Whitefish Junior 3* Recap
Fresh snow, clear skies, and next level riding made the Whitefish Junior 3* by POC a standout event on the 2026 calendar. Two days of qualifying on Haskill Slide whittled the field down to the top 100 athletes across all categories, setting the stage for a high energy finals day on the East Rim. The venue delivered everything freeride fans love: steep fall line descents, playful cliffs, and creative line choices from start gate to finish. Spectators packed in at the base of Chair 5, while others grabbed a bird’s eye view from the lift, cheering athletes on as they charged through the finish corral.
Running a competition of this size is no small feat, but with dual-panel judging and Whitefish’s signature fog staying at bay, the event rolled smooth. All finals runs were completed in under four hours, keeping the onsite crowd fired up and livestream viewers around the globe locked in from the first drop to the last rider. Reports from athletes said fans tuning in everywhere from the Montana Taphouse in downtown Whitefish to living rooms and of Chile and Argentina.
Miss the action live? Check out the full comp replay here!
As the snow settled and the final scores finalized, friends, family, coaches, and fellow Freeriders gathered in the base area to celebrate the athletes who would step onto the podium, officially launching the 2026 Junior 3* season in unforgettable fashion.
Huge thanks to Flathead Freeride, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Discover Whitefish, The Hidden Moose Lodge, Montana Taphouse, and Schellinger Construction for their incredible hospitality and support in making both the competition and livestream a success.
Podiums:
| U15 Snowboard Women | U15 Snowboard Men | U15 Ski Women | U15 Ski Men |
| Katya Sharpe | Reid Douglass | Hana Fassnacht | Duke Woodman |
| Arah Rockefeller | Avery Landry | Brielle Schwab | Lachlan Simmons |
| Sierra Beckerly | Otis Abramson | Peyton Wilson | John Suda |
| U19 Snowboard Women | U19 Snowboard Men | U19 Ski Women | U19 Ski Men |
| Riley McNew | Conley Rockefeller | Maddigan Adams | Liam Byrd |
| Skylar Hare | Noah Jones | Morgan Jaffe | Ian Tuttle |
| Landon Liberman | Kennedy Cochenour | Evan Anderson |
Planning a trip to Whitefish? We can help.
Whether you’re visiting for a freeride event or a weekend getaway, Explore Whitefish is your go-to guide for everything the town has to offer. From local dining and après spots to lodging, events, and off-mountain adventures, it’s the easiest way to experience Whitefish like a local. Use Explore Whitefish to plan your days, discover hidden gems, and make the most of your time in this vibrant mountain town. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring beyond the lift lines.
Looking for a home base during your time in Whitefish? The Hidden Moose Lodge offers a welcoming, mountain-town stay just minutes from the resort and downtown. Known for its comfortable rooms and relaxed atmosphere, the lodge is a favorite among athletes, families, and fans alike. Each morning starts with a freshly cooked breakfast, making it easy to fuel up before heading to the mountain or exploring town. Book your stay
After a full day on the mountain, Montana Taphouse is the perfect spot to kick back and refuel. With hearty food, local brews, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a go to for post ski day hangs in downtown Whitefish. Bonus: Tamarack Ski Shop is attached, making it easy to grab a tune, wax, or last-minute gear fix while you enjoy some grub. View the menu
