Industry News
On Saturday, February 10, 2025, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, British Columbia, welcomed the world’s top freeride athletes for the highly anticipated stop of the Freeride World Tour (FWT). Known for its steep chutes, wide-open bowls, and technical terrain, Kicking Horse provided an epic stage for athletes to showcase their skills. The event was held on the Ozone Face, a section of the mountain that is known for challenging features and natural drops, making it a perfect venue for the ski men’s division. As competitors dropped into the face, they were met with thrilling snow conditions and impressive runs that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
An Unforgettable Showdown in the Ski Men’s Division
The ski men’s event at Kicking Horse was filled with jaw-dropping performances, with athletes taking on the mountain’s massive cliffs, narrow chutes, and rugged terrain. Each competitor brought their A-game, but in the end, it was a few key runs that stood out. Among the highlights were Marcus Goguen’s flawless performance, Abel Moga’s technical excellence, and Ben Richards’ blend of style and power.
Marcus Goguen: A Home-Country Victory
Canadian skier Marcus Goguen’s victory at Kicking Horse was a testament to both his ability and his connection to the resort. With a score of 96.67 points, Goguen’s run stood out as one of the most impressive of the event. Starting with a huge cork 720 off a cliff, Goguen seamlessly linked a series of complex jumps, drops, and fluid turns. His line down the mountain showcased a combination of technical precision and creative style that left the judges impressed.
Goguen’s high-speed exit after a massive double drop made the crowd roar as he rounded out his run. The performance not only earned him the top spot on the podium but also solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting athletes on the Freeride World Tour. Goguen’s home-country victory was made all the more special by the support from the crowd, as he hails from the nearby region.
“I was really hoping to make a statement here at home, and I’m thrilled with how everything came together,” Goguen said after his win. “The terrain at Kicking Horse is incredible, and it’s a privilege to ski on this iconic mountain. I just wanted to go out there, have fun, and give it everything I had.”
Abel Moga: A Strong Second Place
Spanish skier Abel Moga claimed second place with an impressive score of 90.33 points. Moga’s run was packed with high-risk maneuvers, including a clean front flip off a large feature and a perfectly executed back flip that had the crowd gasping in awe. As he made his way through the technical sections of the Ozone Face, Moga demonstrated his mastery of fluidity and control in the most difficult conditions.
Moga’s run ended with a huge cliff drop that showcased both his commitment to the line and his impeccable air awareness. With his second-place finish, Moga reinforced his standing as one of the most consistent competitors on the FWT. He’s known for taking risks and pulling off complex tricks with ease, and this performance was no different.
“Every time I come to Kicking Horse, I feel like I’m challenging myself in a way that I don’t anywhere else,” Moga said after his run. “It’s an honor to compete here, and I’m proud to come away with a strong result.”
Ben Richards: A Well-Deserved Third
Rounding out the podium was New Zealand’s Ben Richards, who earned third place with a score of 87.67 points. Richards’ run was characterized by a seamless blend of technical maneuvers and big drops. He began with a clean 360 off a large feature and followed it up with a massive front flip that had the crowd cheering. As he navigated the rough terrain, Richards kept his speed up and showed off his fluid style.
Richards, known for his consistency and ability to link creative lines, has been a staple on the FWT circuit for several years. His third-place finish at Kicking Horse adds another strong result to his growing list of achievements.
“I’ve been pushing my limits on every stop this year, and Kicking Horse was no different,” Richards said. “The terrain here really forces you to be at your best. It’s not just about sending it—it’s about finding the perfect line, staying in control, and having the confidence to go big when it counts.”
The Thrill of the Competition
As the competition unfolded, the atmosphere at Kicking Horse was electric. The Ozone Face, known for its rugged and unpredictable terrain, proved to be the perfect test of skill, creativity, and bravery. Throughout the day, athletes were required to balance technical precision with the desire to go big, all while managing the constantly changing snow conditions.
What set this year’s event apart was the level of innovation and risk-taking seen in each run. Skiers were not just taking straight lines down the mountain—they were incorporating flips, spins, and huge drops into their runs, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in freeride skiing.
Looking Forward to the Rest of the Season
As the Kicking Horse stop of the Freeride World Tour came to a close, it was clear that this was just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling season. With the results from Kicking Horse in the books, athletes will now turn their attention to the next stop on the tour, where the competition will only intensify.
- Georgia Pro: February 23 – March 1, 2025, at Tetnuldi, Georgia.
- Fieberbrunn Pro: March 8–13, 2025, in Fieberbrunn, Austria.
- YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda: March 22–30, 2025, in Verbier, Switzerland.
The podium finishers at Kicking Horse, especially Marcus Goguen, will look to carry their momentum into the upcoming events, as they battle for supremacy in the overall standings. For Goguen, this victory was a huge boost as he continues to push for the World Champion title.
1.Marcus Goguen – 10,000 points
2.Abel Moga – 8,800 points
3.Benjamin James Richards – 7,920 points
4.Valentin Rainer – 7,200 points
5.Virgile Didier – 6,560 points
6.Simon Perraudin – 5,520 points
7.Kristofer Turdell – 5,120 points
8.Tom Peiffer – 4,760 points
9.Oscar Mandin – 4,420 points
10.Tenra Katsuno – 4,100 points
11.Carl Regnér Eriksson – 3,800 points
12.Ross Tester – 3,520 points
13.Edvin Olsson – 3,260 points
14.Martin Bender – 3,020 points
15.Finn Griffith – 2,800 points
16.Toby Rafford – 2,600 points
17.Weitien Ho – 2,420 points
18.Mathys Fornasier – 2,260 points
19.Maxime Chabloz – 2,120 points
20.Joan Aracil – 2,000 points
21.Tiemó Rolshoven – 1,900 points
The Freeride World Tour has proven once again that it’s more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the artistry, athleticism, and dedication that make freeride skiing one of the most exciting sports in the world.
As the FWT season continues to unfold, it’s clear that the battle for the World Championship is heating up, and athletes like Goguen, Moga, and Richards are proving that freeride skiing is at the forefront of global action sports. Whether in Kicking Horse or at the next stop on the circuit, the level of skill and excitement is only set to increase. Stay tuned for more thrilling performances as the world’s top freeriders continue to push their limits in the 2025 season.
