After winning a number of major freestyle contests, 2010 marked a sensational return to competition, but now Candide had turned his sights on unspoiled and unforgiving backcountry faces. However, he wanted to keep things discreet since he hadn't competed since his injury. His comeback started with an invitation to compete in the Red Bull Line Catcher in Vars, France, a prestigious hybrid event, which blends freestyle and freeriding. He was nervous and unsure of his ability to keep up with the other competitors. In spite of his uncertainties, he went on to win the contest. A few weeks later, Candide Thovex was invited to and won the Chamonix stage of the Freeride World Tour (FWT). The win in Chamonix was a deciding factor that convinced him to compete on the tour for the entire season. He finished in second place at the following event. At the last event of the season, the Verbier Xtreme on the face of the infamous Bec des Rosses in Switzerland, Candide laid down a solid run for an equal 3rd-place finish. The result was just enough to clinch the title of World Freeride Champion.