Freeride’s future takes center stage at the 2026 YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships in Kappl, Austria

A challenging new venue and breakout performances define a landmark edition

• Four champions emerged: Jana Hausl (AUT), Hamish Henderson (NZL)
• 67 riders from 13 nations competed, showcasing the global appeal of freeriding
• Alblittköpfe face (2720m), replacing the iconic Quellspitze, provided the perfect stage for stunning performances

Freeride Junior World Championships came to a dramatic close today in Kappl, Austria, as four new FIS Freeride Junior World Champions were crowned in the disciplines of Ski Women, Ski Men, Snowboard Women, and Snowboard Men. With 67 top junior athletes representing 13 countries, the event underscored the growing international depth of freeride’s next generation.

Swapping out the iconic Quellspitze for the equally demanding Alblittköpfe face at 2720 meters, organizers delivered a new challenge featuring a 40° slope gradient, technical terrain, and creative line opportunities. Under bluebird skies and in front of an energized crowd, riders rose to the occasion with standout performances that showcased control, style, and innovation. Each descent was judged across five key criteria: line choice, air and style, control, fluidity, and technique - offering a true test of elite junior freeriding.

Ski Women: Hausl returns to the top with a victory on home soil in Kappl

Jana Hausl (AUT), the 2024 Junior World Champion, came into this year’s competition with something to prove and she delivered in spectacular fashion. Competing on home snow in front of an enthusiastic Austrian crowd, Hausl put down a commanding run that showcased her signature control and technique. With two clean 360s and big, confident airs, she secured a well-earned return to the top of the podium, much to the delight of the local fans.

Sawyer Popovitch (CAN) claimed second place with a powerful and fluid line that impressed the judges, while Nima Janet-Moreillon (SUI) took third with a technically sound and composed performance.

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Ski Men: Snow conditions set the stage for a Kiwi victory

Hamish Henderson (NZL) won first place, putting down one of the strongest runs of the day, opening with a big 360 and the first cleanly landed 720 of competition. Despite hard snow conditions, Henderson executed his run fluidly, presented confident line choice, and impressed judges by committing to the biggest cliff on the face.

Jem Müller (AUT) finished in second place, showcasing strong freestyle skills and excellent execution on big win features. Zebedee Schreiber (USA) put down two 360s with clean landings and demonstrated technical skill and control, landing himself in third place.

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Snowboard Women: Once again, the title goes to a French rider

Elly Dalton-Richard (FRA) earned herself first place as she put down a confident and high-impact run, committing to the biggest cliff drop in the women’s snowboarding category. She backed it up with fast, well-judged windlip jumps, honing in on her boardercross background using speed and size to her advantage despite a tracked-out face. 

Hinatea Chretien (FRA) delivered a fast and fluid run marked by aggressive turns and well-timed airs from top to bottom, landing her second place. Kizuna Takahashi (JPN) came in third with a solid run which featured big airs early on, as well as a controlled grab. 

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Snowboard Men: a newcomer takes the top spot

Leo Thoresen (NOR) won the mens snowboard category, opening with a clean backside 360, linking into a solid cliff drop and finishing with a big 360 with a grab. Leo showed excellent control, creativity, and composure, drawing on his strong freestyle background and riding with a relaxed style, putting together one of the most complete snowboard runs of the day.

Hernan Navales (SPA) landed second place, demonstrating clean 360s and mixing things up with a straight air, showing variety in his run. Casper Kantermo (SWE) finished in third, riding with speed and no hesitation while displaying creative line choice.

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