Alaska
YETI Alaska Haines Pro 2026: How the World’s Best Conquered Alaska
The Freeride World Tour Finals officially kicked off in the most high-stakes arena on the planet: the steep, spine-chilling faces of Haines, Alaska. After an eight-year hiatus from this specific venue, the Tour returned to find a massive 740-meter vertical drop draped in 20 cm of fresh powder. For the riders who made the cut, this wasn’t just another competition; it was a heavy test of survival and style in the world’s most technical big mountain terrain.
A Historic Return to the Alaskan Spines
The YETI Alaska Haines Pro proved why this location is the “dream stop” for freeriders. The face was a technical maze of vertical flutes and massive cliff bands that demanded absolute focus from every athlete. Competing on a sustained pitch of 45 degrees, there was zero room for error. The legendary Alaskan terrain lived up to its reputation, as the technical descent took its toll on many, with only half of the ski women and half of the ski men making it to the finish corral without a crash.
Ski Men: A Career Milestone for Rafford
The Ski Men’s field delivered one of the closest finishes in history, with only 1.67 points separating the entire podium. In the end, it was American Toby Rafford who left the crowd speechless, securing his first-ever FWT victory.
- He showcased incredible speed and precision, navigating a rock field that resembled a World Cup slalom course at Mach 10.
- His score of 90.67 propelled him into first place in the overall rankings, earning him the Golden Bib heading into the season finale.
- Ugo Troubat (FRA) took second place with impeccable “Air & Style” and a huge 360 of his own, while Ross Tester (USA) rounded out the podium, pioneering a new line on the rider’s right side and stomping two giant 360s.
Ski Women: Blanjean’s Masterful Control
The Ski Women faced an all-or-nothing day on the face, but Sybille Blanjean (SUI) proved that control is king.
- Blanjean delivered a masterful performance, lacing her turns avoiding the heavy slough piles that claimed several other competitors.
- Her run featured a solid big air, earning her 75.67 points and her first victory of the season.
- This win moves her into the top spot just in time for the finals at her home mountain.
- Rookies Lou Barin (FRA) and Zoé Delzoppo (FRA) followed in second and third, the next generation of French rippers.
Snowboard Men: De Le Rue’s Masterclass
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In the Snowboard Men’s category, the legend of Victor de Le Rue (FRA) continued to grow. A four-time world champion, de Le Rue used his bag of tricks and experience to dismantle the Alaskan face.
- He opened his run with a massive frontside 540 right off the initial cornice, a trick rarely seen in FWT competition.
- His ability to manage heavy slough was a masterclass in big mountain control, linking technical freeride sections with freestyle flair.
- This dominant performance earned him 91.67 points, securing the victory and reinforcing his position at the top of the overall rankings.
Snowboard Women: Mia Jones Dominates the Deep
Women’s Snowboard saw rookie Mia Jones, part of the Teton Gravity Research family, dominate steep lines.
- In her first-ever trip to the Alaskan spines, Jones looked like a seasoned veteran, earning a massive 91.00 points.
- She demonstrated excellent sluff management and precise control through the steep terrain, maintaining impressive speed from top to bottom.
- Jones’ win on home turf provides a boost to her confidence as she carries the Golden Bib into the title races.
The Road to Verbier: Who Will Claim the Crown?
As the snow settles in Haines, the focus shifts to the final showdown: the Bec des Rosses in Verbier, Switzerland. With the points from Alaska shaking up the leaderboard, the title races are wider open than ever. Toby Rafford and Sybille Blanjean are carrying the momentum (and the Golden Bibs) into the Alps, but with the steep, technical face of the Bec waiting, anything can happen.
Haines reminded us why Alaska is the ultimate proving ground, but Verbier will decide who enters the history books. Stay tuned to TGR as we follow the crew to Switzerland to see who survives the final drop of the 2026 season.
Marlee Knight
Content & Event Coordinator
Marlee Knight is a Content & Event Coordinator at Teton Gravity Research, helping support film premieres, events, and the stories that bring the action sports community together. When she’s not working, she’s usually outside — snowboarding, backpacking, or out with a camera.