freeride-world-championships-ordino-arcalis
History is going to be made at Ordino Arcalís in 2026. That’s because the first ever FIS Freeride World Championships will be held at the Andorran ski resort in the first week of February in 2026. Here, in this guide to the Freeride World Championships, we’ll break down all you need to know, whether you’re planning on attending or just curious to learn more about this Freeride World Championship Andorra’s ski community is already getting excited about.
Introduction to the Freeride World Championship
So, what is the FIS Freeride World Championships? Well, this is a competition organised by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), which will showcase freeride skiing and which symbolises this discipline’s emergence as a popular winter sport. These championships are for both skiers and snowboarders, and they are for men and women. The four events being held at the 2026 FIS Freeride World Championships are: men’s ski, women’s ski, men’s snowboard and women’s snowboard.
As for the exact dates of the FIS Freeride World Championship Andorra is hosting in 2026, a period from February 1st to February 6th 2026 has been blocked off, with this known as the “weather window”. The exact days of competition could change, depending on the conditions.
Ordino Arcalís: The ideal place for freeride
Andorra’s Ordino Arcalís ski resort has earned a stellar reputation as a freeride haven over the years, and it even has an Ordino Arcalís Freeride Academy. It boasts consistent snowfall, rugged terrain and awe-inspiring scenery and, in addition to its 30 km of slopes, Ordino Arcalís has extensive off-piste terrain, which makes it the perfect site to host this Freeride World Championship FIS is organising.
The Freeride World Championship in Ordino Arcalís
This is the inaugural Freeride World Championship, an exciting development for the sport of freeride. As for what is freeride skiing or snowboarding, this is a discipline which takes place on natural and ungroomed terrain, and there isn’t usually a set course or man-made start or end point. Riders are awarded points for showcasing their skill, creativity and precision on this challenging terrain.
As described by Freeride World Tour: “The Freeride World Championship represents the pinnacle of freeride skiing and snowboarding competition. This landmark event marks the official integration of freeride into FIS as a recognised winter sports discipline.”
A key event for international athletes
Although this is the inaugural Freeride World Championship, hype is already building around this event, which international freeride athletes from around the world are targeting. The qualification process began all the way back in 2024, so the world’s top freeride skiers and snowboarders have had “Freeride World Championship Andorra” written in their diaries for some time.
Championship course and events
The beauty of freeride skiing and snowboarding is that there isn’t usually a set course, but obviously a competition format requires athletes to compete in the same or similar conditions. That location will be Ordino Arcalís, part of Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, where there will also be several events and parties during the week of the competition for attendees to enjoy.
The impact of the Freeride World Championship on Ordino Arcalís
It remains to be seen exactly how the FIS Freeride World Championships will go, since this is the first edition. But, for Andorra and, specifically, Ordino Arcalís to have been chosen as the host is a matter of pride for the resort and for the local community. Giving this freeride championship Pyrenees backdrops could make it a truly spectacular first edition.
Tips for enjoying the Freeride World Championship
If you’re a fan of competitive skiing and snowboarding, especially freeriding, then you might wish to attend the Freeride World Championship and plan an Andorra holiday around the dates of the competition. If so, some tips worth jotting down to ensure you have the ultimate experience would be to: book in advance, arrive early on the day, dress for the cold weather, find a favourite athlete to support in each event and have fun!