Freeride skiing, snowboarding added as new events for 2030 Winter Games
The addition gives Canmore-based freeride athletes a new pathway to Olympic competition ahead of the 2030 Games.
Why it matters
The Olympic addition creates a new competitive pathway for Bow Valley freeride athletes heading into the 2030 Games.
Freeride skiing and snowboarding have been confirmed as new disciplines for the 2030 Winter Olympics, opening an Olympic pathway for athletes in the sport for the first time.
The announcement has particular significance for Canmore, home to freeride athletes who have competed internationally without an Olympic outlet until now. The new event category means those athletes can now set their sights on Olympic qualification as part of their competitive goals.
Freeride skiing and snowboarding involve navigating natural, ungroomed terrain rather than the fixed courses used in other Olympic snow-sport disciplines, and the sport has built a following through independent competition circuits in mountain communities like Canmore.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.