Discover the 9 Region 2 Riders qualified for FWT25

Following three epic events, the FWT Challenger by Orage series in Region 2 has wrapped up for the season, finalizing the rankings and unveiling the talented group of riders that will join the Pro Tour next year. All athletes continued to push the level of riding again this year, which is a promising sign for the future of the sport. But a small group of riders stood up and earned their ticket for next year, all showing the consistency and skill they will need in the big league.  

2024 Kirkwood IFSA FWT Challenger winners

In the Ski Women’s category, Chloe Hehir (USA) chose a technical line and delivered it with style, showing full control and fluidity from top to bottom to earn the win. Toby Rafford (USA) continued his good form in the Ski Men’s with another win, sending a massive air and a backflip, showcasing his smooth style and versatility in the big mountains.

FWT 2020 runner-up Michaela Davis Meehan (AUS) found some late-season form to take the top spot in the Snowboard Women’s category, with a clean run that included a bunch of airs and fluidity throughout. While in the Snowboard Men’s, Brian Stenerson (USA) – fresh from FWT relegation – finished the season strong with a win, combining a massive air with a huge backside 360 to showcase his all-mountain steeze.

FWT 2025 qualified riders from Region 2

Following consistent and high-level performances, here are the riders from Region 2 who will join FWT 2025, and have their shot at the World Title alongside the world’s best freeriders:

Ski Women

Britta Winans - USA

With three podium finishes – including a win at Crested Butte – Britta well and truly earned her place at the top of the overall rankings. This consistency is needed to perform on the FWT, boding well for next season for the young rider from Palisades Tahoe.   

Chloe Hehir - USA

Although only 19 years old, Chloe has been competing – and making podiums – in FWT Challenger, Qualifier and Junior events for four seasons now. This experience was on show during this FWT Challenger season, and the win today in Kirkwood backed up her fourth place in Crested Butte to seal her spot on the Tour next year.  

Ski Men

Toby Rafford - USA

Toby dominated the Ski Men’s category, claiming two victories and finishing 750 points clear of the next rider. Although he’ll enter FWT 2025 as a rookie, he’ll certainly be one to watch with this sort of form against some of the best up-and-comers in the sport.

Tom Peiffer - CAN

Following three years on the FWT, Tom was relegated in 2021 after narrowly missing the cut. However, he firmly announced his intentions to requalify at Crested Butte with a huge win to shoot to the top in the overall rankings. He then backed up the win with a fourth place in Silverton to ensure qualification for next year.

Finn Griffith - USA

Hailing from Vail, Colorado, Finn had a stellar FWT Challenger campaign that included second place at Crested Butte and third at Silverton. This was more than enough to seal his spot on FWT 2025, where he’ll be tested in the big mountains like never before.

Tams Marvell - USA)  

Before dropping today, Tams wasn’t really in discussion for qualification, following a slow start to the FWT Challenger series with a 15^th place at Crested Butte and a 5^th place at Silverton. However, he delivered the goods today with a fine second-place finish, under huge pressure to perform. This shows he’s got the audacity and nerve to compete at the top level, making him one to watch next season.

Snowboard Women

Audrey Hebert - CAN

Audrey enjoyed an incredibly consistent season across both FWT Challenger and Qualifier events, racking up multiple wins and podiums. One of these wins came at the first FWT Challenger event at Crested Butte, and she then added two third-place finishes in the subsequent stops to claim the top spot and FWT qualification.

Snowboard Men

Tilden Wooley - USA

Tilden was another athlete who delivered an ultra-consistent season, showing signs he has what it takes to be on the FWT. Tilden started with a fourth at Crested Butte – which ended up being his throwaway score – followed by two second-place finishes to propel him to the top of the overall rankings.  

Conrad Niven - USA

Conrad has been a consistent performer in FWT Challenger and Qualifier events for eight seasons now, and his perseverance paid off this year by qualifying for FWT 2025. A second at Crested Butte and a third here today ensured he locked in enough points ahead of a strong field of riders.

And that’s a wrap for the FWT Challenger by Orage series in Region 2. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed and entertained fans and judges alike, and a special shoutout to all the winners and FWT-qualified riders. They stood up when the pressure was on, and now they will have a chance to put their names alongside the prestigious list of FWT World Champions. However, the full roster for FWT 2025 is not yet complete, with one competition – the 2024 Open Faces Obertauern FWT Challenger – in Region 1 still to be held. Be sure to tune in at the end of this week for all the action and, in the meantime, keep an eye on the FWT social channels for all the latest updates as they drop.