JACKSON, Wyo. — A local skier has qualified for the professional circuit of the 2027 Freeride World Tour (FWT).

Nathan Pruzan joins just 12 other U.S. athletes who have qualified for next season’s main freeride tournament. According to a spokesperson for FWT, 19-year-old Pruzan took first place at the 2026 Whitewater Challenger qualifying event and fourth place in the 2026 Kicking Horse Challenger qualifying event. After competing in three events on the Challenger circuit, Pruzan earned enough points to land a spot in the men’s ski category for next year’s FWT.

Pruzan grew up skiing in Jackson and started ski racing when he was 7 years old. He spent over 10 years with the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club. In 2023, he skied to first place in the men’s pro division at Dick’s Ditch Classic at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

According to FWT, “The competition takes place on completely natural, unmanicured terrain as athletes are scored (0 to 100) on line choice, control, fluidity, technique, and air and style.”

The International Olympic Committee is expected to announce in June whether or not freeride skiing and snowboarding will debut as an Olympic sport in 2030.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.