Description
Overview
The Freeride World Qualifier consists of about 50 competitions held around the world, bringing together the best freeriders. Each event is rated from 2* to 4*: the more stars an event has, the more points the winners earn. The riders who earn the most points during the Qualifier events are selected for the Freeride World Tour.
Freeride World Qualifier competitions follow the same format as Freeride World Tour events: judging, format, safety, and more. The only differences are the difficulty of the runs, the elevation changes, and access to certain exposed areas.
More and more talented young riders are turning to off-piste terrain, following in the footsteps of their elders on the Freeride World Qualifier, and dream of making it to the prestigious elite Freeride World Tour.
In France, the vast majority of Freeride World Qualifier and Freeride Junior Tour competitions make up the French Freeride Series. Evolution2, the company behind the creation of these competitions, draws on its experience to organize these international events as effectively as possible. The French Freeride Series team aims to promote freeride, which is in Evolution2’s DNA.
Arc 1950 Freeride Week
For the French Freeride Series competition organized by Evolution2, Arc 1950 Le Village will welcome freeriders from around the world who will come to test their skills at the best spots in the Les Arcs ski area. Le Village will become a true headquarters for freeriders.
Between 80 and 90 riders from around the world are expected for each race!
On the Schedule – 2026 Edition
January 19, 2026 – Freeride World Qualifier 2*
The goal of the race is to showcase your best skiing style and try to score as many points as possible by executing a perfect run featuring jumps over rock ledges or freestyle-inspired tricks.
Weather Day on January 20, 2026
January 21, 2026 – Freeride World Qualifier 4*
The Freeride World Qualifier 4* is undoubtedly the most anticipated competition, as it brings together the best riders from all corners of the globe. The riders will set off on an incredible run with the sole goal of scoring as many points as possible and securing a spot on the Freeride World Tour, the Holy Grail of freeride competition.
Weather Day on January 22 and 23, 2026
January 24, 2026 – Freeride World Tour Junior 3*
Competitors will set off in the morning from the summit of the slope selected for the Freeride Junior Tour. The Les Arcs ski area is a rare destination on their winter circuit that offers numerous race slope options to delight these 14- to 18-year-olds.
Beautiful turns, jumps, and tricks—combined with commitment, control, fluidity, and caution—will be evaluated by the judges, who will award a score to each rider. The goal: to score points in every event this winter—and why not make it onto the podium in Arc 1950? The village hosts all the highlights of the competitions.
The local youth from the Freeski Academy are determined to make a lasting impression by competing on their home turf—the Les Arcs resort.
Weather Day on January 25, 2026