PHOTO SAGA: Kings and Queens of Corbet’s 2022

Leading up to the event, old man winter seemed to be busy elsewhere, with six weeks of high pressure leaving the Tetons high and dry. When athletes arrived in Jackson Hole, the conditions ranged from icy hardpack to windbuffed pow - fine conditions for a park competition, but not for a day of big mountain freeriding. Luckily, Jackson Hole's Park and Pipe crew shaped the cornice lip, built a few kickers inside the couloir, and pushed together a veritable mountain of snow in Tensleep Bowl to create a massive booter for athletes to throw down. After a heated day of competition, when all the snow settled, snowboarder Hans Mindnich and skier Piper Kunst were crowned the King and Queen of Corbet's 2022. Check below for some of our favorite moments from the day. 

Checking the lip before the first drop - nerves were running high! | Max Ritter photo.

Karl Fostvedt heading into battle. | Max Ritter photo.

As always, athletes gathered inside Corbet's Cabin at the top of the Tram for a morning meeting, a chance to warm up in the subzero temperatures, and some last minute waffles to calm the nerves.

Some last minute preparations before the comp began. | Max Ritter photo.

Cam Fitzpatrick opens it up for the day. | Max Ritter photo.

The first rider to drop for the day was Jackson's own Cam Fitzpatrick, a snowboarder who needs no introduction around these parts. The competition is unique in that it pits snowboarders against skiers - giving each rider a chance to showcase different techniques and approaches to how to ride the infamous line.

First-time competitor Molly Armanino sends it big for her first run. | Max Ritter photo.

Tim Durtschi on the edge of the earth. | Max Ritter photo.

The cornice drop this year was somewhere in the 15-25 foot range, and riders got creative with their entries. We saw riders like Tim Durtschi and Blaine Gallivan take advantage of the massive West Wall, while others chose to get creative over the goat path or huck straight off the cornice lip.

Tim Durtschi shifting perspectives. | Max Ritter photo.

Karl Fostvedt making shapes on the bottom jump. | Max Ritter photo.

Yuki Kadono for scale. | Max Ritter photo.

Like in years past, the Jackson Hole Park and Pipe crew built a massive feature in Tensleep Bowl below the couloir, except this year it was certifiably gigantic. With three different take offs leading into a unified landing, competitors could show off their big air freestyle skills - we saw all kinds of doubles, big spins, and pure style across the board.

Blake Wilson absolutely boosting. | Max Ritter photo.

Groms soaking up the inspiration. | Max Ritter photo.

This year's crowd was one of the biggest yet, with tourists, locals, and fellow athletes alike populating the spectator area. A DJ was spinning beats all day long while the livestream and announcer crew were busy putting words to the madness going down above everyone's heads.

People's Champ Corey Jackson soaking up the love. | Izzy Lidsky photo.

Piper Kunst's backflip that earned her the crown. | Izzy Lidsky photo.

Finally, after an exciting athlete judging session, the 2022 King and Queen of Corbet's were crowned in Jackson's Pink Garter Theater. Congratulations to Hans Mindnich and Piper Kunst for setting the bar higher. The Women's podium went: Piper Kunst, Juliette Willman, and Molly Armanino. The Men's podium went: Hans Mindnich, Yuki Kadono, Parkin Costain, Ryan Wachendorfer, and Blaine Gallivan. Finally, the People's Choice award went to Corey Jackson.

Champions Hans and Piper atop the podium. | Izzy Lidsky photo.