Banzag is back: join us for the 9th edition of this one-of-a-kind freerando event

We’re nearing the end of the season, and just like every winter, there’s a whole host of events to enjoy across all the mountain ranges. Among these events, there’s one with a unique format that’s already in its ninth year: the Banzag. It may seem like it’s reserved for true mountain enthusiasts, but that’s not the case at all.

The main idea is to bring together enthusiasts who are both experts in ski Touring skiers who simply want to get a feel for the sport—people who want to enjoy a great day in the mountains, chat with like-minded folks, work up a sweat, and have some fun.

This year’s date is set for Saturday, March 29, the weekend of the season’s closing. Snow is on the way, and the festivities planned for the closing promise a great time. However, the outlook darkens as the weather forecast takes a turn for the worse, and the storm warning is confirmed on Thursday, with winds expected to exceed 100 km/h and snow at lower elevations.

It’s especially during these moments that organizing an event in challenging conditions becomes exciting! Canceling, persevering, or postponing are the three options that arise whenever a major unexpected event disrupts the original plan. However, there are always signs to help us make the right decision, and this year it’s simple: with forecasts predicting that the skies will clear overnight and that bright sunshine will warm things up the next day, we’re moving it to Sunday!

This decision has naturally caused a bit of temporary chaos, but the quick response from the resort and its partners—and, above all, the competitors’ adaptability—has turned this unexpected situation into yet another opportunity to strengthen ties.

In short, everyone showed up in high spirits at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning at the base of the slopes, heading to the restaurant for a hearty breakfast, to pick up their race bibs, and for the traditional race briefing. Despite the general gloom of the past two days and the loss of a few Banzagueurs who couldn’t change their plans, we have 42 motivated skiers ready to give it their all—or at least take a leisurely ride down the course.

Zag ski and skin sets are also available for anyone who needs them or simply wants to try out the gear. The ascent and descent routes have been modified due to uncertain weather conditions, and we’re playing it safe this year. A 400-meter straight climb, a mini-derby, an avalanche transceiver search, a new 200-meter climb with a carry… and it’s all timed!

With the exception of one withdrawal, everyone made it to the summit. Bastien Fléchoux won with a time of 51 minutes and 35 seconds. In the women’s category, Marie Vinas finished in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 12 seconds. Maxime Gahéry, on a snowboard, completed the course in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 10 seconds. The mix of participants and the variety of disciplines (skiing, splitboarding, telemark) made for a lively and inspiring morning.

The second part is simple: a starting point and a finishing point, but what matters is the execution. Line, technique, commitment, jumps, and originality: these are the criteria.

We’re not on the Freeride World Tour, but we’re not far off (at least when it comes to the rules)! Few really dare to stray from the classic line, but a few mavericks stand out with some well-executed jumps. Among them, Matthias Biérent, a local and seasoned freerider, nails his run like no one else. With 88 points, he wins the downhill and finishes second overall behind the unbeatable Bastien Fléchoux.

We all gathered at the Zag booth under the blazing sun to finish off the kegs brought by JB Coffin, organizer of the Pyrénéance. After a hearty meal served at the Ardiden and a few gear tests for the die-hard enthusiasts, it was time for the awards ceremony.

The tireless Rémy Maysonnave won the telemark category (competing solo but making his presence felt!), Charline Mastrotto and Bastien Fléchoux took the ski categories, and Camille Coffin won the snowboard category… beating her father! Prizes included a pair of 2026 skis, gifts from sponsors (Izipizi, Plum, Ortovox, Pyrénéance), and, above all, big smiles for everyone.

It’s truly rewarding to have pulled off this event despite the challenges. But more than anything, it’s the happy faces, the words of thanks, and that sense of community that keep us going.

It’s 5:30 p.m., time to pack it up. The day has flown by. Some of us will run into each other again soon—on a mountain bike trail, out on a wave, or at a concert… In fact, there’s a swell coming to the Landes, 23°C, and a small concert in Seignosse… You know where to find me!