By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 22, 2025)
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Local snowboarder Shayne Blue Sandblom has achieved a significant milestone in the world of freeride snowboarding. The 22-year-old athlete clinched the title of Men’s Snowboard Champion in the 2025 Freeride World Tour (FWT) Challenger Series, securing his place on the prestigious 2026 Freeride World Tour.
Sandblom’s path to victory included dominant first-place finishes at competitions held in Kirkwood, California, and Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. These performances earned him a total of 5,000 points, placing him at the top of the overall standings in the Challenger Series, the premier freeride competition circuit in the United States
Reflecting on his achievement, Sandblom stated,
“I’ve wanted to be a professional snowboarder since I was ten, so to get into freeride this year and come as far as I have is a dream. This has been the best experience of my life already. I’ve made so many lifelong friends in such a short amount of time, and I can’t believe I now get to do this professionally.”
Sandblom’s ascent comes at a pivotal moment for the freeride community. The 2026 Freeride World Tour will feature a new stop in Haines, Alaska—the YETI Alaska Pro—marking a return to one of the sport’s most revered locations. This addition signifies the tour’s first U.S. event since 2017
In total, nine athletes from the Americas secured their spots on the 2026 Freeride World Tour following the final Challenger Series event at Arapahoe Basin. Among them were five U.S. athletes, including Sandblom, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in the sport
The Freeride World Tour continues to gain international recognition, with discussions ongoing about its potential inclusion in the 2030 Winter Olympics. The inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships are also set for February 2026, further solidifying the sport’s expanding global presence .
SnowBrains
Sandblom’s achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to the Lake Tahoe community and aspiring snowboarders nationwide.
For more information on the Freeride World Tour and upcoming events, visit freerideworldtour.com
