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2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboarding is officially ON

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The wait is over. The 2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboarding season is ready to roll with a fresh international calendar, new skateparks, new disciplines and a massive milestone for the whole WRT family: BMX officially joins the tour for the first time ever.

From Northern Europe to the Alps, from street plazas to bowls and park setups, the new season will bring together the next generation of skateboarders ready to stack clips, collect points and chase their spot at the World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje, Slovenia.

Below you can find the first official release of the Provisional 2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboarding Calendar featuring all currently confirmed events.

Provisional 2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboarding Calendar

🇩🇪 June 6th, 2026 — Hamburg Rookie Fest — Germany — STREET
🇩🇪 June 7th, 2026 — Hamburg Rookie Fest — Germany — BOWL

🇫🇮 July 10th, 2026 — Finland Rookie Fest — Finland — STREET

🇧🇬 August 8th, 2026 — Sea&Ride Rookie Fest — Bulgaria — BOWL

🇩🇪 August 21st–23rd, 2026 — Bring Da Truckaz Rookie Fest — Germany — STREET & BOWL

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 August 22nd, 2026 — UK Rookie Fest — Scotland — STREET & PARK

🇭🇺 September 4th–6th, 2026 — Hungarian Rookie Fest — Hungary — STREET

🇮🇹 September 11th–13th, 2026 — Garda Rookie Fest — Italy — STREET

🇨🇭 September 12th, 2026 — Sk8 Academy Rookie Fest — Switzerland — STREET

🇸🇮 September 25th–27th, 2026 — World Rookie Skateboard Finals — Slovenia — PARK

Each stop will soon receive its dedicated event page and official news update with registration details, schedules and local info.

The season already kicked off with the French Fries Rookie Fest in Les Deux Alpes, where riders dropped the first tricks of the new tour and set the tone for another summer packed with progression, travel and good vibes.

Garda Rookie Fest: skateboarding meets BMX

One of the biggest news of the 2026 season will definitely be the Garda Rookie Fest, scheduled from September 11th to 13th in Riva del Garda, Italy.

For the first time ever in World Rookie Tour history, BMX will officially join the event alongside skateboard competitions, bringing together different urban disciplines under the same international energy.

The action will start even earlier with the Garda Rookie Camp running from September 10th to 13th, offering extra days dedicated to coaching sessions, skatepark laps, video shooting and riding together before the official competition weekend begins.

Registration for the Garda Rookie Camp is already open and spots are limited.

(TAP HERE FOR THE REGISTRATION )

Riders registered for the camp will automatically gain access to the Garda Rookie Fest competition weekend as part of their registration package.

Same mindset. Same energy. Double the action.

 

World Rookie Tour Skateboard Appoints Iztok Šumatić as Technical Director

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World Rookie Tour officially welcomes Iztok Šumatić as the new WRT Skateboarding Technical Director, strengthening the future development of the skateboard tour ahead of the 2026 season.

A long-time WRT partner and an important pillar of the World Cup Skateboarding organisation, Iztok will be responsible for consolidating and supervising the technical side of the WRT skateboard tour, while supporting organisers in delivering events at an increasingly professional international level.

With decades of experience inside the international skateboarding scene, Iztok has built a strong reputation as a Head Judge, event organiser and technical expert, working on skateboard competitions across the globe. His role within the World Rookie Tour will also include supporting the pre-selection process for new events aiming to join the tour calendar.

“Skateboarding has always been a huge part of my life and joining the World Rookie Tour as Skateboarding Technical Director is something I’m really excited about. Through my experience with World Cup Skateboarding and many international events around the world, I’ve had the chance to work closely with riders, organisers and federations at every level of the scene, and I’m happy to bring this experience into the WRT project.

Over the years, I have seen so many young riders approach this sport with incredible passion, creativity and motivation, and that is probably the most beautiful part of skateboarding. The World Rookie Tour is an important platform for the next generation because it gives young athletes the opportunity to travel, meet other riders, improve their level and experience the true international skateboarding community.

I’m very happy to become part of this team and I look forward to helping the tour continue to grow while supporting organisers and riders with my experience.”

— Iztok Sumatic | Technical Director

“We have known Iztok for many years and, honestly, it feels like he has already been part of the World Rookie Tour family forever.

He is one of the most respected figures in the international skateboarding scene, with huge experience both as Head Judge and event organiser. On top of that, he is someone who truly understands the culture and spirit of skateboarding.

For a long time, I kept telling him that sooner or later he had to officially join the WRT team, so I’m really happy he finally accepted.

Having Iztok on board is an important step for the future development of our skateboard tour and for supporting our event organisers with even higher technical standards and international know-how.”

— Meinhard Trojer | Event Coordinator 

The appointment marks another important step in the evolution of the WRT Skateboard Tour, as the 2026 calendar continues to grow with new locations, new skateparks and new international opportunities for the next generation of riders.

World Rookie Tour Skateboard 2026: Finals Move to Celje, Slovenia

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The World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals are officially on the move for 2026. After last year’s edition in Velenje, the Finals are switching location and it’s not just a change, it’s a full upgrade.

The move marks a new chapter for the skate division of the World Rookie Skateboard Tour, with a strong focus on progression, international growth, and building iconic spots that riders will remember.

Park & Street: Two Disciplines, One Stage

The 2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals won’t just be bigger in terms of location, they’ll be bigger in format too. The Finals will feature both Park and Street disciplines, doubling the action and opening the door to a wider range of riding styles. Whether you flow through transitions or own the streets, there’s a contest for you in Celje,  September 25th to 27th, 2026. Two disciplines, one legendary stage, zero excuses.

The park has once again been designed by Chris Khan, one of Slovenia’s top skateboarders, who will also oversee the construction of the new setup. His vision and experience are expected to deliver a park built by skaters, for skaters combining progression, creativity and flow.

“As Director of the skatepark design firm Urban Agenda, it’s a real privilege to see the World Rookie Tour Finals take place this year in Celje, in a skatepark that holds special meaning for us. While we’ve designed over 150 skateparks across more than 11 countries, this project is different, both because of the years of work behind it, and because it’s rooted in the city where I was born.

Hosting the World Rookie Tour Finals here, following last year’s edition in our Velenje skatepark, reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering spaces that meet the highest standards of international skateboarding. To see this park come to life on such a stage is incredibly rewarding for our entire team.”
— Chris Khan

At the same time, the 2026 season is starting to take shape. While the full calendar is still being finalized, two key stops are already locked in:

The World Rookie Camp Les Deux Alpes will once again kick off the summer flow in the French Alps, mixing skate sessions, lifestyle vibes, and international riders all in one place. Then, after a packed summer, the spotlight moves to Italy for the Garda Rookie Fest, one of the most anticipated skate events of the season and now also expanding its format with BMX.

Behind the scenes, work is ongoing to complete the full 2026 calendar, with more events expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks as organizers finalize their licenses.

The updated schedule will be available soon on the official World Rookie Tour calendar page.

And that’s just the beginning.

New locations, new partnerships, and new opportunities are coming in hot for WRT Skateboard 2026. If you’re planning your next season, now’s the time to get ready.

Stay tuned, the next drop is coming soon.

Lapland Rookie Camp 2026 Wraps Up with First Freeski Slopestyle Podiums of the New Season

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The Lapland Rookie Camp 2026 just wrapped up at Levi Ski Resort, closing a week of progression, sessions and next-level vibes in the Arctic.

From April 27th to 30th, young riders from different countries came together to train, push their limits and get ready for the first contest of the new World Rookie Tour 2027 season.

And on April 30th, it was time to drop in: the Lapland Rookie Fest Freeski Slopestyle officially kicked off the season with a night final under the Arctic sky, a unique setup where style, flow and trick selection made the difference.

Rookie Podium – World Rookie Freeski Lapland

🏆 Rookie Podium

  1. Niila Johansen (FIN)
  2. Noel Nilivaara (FIN)
  3. Lassi Nurmela (FIN)

Johansen took the win with a solid second run, setting the bar high for the season ahead.

Grom Podium – World Rookie Freeski Lapland

🏆 Grom Podium

  1. Sulo Ketola (FIN)
  2. Karlo Kauppinen (FIN)
  3. Liam Sampson (USA)

A small but motivated field showed strong potential, confirming that the next generation is already stepping up.

The event delivered exactly what you expect from Lapland: long days, perfect spring conditions and a creative slopestyle setup shaped by the Levi South Park Crew.

More than just a contest, the camp confirmed once again its role as a key meeting point for upcoming freeski talent: a place where riders connect, progress and start building their path in the international scene.

First points are on the board. First names are out there.

The 2027 season has officially begun.

And if this was the first drop… it’s going to be a wild one.

Lapland Rookie Fest 2026: Slopestyle Finals Are Going Down Tomorrow in Levi

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Forget warm-ups. Tomorrow it’s game time.

At Levi Ski Resort, the Lapland Rookie Fest 2026 hits its peak with the Freeski Slopestyle competition, one of the first scoring events of the new World Rookie Tour 2027 season.

After days of training during the World Rookie Camp, riders are ready to drop into a creative and technical setup shaped by the Levi South Park Crew. Expect style, flow and heavy tricks from the next generation of freeski talent.

Open to Rookie (2009–2011) and Grom (2012 and younger), the contest awards both FIS points and World Rookie Freeski Rank points, with no FIS code required — meaning anyone can step in and make a statement.

📅 Competition Day Schedule – April 30th

– Morning → Training sessions
– Qualifications (2 heats)
– Course reshaping & reset
– Finals training session
– 19:00 → Slopestyle Finals
– 20:15 → Award Ceremony

And yes… finals under the Arctic sky. Different vibe.

📺 Watch it LIVE

Training Session (11:15 EET)👇

Slopestyle Finals LIVE (19:00 EET) 👇

Download here the Infosheet

Spring Rookie Fest 2026: First Contests of the New Season

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May 16th–17th, 2026 – Spring Rookie Fest, Les Deux Alps

The new World Rookie Tour season starts here. The Spring Rookie Fest 2026 is set to go down on May 16th and 17th at Les Deux Alpes, marking the first snowboard and freeski contests of the World Rookie Tour 2027.

Hosted on the legendary glacier at over 3,400 meters, this is where riders drop into the new season for the very first time—first runs, first podiums, first points.

Where the Season Begins

Following a full week of training during the World Rookie Camp, riders will step into contest mode on a dedicated slopestyle setup designed for progression and creativity.

Expect:

  • Snowboard Slopestyle Contest
  • Freeski Slopestyle Contest
  • International rookie line-up
  • High-level riding and next-gen tricks

This is not just another stop. It’s the moment where the new season takes shape.

From Camp to Competition

After days of training on the Rookie Prime Line, coaching sessions, and video analysis, riders will be ready to throw down their best runs when it counts.

The Spring Rookie Fest represents the perfect transition from progression to performance.

Registrations & Info

👉 Online registration:
https://my.weezevent.com/spring-rookie-camp-2026

📩 Email:
spring.rookie.camp@gmail.com

📍 Location: Les Deux Alpes, France

📄 Full info & packages:
Download the Infosheet

Spots are limited—and this is where the season starts.

Time to step up and send it.

Lapland Rookie Fest 2026: The First Drop of the World Rookie Tour 2027 Season Lands in Levi Ski Resort

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Forget everything about “end of season”.
This is where the next one begins.

On April 30th, the Lapland Rookie Fest 2026 officially kicks off the World Rookie Tour 2027 season, making it one of the first chances to earn points and make your mark on the new tour.

Set in the surreal Arctic landscape of Levi, Finland, this Freeski Slopestyle competition blends spring conditions with endless daylight and a top-tier park setup. It’s where progression starts early, and riders show up ready to send from day one.

Open to Rookie (2009–2011) and Grom (2012 and younger) categories, the event is designed for the next generation stepping into the scene. Riders will compete for both FIS points and World Rookie Freeski Rank points, with one key detail: no FIS code required, making the contest accessible to all emerging talents.

The setup, shaped by the Levi South Park Crew, will deliver a creative and technical slopestyle line where style, flow and trick selection make the difference.

And then comes the highlight:
evening finals under the Arctic sky, a one-of-a-kind contest vibe you won’t find anywhere else.

Schedule highlights (April 30th):

  • Training & qualifications (2 heats)
  • Course shaping & reset
  • Finals training session
  • 19:00 – Slopestyle Finals
  • 20:15 – Award Ceremony

How to Join

  • 🇫🇮 Finnish riders: 👉 https://www.suomisport.fi
  • 🌍 International riders: Google Forms (link via organisers)
  • Registration deadline: April 26th, 2026 – €60
  • Late registration on-site: until April 29th – €120

🎫 Lift passes not included – buy online here:
👉 https://www.levi.fi/webstore

Travel info:
👉 https://www.levi.fi/en/info/general/arrival-at-levi/

Contacts

Backed by Levi Ski Resort and Red Bull Finland, this is not just another stop.
This is the starting line of the 2027 journey.

First points. First podiums. First names to watch.

If you’re about that send-it mentality… Lapland is calling.

👉 Download here the Infosheet

World Rookie Camp Les Deux Alpes 2026: registrations are open for the ultimate spring session

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Spring just got a serious upgrade. From May 10 to 17, 2026, the World Rookie Tour heads to one of the most iconic summer riding spots in Europe: Les Deux Alpes glacier (France), sitting at over 3400 meters and ready to host the 4th edition of the World Rookie Camp

This is not just a camp. It’s where the next generation levels up.

Train like a pro on the glacier

Riders will session a dedicated setup including the exclusive Rookie Prime Line, designed to push progression while keeping it fun and safe. Add in professional media crews capturing your best tricks, and you’ve got content straight out of a pro edit.

Off the snow? The vibe keeps going. Les Deux Alpes brings skateparks, MTB trails, pools, and a full-on summer mountain lifestyle, all within walking distance.

Three competitions. One week. Zero excuses.

What makes this stop unique is simple: 3 Rookie Fests in one single camp.

Whether you ride snow or concrete, this is your shot to step into the international scene and stack points for the World Rookie Rank.

More than riding: full experience mode

Workshops, judge clinics, video shoots, brand village, music on snow, and more—this week is built to connect riders from all over the world and create that real WRT community energy.

Registrations are open: here’s how to join

Ready to drop in? You can register directly online or get in touch with the event crew for all the details:

👉 Online registration:
https://my.weezevent.com/spring-rookie-camp-2026

📩 Info & registrations:
spring.rookie.camp@gmail.com

📍 Event location: Les Deux Alpes, France
🌐 Resort info: https://www.les2alpes.com/winter/

Spots are limited, and this one fills up fast every year… so yeah, don’t overthink it.

The future starts here. Are you in?

Download all the information and packages HERE

World Rookie Snowboard Finals 2026: the next generation crowned at Kitzsteinhorn

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The World Rookie Snowboard Finals 2026 marked the official end of the winter season, bringing the best young snowboarders in the world to Kitzsteinhorn from March 21 to 28.

Once again, the World Rookie Tour confirmed itself as one of the most important pathways for future pro riders, with a week packed full of progression, style, and next-level riding.

From the very first day, the Big Air contest set the tone. Marie Kuhlmann took control in the Groms category, while Mariia Nikolskaia claimed victory in the Rookie division with a clean Backside 1080. On the men’s side, Dmytro Luchkin raised the bar with a Backside 1620, securing his first World Rookie title, while Valter Panzeri (ITA) topped the Groms podium.

The Slopestyle contest delivered a different vibe, thanks to a creative setup built around rails, a knuckle and a massive hip instead of traditional kickers. The format rewarded flow, creativity and control. Kuhlmann and Nikolskaia confirmed their dominance, both taking their second wins of the week in their respective categories, while Luchkin doubled up with another gold medal. Norin Keller stood out in the Groms category with a strong performance and took the win.

The Rail Jam brought the Finals to a close under snowy conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge. Keller secured his second victory in the Groms category, while Juri Nakayama claimed the win in the women’s division. In the men’s category, Pyry Posio (FIN) dominated the contest.

The highlight of the week came from Nikolskaia, who completed a perfect run across all disciplines,  winning Big Air, Slopestyle and Rail Jam, and securing the triple crown of the 2026 edition.

Full Results | World Rookie Snowboard Champions 2026:

Marie Kuhlmann (GER) – 1st Place Slopestyle Grom Women Podium

Slopestyle:

  • Rookie Women: Mariia Nikolskaia (AIN)
  • Rookie Men: Dmytro Luchkin (UKR)
  • Grom Women: Marie Kuhlmann (GER)
  • Grom Men: Norin Keller (SUI)

Dmytro Luchkin (UKR) – 1st Place Big Air Rookie Men Big Air

Big Air:

  • Rookie Women: Mariia Nikolskaia (AIN)
  • Rookie Men: Dmytro Luchkin (UKR)
  • Grom Women: Marie Kuhlmann (GER)
  • Grom Men: Valter Panzeri (ITA)

Mariia Nikolskaia (AIN) – 1st Place Rail Jam Rookie Woman Rail jam 

Rail Jam:

  • Rookie Women: Mariia Nikolskaia (AIN)
  • Rookie Men: Pyry Posio (FIN)
  • Grom Women: Juri Nakayama (JPN)
  • Grom Men: Norin Keller (SUI)

Beyond competition, the Finals once again proved to be more than just a contest, offering riders a full experience with workshops, activities and the chance to connect with a global community.

The future of snowboarding is already here — and it looks fast, creative, and fearless.

Download PR and Pics

Next Generation on Fire: Slopestyle Finals Crown the Champions in Kaprun

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Day 3 of the World Rookie Tour Snowboard Finals 2026 at Kitzsteinhorn – Zell am See-Kaprun delivered a full send session as the Slopestyle Finals crowned the new generation of champions.

After a week shaped by changing weather conditions and a tight schedule, riders stepped up when it mattered most, putting down technical and consistent runs on a demanding slopestyle course. From precise rail sections to progressive kicker lines, the level was high across all categories, confirming once again the global progression of youth snowboarding.

In the Rookie Boys division, Ukraine’s Dmytro Luchkin took the win with a strong performance, followed by Japan’s Nagiru Okoshi in second place and Finland’s Pyry Posio in third.

The Grom Boys podium saw Switzerland’s Norin Keller claim victory, with Japan’s Kenshin Miyazaki in second and Australia’s Riley Harpe in third.

On the women’s side, the Rookie Girls category was won by Mariia Nikolskaia, ahead of Estonia’s Laura Anga in second place., third Nina Sakakibara

In the Grom Girls division, Germany’s Marie Kuhlmann took the top spot, followed by Japan’s Juri Nakayama in second and Finland’s Aurelia Kaila in third.

Slopestyle Finals Results:

Dmytro LUCHKIN (UKR) – 1st Place 

Rookie Boys
🥇 Dmytro LUCHKIN (UKR)
🥈 Nagiru OKOSHI (JPN)
🥉 Pyry POSIO (FIN)

Norin KELLER (SUI)

Grom Boys
🥇 Norin KELLER (SUI)
🥈 Kenshin MIYAZAKI (JPN)
🥉 Riley HARPE (AUS)

Mariia NIKOLSKAIA (RUS)

Rookie Girls
🥇 Mariia NIKOLSKAIA (RUS)
🥈 Laura ANGA (EST) 
🥉 Nina Sakakibara (JPN)

Marie KUHLMANN (GER)

Grom Girls
🥇 Marie KUHLMANN (GER)
🥈 Juri NAKAYAMA (JPN)
🥉 Aurelia KAILA (FIN)

With the Slopestyle titles locked in on Day 3, the World Rookie Tour Finals in Kaprun continue to highlight the riders ready to take the next step. No chill, just pure progression and send it energy. 💥

Big Air Finals Explode in Kaprun: Next Gen Riders Take Over the Sky

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Day 2 at the World Rookie Snowboard Finals in Kaprun went full send as the Big Air finals delivered one of the heaviest sessions of the week at Kitzsteinhorn – Zell am See-Kaprun.

Under solid conditions, riders from across the globe stepped up and threw down insane tricks, confirming once again that the future of snowboarding is already here. Huge amplitude, technical rotations and clean landings defined a contest where progression was the only rule.

The Big Air setup gave riders the perfect stage to push their limits — and they answered with next-level performances in every category. From the youngest Groms to the more experienced Rookies, the vibe was the same: no holding back.

One of the standout moments of the day came from the Rookie Women category, where Mariia Nikolskaia (RUS)dropped the highest score of the entire competition, putting down a run worth 96.33 points, the best overall performance of the day.

Big Air Results

Dmytro Luchkin (UKR) – 1st Place Rookie Boys

Rookie Boy Podium:
🥇 Dmytro Luchkin (UKR)
🥈 Junxin Li (CHN)
🥉 Mille Kährström (SWE)

Valter Panzeri (ITA)  1st PLace Grom Boys 

Grom Boy Podium:
🥇 Valter Panzeri (ITA)
🥈 Hayden Jacobs (AUS)
🥉 Ukko Raatikainen (FIN)

Mariia Nikolskaia (RUS) – 1st Place Rookie Girl

Rookies Girl Podium:
🥇 Mariia Nikolskaia (RUS)
🥈 Laura Anga (EST)
🥉 Hanon Tsuchiya (JPN)

Marie Kuhlmann (GER) – 1st Place Grom Girl

Groms Girl Podium:
🥇 Marie Kuhlmann (GER)
🥈 Juri Nakayama (JPN)
🥉 Aurelia Kaila (FIN)

Across all categories, the level was pushing hard, especially among the younger riders, where the gap between Groms and Rookies keeps getting smaller every season.

Beyond the rankings, what really stood out was the mindset: riders hyping each other, battling for the best tricks and fully embracing the “send it” mentality that defines the World Rookie Tour.

Massive respect to all athletes who dropped in and made this Big Air one to remember — and a huge thank you to sponsors and partners supporting the next generation of snowboarding.

And no time to slow down: today marks a brand new contest day in Kaprun, with all eyes on the Slopestyle Finals, where riders will once again drop in on the full course to battle for the World Rookie titles.

Stay locked, the show isn’t over yet.

World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026 crown new champions in Madonna di Campiglio

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The World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026 wrapped up in Madonna di Campiglio, once again confirming Ursus Snowpark as one of Europe’s top freestyle destinations for the next generation of freeski talent.

Despite changing weather conditions that forced some schedule adjustments during the week, the event still delivered high-level action, major progression, and unforgettable performances from young riders coming from all over the world.

One of the biggest storylines came from the Rookie Men category, where Finland’s Kalle Palkinen completed an impressive comeback. After finishing third in 2025, he returned stronger and claimed the 2026 World Rookie Champion title thanks to a highly technical run featuring multiple double cork rotations and precise rail tricks. Italy’s Alex Putzer took second place, while Austria’s Leo Brucic finished third.

In the Grom Men category, Switzerland’s Neo Zingg grabbed the win with a powerful run that showed just how fast the level of the younger generation is rising. Italy’s Filippo Farina placed second, while Switzerland’s Antoni Grellet completed the podium in third.

The Grom Women contest once again highlighted the progression of women’s freeskiing. New Zealand’s Michaela Bridgens secured a back-to-back victory after already winning in 2025, confirming her status as one of the most exciting young talents on the international scene. Switzerland’s Naiomie Koller finished second, while Alani Klebeck took third place.

Another major highlight of the week was the rail contest, which became even more important after the slopestyle finals were rescheduled due to weather. Riders stepped up under pressure and delivered creative, technical combinations across all categories. The contest showed adaptability, style, and next-level precision, with tricks including Tokyo Drift entries, swup combinations, and 450-out variations.

For the first time, every competition was also covered with full live streaming, giving families, fans, and the global rookie community the chance to follow the action in real time from anywhere in the world.

More than just a competition, the World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026 once again proved that the World Rookie Tour is where the future of freeski is already taking shape.

World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026: Slopestyle Finals go down on Thursday in Madonna di Campiglio

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The Ursus Snowpark hosted the highly anticipated Slopestyle Finals of the World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026 in Madonna di Campiglio, successfully completed on Thursday after being postponed due to challenging weather conditions earlier in the week.

The delay proved to be the right call, allowing riders to compete in better conditions and deliver high-level performances across all categories.

Rookie Boy Podium

Finland’s Kalle Palkinen claimed the victory, securing the 2026 World Rookie Champion title after finishing third in last year’s edition.

🥇 Kalle Palkinen (FIN)
🥈 Alex Putzer (ITA)
🥉 Leo Brucic (AUT)

A strong podium confirming both progression and consistency at the highest level of the Rookie category.

Grom Boy Podium

The Grom Boy Category showcased the rapid progression of the youngest riders, with technical runs and impressive control throughout the course.

🥇 Neo Zingg (SUI)
🥈 Filippo Farina (ITA)
🥉 Antoni Grellet (SUI)

Grom Girl Podium

New Zealand’s Michaela Bridgens confirmed her dominance by taking her second consecutive win in the Grom Girl Category.

🥇 Michaela Bridgens (NZL)
🥈 Naiomie Koller (SUI)
🥉 Alani Klebeck (SUI)

Her performance highlighted both consistency and technical progression, reinforcing her position among the top young riders on the international scene.

A week of progression

Despite the initial weather challenges, the 2026 edition of the World Rookie Freeski Finals delivered once again a strong level of riding, confirming the event as a key platform for the next generation of freeski athletes.

From Grom to Rookie categories, the Finals highlighted a clear trend: higher technical level, stronger consistency and a growing international field ready to step into the future of freeskiing.

Rail Jam Goes Off at World Rookie Freeski Finals Despite Weather Delay

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Even though unstable weather conditions forced the postponement of the Slopestyle Finals to tomorrow, the World Rookie Freeski Finals kept the energy high with a fire Rail Jam session that lit up the day.

Riders didn’t hold back. From technical combos to creative lines, the rookies showed exactly why this tour is the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of freeski stars. The vibe? Pure progression, heavy tricks, and full send-it mentality.

Here are the official podium results from today’s Rail Jam, with their best tricks:

Girl Podium

🥇 Kiefer Alani (SUI) – Front Swup – Back 270
🥈 Bridgens Michaela (NZL) – Front Swup – Front 270
🥉 Kower Naomue (SUI) – Front Swup – Front 270

Grom Boy Podium

🥇 Iseli Luis (SUI) – Tokyo Drift – Back Swup – Front Swup – Back 450
🥈 Farina Filippo (ITA) – Stall Swup – Front Swup – Back 270
🥉 Van Essen Griffan (SUI) – Stall – Front Swup – Front Swup – Back 270

Rookie Boy Podium

🥇 Nater Raphael (AUT) – Switch Tails 450 – Front 270
🥈 Bruc Leo (AUT) – 450 on – Front 450 off
🥉 Aichner Jakob (ITA) – Tokyo Drift – Front Swup – Front Swup – Back 450

Beyond the podium, riders also scored extra prizes including surf camps, event invitations, and exclusive gear from top partners.

Despite the weather playing its game, the rookies turned today into a highlight moment of the week. Now, all eyes are on tomorrow, when the Slopestyle Finals are expected to go down and crown the new World Rookie Champions.

Stay locked in — the best is still to come.

Freeski Slopestyle Finals Postponed to March 19 | Rail Jam Live Today

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Due to unfavourable weather conditions, the Freeski Slopestyle Finals of the World Rookie Tour have been officially postponed by one day.

With increasing wind and cloud cover expected, the decision has been made to ensure the best possible conditions for all riders, allowing them to perform at their highest level in a safe and fair environment.

New date: March 19
Start time: 11:00 CET (unchanged)

While the Slopestyle Finals are on hold, today’s action is still on. The Rail Jam will go ahead as scheduled, bringing style, creativity, and progression to the setup.

🔥 Riders will throw down their best tricks on the rails, keeping the energy high despite the weather shift.

👉 You can follow all the action and stay updated through the official event page, where the Rail Jam live streaming will be available: https://www.youtube.com/live/l_JteB2fy6I?si=b_UL8Lbme-NNcX_i

We strongly recommend checking this page regularly for real-time updates, results, and streaming access.

The World Rookie Tour continues to deliver the best platform for the next generation of freeski athletes, and tomorrow’s finals promise to be worth the wait.

Stay tuned, stay hyped, and get ready to watch the future of freeskiing go full send.

World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026: Slopestyle Finals Postponed to March 19 Due to Weather Conditions

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Today the World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026 officially kicked off in Madonna di Campiglio, bringing together the best young freeski talents from around the world for the most important youth freeski event of the season.

From March 15th to 20th, the iconic Ursus Snowpark is once again the stage where Grom and Rookie riders battle for the prestigious World Rookie titles. After a full winter of qualifying events across the World Rookie Tour, only the most talented athletes earned their spot in the Finals.

Throughout the week, riders train, qualify and compete on the progressive L Line, a slopestyle setup known for its perfectly shaped kickers, technical rail sections and smooth flow. With the stunning Dolomites as a backdrop, Ursus Snowpark confirms its status as one of Europe’s top freestyle destinations.

However, due to unstable weather conditions and to guarantee the best possible riding and judging standards, the Slopestyle Finals originally scheduled for March 18 have been officially postponed to March 19 at 11:00 CET.

The decision was made to ensure fair conditions for all riders and to allow them to perform at their highest level in a safe environment.

The Slopestyle Finals will still be broadcast live on the official World Rookie Tour YouTube channel, giving fans, families and teams worldwide the chance to follow the action in real time.

In addition, the live stream will be projected on a big screen in Piazza Sissi, offering a unique opportunity for spectators in Madonna di Campiglio to come together and watch the competition right in the heart of the village.

Stay tuned, save the link and get ready — the future of freeski is dropping in on March 19.

Save the link, share it with your crew and get ready to watch the future of freeski live from the Dolomites.

World Rookie Snowboard Finals 2026: last call before registrations close in Zell am See-Kaprun

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The countdown is on for the 2026 World Rookie Snowboard Finals, the most anticipated moment of the season for the next generation of snowboard talent. From March 21st to 28th, the best young riders from all over the world will gather at Kitzsteinhorn – Zell am See Kaprun, Austria, ready to battle for the coveted World Rookie Champion titles.

Registrations for the event will officially close on March 16th, giving qualified riders just a few more days to secure their spot at one of the most prestigious youth snowboard events in the world.

After a winter packed with World Rookie Tour stops across Europe, Asia and North America, only the most motivated and talented young athletes have earned their chance to compete in the Finals. Zell am See-Kaprun will once again become the global stage where the future of snowboarding drops in.

The competition

During the Finals week, riders will compete in multiple disciplines designed to showcase their technical skills, creativity, and style. The event program includes Slopestyle, Big Air and Rail contests, featuring the best young talents from the Rookie and Grom categories.

The competition will take place in the legendary Kitzsteinhorn snowpark, shaped by one of Europe’s most experienced park crews, providing the perfect playground for riders to push their limits and deliver their best runs of the season.

Amazing prizes for the next generation

Winning a World Rookie title means much more than standing on the podium. Riders will compete for unique opportunities and world-class prizes, including invitations to prestigious international events such as Rock A Rail and Absolute Park Spring Battle, along with exclusive training weeks at the World Rookie Camp.

Additional prizes include special experiences like a surf camp in Santander offered by SurftoLive.com, plus many other rewards provided by official partners, including: Nitro, TSG, Collective [of] Moving People, Blue Tomato and Red Bull.

Live Streaming

Riders, friends, and families around the world will also be able to follow the action live on the World Rookie Tour YouTube channel, with the Finals broadcast directly from Zell am See-Kaprun.

With the best young riders on the planet ready to send their biggest tricks of the season, the World Rookie Snowboard Finals 2026 promise an unforgettable week of snowboarding, progression and next-level energy.

Registrations are open until March 16th.
The future of snowboarding is about to drop in.

Download the InfoSheet

World Rookie Freeski Finals 2026: Inside the L Line That Will Crown the Next Champions

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The road to the crown reaches its final stop in the Dolomites. From March 15th to 20th, 2026, the World Rookie Freeski Finals return to Madonna di Campiglio, hosted once again at Ursus Snowpark, one of Europe’s most respected freestyle parks.

As the most important event of the World Rookie Tour, the Finals bring together the best qualified Grom and Rookie freeskiers from around the world for a week of progression, competition and international visibility.

Several nations have already confirmed their participation, including Latvia, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Finland, highlighting the global reach of the rookie circuit and the strong interest around this year’s Finals.

Course Preview: The Legendary L Line

The 2026 World Rookie Freeski Finals will take place exclusively on the L Line of Ursus Snowpark, one of the most progressive kicker lines in Europe.

The Slopestyle course will feature three jumps followed by two rails with different combo options, offering athletes the chance to build creative and technical runs.

The kicker section provides a wide range of sizes designed to support progression while allowing riders to push their limits.

The first kicker starts from a sweet spot of 10 meters up to 17 meters, the second kicker ranges between 14 and 22 meters, while the third kicker reaches sizes from 17 to 27 meters, creating a progressive flow that rewards confidence, amplitude and technical control.

More Than a Title

Winning the World Rookie Freeski Finals means earning the title of World Rookie Freeski Champion and entering the World Rookie Tour Hall of Fame, a pathway that has launched many international freestyle careers.

Podium riders will unlock exclusive opportunities including World Rookie Camps, Red Bull Experiences, invitations to Rock A Rail 2026, Surf Camps in Santander, Golden Tickets and premium products from partners such as Collective [of] Moving People, TSG, Blue Tomato and Level Gloves.

Each nation can bring up to six wild card riders, in addition to the already qualified top three athletes (male and female, Rookie and Grom) from every 2026 World Rookie Tour stop.

The countdown has officially begun.

Registrations close on March 12th, 2026.

Download the complete INFOSHEET

X-Jam Rookie 2026: Japan’s Final Battle Sends Two Riders to the World Rookie Finals

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On February 25, 2026, the X-Jam Rookie 2026 went down at X-JAM in Nagano, Japan, marking the final Japanese stop on the Road to the World Rookie Finals.

The weather tried to steal the show. Heavy rain fell throughout the day, turning the contest into a true test of determination and mental strength. But if the sky was cold and wet, the riders were absolutely fired up. Despite the challenging conditions, young Japanese snowboarders pushed through with focus, resilience, and serious energy.

As the last opportunity in Japan to secure a spot at the World Rookie Finals, the pressure was high from the first drop-in. Every run mattered. Every trick counted.

In the Grom Girls category, the standout performance came from NAKANO Azumi, who earned the title of Best Rider of X-JAM. Riding with confidence and control despite the rain, she proved her competitive maturity and secured her qualification for the World Rookie Finals.

In the Rookie Boys category, OKOSHI Nagiru claimed the Best Rider of X-JAM award. Delivering strong, composed runs under difficult weather conditions, he demonstrated the kind of focus and commitment required to step onto the international stage.

The event confirmed once again that the Japanese snowboard scene continues to produce talented and mentally strong young athletes ready to compete globally.

Even under grey skies, the Road to the World Rookie Finals delivered its final chapter in Japan. Two riders stood out. Two riders earned their place.

Next stop: the World Rookie Finals. See you in Austria 

Hungarian Rookie Fest 2026: Slopestyle Heat at Mátraszentistván

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The vibes were hot, the snow was holding on, and the future of European snowboarding showed up strong at the Hungarian Rookie Fest.

Last Saturday, the World Rookie Tour landed at Mátraszentistván Ski Park for the Hungarian Rookie Fest Slopestyle, gathering young talents from three continents. Riders from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, China and the United States dropped in to battle it out in the Rookie (2008–2010) and Grom (2011 and younger) categories, both men and women.

The slopestyle course, custom-built for the event, was all about precision and style. With technical jumps and jib features, it rewarded flow, control and creativity over sheer size. Spring decided to make an early cameo appearance, with temperatures already hitting 12°C by the riders’ meeting. But if anyone thought the heat would slow things down, they were wrong. The level stayed high all day, with clean tricks and solid execution across every category.

In the Grom division, Romania owned the podium. Fejér Emőke took the win in the girls’ field, while Petre Theodor Daniel claimed first place among the boys. In the Rookie category, Görcsösová Ella from Slovakia secured victory in the women’s competition, and Hungary’s Kádár János Dominik stood on top in the men’s field.

Despite limited snow, riders delivered technical runs packed with clean 540s and stylish rail combos. The setup demanded accuracy, and the next generation proved they’ve got both the skills and the mindset.

Beyond medals and podium photos, the Hungarian Rookie Fest was a key step on the road to the 2026 World Rookie Finals in Kaprun. Results count for the World Rookie Rank, and podium finishers earned their direct qualification to the Finals.

With its fourth edition, the Hungarian stop once again confirmed its role as a crucial Central-Eastern European stage of the World Rookie Tour, pushing young riders closer to the global spotlight.

Now the road leads straight to the World Rookie Finals in Kaprun. The next stop is where the best of the season will collide, and only the strongest will rise. See you in Austria.