government
Colorado skiers and snowboarders look to qualify for freeride debut at 2030 Winter Olympics
By Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 17, 2026
· 5 min read
Freeride skiing and snowboarding will debut at the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps — and Colorado athletes are among those hoping to compete.
Shayne Blue Sandblom, a 23-year-old Silt native and Freeride World Tour competitor, described freeride — a discipline where athletes rip down steep, un...
Key takeaway ” Road to the 2030 Olympics Freeride, as the name suggests, allows skiers and riders to choose their own route through big mountain terrain.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's reputation as a world-renowned ski resort and cultural center is likely to draw even more athletes and spectators to the area as freeride skiing and snowboarding gain international recognition. The inclusion of freeride events in the 2030 Olympics will undoubtedly elevate the sport's profile, and Aspen's challenging terrain and existing ski infrastructure make it an ideal location for training and competition. Local ski schools and guide services may see an increase in demand for backcountry skiing and riding instruction, as well as avalanche safety training, as athletes prepare for the Olympic qualifiers. The Freeride World Tour's presence in the region, with its numerous events and competitions, will also continue to attract top talent to the area, further solidifying Aspen's position as a hub for winter sports. As the qualification process unfolds, Aspen residents can expect to see more Olympic hopefuls training on the area's slopes.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Freeride skiing and snowboarding will debut at the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps — and Colorado athletes are among those hoping to compete.
Shayne Blue Sandblom, a 23-year-old Silt native and Freeride World Tour competitor, described freeride — a discipline where athletes rip down steep, un...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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