The Nendaz Freeride Challenger brings freeride skiers and snowboarders to the face of Mont-Gond, above Nendaz. The competition takes place on Saturday 27 Feb. 2027, with reserve days in case of bad weather.
The story
Nendaz Freeride celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2026, according to the Freeride World Tour. In 2014, its 8th edition was promoted to four-star status on the Freeride World Qualifier. More than 100 athletes took part in the qualifiers that year, for EUR 10,000 in prize money.
In 2017, 120 riders were registered across all categories. The final was cancelled for the first time because of avalanche risk. The budget was then about half a million euros, with more than 100 volunteers each year. Cyril Lanfranchi directs the event.
The Mont-Gond face starts at 2,667 metres and offers a 367-metre vertical drop. It features technical couloirs, cliffs and many natural features. In 2026, Nendaz was the second stop of the FWT Challenger season. Maxime Chabloz, Elly Olsson, Timm Schröder and Tiphanie Perrotin won their categories.
Who organises it
Nendaz Freeride organises the competition. The event is part of the FWT Challenger, the circuit leading to the Freeride World Tour. According to Nendaz Tourism, it is the first European stop of the qualifier finals. 65 riders earn their place.
What to find
The athletes’ briefing takes place on Friday 26 Feb. at 6 pm at Mad Mount. On Saturday 27 Feb., the first riders start at 9 am. The prize-giving is scheduled for 5 pm.
Spectators reach the foot of the face by the Plan-du-Fou gondola from Siviez. They can also ski to Plan-du-Fou from Tracouet. The Nendaz Freeride Village is set up at the Tracouet gondola base station from 19 to 27 Feb. 2027.
The village offers a big airbag, briefings, prize-giving ceremonies and an après-ski with a DJ. Catering and children’s activities complete the offer. On the same day, Nendaz Freeride Kids expects about fifty children aged 7 to 14.
Practical information
- Dates, Saturday 27 February 2027, reserve days 28 February, 1 and 2 March 2027
- Times, first riders start at 9 am, prize-giving at 5 pm
- Venue, Mont-Gond face, access by the Plan-du-Fou gondola from Siviez, Nendaz
- Price, free
Links
- Official site, Nendaz Freeride
- Tourist office listing, Nendaz Tourism, Nendaz Freeride Challenger
- All events across French-speaking Switzerland, Genève Infos Agenda
Sources
- Nendaz Tourism, Nendaz Freeride Challenger, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Nendaz Freeride, official website, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Freeride World Tour, Nendaz Freeride Challenger celebrates 20 years (28 February 2026), accessed on 14 November 2026
- Skipass, Nendaz Freeride, the mountain had the last word (2017), accessed on 14 November 2026
- World Snowboard Guide, 8th Nendaz Freeride (2014), accessed on 14 November 2026
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