2026 X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn Challenger by Orage

The third stop of the 2026 FWT Challenger series took place on Friday, March 13, on the Langwied face (2,260 m) at Kitzsteinhorn. Riders were greeted with bluebird conditions throughout the day, creating a great atmosphere on the mountain. On this new playful face, athletes used the features to send big airs and link a wide variety of tricks, delivering an exciting show for the public.

Under perfect bluebird skies, spectators witnessed a series of gripping performances from the competitors. The venue featured slopes reaching up to 40° in steepness and offered 310 meters of vertical drop, giving riders plenty of creative line choice and playful natural features scattered across the face. Athletes were able to showcase both technical precision and freestyle flair.

Snowboard Men 

Kealan Venning (IRL) took the Snowboard Men victory with 92 points, putting down a playful but technically run. The Irish rider rode with controlled speed and confidence, threading together frontside 360s and a clean backflip while keeping the flow going from top to bottom. It was a well-rounded run that stood out and earned him the win. He now moves into Joint first with Timm in the Challenger rankings. 

Timm Schröder (GER) took second place with 90 points in a run that was up there today. The experienced rider mixed big-mountain and freestyle, linking frontside and backside 360s with a good face reading. He rode slightly more conservatively than usual to keep things clean and safe to finish just behind Venning. He maintains the top position in the Challenger rankings alongside the Irishman.

Nicolas Huber (SUI) rounded out the Snowboard Men podium in third place with 82 points, delivering a playful and technical run as the final rider of the day. The Swiss snowboarder showcased his versatility by mixing stylish spins, fluid riding, and creative line choice while comfortably switching between stances throughout the descent. He now moves into fifth place in the Challenger rankings.

snowboard women

Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA) continues her dominant season with another victory in the Snowboard Women category, scoring 85.33 points. The 37-year-old former Freeride World Tour champion showed her skills by sending a 360 and riding the face with precision and style. This clean and confident run earned her first place of the day and consolidated her position at the top of the Challenger rankings. 

Lou Ruiz (FRA) opted for a contrasting line choice compared to most of her competitors, showcasing boldness and creativity. Her approach paid off, earning her 78.33 points and a well-deserved second place on the podium.

Briony Johnson (AUS) claimed third place with a strong score of 70.00 points. Choosing a line that allowed her to maintain fluidity and style throughout, she executed clean drops off carefully selected features while demonstrating her freestyle background.

ski women

Mia McNab (FRA) put down the best run of the day (88.67 points). The French rider, dropping as bib 34, opened her run with a big transfer at the top and continued to link airs with real flow all the way to the bottom. She used the mountain extremely well, kept her speed up, and the judges rewarded her for it. With her previous third place in Silvretta Montafon, she is currently first in the Challenger rankings.

Ulla Gilot (AUT) delivered a powerful and emotional run to claim second place (85,00 points). Finally putting down a performance she had been chasing after several unlucky crashes in past competitions, Gilot crossed the line with fists raised in celebration. 

Maria Castellví Bono (SPA) secured third place with 81.33 points, delivering a dynamic and creative run. The 21-year-old, currently fifth in the Challenger rankings, skied the Langwied face with confidence, linking fluid turns with a series of impressive airs, including a standout 360 and a technical cliff drop in the lower section. 

ski men

Simon Zwischenbrugger (AUT) dominated the Ski Men competition with a spectacular victory, scoring 95.67 points. Entering the series as a wildcard after strong performances at his home event in Montafon, the young Austrian impressed the crowd with a flawless run featuring a backflip, 360 transfer, and a huge flat 3 at the bottom of the face. His ability to combine creativity, speed, and control earned him the top spot. This result solidifies his current 1st-place in Challenger ranking

Noah Peizerat (FRA) secured second place with an impressive 93.00-point run, confidently stomping a backflip just moments after leaving the start gate. Building on that momentum, he showcased his freestyle skills across multiple features to lock in a well-earned podium finish.

Valentin Rainer (AUT) claimed third place with a strong score of 92.00 points in his first Challenger appearance of the season as he fights to reclaim a spot on the Pro Tour for 2027. Delivering a composed and technical run, he landed his trademark 360s along with a clean backflip to secure his place on the podium.

what's next

The FWT Challenger is set to hold its fourth stop of the season at the 2026 Open Faces Obertauern Challenger by Orage from March 21–24. With the season approaching its final stages, the fight for qualification is heating up!