All Images: Nicolas Campos
Competition season is wrapping up across the wide world of freeskiing. The Freeride World Tour Challenger series closed down a year of incredible freeride action last week at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
High on the legendary East Wall, skiers and boarders climbed up towards the famous North Pole and descended through a steep ocean of sharp rocks and chalky snow down into the playful Land of the Giants zone, finally entering the finish corral.
If that sounds fun, then we’re on the same wavelength. But the way these skiers were ripping will have you second-guessing that. Pedal to the metal speed and huge airs into questionable landings made the day one to remember. But in the end, only two women and four men would be moving on to the 2026 Freeride World Tour.
After four stops on the IFSA FWT Challenger series, points were totaled, and the results were in. We’re proud to share that THESE six skiers are going to be competing on freeride’s biggest stage next winter! Check out the results below.
Ski Women’s Field
In the Ski Women’s field, Wynter McBride and Agostina Vietti (third and second from right, respectively) will be competing on the 2026 Freeride World Tour. The two laid down stellar lines all winter long, and with McBride taking first and Vietti close behind in second in the overall after the final Challenger comp of the year, they were able to seal the deal.
We’ll certainly miss Vietti at the 2026 Freeskier Gear Lab, as she has been one of our best ski testers for the last two seasons. But we can’t wait to cheer her on from afar!
Ski Men’s Field
The IFSA FWT Challenger Ski Men’s field was deep and competitive this year. But down the home stretch, Kelly Hilleke came in clutch, grabbing first place at both of the final two Challenger stops. In the end, Hilleke, Joey Leonardo, Lochlan Harvey and Jack Kolesch were able to rise to the top of the pack and earn a spot on the 2026 Freeride World Tour.
