Freeride is a sport that sees athletes freely ski down natural slopes and compete on skill and creativity.
This category, which has been gaining popularity worldwide, centered around the Freeride World Tour (FWT), is facing a major turning point following its integration with the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) in 2022.
The historic first step in this process will be the first-ever FIS World Championships, to be held from February 1st to 6th in Ordino-Arcalis in the Andorran Pyrenees.
Unlike the FWT, which uses a points system awarded throughout the season, this year's tournament is a national team competition where the world champion is decided in a single shot.
Among the 66 carefully selected competitors from around the world, five Japanese riders have made it through a merit-based selection process.
We take a closer look at the riders as they take on uncharted slopes on this grand stage, with an eye on future Olympic inclusion.
The process of participating: The five selected riders
The first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships, to be held in Ordino-Arcalis, Andorra in February 2026, is a major stage that will mark a new chapter in freeride competition history. Being hosted by FIS means increased media exposure and public attention. It's been about 10 years since the FWT arrived in Japan, and this is an opportunity for the scene, which has been slowly gaining ground, to expand.
66 competitors from around the world have been selected for this tournament after a rigorous selection process.
Japanese athletes have been selected as "Continental Representatives (Group 2)" - men's skier Katsuno Tenran , men's snowboarder Yoshida Masato , women's skier Sasada Chisato , and women's snowboarder Kinoshita Kana skier Hoshino Koga has qualified to compete through the "NSA (National Ski Association) Recommendation Slot (Group 3)," which takes into account the competitive level of each country
The competition is a one-run format with a single shot. Five Japanese skaters will represent Japan and challenge themselves to extreme skiing with the title of world champion at stake.
Below are the profiles of the participating skaters.
SKI Men Tenra Katsuno
November 15, 2000
Home slope: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Sponsor: Salomon, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Mammut Japan, The POW BAR
[Enthusiasm for the tournament]
I'm really looking forward to the World Championships!
Top athletes from around the world will be gathering, and if the snow and weather conditions are good, we're sure to see a lot of great skiing!
Instagram: @tenra_katsuno123
SKI Men Koga Hoshino
February 25, 1998
Home slope: Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Sponsors: Faction, Arcteryx, Phaenom
Dragon,BCA,Stance Markern,Lollipop,Season Xraeb sport
[Enthusiasm for the tournament]
We will definitely win
Thank you very much
Instagram: @hoshinokoga
Snowboard Men Asato YOSHIDA
January 12, 1986
Home slope: Rusutsu Resort
Sponsors: Rome sds, ANDSOX, OYUKI, Drops Surf
[Enthusiasm for the tournament]
I will do my best to show my true ability as a representative of Asia at the first ever Freeride World Championships
Thank you for your support
Instagram: ＠asato_yoshida
SKI Women Chisato SASADA
November 5, 1993
Home slope: HAKUBA VALLEY
Sponsors: K2 SKI, Anon Japan, LADE.SNOW, Permanent Union/Fullmarks, ABS-airbag Japan
[Enthusiasm for the tournament]
I am truly happy to be able to ski on such a grand stage in the unknown mountains of Andorra and the Pyrenees. Since my first Challenger competition three years ago, I have been challenging myself in overseas competitions every year, and now my efforts have borne fruit. While I acknowledge my own performance, I will not be satisfied and will continue to ski to the best of my ability
Instagram: ＠chisato.sasada
Snowboard Women Hana KINOSHITA
January 24, 2006
Home slope: Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts (formerly Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort)
Sponsors: DEATH LABEL, 686, DEELUXE, UNION, sweet protection, willow braincap, bmz, root j factory, Murasaki Sports Aeon Mall Takasaki store
[Enthusiasm for the tournament]
This will be my second time competing on the world stage, following the Junior World Championships two years ago. I will be fully prepared so that I can enjoy snowboarding and perform my best in the atmosphere of the Andorran mountains and competition
Instagram: @87_kinoshita
Information
FIS Freeride World Championships
Andorra 2026 by Mammut
Dates: Sunday 1st to Friday 6th February 2026
Venue: Ordino-Arcalis (Andorra)
URL : fis-ski.com/freeride
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