Ross Tester Returns to the Freeride World Tour with a Commanding Victory at the 2025 Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar
BAQUEIRA BERET, Spain – January 17, 2025 – Ross Tester, the 26-year-old skier from Truckee, Tahoe, delivered a standout performance at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar, capturing the win in the Ski Men category with a score of 92.67. Competing on the steep, uncharted terrain of the new La Bamba face, Tester’s run blended technical precision and freestyle creativity, cementing his triumphant return to
the Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance.
A seasoned freerider with accolades like FWT 2021 Rookie of the Year and a third-place overall in 2022, Tester made his comeback this season after a year-long hiatus from competition. Entering the 2025 tour with a wildcard entry, he wasted no time re-establishing his presence as one of the sport’s premier athletes.
A Performance Defined by Mastery and Flow
Tester’s run was a masterclass in big-mountain skiing. Opening with a bold backflip that set the pace, he seamlessly transitioned into a smooth 360 grab, bringing both technical finesse and freestyle flair to one of the most challenging faces on this season’s tour. Midway, he expertly threaded a narrow couloir with pinpoint control, momentarily disappearing from view before reemerging with momentum.
To cap off his run, Tester unleashed a committed rotation off a wind lip, stomping the landing cleanly and finishing with a flourish that underscored his composed approach. His score of 92.67 edged out fellow American rookie Toby Rafford, who impressed with a 91.33, and New Zealand’s Ben Richards, who completed the podium with 89.00.
“The venue was super fun, and while the conditions were tricky to read at first, everything came together,” Tester shared post-run. His words reflected the calm focus that had propelled him through a showcase of skill, adaptability, and competitive confidence.
Ross’ Comeback: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal
This victory signals more than a return to competition for Tester; it encapsulates a personal transformation. During his year off, he shifted focus to personal pursuits, rediscovering a fresh perspective on freeride skiing. Now back on Tour, his performances radiate not only technical brilliance but also a deep appreciation for the sport’s creative and adventurous spirit.
Momentum for the Season Ahead
Ross Tester’s win at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar sets an exhilarating tone for the 2025 season, positioning him as a key contender in the overall standings. With four more stops ahead of the Cut—including the next event at Val Thorens Pro—skiing fans worldwide are eager to follow his inspiring comeback.
About the FWT
FWT Management SA is based in Verbier, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996. The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding and, in 2008, it turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events, called the Freeride World Tour (FWT). The company has since grown to include
multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
Discover more at www.freerideworldtour.com
The Val Thorens Pro, the second stop of this season’s Freeride World Tour, is confirmed for this Wednesday, January 29th!
