This is the final 2026 Freeride Guide episode of the season! We recap all the news and highlights from a challenging year for the Freeride World Tour. Cancelled events, rookie domination and rulebook controversy are all on tap.
We're also joined by 2023 FWT Snowboard Champion Katie Anderson to talk about the confusing Wildcard selection process, and how more SB Women should be added to the tour. Thanks for tuning in this season and enjoy getting into this one!
00:00 Welcome
3:30 - Surefoot
5:55 - FWT Event Cancellation
13:10 - FWT Return to Alaska & Toby Rafford
16:53 - Rookie Domination
20:00 - Season Highlights
21:14 - Agostina Vietti
23:43 - Verbier
28:50 - Has Derek almost missed a comp?
32:39 - World Championships
45:57 - NST Ski
56:20 - Thoughts on Wildcards
1:05:17 - Welcome Katie Anderson
1:36:38 - Mark and Derek's Seasonal HEAD'S UP Riders Award
BACKSLAP Inbox
1:40:00 - Finishing Runs with No Poles?
1:44:45 - Why Aren't More South Americans on Tour?
1:50:20 - Mark Backslaps
1:51:47 - Will Judging Become Harmonized Across Regions?
Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g3xPiTYbqQI
The Freeride Guide is Supported By:
Send us an email to the BACKSLAP INBOX - Tell us what your hot take is and we might read it on the show. backslap@freerideguidepodcast.com
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About the Hosts:
Mark Warner is the Host of the Low Pressure Podcast: The Podcast for Skiers. Derek Foose is the FWT Broadcast Announcer and Head Coach at Whistler Freeride Club and both are huge Freeride Fans.
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