The 2026 YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships arrive in Kappl for its 14th edition!

Kappl, Austria will host the YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships from 19–22 January 2026 as the event returns for its 14th edition. The competition will welcome 67 of the world’s best junior freeriders representing 13 nations, highlighting the next generation of talent on the international freeride scene. Athletes are set to compete on the Alblittköpfe venue at 2720m with a slope gradient as steep as 40°.

Following yesterday’s assessment with the mountain guides & FWT Commissioners, the Quellspitze face has been ruled out due to safety and snow conditions. The competition will instead take place at the Alblittköpfe venue, which offers a playful face ideal for showcasing technical skills and competitive riding. The weather forecast remains positive, and the FWT event organisers are ready to welcome riders in Kappl on the 17th of January.

Kappl boasts a wealth of versatile terrain, making it the ideal stage for juniors to demonstrate their technical skills and showcase their freeride abilities. The 14th edition of the FJWC will offer a jaw-dropping performance by the next generation of world-renowned freeriders.

This year's FJWC roster consists of twenty-six riders in the Ski Men category, fifteen Ski Women, seventeen Snowboard Men category, and nine Snowboard Women.

Riders to watch

Several returning athletes and past medalists will feature across the categories. In Ski Men, last year’s runner-up Leo Flett (SUI) returns following a second-place finish in 2025. The Ski Women category includes Elfy Rouiller (SUI), who placed second in 2024 and third last season, alongside 2024 Freeride Junior World Champion Jana Hausl (AUT). Snowboard Men's top spot is up for grabs in 2026 as the three-time Freeride Junior World Champion Kea Chretien (FRA) moves up to the Challenger. In Snowboard Women, defending champion Amélie Martin returns after winning the 2025 title, with additional representation from 2024 champion Teagan Rilee Turner (USA), who finished third last season, and Brooke Hansen (NZL), runner-up from the previous edition.

With many former competitors, such as Marcus Goguen (CAN), 2025 FWT Champion, Martin Bender (SUI) and Astrid Cheylus (FRA), having progressed from this junior stage to the Freeride World Tour, the question remains: who will be next to follow in their tracks?!