The North Face Frontier returns to Queenstown as entries open for 2026

One of the Southern Hemisphere's most influential freeride competitions is set to return to Queenstown this winter, with registrations now open for The North Face Frontier 2026.

The event will take place during a weather window from 28 August to 3 September at The Remarkables ski area, featuring both 2-star and 4-star Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) competitions and attracting athletes from New Zealand and around the world.

Recognised as an official discipline by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in 2024, freeride skiing and snowboarding are edging closer to Olympic inclusion. While that will undoubtedly shine a brighter spotlight on the sport, freeride's roots run much deeper. For more than two decades, events like The North Face Frontier have helped shape the athletes, culture and community that underpin the sport today.

The event traces its roots back to 2005 as part of the pioneering New Zealand Freeski Open, which combined freeride, slopestyle and halfpipe competitions at a time when freestyle skiing and snowboarding were still emerging on the world stage.

As the disciplines evolved, freeride carved out its own identity, and the event evolved with it, eventually becoming The North Face Frontier — one of the Southern Hemisphere's premier freeride competitions and a key stop on the Freeride World Qualifier circuit.

Since its beginnings in 2005, athletes from 17 nations have stood on The North Face Frontier podium. Five of those athletes have gone on to become Freeride World Tour champions: Austria's Lorraine Huber, Switzerland's Elisabeth Gerritzen, France's Noémie Equy and New Zealanders Jess Hotter and Ben Richards.

One of the first events of the Freeride World Qualifier season, The North Face Frontier gives competitors an early opportunity to make their mark on the rankings. New Zealand athletes have traditionally made the most of that opportunity, claiming 33 victories and 88 podium finishes across the event's history.

Home mountain advantage may play a role — local athletes know the terrain and the conditions — but the results suggest there's more to it than that. Hotter became the first Kiwi to win a Freeride World Tour title in 2022, while Richards claimed both the Freeride World Tour title and the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championship crown in 2026. Together, they represent two of the most significant achievements in New Zealand freeride history.

"Freeride has a long and proud history in New Zealand, and we've consistently produced athletes who can compete with the very best in the world," says Snow Sports NZ Chief Executive Nic Cavanagh.

“As the sport enters an exciting new chapter internationally, events like The North Face Frontier become even more important. They provide a pathway for emerging athletes, a stage for our established competitors, and an opportunity for New Zealand to continue playing a leading role in the future of freeride."

The 2026 edition of The North Face Frontier also celebrates one of the longest-running partnerships in New Zealand snow sports. While the event has evolved, The North Face has remained a constant presence throughout much of The Frontier's history.

Head of Marketing at The North Face Australia & New Zealand, Sarah Hunt says the partnership continues to reflect the brand's commitment to supporting athletes who push the limits of what's possible in the mountains.

"For more than two decades, The North Face Frontier has provided a platform for athletes to come together, push boundaries and develop their craft,” says Hunt. “We're proud to have played a role in delivering this world-class competition, rooted in authentic community connection, and we look forward to carrying that legacy into the future for the next generation of athletes."

Held across two venues at The Remarkables, the event begins in Shadow Basin with the 2-star Freeride World Qualifier before moving to the iconic Alta Chutes for the 4-star competition. Known for its steep pitch, narrow couloirs and technical cliff features, the Alta Chutes provide a truly awe-inspiring competition venue.

Spectators are encouraged to head up the mountain to experience the action firsthand, with live commentary, music, the traditional mountain sausage sizzle and even a game of disc golf on Alta Lake adding to the atmosphere.

The Frontier is also known for balancing world-class competition with a strong community culture. Alongside the competitive programme, the 2026 event will feature a Rookie Day, Women's Day, social events and the legendary Frontier after-party.

Registrations for The North Face Frontier 2026 are now open.

For more information or to enter, visit www.frontierfreeride.com.