Gremaud & Ruud Lead Fields at Tignes Freeski World Cup | Milano Cortina 2026 Recap
TIGNES, France – The FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup in Tignes, France, begins , with the women’s competition taking shape in the wake of Mathilde Gremaud’s withdrawal. The reigning Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Slopestyle champion will not compete this week due to lingering effects from a crash during Big Air competitions, opening the door for challengers to gain ground in the race for the women’s slopestyle Crystal Globe.
Gremaud is currently tied with U.S. Skier Marin Hamill with 136 points apiece. While Gremaud would win the Crystal Globe based on her season-opening victory in Stubai, Hamill remains a strong contender. The 24-year-old American has a second-place finish at Laax and two top-12 results from Stubai and Aspen. However, Hamill was unable to qualify for the finals in either of her events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Despite the absence of both Gremaud and Milano Cortina 2026 silver medalist Eileen Gu of China, and bronze medalist Megan Oldham of Canada, the field in Tignes is robust. Great Britain’s Kirsty Muir, who finished fourth at the Olympics, arrives in France with momentum, having won her last Slopestyle World Cup start in Aspen in January, as well as the Tignes Mountain Shaker Slopestyle World Cup last winter.
Other skiers to watch include Lara Wolf of Austria, the silver medalist at the Engadin 2025 World Championships, and Naomi Urness of Canada, currently ranked second in the women’s Freeski Overall standings. Stylish Finnish freeskier Anni Karava, who enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 season with three consecutive podium finishes, will also be competing after her progress was briefly hampered by a minor training injury at the U.S. Grand Prix in Aspen.
On the men’s side, Birk Ruud of Norway, the Milano Cortina 2026 Freeski Slopestyle gold medalist, leads a field of 62 skiers. Ruud, also a two-time reigning World Champion, added Olympic slopestyle gold to his impressive resume at the recent Games. He also claimed Big Air gold at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the sport.
The Tignes Mountain Shaker event represents the fourth of four events in the 2025/26 FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup circuit, following the Laax Open in January. The competition in Tignes is particularly significant as it is the penultimate event before the conclusion of the season, offering athletes a crucial opportunity to accumulate points and improve their standings.
Gremaud’s absence undoubtedly alters the competitive landscape. Her consistent performance and victory in Stubai established her as an early favorite for the Crystal Globe. However, Hamill’s strong results at Laax and her overall consistency throughout the season position her well to capitalize on Gremaud’s absence. Muir’s recent success, particularly her win in Aspen and previous victory in Tignes, makes her a formidable opponent, while Wolf and Urness bring their own championship-level experience to the competition.
Ruud’s participation adds considerable star power to the men’s event. His Olympic and World Championship titles demonstrate his exceptional skill and consistency. The Tignes competition will be a test of his ability to maintain his form and fend off challenges from other top-ranked skiers.
The women’s slopestyle competition in Tignes promises to be a thrilling contest, with several athletes vying for the Crystal Globe. Hamill, Muir, Wolf, and Urness all have the potential to emerge victorious, and the absence of Gremaud and Gu creates an opportunity for a new champion to rise. The event will not only determine individual standings but also provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the women’s freeski slopestyle scene.
With the Milano Cortina 2026 Games now in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to the World Cup circuit and the pursuit of the Crystal Globe. The Tignes Mountain Shaker event is poised to deliver exciting action and compelling storylines as athletes battle for supremacy on the slopes.