Gear

A Look at All the Gear the Winners of the Kings and Queens of Corbet’s Were Using

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Jake Hopfinger, head over heels.   Photo: Red Bull

The Inertia

The 2026 Kings & Queens of Corbet’s is long in the books now. While the dust has settled in Jackson Hole’s most famous couloir, talk of gear and what the winners wore is still an interesting subject. We caught up with the winners, skiers and snowboarders alike, for the lowdown on the setups that helped them survive the drop and stomp their way to the crown.

Dropping into Corbet’s isn’t just about the send; it’s a gear test in real time. When you’re staring down a 20-foot vertical entry into a 50-degree pitch, your setup has to survive massive, high-consequence impacts to keep the quest for the crown alive. As a lifelong gear tester and snowboarder, I wanted to know: what are the world’s best freeriders actually riding when they slide to the edge of the most notorious couloir?

This year, Salt Lake City-based power couple Tristen Lilly and Piper Kunst dominated the field to sweep the throne together. Piper made history of her own, becoming the second woman ever to stomp a backflip into the couloir during the event. For their efforts, they walked away with not only the win but legendary custom-made leather chaps and lifelong bragging rights.  

We sat down with the full podium to get the scoop on the kits that carried them to the top. From high-performance hard goods and specific DIN settings to the personal flair that keeps them dialed, here is the official Kit Check of Kings & Queens 2026.

The 2026 Kings & Queens of Corbet’s is in the books. While the dust has settled in Jackson Hole’s most famous couloir, talk of gear and what the winners wore is heating up. We caught up with the winners, skiers and snowboarders alike, for the lowdown on the setups that helped them survive the drop and stomp their way to the crown.Dropping into Corbet’s isn’t just about the send; it’s a gear test in real time. When you're staring down a 20-foot vertical entry into a 50-degree pitch, your setup has to survive massive, high-consequence impacts to keep the quest for the crown alive. As a lifelong gear tester and snowboarder, I wanted to know: what are the world’s best freeriders actually riding when they slide to the edge of the most notorious couloir? This year, Salt Lake City-based power couple Tristen Lilly and Piper Kunst dominated the field to sweep the throne together. Piper made history of her own, becoming the second woman ever to stomp a backflip into the couloir during the event. For their efforts, they walked away with not only the win but legendary custom-made leather chaps and lifelong bragging rights. We sat down with the full podium to get the scoop on the kits that carried them to the top. From high-performance hardgoods and specific DIN settings to the personal flair that keeps them dialed, here is the official Kit Check of Kings & Queens 2026.

Tristen Lilly, on his way to the win.  Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Men’s Ski King: Tristen Lilly (1st Place)

Age: 24Home Mountain: Sunday River & Alta Sponsors: K2, Jabree, Grass Sticks, Sweet Protection Skis: K2 Karl Fostvedt Reckoner 114 Bindings: Look Pivots Boots: K2 Recon 140 Outerwear: Jabree Helmet/Goggles: Sweet Protection / Sweet Protection Durden Gloves: Wells Lamont Poles: Grass Sticks poles

Piper Kunst, inverted.  Photo: JHMR

Women’s Skiing: Piper Kunst (1st Place)

Kings and Queens Fit Check

Valerie Festavan, who ended in second.   Photo: Jasper Gibson

Women’s Ski: Valerie Festavan (2nd Place)

  • Home Mountain: Snowbird / Alta
  • Years Competing: One (Green bean fresh on the scene)
  • Sponsors: DB
  • Skis: Line Bacon 108 (“Pretty clapped-out, I could maybe use a new ski… wink wink ;).”)
  • Boots: Men’s Lange Shadow 120
  • Outerwear/Goggles: 686 
  • Accessories: Wired headphones, Arva Avy Bag, DB rollerbag
  • Flair: Scarf, fingerless gloves, and sunnies are all-time once the boots come off.
  • Winning Tweak: “A crank to my dins a bit after run one. Look good, ride good baybeee!”
Kings and Queens Fit Check

Wynter McBride, mid rip.   Photo: JHMR

Women’s Ski: Wynter McBride (3rd Place)

Ellie Weiler, mid entry.    Photo: JHMR

Women’s Snowboard: Ellie Weiler (1st Place)

Madison Blackley, pre huck.

Women’s Snowboard: Madison Blackley (2nd Place)

Sarka Pancochova, scoping.  Photo: JHMR

Women’s Snowboard: Sarka Pancochova (3rd Place)

Jack MacDougall with the lovely entry.   Photo: JHMR

Men’s Snowboard: Jack MacDougall (1st Place)

All eyes on Yuki.  Photo: JHMR

Men’s Snowboard: Yuki Kadono (2nd Place)

  • Age: 29
  • Home Mountain: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
  • Sponsors: Signal, Oakley, Union, 32, IKON, JHMR, Woolf Merino, Fourpine Collective, Avalon7, Bluebird, Crab Grab
  • Snowboard: Signal Yuki Pro 158
  • Bindings: Union Atlas Pro (Yuki’s Pro tip: swapped toe straps)
  • Boots: ThirtyTwo Focus (Austin Sweetin model)
  • Outerwear/Helmet: Oakley / Oakley MOD1 Pro
  • Flair: “Mini Blue Dino that my girlfriend gave me, haha.”

Mr. Bromley, pre-contest

Men’s Snowboard: Nate Bromley (3rd Place)

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