Wānaka’s Finn Bilous (24) has finished in second place at the first stop of the 2024 Freeride World Tour in Verbier, Switzerland. 

This marks a career first Freeride World Tour podium for Finn, who is competing on the tour for his second season. 

The Petit Bec venue was in prime condition with a consistent snowpack from top to bottom and a fresh layer of snow overnight softening the landings.

“I’m stoked, it was a nice surprise to wake up to a few extra centimetres this morning and it was definitely hard and fast in there, but just like New Zealand, so I felt at home riding here today and stoked to put one down,” Finn said.

“I want to take it event by event and find lines that are true to my style and the type of thing I want to represent.” 

Finn displayed his trademark style and creativity as he made his way down the face, carrying plenty of speed, throwing a massive 360 and stomping a flat 360 to impress the judges. 

Max Hitzig of Germany took the win, with two-time Freeride World Tour champion Kristofer Turdell of Sweden rounding out the podium in third.  

Fellow Kiwi Ben Richards (Wānaka, 24) finished an impressive fifth in his Freeride World Tour debut.

Ben impressed the judges with a huge cross-court air and stomping a flat 360.  

The Freeride World Tour is scheduled to continue next weekend in Andorra. 

PHOTO: Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour.