5 U.S. Athletes Qualify for 2026 Freeride World Tour After Arapahoe Basin, CO, Challenger

Five U.S. athletes have secured their spots on the 2026 Freeride World Tour (FWT) following standout performances at the final Challenger Series event held at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. The competition, which concluded on April 16, marked the culmination of the Region 2 (Americas) qualifying circuit.​

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The newly qualified U.S. athletes are:

• Kelly Hilleke (Glenwood Springs, CO) – Ski Men

• Joey Leonardo (Edwards, CO) – Ski Men

• Wynter McBride (Ogden, UT) – Ski Women

• Shayne Blue Sandblom (Lake Tahoe, CA) – Snowboard Men

• Warren Doyle (Bozeman, MT) – Snowboard Men

The Arapahoe Basin event featured challenging conditions on the East Wall, a venue known for its technical terrain and variable snowpack. Athletes navigated steep chutes and exposed faces, testing their skills and adaptability.​ This year’s Challenger Series also saw the announcement of the FWT’s return to the United States with a scheduled stop in Haines, Alaska, in March 2026. This marks the tour’s first U.S. event since 2017.​

The FWT continues to gain prominence, with discussions ongoing about its potential inclusion in the 2030 Winter Olympics. The inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships are set for February 2026, further solidifying the sport’s growing international presence.​

For more information and to view replays of the Arapahoe Basin Challenger event, visit the Freeride World Tour website.​