The 2025 FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance kicked off at 9:30 AM CET on Friday morning, pitting some of the best freeride skiers and snowboarders against each other on the stunning La Bamba face at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar.
The competition has been in Val d’Aran in the past, but the La Bamba competition venue is completely new. Freeride World Tour commissioner Laurent Besse, in partnership with Mammut, provided a look at how they go about securing new venues to make sure they’re safe and ready for the athletes and the competition.
La Bamba provides around 1,548 feet (472 m) of descent, with a summit at around 8,336 feet (2541 meters). The slope features an average angle of 40 degrees, with the steepest parts hitting 53 degrees. It’s a massive big-mountain venue that gives major Alaska energy.
The Freeride World Tour’s next event returns to France for the Val Thorens Pro, taking place between January 27 and February 1.