Wānaka’s Ben Richards has won the Men’s Ski event at the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships in Andorra.

Coming off back to back wins in the 2026 Freeride World Tour at the Baqueira Beret Pro in Spain and Val Thorens Pro in France, Ben (26) was an incoming favourite who did not disappoint on the day, delivering a smooth run and scoring a 91.67 to take top spot on the podium.

His run, featuring two 360s on a rocky face with big drops and perfect landings, showed he is cool under pressure and one of the smoothest freeriders in the world.“I honestly can’t believe it,” Ben said.

Ben on the fly. PHOTO: D Daher.

“It’s been a dream start to the season. I definitely feel in a groove right now; my goal for the rest of the season is just to keep it going, have fun and keep the golden bib.”

Marking the first time a freeride event sanctioned by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has taken place, the event brought together 66 elite riders from 17 nations in a code that may be announced as an Olympic sport next year.

The New Zealand team - Ben Richards (ski), Fynn Powell (ski), Conrad Niven (snowboard) and Jessica Hotter (ski) - took on the Basser Negre face in Ordino Arcalis in the Pyrenees with its vertical drop of 470 meters. Conditions were excellent with 20cm of overnight snow.

Team coach and manager Blake Marshall said Ben sticks to his strengths. 

“He is dominating right now with his ability to make it look really clean and smooth with no mistakes, and the judges have been rewarding that. He’s just doing amazing. I’m really happy for him.”