Six Palisades Tahoe athletes qualify for 2026 Freeride Junior World Championships
OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. — Six standout athletes from Palisades Tahoe have secured coveted spots on the U.S. team heading to the 2026 Freeride Junior World Championships (FJWC) in Kappl, Austria—making up 46% of the American contingent.
Earning a place at the FJWC is among the highest honors in junior freeride, with invitations extended only to the top-ranked skiers and snowboarders worldwide. The event is widely regarded as a launchpad for future stars in big mountain competition.
Athletes from Palisades Tahoe who qualified:
Ski Men
- Zebedee Schreiber
Ski Women
- Hannah Epsteyn
Snowboard Men
- Kai Cortez
- Tristan Bumann
- Sloan Hanepen
Snowboard Women
- Willow Newton
Their selection underscores not only their talent and determination but also the strength of Palisades Tahoe as a training ground for elite freeride athletes. The resort has become a consistent pipeline to the Freeride World Tour and the U.S. Ski Team.
Now in its 14th year, the 2026 FJWC will take place in the steep, technical terrain of Austria’s Tyrolean Alps. Known as the pinnacle event for junior freeriders, the championship demands a rare combination of control, style, and creativity. With freeride gaining momentum on the international stage—and eyeing potential Olympic inclusion—earning a spot at the FJWC carries more weight than ever.
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