Chasing the Challenger – Canadian 4* Qualifiers
Comp season has been in full swing since the new year with the first two of five North American IFSA 4* Qualifiers happening up north in Canada at Revelstoke & Kicking Horse at the end of January. The location and timing of these two comps saw many of the riders competing in both of these 4*s, some also entering the 2*s held at each mountain prior. The 2026 comp season seems like it’s just begun but the Qualifier Standings of those chasing the Challenger Series, and ultimately the Freeride World Tour, has started to take shape.
Revelestoke – North Bowl Venue
“Revelstoke delivered challenging conditions, with hard-packed and icy snow forcing riders to stay on their toes. Despite the surface, athletes pushed through and put down committed runs. The difficulty of the venue was clear, with significant crashes, particularly in the Ski Women category, where roughly half the field went down and nine athletes recorded a DNF or no score, underscoring just how demanding the conditions were.” – IFSA
Revelstoke Podium Results:
Snowboard Women
1. Kaiya Hanepen
2. Jamie Figueira
3. Lilianna Houston
Snowboard Men
1.Brian Stenerson
2.Johnny Duty
3.Jérémie Allaire
Ski Women
1. Harriet Lucas
2. Kate Pitkin
3. Kayla Constantini
Ski Men
1. Reed Kelly
2. Ry Mann
3. Asher Maxwell
Kicking Horse – T1 SouthVenue
“Luckily conditions in Kicking Horse trumped those of Revelstoke, providing athletes a smoother run. Kicking Horse was also firm but the snow had an edgeability and playfulness that allowed athletes to send big without the worry of a bulletproof landing. Kicking Horse provided sends as big as Revelstoke, with far fewer skis getting kicked.” – IFSA
Kicking Horse Podium Results:
Ski Men
1. Paul Melchert
2. Louis Overington
3. Ben Leifer
Ski Women
1. Kestrel Sullivan
2. Kayla Constantini
3. Isabella Comai
Snowboard Men
1.Johnny Duty
2. Kaelan White
3. Anton Falkdalen
Snowboard Women
1. Emma Hall
2. Kaiya Hanpen
3. Lilianna Houston
Chasing the Challenger – Overall Qualifier Standings
“Following a pivotal week of competition, several athletes have emerged as ones to watch as the rankings continue to shift. In Snowboard Women, Jaimie Figueira holds the top spot, with Kaiya Hanepen and Emma Hall close behind. Snowboard Men are led by Johnny Duty, followed by Vaughn Hardwick and Nicholas Carroll. In Ski Women, Harriet Lucas sits in first, with Kayla Contantini in second and Ione Gangoiti Perez in third. Rounding it out, Ski Men are led by Sam Westgate, with Asher Maxwell and Paul Melchert close on his heels. With three 4* events still to come, there’s plenty of room for movement in the standings as athletes battle for Challenger spots. Stay tuned as the 4* tour continues at Snowbird (Feb 18th), Crested Butte, and Taos.” – IFSA
Check out the Current IFSA Qualifier Standings
