As the Freeride World Tour (FWT) comes to a close for the 2025 season we take a look at the achievements of our KORE athletes not only this year but their remarkable performances across the history of the event. It is these incredible athletes who not only inspired but also continue to guide the development of our award-winning KORE product line.
As part of our 75 Year anniversary, we are celebrating the success of our freeride team and how our close relationship with them enables us to drive the performance of our product line.
Find out what went down at the final FWT stop of the winter in Verbier, Switzerland.
KORE: Backcountry Innovation Born On The Freeride World Tour
Athlete-led development
Since 2017, HEAD has worked closely with its athletes to develop and refine the KORE Ski line, aiming to create lightweight, versatile skis with enhanced performance for freeride and all-mountain skiing.
We introduced the KORE Ski line with a clear focus on reducing weight without compromising performance. The skis were designed for serious freeriders who demand both lightness and stability for all-day, all condition downhill performance and backcountry access. Today KORE’s mission is the same.
Our athletes played a key role in providing feedback on the KORE series' prototypes, helping to fine-tune the flex patterns, ski geometry, and overall feel of the skis.
As our product team expanded the KORE Ski Line to include skis suited for various types of terrain and conditions our athletes provided valuable insights on how to make the skis adaptable to different snow conditions. The KORE skis’ flexibility was improved, making them responsive whether the skier was navigating steep descents or carving through trees.
Discover the all-new 2025/26 KORE collection here.
Throughout the development of the KORE Ski line, HEAD’s commitment to collaboration with FWT athletes has been central to its success. Their feedback has helped refine the ski’s performance characteristics, ensuring the skis meet the demanding standards of both professional athletes and passionate skiers.
HEAD highlights from the FWT
As the KORE product line has developed so too has the performance of our freeski team and their performances at the Freeride World Tour.
Jess Hotter made history in 2022, she was crowned the overall Freeride World Tour title in the women’s ski category, securing victories in Ordino-Arcalís and Fieberbrunn. In the 2023 season, Hotter finished 8th in the overall standings, with a 1st place at Kicking Horse Resort.
Hedvig Wessel, a Norwegian freeride skier, has had a distinguished career on the Freeride World Tour (FWT). She clinched the Overall FWT title in the women's ski category in 2024, achieving one victory and four podium finishes throughout the season. This triumph came after several seasons of near misses, including multiple runner-up positions, highlighting her perseverance and consistent performance.
The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for Jenna Keller and Lena Kohler making their debuts on the pro tour, and their performances have not disappointed, finishing in 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the overall rankings, along with many more impressive performances from our freeride team.
Representing Switzerland and using HEAD equipment and sportswear, Jenna Keller has demonstrated consistent skill throughout the season. At the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro, she secured the 2nd position with a score of 82.00. She also participated in the Val Thorens Pro, finishing in the 11th position with a 56.00 point line. She also finished 2nd in the Georgia Pro with a line of 73.67 points, and finished 6th in Fieberbrunn Pro with a line of 77.67 points. At the final event of the season, Jenna rounded off a fantastic debut on the pro tour with a phenomenal line, earning her 1st place at the Verbier Xtreme finals event and an amazing 2nd place finish in the overall standings.
Hailing from Germany, Lena Kohler has been a strong contender in the women's ski category. She achieved three 3rd place finishes this season, at the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro with a score of 77.67, at the Val Thorens Pro,with 84.33 points and completing the hattrick with a 3rd place finish at the Verbier Xtreme finals, earning her the 4th place on the podium in the overall standings.
Spain's Abel Moga has shown significant prowess, especially in the latter half of the season. He had a good start finishing in 12th position with a line of 70.33 points. After a challenging start at the Val Thorens Pro, where he did not start (NS), he rebounded at the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro, finishing 2nd with 90.33 points. At the Georgia Pro, he secured the 9th position with 69.00 points.
Representing Sweden, Carl Regnér Eriksson has had a season marked by steady performances. He finished 10th at the Val Thorens Pro with 72.33 points. At the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro, he placed 12th with a score of 68.83. He improved his standing at the Georgia Pro, achieving 5th position with 85.33 points.
Andorra's Joan Aracil has made a notable impact in his debut season. He was honored as the Rider of the Day at the Baqueira Beret Pro by Movistar, receiving 18% of the public vote. He also participated in the Val Thorens Pro, finishing in 14th position with 53.67 points. At the Georgia Pro, he secured 7th place with 78.33 points.
Blake Marshall, a New Zealand skier from Queenstown, has demonstrated consistent skill and determination throughout his Freeride World Tour (FWT) career. In his debut season in 2020, he secured a 6th place overall ranking, with notable performances including a 7th place finish in Hakuba, Japan, a fifth in Kicking Horse, Canada, and a fourth in Fieberbrunn, Austria. The 2021 Season, Marshall achieved a notable 3rd place finish at the Ordino Arcalís event in Andorra.
Marshall's resilience paid off in the 2024 season, as he re-qualified for the FWT by clinching the win at The North Face Frontier 4* at The Remarkables and securing a 3rd place finish at the Verbier Challenger. During the 2024 tour, he achieved a 5th finish at the Georgia Pro, showcasing his prowess on steep terrains.
The biggest team in freeride
All of these athletes and many more, make up the biggest team in Freeride, the KOREPORATION, with 140 riders around the globe and with the OG in freeride skiing, James Heim at the helm. James has been part of the team at HEAD for over 18 years, initially as an athlete, he has led our freeride team and is at the heart of the KORE product development and more recently our International Freeski Team Manager. The KOREPORATION team actively tests and provides feedback on KORE product lines, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of professional freeriders.
We look forward to many more years of success for our athletes in collaboration with the KORE product line, follow links to the KORE product page for updates on the all new products, launching Fall 2025, bringing cutting-edge innovation, performance, and versatility to the mountains.