More Wildcards Than a Game Of Poker. FWT Issues Yet Another

American Hans Mindnich will make his FWT debut at Kicking Horse Golden BC in the snowboard men’s category. Hans has developed a huge following in freeride and freestyle disciplines, racking up a collection of competition accolades and major film appearances to put him in good stead for the FWT.   

Hans hails from Vermont, US, where he started snowboarding at seven and spent most of his teenage years competing. He shot to fame in 2013, winning the ‘standout award’ at the Snowboarder’s Superpark 17 event, where he entered as an unsponsored rider. Hans has since spent most of his career focussing on filming, appearing in films such as Snowboarder Magazine’s Forward and SFD, Bodie Merrill’s Reckless Abandon, and numerous movies for Absinthe Films – including a leading role in Stay Tuned – during which time he honed his backcountry and freestyle skills. In 2022, Hans won the prestigious King of Corbet’s, after securing runner-up finishes in 2021 – where he landed a jaw-dropping backside 360 to rock wall ride – and 2020.   

“Receiving the opportunity to join the FWT as a wildcard was definitely a wild surprise, and it still seems surreal even now. To me, the FWT represents the ultimate proving ground for any top-tier freeride athlete, and provides a chance to see the world and ride new terrain.” said Hans Mindnich, FWT wildcard. On a positive note at least he wasn't 'stoked'.

The American rider oozes style, both in the backcountry and in the park, and has developed an innovative approach to big mountain riding that is hard to match. This will be on show at Kicking Horse Golden BC, which takes place in just 27 days.