The world’s best freeriders are heading to Georgia as the FIS Freeride World Tour returns to the Caucasus for a decisive third stop of the 2026 season. With the Cut fast approaching, riders face make or break runs in the mountains above Svaneti. Only one event remains after Georgia before the Cut decides who advances to the FWT Finals.
Georgia Pro 2026 Set for Tetnuldi in Caucasus
The FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance returns to Georgia from February 22 to 28 for the Georgia Pro, marking its third straight year in the country.
The event takes place at Tetnuldi Resort, located in the rugged Caucasus Mountains. Known for steep faces, natural cliffs, and reliable snow, the venue has quickly become a favorite among riders.
After earlier stops in the Spanish Pyrenees and the French Alps, Georgia now becomes the battleground where rankings could shift dramatically.
With the Cut looming, every line choice and landing could define an athlete’s season.
Organizers have set a weather window between February 22 and 28 to ensure the safest and best possible competition day based on snow and visibility conditions.
What Is the Cut and Why It Matters
The Cut is a mid season elimination point in the Freeride World Tour.
After four regular season events, only the top ranked riders in each category advance to the FWT Finals. Those below the Cut line see their title hopes end.
Here is how it works:
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Four regular season stops before the Finals
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Georgia Pro is the third stop of 2026
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One event remains after Georgia
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Top ranked riders move on to the Finals
This structure raises the stakes in Georgia.
A single mistake on a technical face can drop a rider several ranking spots. A clean, creative run can secure a Finals ticket early.
Three riders have already locked in their places for the FWT Finals thanks to dominant early season results.
That leaves the rest of the field fighting for survival.
Current Rankings and Standout Performers
In Ski Men, Ben Richards of New Zealand leads the standings after winning the first two events of the season. His aggressive yet controlled style has earned high scores from judges.
Richards has already secured his Finals berth.
Behind him, the points gap tightens quickly, with several athletes separated by narrow margins. The Georgia Pro could shuffle the leaderboard.
In Snowboard categories, competition remains wide open.
Athletes are balancing risk and consistency. Judges reward fluidity, control, technique, and the size of features hit during each run.
What Judges Look For
Freeride scoring is based on five key factors:
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Line choice
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Control
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Technique
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Fluidity
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Air and style
Each run is judged as a whole, not trick by trick.
This means riders must link features smoothly while managing speed on unpredictable terrain.
Why Georgia Has Become a Key Tour Stop
Georgia’s rise as a freeride destination has been steady.
The Svaneti region offers high alpine terrain that feels untouched. Wide open faces allow riders to draw creative lines, while natural cliffs provide options for technical drops.
Past editions of the Georgia Pro delivered dramatic moments, including last minute podium changes and breakthrough performances from rookies.
Event organizers say snow conditions in Tetnuldi have been consistent in recent years, making it a reliable host on the Tour calendar.
The Caucasus backdrop also brings global attention to Georgia’s winter sports scene.
Quick Facts About the Georgia Pro
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Georgia Pro 2026 |
| Tour | FIS Freeride World Tour |
| Location | Tetnuldi Resort, Svaneti |
| Dates | February 22 to 28 weather window |
| Season Stage | Third of four regular events |
For local fans, the event highlights Georgia’s growing status as an international winter sports hub.
For riders, it is about survival.
Pressure Builds Ahead of Final Regular Stop
After Georgia, only one event remains before the Cut locks the Finals lineup.
That reality changes strategy.
Riders currently above the Cut line may choose safer lines to protect their ranking. Those below must take calculated risks.
A failed landing can mean a long slide down an exposed face.
A clean run with a bold cliff drop can change everything.
Georgia is not just another stop. It is the turning point of the 2026 Freeride World Tour season.
Weather will also play a role.
High winds or heavy snowfall can delay competition day within the official window. Riders must stay ready for short notice calls when conditions align.
Preparation includes studying the face, visualizing lines, and adjusting to snow texture that can shift overnight.
Growing Global Reach of Freeride
The Freeride World Tour has expanded its audience through digital coverage and live streaming, bringing steep mountain action to viewers worldwide.
Social media clips of big drops and dramatic saves often go viral within hours.
Georgia’s dramatic terrain provides ideal visuals for this fast growing sport.
Winter tourism officials in Svaneti have also reported increased international interest during previous Tour visits.
Freeride blends athletic skill with mountain awareness.
Unlike traditional ski racing, athletes choose their own lines down natural terrain. No two runs are identical.
That freedom makes each competition unpredictable.
As the Georgia Pro approaches, riders know the margin for error is slim.
