Freeride, a sport where riders freely ski down natural slopes and compete in skill and creativity,
is experiencing a global boom, centered around the FWT (Freeride World Tour). Following its merger with the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) in 2022, this category is undergoing a major transformation.
The historic first step in this transformation will be the first-ever FIS World Championships, held from February 1st to 6th in Ordino Alcalis in the Pyrenees Mountains of Andorra.
Unlike the FWT, which uses a points system throughout the season, this tournament is a one-off national team competition to determine the world champion.
Among the 66 carefully selected riders from around the world, five Japanese riders have earned their place through a merit-based selection process.
We take a closer look at these riders as they take on unknown slopes on this grand stage, with an eye towards future Olympic inclusion.
The process of participating: The five selected riders
The inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships, to be held in Ordino Alkalis, Andorra, in February 2026, will be a major event that will mark a new chapter in the history of freeride competition. As an FIS-sponsored event, it will receive increased media attention and attract more public interest. It has been about 10 years since the FWT arrived in Japan, and this is an opportunity for this scene, which has been slowly gaining traction, to expand further.
For this competition, 66 competitors from around the world have been selected through a rigorous selection process.
From Japan, four athletes have been selected under the "Continental Representative Slot (Group 2)": Tenran Katsuno (men's skiing),(men's snowboarding)Asato Yoshida(women's skiingChisato Sasada(women's snowboardingKana Kinoshitain the men's skiing competition through the "NSA (National Ski Association) Recommendation Slot (Group 3)," which takes into account the competitive level of each country.Koga Hoshinoが出場権を獲得した。
The competition is a single-run, one-off event. Five Japanese athletes will represent Japan and compete in an extreme skiing challenge for the title of world champion.
The profiles of the participating athletes are as follows.
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: February 1st (Sun) - 6th (Fri), 2026
Venue: Ordino Alkalis (Andorra)
:fis-ski.com/freeride
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