Banzag is back: take part in the 9th edition of this unique freerando event

We're approaching the end of the season, and just like every winter, there's a whole host of events to take part in on every mountain range. Among these events, there's one with a unique format that's already in its ninth year: the Banzag. It may seem reserved for true mountain insiders, but it's nothing of the sort.

The idea is above all to bring together enthusiasts who are both experts in touring skiing and skiers who simply want to familiarize themselves with the sport, who want to spend a beautiful day in the mountains, exchange ideas with their fellow skiers, work up a sweat and have a good time.

This year's date is Saturday March 29, the closing weekend of the season. The snow is on the horizon, and the festivities planned for the closing weekend promise to be quite a session. However, the skies darken when the weather forecast goes into overdrive and the announcement of a storm is confirmed on Thursday, with winds forecast at over 100km/h and snow at low altitude.

It's particularly at times like these that organizing an event in a hostile environment becomes exciting! Cancellation, perseverance or postponement are the three options that present themselves every time a major unforeseen event upsets the initial plan. However, there are always signs to help us make the right decision, and this year it's simple: with the forecast calling for clear skies overnight and bright sunshine the following day, we're moving the date to Sunday!

This decision is obviously accompanied by a little chaos, but the responsiveness of the resort, its partners and, above all, the adaptability of the competitors make this unforeseen event yet another opportunity to strengthen ties.

In short, everyone showed up with a smile on their faces at 8:30am on Sunday morning, heading for the restaurant for a good breakfast, the race number handover and the traditional race briefing. Despite the doldrums of the last two days and the loss of a few Banzagueurs who couldn't change their plans, we had 42 skiers motivated to take on the challenge, or at least take a stroll around the course.

Zag skis/skins sets are available for those who need them, or for those who simply want to try out some new equipment. The ascent and descent routes have been modified due to the uncertain weather conditions, and this year the emphasis is on safety. An initial dry climb of 400m, a mini derby, a DVA search, a new climb of 200m with portage... and all timed!

With the exception of one retirement, everyone was at the top. Bastien Fléchoux won in 51mn35s. In the girls' category, Marie Vinas clocked 1h09mn12s. Maxime Gahéry on snowboard finished in 1h17mn10s. The mix and diversity of practices (skiing, splitboarding, telemark) made for a lively and inspiring morning.

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

We're not on the Freeride World Tour, but we're not far off (on the rules, at least)! Few really dare to step out of the classic line, but a few originals stand out with some clever jumps. Among them, Matthias Biérent, a local and seasoned freerider, optimizes his run like no other. With 88 points, he won the downhill and finished second overall behind Bastien Fléchoux.

We all met up at the Zag stand under a blazing sun to empty the barrels brought back by JB Coffin, organizer of the Pyrénéance. After a delicious meal served at l'Ardiden and a few gear tests for the most enthusiastic, it was time for the prize-giving ceremony.

The indefatigable Rémy Maysonnave won in telemark (alone but present!), Charline Mastrotto and Bastien Fléchoux in ski, and Camille Coffin in snowboard... in front of her father! Pairs of 2026 skis, gifts from our partners (Izipizi, Plum, Ortovox, Pyrénéance), and above all big smiles for everyone.

It's a real satisfaction to have maintained this edition despite the obstacles. But more than that, it's the happy faces, the thanks and the collective atmosphere that make us want to keep going.

It's 5:30 p.m., time to pack up. The day has flown by. Some of us will be running into each other again soon, on a mountain bike track, a wave or around a concert... In fact, a swell is coming up in the Landes, 23°C, small concert in Seignosse... You know where to find me!