Another Day, Another FWT Wildcard

US shredder Ryan Wachendorfer will make his FWT debut at the Fieberbrunn Pro, after receiving an event wildcard in the snowboard men’s category. As the clock ticks down to the FWT Finals, this news strengthens an already talent-packed roster, and could spice up the race for the world crown.

Ryan grew up in Edwards, Colorado, just down the road from Vail, where he began snowboarding and fine-tuned his freestyle skills. In 2014, he made the US Snowboarding Halfpipe Rookie team, which shifted his focus to this discipline and the halfpipe contest circuit. A few years later in 2017, he landed his first podium at the FIS Snowboard World Cup in Mammoth, California, finishing second behind the legendary Shaun White, and ahead of the highly decorated Louie Vito. Ryan was named in the US Pro Halfpipe team the following spring, and has since enjoyed a stellar career.

"It was an easy decision to jump on this opportunity to join the FWT in Fieberbrunn. I'm excited for this entire experience, the opportunity to learn from all the riders, and to explore a different aspect of competitive snowboarding.”

The American rider will be keenly watched as he takes on the world’s best freeriders. Can he translate his vast competitive freestyle experience into success in the big mountains? He will have to get past some fierce competition, who are all fighting it out for the world title.