Featured Image: Amy Jimmerson
The Kings and Queens of Corbet’s is back in action this weekend and we couldn’t be more stoked. After a bad snow year in 2024 forced its first-ever hiatus, Jackson Hole’s iconic event returns with conditions that are nothing short of perfect. With 33 inches of fresh snow in the last seven days and another 10 inches projected before the start of the event window on February 8th, the event’s timing could not be lining up more perfectly. This window will extend to the 15th so keep an eye out on social media for the official announcement date.
This year brings a fresh format where each category (Men’s Ski, Men’s Snowboard, Women’s Ski and Women’s Snowboard) crown individual winners, and on top of that a man and woman will be selected as King and Queen for best overall performance. As we eagerly await the competition date announcement, here are FREESKIER’s Kings and Queens of Corbet’s predictions that nobody asked for—especially snowboarders.
Mens Ski
Start List:
– Alex Beaulieu-Marchand
– Alex Hackel
– Colby Stevenson
– Lalo Rambaud
– Tim McChesney
– Tristen Lilly
– Wyatt Gentry
– Ridge Dirksmeier
– Ben Poechman
The Favorite: With Crazy Karl announcing a few days ago that he would be withdrawing from King’s and Queen’s this year that leaves only one man Colby Stevenson. Colby is returning this year to defend his 2023 crown and since his victory two years ago he has continued to elevate his skiing in every aspect of the sport. He started off the season by releasing his movie “Proof” where he showcased his ability to destroy gnarly Alaskan spines and throw crazy rotations in the backcountry. He followed his first solo project up with an X-Games Gold in Streetstyle just a couple of weeks ago in Aspen.
The Underdog: Lalo Rambaud is a 22-year-old French phenom whose infectious style and creative visions are turning heads in the Freeride world. His latest project, “Triangle,” is an 8-minute short film that showcases his surfy, effortless approach to skiing. Directed by Rambaud himself, the film takes viewers on a journey through the epic terrain of Jackson Hole, Gressoney and Balme, where the two friends showcase some beautiful skiing.
Final Pick: Colby Stevenson
Women’s Ski
Start List:
-Ana Eyssimont
-Claire McPherson
-Piper Kunst
-Veronica Paulsen
The Favorite: Claire McPherson and Veronica Paulsen are neck-and-neck favorites for the women’s ski crown, each bringing their brand of big mountain skiing to Corbet’s. McPherson returns to defend her 2023 title, and we couldn’t be more fired up to watch her calculated style in action. Meanwhile, Paulsen, who captured the People’s Choice Award in 2023 after becoming the first woman to attempt a double backflip into Corbet’s, is back with unfinished business. Our prediction? This is the year she rides away clean from the double.
The Underdog: Piper Kunst might not fit the traditional underdog narrative, but after surrendering her 2022 crown, and landing in second place at the 2023 King and Queens, she’s returning with something to prove. Kunst’s approach to skiing is pure chaos—she attacks the mountain with the fearless determination of a honey badger, showing zero hesitation when it comes to sending it off literally anything.
Final Pick: Veronica Paulsen
Men’s Snowboard
Start List:
-Jack Wiley
-Windham Miller
-Yuki Kadono
– Mike Bogs
– Spencer Whiting
– Jed Sky
– Irie Jefferson
The Favorite: Yuki Kadono stands as one of snowboarding’s most electric talents. In 2012, he made history as the youngest rider ever invited to compete in Big Air and Slopestyle events. Since then, he’s dominated the competitive scene with two US Open victories and six X Games medals. Last year, Kadono showcased his signature style in “Airloom,” bringing his sleepy style to the backcountry of northern Tahoe and Jackson Hole.
Final Pick: Yuki Kadono
Women’s Snowboard
Start List:
-Cheryl Maas
-Erika Vikander
-Madison Blackley
-Sarka Pancochova
The Favorite: Sarka Pancochova returns after her impressive third-place showing in 2023, where she wowed the crowd with a uniquely creative entrance into Corbet’s before executing a textbook run through the remaining features. Since that podium finish, she’s been pushing her limits in the backcountry, and we are excited to see what she has in store for this year’s competition.
The Underdog Sorta: Erika “The Viking” Vikander stands as one of the world’s best women freeride snowboarders. During her sixth season on the Freeride World Tour, she claimed overall silver in 2022 and back-to-back bronze medals in 2020 and 2021 before stepping away from competition after the 2023 season. Following her departure from the tour, Vikander dedicated her time to creating “Be Happy,” a film and passion project that confronts the gender inequalities she and countless others have faced in snow sports. Now, in 2025, she’s bringing her powerful riding style and competitive spirit back to Jackson Hole, ready to show Corbet’s Couloir exactly what she’s capable of.
Final Pick: Erika Vikander
King and Queen Prediction
2025 King: Colby Stevenson
2025 Queen: Veronica Paulsen
