Let’s be real for a second. Most skiers slide into Corbet’s Couloir on their hip, praying they don’t catch an edge and tomahawk into the runout. Then there are the athletes invited to Kings & Queens of Corbet’s, who look at that iconic limestone choke and see a launchpad.
The roster for the eighth annual invitational at Jackson Hole just dropped, and it’s stacked. We’re talking about a mix of seasoned veterans who know exactly how to stomp that transition and rookies looking to make a name for themselves on one of the most intimidating stages in North American freeride.
The Setup
The window is set for February 7-14, 2026. As always, the exact day depends on when the weather gods decide to cooperate. Conditions are looking prime—the summit has already clocked over 200 inches. If that trend holds, the landing is going to be soft, which means the airs are going to be massive. When the snow is deep in Corbet's, the speed check goes out the window.
The Lineup
Returning to defend her crown is Ana Eyssimont, the reigning Queen who absolutely sent it last year. She’ll be joined by freestyle technician Alex Hackel, a guy who brings park precision to big mountain consequences. Keep an eye on the rookies, specifically Kelly Hilleke and Wyatt Gentry. Fresh blood usually means hungry skiing, and in this venue, hesitation is not an option.
On the single-plank side, we’ve got legends like Sarka Pancochova and Ulrik Badertscher lining up. They’ll be competing alongside newcomers Ellie Weiler and Mason Lemery. Seeing snowboarders navigate the goat path entry is always a masterclass in edge control—or a disaster waiting to happen. That’s the beauty of this event.
The Stakes
There’s $50,000 on the line, split across men’s and women’s ski and snowboard divisions. First place takes home $5k. But the real prize here is the King or Queen title. The top-scoring male and female athletes overall—regardless of whether they’re on skis or a board—snag a $5,000 bonus.
The judging format is arguably the best part: it’s athlete-judged. No crusty FIS officials deduction points for a hand drag. This is about peer respect, style, and progression. If you stomp a double backie into the hole, the people you're competing against are going to reward it.
Why It Matters
Kings & Queens has become the Super Bowl of freeride progression. It bridges the gap between park rats and big mountain chargers. It forces creativity in a venue that usually demands survival.
Ned Wonson, VP of Marketing at Jackson Hole, put it plainly: “These athletes represent the creativity, confidence, and skill that make Corbet’s one of the most compelling stages in skiing and snowboarding.”
How to Watch
If you aren't local to witness the carnage from the bottom of Tensleep Bowl, you can catch the livestream on jacksonhole.com. Andrew Whiteford, Veronica Paulsen, Randy Strand, and Jody Wachniak will be on the mic calling the shots.
For those of you planning to head out there to watch it in person (or just to humble yourself on the terrain), Jackson Hole currently sits at a 67.2/100 on ShredIndex—a score that definitely doesn't account for the sheer terror of standing atop Corbet's. If you need a place to crash near the village, you can book your accommodation here.
Stay tuned. If the snow keeps falling, 2026 is going to be heavy.
Source: Unofficial Networks
