Piper Kunst, Tristen Lilly Crowned at Kings and Queens of Corbet's 2026

All Images: Amy Jimmerson, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort | Featured Skier: Piper Kunst

In the weeks leading up to Kings and Queens of Corbet's, there were questions about whether or not the event would be greenlit, considering the dire snowpack around the Rocky Mountains. But after nearly two feet of snow were deposited onto Jackson Hole, Wyoming, little doubt remained.

The excitement became palpable as riders assessed the course and conditions, looking to secure their spot in the history books. Sure enough, the clouds parted and the ninth annual Kings and Queens was set underway. Scroll below to watch the full recap and read FREESKIER's favorite moments from the event.

Riders are given multiple runs if desired, but even so, the heat is on to land the perfect run before time slips away. The pressure was on as Kaz Sosnkowski dropped in as the first skier, and he didn't disappoint in the slightest. A cool and calm hand drag three from the top of the lip would set the tone: it was going to be a damn good day. He would later go back to dial in his run, complete with the hand drag 360, a 180 off a mid-course cliff, and a dialed 720 on the bottom kicker.

Sosnkowski's fellow Blizzard team rider, Piper Kunst, was the first woman skier up in the rotation. The 2022 Queen of Corbet's went for a textbook backflip and put it to bolts as everyone went wild. No backslap, no hesitation, just incredible skiing, complete with the unofficial slam of the day on the bottom kicker. Remember, the event is judged by athletes, so a wipeout or two is no problem.

Jackson Hole's own Wyatt Gentry put down a clean run of his own with a lofty 360 off the top, a strong contender for champ. Both Wynter McBride and the Frenchman Lalo Rambaud were unable to put down clean runs on their first go, but each would valiantly head back for redemption.

Skier: Ana Eyssimont, Tristen Lilly, Kendall Goodman

The next two skiers, Tristen Lilly and Kelly Hilleke, put down lines that sent shockwaves around the world of freeskiing. Tristen set the map for his second run, in which he would lace a front flip, backflip (debatably a lincoln loop), find a huge cliff over to the skiers right of the course, and finish it off with a misty seven. Kelly's insane double backflip, screamin' seaman and front flip to revert at the finish had people on their feet with jaws on the floor.

Ana Eyssimont was up next in the gate, but unfortantley she couldn't connect on her backflip from the lip on either of her two attempts. One of the most dedicated and driven skiers out there, we're sure she'll be back for more. The ever-stylish Alex Hackel hopped in the gate and delivered one of the cleanest runs we saw all day. His seven off the top, left three in the middle and dub cork 7 were classic Hackel, reminding us why he's known as a legend at such a young age. We hope to keep seeing him in freeride events as he continues to expand his riding!

Utah's Valerie Festavan, a favorite for the comp, waited her turn patiently, observing the course and delivered a variable run one, but went back up and put down a crispy second run, complete with a big straight air and a dialed 540 on the bottom kicker. Another Salt Lake resident, Kendall Goodman, rounded out our lineup. His first run didn't go as planned, but he was able to secure a solid second run highlighted by a screamin' seaman 360, maybe the first ever thrown into Corbet's.

In a suprise subsitituation, we also saw none other than Quinn Wolferman hop in for the injured Isaac Kaufman! Quan laced his run to nobody's surprise, with a tail butter 540 off the lip, front flip and a dub cork 9 to finish things off. It was amazing to see him back in the start gate... perhaps we'll get another glimpse of comp Quan again soon!

After the dust had settled, the athletes voted for their favorites to decide the champs. Sure enough, it was Tristen Lilly and Piper Kunst standing on the top of the podium, each taking home first place in men's and women's ski categories as well as the overll King and Queen, respectivley. Incredibly well deserved, this power couple couldn't have drawn it up any better!

This event truly feels different than many others out there. It's comprised of a rare blend of professionalism and individual character, which amounts to one of the best skiing experiences around. We're already fired up for next year, and we can't wait to see you in Jackson.