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:

Surefoot Custom Ski Boots

HEAD -Tyrolia KORE Collection

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

If you like the show, please SUBSCRIBE and Listen to every new episode!

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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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