All Images: Sarah Giffin
Where does freeride live? There’s probably no sole correct answer to this question. The sport has grown in a short few decades to include millions of people scattered around the globe, with hot spots and cultural epicenters teeming from New Zealand to Australia to North America and back again. Perhaps the better question is who, in this marvelous sport, is shepherding the way forward? Who, or what, is providing the platform to continue this progression?
Once again we are met with many answers, but a standout among them would be IFSA. The International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association is a non-profit that has been giving young riders a gateway into freeride competition for over 25 years. Founded by the legendary Shane McConkey in 1996, the organization has cultivated a community second to none, giving competitors much more than a chance to be on the podium.
What better way to explore this freeride haven than through two recent events—the IFSA Qualifier 4* Competitions in Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, British Columbia. FREESKIER tapped into the rich network of freeriders, pulling together remarkable images from photographer Sarah Giffin and words from longtime IFSA athletes Kelly Hilleke, Selby Hall and Avery Bernholtz. The result is a first-hand account of what makes this community special, and how its true value goes far beyond mastering the descent.
“I’ve been competing in junior [freeride] events since I was 12, hoping to one day have a shot at competing in the Freeride World Tour. Like most of my friends, I’ve watched the FWT events since I was a kid. This is my first year competing with adults, and I now feel like I’m closer to my childhood dream than ever before.
The 4* [competition] in Kicking Horse was a perfect storm for me. I was coming off a 6th place finish in the Revelstoke 4*. After that result, I was feeling good about my odds of qualifying for the FWT Challenger series in April, which meant I could lay it all on the line in Kicking Horse and not worry about crashing.
Since I dropped first in the Ski Men’s field and they were using a dual panel judging system, I was with a mix of skiers and snowboarders, men and women, at the top of the venue. It was so sick to see the camaraderie amongst the competitors extend past the divisions. Everyone at the top of the T1 South [comp face] that day was HYPED to ski (or ride) down there and jump off something. Nobody was worried about winning or losing, we just wanted to do the best we could do as individuals.
And this is why I love competing. The mix of creativity, technical skill, and mental fortitude it takes to put down a run you’re proud of is a challenge you can’t find in many other sports. Plus, the freeride community is epic—everyone is supportive, and even though we’re competing, we’re all cheering each other on. It’s more about expressing yourself on the mountain than just chasing podiums. But more than that, it’s about the people. You meet friends, learn from experienced riders, and become part of a community that is larger than life and truly stoked for one another.” – IFSA Athlete Kelly Hilleke, First Place at the Kicking Horse IFSA Qualifier 4*

“This past event at Kicking Horse was really exciting for me, as I was let in last minute to the 4* event. I skied a run I was really proud of and ended up coming in second place! The level of talent and excitement is on another level this year, so I couldn’t have more stoked.
I’ve been competing with IFSA since I was 13, and I continue to do it because it pushes me out of my comfort zone. It’s the best feeling to hang out at the bottom after a great run and watch everyone else crush their lines. If you’re thinking about joining any of the IFSA competitions, you definitely should. I can’t say that enough. It’s a great way to make lifelong friends and push your skiing to the next level.” – IFSA Athlete Selby Hall, Second Place at the Kicking Horse IFSA Qualifier 4*
“The competitions in Canada were a blast, per usual. Results are always a mixed bag, but I was happy to walk away with a win at Revelstoke, and although I lost a ski during my run at Kicking Horse, I was stoked about the line I chose to attempt. You win some you lose some, as the saying goes! That’s something competing with IFSA has taught me over the years, and it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
I’ve been competing in freeride since I was 10, and to this day I still enjoy the sport and its unique ability to bring people together and foster a supportive, energized environment. Traveling to new and familiar places and reuniting with old friends while also forming new relationships has been an incredibly valuable part of the freeride experience for me.
I think freeride provides young riders with a sense of community that extends all over the globe. The quickly growing sport is exploding with talent, and competitions like these provide a supportive space to showcase stoke, as well as a way for everyone involved and everyone watching to get inspired. I feel so lucky to be a part of it, and I hope that anyone who’s thinking about joining IFSA does so.” – IFSA Athlete Avery Bernholtz, First Place at the Revelstoke IFSA Qualifier 4*
IFSA Qualifier 4* – Revelstoke, British Columbia















IFSA Qualifier 4* – Kicking Horse, British Columbia















