Featured Image: Courtesy of The North Face Frontier
For years, The North Face Frontier stood as the perennial freeride event of the Southern Hemisphere. After a brief hiatus due to the demise of Winter Games NZ, TNF Frontier has announced the storied competition is back in action for summer 2026.
The comp is set to take place from August 28 - September 3, 2026, at The Remarkables ski area outside of Queenstown. Snow conditions can be tricky, as is often the case in NZ, but the terrain at The Remarkables is as remarkable as it sounds, no pun intended. There will be both 2* and 4* Freeride World Qualifier competitions, which are currently open for registration.
TNF Frontier is truly a staple in the world of freeride. Having been around in some form or another since 2005, the competition has seen plenty of freeride stars in its time, with riders from 17 different countries standing atop the podium at some point. This includes freeride legends like Lorraine Huber, Elisabeth Gerritzen, and New Zealander legends Jess Hotter and Ben Richards, the latter three of whom are former Freeride World Tour champions.
And it's true that New Zealand riders have dominated the event. Be it a knowledge of terrain and conditions or simply superstition, New Zealanders have claimed 33 victories and 88 podium finishes across the event's history.Â
"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," said Snow Sports NZ Chief Executive Nic Cavanagh. Commenting on the return of TNF Frontier, he continued, "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."Â
The 2026 edition will be held across two venues at The Remarkables, with the event starting in Shadow Basin with the 2* Freeride World Qualifier before moving to the fantastic Alta Chutes for the 4* competition. The Alta Chutes rival any 4* venue on earth, with steep pitches that would make any skier pucker, and an assortment of narrow couloirs, cliffs and natural features.
Of course, TNF Frontier has become known for the atmosphere as much as the skiing. Spectators are more than encouraged to show out, with live music and DJ sets on the docket. Whether you're looking to claim the top spot or just hang out for an incredible weekend, the return of this iconic event should be locked in your calendar!
