Press release
December 04, 2025
RECCO, global manufacturer of rescue technology that enables faster searches for missing or buried people in the backcountry, celebrates 10 years of partnership with the Freeride World Tour (FWT). Together, RECCO and FWT have educated and equipped tens of thousands of athletes, from juniors and challenger competitors to elite professionals, promoting responsible freeriding and the use of essential safety equipment. The partnership is renewed for another three years from the 25/26 season.
Operating globally, FWT hosts six professional events with 52 athletes, the FIS Freeride World Championships with 66 athletes, and over 150 competitions annually, supporting more than 10,000 licensed freeride athletes, including 5,000+ juniors and over 140 challenger competitors. RECCO has been a central part of the safety culture that underpins these competitions.
RECCO partnered with FWT with a clear mission: to educate and equip freeriders of all levels with the tools and knowledge needed for safe mountain experiences. Recognizing the need to reach younger riders, FWT and RECCO developed a comprehensive approach that combines education, equipment, and hands-on preparation.
“For the past decade, our partnership with RECCO has played a vital role in building a strong safety culture within the Freeride World Tour community,” said Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT Founder & CEO. “Together, we’ve educated and equipped thousands of freeriders around the world, from juniors to professionals, with the knowledge and tools they need to ride responsibly. Safety has always been our top priority and RECCO has been an exceptional partner in making that vision a reality.”
Over the past ten years, RECCO and FWT have focused on:
“The most important thing is to not end up in an avalanche. If you do, you should optimize your chances of being found as quickly and safe as possible. Always carry the essential gear,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “Freeride World Tour has done tremendous work over the years to educate young people all over the world, and we’re proud to support them as the leading platform in the world of freeriding.”
As FWT continues to grow and push the boundaries of freeriding, RECCO remains committed to supporting the sport with innovative rescue technology and safety education initiatives. With the first FIS Freeride World Championship competition scheduled for spring 2026, the partnership is set to influence the next generation of freeride athletes even more significantly.
"Safety is the foundation of everything we do at the Freeride World Tour. From the riders’ safety course pre season, to the last rider down of the competition season, our goal is to make sure everyone can push their limits in the safest possible conditions. Education, preparation, and responsibility: that’s what freeriding truly is,” said Lolo Besse, FWT Head Commissioner.
