line, which included two perfectly executed 360s.
Spanish competitor Abel Moga finished in 12th place with 70.33 points, expressing his gratitude for the seasonal wildcard that brought him back to the FWT. “Breaking last year’s losing streak feels incredible,” Moga said, “and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete on such an iconic slope.”
Women’s Skiing: Precision Meets Innovation
The Women’s Skiing category was a showcase of technical prowess and creative flair. Canadian athlete Justine Dufour-Lapointe, the reigning 2023 FWT champion, claimed the top spot with 82.00 points.Her run was a perfect blend of Olympic-level precision and freeride artistry, featuring a flawless backflip and a sequence of perfectly executed jumps that highlighted her mastery over diverse terrains.
French competitor Astrid Cheylus,last season’s world runner-up,continued to impress with her innovative approach and technical skill. While the full results of the Women’s Skiing category are still unfolding, it’s clear that the competition was fierce, with each athlete pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in freeride skiing.
La Bamba: A Tribute to Freeride Legacy
La Bamba is more than just a slope—it’s a tribute to the legacy of Aymar Navarro, a freeride icon from the region whose spirit continues to inspire.With its peak at 2,541 meters and an average gradient of 40%, La Bamba is one of the most demanding slopes on the FWT. Its east-facing orientation adds an extra layer of unpredictability, challenging riders to adapt to ever-changing snow conditions and exposed terrain.
The success of this year’s event is a testament to the collaborative efforts of key partners, including the Catalan Winter Sports Federation (FCEH) and local councils, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s growth and success. As the FWT continues to evolve,La Bamba stands as a symbol of freeride excellence,pushing athletes to new heights and captivating audiences worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this year’s competition, one thing is clear: Baqueira Beret’s La Bamba has cemented its place as a must-visit destination for freeride enthusiasts. With its breathtaking terrain, challenging conditions, and world-class athletes, La Bamba is not just a slope—it’s a celebration of the spirit of freeride skiing and snowboarding. Here’s to many more years of adrenaline-pumping action and unforgettable moments on the slopes of the pyrenees.
