The rugged terrain of Arapahoe Basin lived up to its "Legend" moniker last week, hosting the final stop of the 2025 North American Freeride World Tour Challenger series and solidifying the future of competitive freeride skiing for several U.S. athletes. Amidst challenging conditions on the mountain known affectionately as A-Basin, Edwards skier Joey Leonardo and Glenwood Springs native Kelly Hilleke emerged as top contenders, securing their spots on the prestigious 2026 Freeride World Tour (FWT).
Leonardo, a 22-year-old Battle Mountain High School graduate, placed fourth in the final FWT Challenger series event at Arapahoe Basin on Wednesday, a result that propelled him to second overall in the season rankings. This achievement realizes a long-held ambition for Leonardo. Hilleke also demonstrated dominance, winning the second event at the two-day Arapahoe Basin competition and claiming the overall season champion title. Alongside them, Utah skier Wynter McBride also earned a coveted place on the women's side of the FWT, bringing the total US contingent to three skiers among the nine North American qualifiers.
The Freeride World Tour Challenger circuit serves as the crucial gateway to the elite Freeride World Tour. Athletes navigate a series of demanding competitions to accumulate points, with the top performers earning promotion to the highest level of professional freeride skiing and snowboarding. This year's Challenger series comprised four scheduled stops, although the first stop in Whitewater, Canada, was unfortunately canceled due to unsafe conditions. The final rankings are determined by an athlete's two best results, making each competition intensely significant.
For Leonardo, the path to qualification involved strategic competition choices and consistent performance. After focusing on his environmental science degree at Montana State University for several years, he ramped up his competition schedule this past winter. Victories at Copper Mountain and a bronze at Crested Butte in FWT Qualifier events set the stage for his Challenger series success. A key win at Kirkwood Mountain Resort provided crucial momentum, and despite a tenth-place finish on the first day at Arapahoe Basin, Leonardo rallied on the second day with a fourth-place performance that secured his FWT ticket.
The Arapahoe Basin event itself was a spectacle of freeride talent, drawing competitors to the resort's challenging terrain. Known for its steep slopes and demanding runs, A-Basin presented a formidable stage for these athletes to showcase their skills. The event, livestreamed for global audiences, highlighted the breathtaking action as skiers and snowboarders pushed their limits on the mountain. The challenging conditions, described by Leonardo as "icy" and featuring "no-fall zones," added an element of risk and excitement to the competition.
Looking ahead, the Freeride World Tour is poised for an exciting 2026 season. For the first time since 2017, the FWT will return to the United States, with a stop in Haines, Alaska, at the YETI Alaska Pro. This "Dream Stop" in Alaska promises to deliver spectacular freeride action amidst the state's renowned spines and deep powder. Furthermore, the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships are scheduled for February 2026 in Andorra, adding another layer of prestige to the freeride calendar. There's even discussion regarding the potential inclusion of freeride skiing in the 2030 Olympics, which could further elevate the sport's global profile.
For athletes like Leonardo and Hilleke, qualification for the FWT marks the culmination of years of dedication and training. Leonardo, who was coached by his father and honed his skills at Bridger Bowl near Montana State University, is now ready to compete against the world's best freeriders. He plans to base himself out of Tacoma, Washington, in the coming year, but will spend time in Europe to participate in the first four FWT stops. As these athletes prepare to take on the Freeride World Tour, the momentum from the Arapahoe Basin event underscores the growing excitement and dynamism within the sport of freeride skiing. Fans can gear up for the season with performance ski jackets from Nike{fqdn: Nike Ski Jacket} or explore travel options to future FWT locations via Tripadvisor{fqdn: Tripadvisor}. For those inspired by the athletes' daring feats, consider capturing your own adventures with a GoPro HERO camera{fqdn: GoPro HERO Amazon}.