The 14th YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships Return to Kappl!

The YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships will once again take center stage in Kappl, Austria, from January 19-22, 2026, marking the 14th edition of this prestigious event. Bringing together 68 standout junior athletes from 13 countries, the FJWC remains the ultimate showcase for emerging freeride talent. Competitors will take on the iconic Quellspitze face, set at 2,690 meters, with 350 meters of vertical relief and pitches up to 60°, within a weather window spanning January 19 to 22.

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Returning for the 11th time in Europe and the 8th in the Tyrolean Alps, the FIS Freeride Junior World Championships has firmly established itself as a launchpad for the next generation of freeride stars. Many past participants, including riders such as Marcus Goguen (CAN), 2025 FWT Champion, Martin Bender (SUI) and Astrid Cheylus (FRA), have transitioned from this junior stage to the elite level of the Freeride World Tour.

With its untouched and dynamic terrain, Kappl once again offers the ideal backdrop for juniors to push their limits and define their style. The 2026 edition is set to deliver another compelling display of ambition and talent as riders battle for the coveted world titles.

FJWC ROster:

SKI MEN

Twenty-six riders will line up in the Ski Men category. With defending champion Noah Peizerat (FRA) not returning this season as he advances to the Challenger series, the field is wide open for emerging athletes to step into the spotlight. Among them last year’s runner-up, Leo Flett (SUI), who is poised to make a strong bid for the title.

Region 1

• Axel Dedieu (ESP)
• Hugo Solorzano (ESP)
• Louis Ott (SUI)
• Julian Unterbrunner (AUT)
• Leo Flett (SUI)
• Noam Rouiller (SUI)
• Laurens Jaquet Pijuan (ESP)
• Sivert Uttakleiv (NOR)
• Torjus Pollestad Randa (NOR)
• Jem Müller (AUT)
• Stener Døhlen (NOR)
• Johan Bachofner (SUI)
• Hayato Takeuchi (JAP)
• Aiden Fitzpatrick (NZL)
• Harry Rowden (AUS)
• Hamish Henderson (NZL)

Region 2

• Seamus O'Neill (USA)
• Hayes Livernois (USA)
• Ben Novecosky (CAN)
• Wyatt Atkins (CAN)
• Zebedee Schreiber (USA)
• Kade Cochrane (CAN)
• Carden Tomic (CAN)
• Mason Newell (USA)
• Alvaro llull (ARG)
• Tannen DesBrisay (CAN)

SKI WOMEN

Fifteen athletes will compete in the Ski Women category, showcasing a diverse field of skilled freeriders. Without a returning champion, Elfy Rouiller (SUI) - runner-up in 2024 and third last season, aims to finally seize the crown. However, the title race is far from open, with accomplished contenders like 2024 Freeride Junior World Champion Jana Hausl (AUT) ready to challenge for victory.

Region 1

• Annabelle Francis (NZL)
• Elfy Rouiller (SUI)
• Victoria Troubat (FRA)
• Vilja Hoddevik Wage (NOR)
• Uxue Palacios (ESP)
• Jana Hausl (AUT)
• Mia Oulie-Kjoss (NOR)
• Nima Janet-Moreillon (SUI)
• Ida Finckenhagen Feen (NOR)

Region 2

• Hannah Epsteyn (USA)
• Sawyer Popovitch (CAN)
• Aurora Cherney (USA)
• Mary Huggill (CAN)
• Hannah Webb (USA)
• Aymara Viel (CHL)

SNOWBOARD MEN

With 17 competitors set to drop in, the Snowboard Men category promises a fresh storyline. Three-time Freeride Junior World Champion Kea Chretien (FRA) will miss the event for the first time in three years as he steps up to the Challenger series, creating a rare opportunity for a new rider to rise to the top.

Region 1

• Kakeru Higashino (JPN)
• Casper Kantermo (SWE)
• Martxelo Urruzola (ESP)
• Kéo Rouiller (SUI)
• Soini Turunen (NOR)
• Collin Viklund (SWE)
• Leo Thoresen (NOR)
• Hernán Navales Calle (ESP)
• Noé Ordureau (FRA)
• Gabe Hardwick (AUS)

Region 2

• Cass Jones (USA)
• Kaleb Gibbs (USA)
• Kai Cortez (USA)
• Tristan Bumann (USA)
• Sloan Hanepen (USA)
• Bruno Jose Salazar Fiedler (CHL)
• Kaden Klassen (USA)

SNOWBOARD WOMEN

The snowboard women’s category includes 10 riders, with defending champion Amelie Martin back to vie for another title. Among her toughest challengers is Teagan Rilee Turner (USA), 2024 Freeride Junior World Champion and third last season, returning with determination after missing the chance to defend her crown last year. Brooke Hansen (NZL), second last year will also lay on her experience to vie the first step of the podium.

Region 1

• Kizuna Takahashi (JPN)
• Brooke Hansen (NZL)
• Amélie Martin (FRA)
• Hinatea Chretien (FRA)
• Bruna Fàbrega (ESP)
• Elly Dalton-Richard (FRA)

Region 2

• Teagan Rilee Turner  (USA)
• Willow Newton (USA)
• Julia Brown (USA)
• Dominga Araya Mourguet (CHL)

Watch these exceptional young riders make their mark this season at www.freerideworldtour.com. Stay connected through FWT social media channels and subscribe to the FWT newsletter to keep pace with the latest news as it drops.