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1 April 2026
IFSA Challenger by Orage 2026 Region 2: 9 riders from the Americas secure their spots for the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2027
The 2026 IFSA Challenger by Orage Region 2 has come to a close, with the top riders from across the circuit securing their spots on the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance 2027 (FWT). Athletes competed in three demanding events across Canada, with the final stop at Kicking Horse in Golden, BC marking the last opportunity to qualify for the world’s elite freeride circuit.
A three-event season to qualify
The IFSA Challenger by Orage serves as the gateway to the pro level, where riders must consistently deliver standout performances to qualify for the Pro Tour. The best two out of three results count toward qualification.
The 2026 season featured a mix of emerging talents and experienced riders fighting to reclaim their place, including former FWT Champion Katie Anderson (CAN), 2023 FWT Snowboard Women Champion.
Ski Men: American dominance
The Ski Men category saw intense competition, with several riders in contention for qualification until the final runs. Kane Gascoigne (CAN) was the first to secure his spot. After opening the season with a fourth-place finish in Whitewater, he claimed victory at Kicking Horse, confirming his qualification.
He is joined by three American riders: Kai Morgan, Nathan Pruzan, and Tyler Curle, who all earned their places through consistent performances across the season.
Former Pro riders who did not make the Pro Cut, including Lochlan Harvey (CAN), were present but unable to match the level required to qualify.
Qualified Riders Region 2 – FWT 2027 (Ski Men)
Ski Women: Two standout riders with impressive records
Despite a strong field featuring former FWT Pro riders such as Britta Winans (USA) and Chloé Hehir (USA), the Ski Women category was defined by two standout athletes: Hannah Baldwin (USA) and Delila Quinn (USA). Both secured qualification with a win and a podium finish, dominating the IFSA Challenger season.
Baldwin is no newcomer to success. In 2025, she claimed the Junior World Champion title, joining a prestigious list of former champions who progressed to the Pro Tour, including Marcus Goguen (CAN), Martin Bender (SUI), Astrid Cheylus (FRA), and Zoé Delzoppo (FRA). At the time, she expressed that she was “excited to move on to the next stage of her career”, a goal now realized at just 20 years old.
Quinn also previously excelled at the Junior World Championships, finishing second behind Astrid Cheylus. She qualified for the FWT in 2023 but did not make the Cut. Now, at 22, she returns stronger and more experienced.
Qualified Riders Region 2 – FWT 2027 (Ski Women)
Snowboard Men: Holden Samuels earns his return
In Snowboard Men, several former Pro riders who did not make the Pro Cut were aiming to reclaim their spots. Holden Samuels (USA) successfully achieved this goal. After four years on the Pro Tour, he narrowly missed qualification due to event cancellations and an early Cut. A regular podium contender, Samuels delivered a strong performance with a first and a third-place finish, securing his return to the FWT.
Johnny Duty (USA) matched Samuels’ results exactly, also earning qualification. With identical points, both riders advance, marking Duty’s debut on the Pro Tour.
Qualified Riders Region 2 – FWT 2027 (Snowboard Men)
Snowboard Women: Audrey Hebert secures her return
In the Snowboard Women category, Audrey Hebert (CAN) just delivered. With a first and second-place finish, she dominated the season and earned her spot on the 2027 FWT. Hebert is no stranger to the Tour, having previously competed at the Pro level in 2017, 2018, and 2025.
Finishing nearly 300 points behind her, Katie Anderson (CAN), the 2023 FWT Snowboard Women Champion, narrowly missed qualification. Natalie Allport (CAN), who competed on the Pro circuit this season, was also unable to requalify.
Qualified Rider Region 2 – FWT 2027 (Snowboard Women)
The next chapter: final Challenger stop in Region 1 this weekend
With the IFSA Challenger by Orage Region 2 season now complete, attention shifts to the final stop of Region 1, taking place this weekend in France.
So far, only two riders have secured qualification: Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA), the 2022 FWT Snowboard Women Champion, and Kealan Venning (IRL) in the Snowboard Men category.
Fans worldwide can watch live at https://www.freerideworldtour.com/live, with the broadcast featuring expert commentary, multiple camera angles, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Follow @freerideworldtour on social media for live updates, rider interviews, highlight reels, and more.
