After the success of events held in Nendaz, Ushuaia (Argentina) and Treble Cone (New Zealand), the Backcountry Invitational returns to Nendaz. The world’s best freeride and freestyle athletes will once again be in attendance.

A BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS EDITION, TRUE TO THE BACKCOUNTRY SPIRIT

This year, the competition will take place behind closed doors, without spectators, at a deliberately undisclosed location far from marked ski runs. This choice ensures optimal safety and performance conditions for the athletes, while fully embracing the event’s committed backcountry DNA.

EXPERIENCING THE EVENT DIFFERENTLY, IN THE HEART OF NENDAZ

The public is invited to share the athletes’ emotions during an immersive evening that promises to be memorable. The event will take place at the Nendaz Freeride HQ, located below the Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées, and will feature the screening of the runs, live judging by the athletes, a video highlights recap of the day, an autograph session and the prize ceremony. The riders’ party will then take place at Baraka.

AN EXCEPTIONAL COMPETITIVE LINEUP

For the 2026 edition, the Backcountry Invitational once again brings together the world elite of freeride and freestyle. In the men’s field, the start list includes two-time freeride world champion Markus Eder, Swiss world champion Maxime Chabloz, as well as defending champion Tiemo Rolshoven, winner in Nendaz in 2025.
The women’s competition also promises a world-class spectacle, with the presence of three-time freeride world champion Arianna Tricomi, New Zealand champion Jessie Violet, as well as France’s Astrid Cheylus — who landed the first-ever double backflip in Backcountry Invitational history last year in Nendaz — and Mila De Le Rue.