Category: World Rookie Tour

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 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: 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

Young Guns Rise at the 10th Nanshan Freeski Open: Wild Cards to the WRT Finals Secured

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The 10th Nanshan Freeski Open went down on January 24–25, 2025, at Nanshan Resort, delivering two days of high-level action and serious next-gen energy. Guided by the Beijing Municipal Sports Competition and International Exchange Center and hosted by the Miyun District Sports Bureau, Culture and Tourism Bureau, and Sports Federation, the event confirmed its status as one of Asia’s key freeski gatherings.

Around 60 riders from eight countries:  China, Russia, USA, France, Germany, Sweden, Japan and South Korea — dropped in, turning the slopestyle course into a global playground.

In the Pro division, Brian Peter Gardiner (USA) claimed the men’s title with a composed and technical performance, while Lisa Karoline Zimmermann (GER) took the win in the women’s field, showing style and consistency under pressure.

But the real spotlight? The Juniors.

South Korea’s Ha-joon Kim secured the boys’ victory ahead of China’s Wang Zhaokun and Chang Jialin. In the girls’ competition, Zhou Qirun stood on top of the podium, followed by Li Hao and Zhao Ziqi. Special mention goes to Fan Yulong, awarded Best Chinese Skier of the event.

Here’s the big news for the World Rookie Tour family:
The top three Junior riders earned wild card spots to the World Rookie Tour Finals, opening a direct pathway from China to the international stage. This is more than a prize. It’s a statement. China’s freeski scene is building real momentum, and these young athletes are ready to test themselves against the best rookies worldwide.

With riders coming from 16 Chinese provinces — from Beijing and Inner Mongolia to Taiwan and Guangxi — the Open showed how freestyle skiing is spreading fast across the country. The event also blended sport and culture, with international athletes visiting the Great Wall and discovering local heritage experiences in Miyun.

The pipeline is growing. The level is rising. The road to the WRT Finals just got even more global.


Balkan Rookie Fest 2026 in Malyovitsa: Bulgarian Riders Secure Spots for World Rookie Tour Finals

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On February 12, 2026, the Balkan Rookie Fest 2026 took over the slopes of Malyovitsa, Bulgaria, delivering one of the most exciting youth snowboard Slopestyle events of the World Rookie Tour season.

Hosted in the stunning setting of Malyovitsa, with panoramic views of the iconic peak, the event gathered the region’s most promising snowboard talents competing in the official World Rookie Tour categories: Groms and Rookies (boys and girls). The perfectly shaped Slopestyle course allowed riders to push their limits, throwing down stylish tricks, technical rail lines, and clean landings under bluebird conditions.

The Balkan Rookie Fest has become a crucial stop for young snowboarders aiming to qualify for the World Rookie Tour Finals. This year’s edition confirmed its importance once again. Among the standout performances were Boroboard athletes Radostina Slavova and Deyan Sivilov, who secured their qualification for the World Rookie Tour Finals in Kaprun. Their results represent a major milestone, placing Bulgaria firmly on the international rookie snowboard map.

The event was organized by Snowboard Club Boroboard in collaboration with Malyovitsa Ski and the Municipality of Samokov. Their ongoing commitment to youth snowboard development continues to strengthen the Balkan snowboard scene and create real international pathways for the next generation.

Supported by leading snowboard industry brands, the Balkan Rookie Fest 2026 combined competition, community, and progression. For many riders, it was more than just a contest. It was a step toward the global stage of the World Rookie Tour.

As the Road to the Finals continues, the Balkan Rookie Fest stands as a key platform for young snowboarders across Eastern Europe, offering international visibility, competitive experience, and memories that will last far beyond this season.

Slovakia Rookie Fest 2026: Three Generations of Freestyle Meet in Jasná

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On February 22nd, 2025, Snowpark Jasná became the heart of freestyle riding during the Snowboard & Freeski Slovakia Rookie Fest, an official stop of the World Rookie Tour. A total of 34 riders from Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania and the United States gathered in the biggest Slovak snowpark to showcase their best tricks in perfect weather and a vibrant atmosphere.

Despite initial difficulties with the ski lifts that required a short postponement and a reduced course, the competition delivered high-level action. Jasná prepared a slopestyle setup shaped by local builders, and although the final race course had to be shortened to one 5-meter jump and two rail platforms, riders still pushed their limits and showcased impressive technical skills.

Discover all the Results from Jasná: 

In Snowboard Slopestyle, the Rookie Men category saw Peter Stano (SVK) take the win ahead of Jakub Kováčik (SVK) in second place and Michal Antol (SVK) in third.

In the Rookie Women category, Ella Gorcsosova (SVK) claimed victory, followed by Sara Zvadova (CZE) in second and Paulina Gołoś (POL) in third.

Among the Grom Men category, Elod Goga Molnar (ROU) secured first place, with Aaron Zaihou Liu (USA) finishing second and Eugen Sľúka (SVK) in third.

In the Grom Women category, Nina Ondrášová (SVK) took the win ahead of Liliana Gołoś (POL).

Slovakia Rookie Fest 2026 Results

The Freeski Slopestyle competition was equally intense:

In the Rookie Men category, Maciej Skarbek-Malczewski (POL) earned first place, followed by Adam Senaj (SVK)in second and Hugo Starinsky (SVK) in third. Meda Svobodová (SVK) dominated the Rookie Women category with a strong winning run.

In the Freeski Grom Men category, Bartek Miętus (POL) took first place, ahead of Stanislaw Gaura (POL) in second and Stefan Drabik (POL) in third. Meda Svobodová (SVK) also stood on top of the podium in the Grom Women category.

The event was further elevated by the Open Category Slovak National Championships, bringing together three generations of freestyle athletes,  from pioneers of Slovak freestyle to today’s national team riders and the next wave of World Rookie Tour stars.

Jasná once again proved to be a key freestyle destination in Central Europe, and the future of Slovak snowboarding and freeskiing looks stronger than ever.

World Rookie Tour welcomes Collective [of] Moving People as Official Sponsor

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Five selected stops bring together progression, identity and community at the heart of international snowboard and freeski culture.

Collective of Moving People

The World Rookie Tour continues to strengthen its international ecosystem with the entry of Collective [of] Moving People as Official Sponsor across five selected events of the 2026 season.

The World Rookie Tour remains the leading global platform dedicated to under-18 snowboarders and freeskiers, supporting young athletes from their first competitions through to the highest stages of international freestyle. More than a contest series, it is a pathway: built on progression, community and real opportunities.

The partnership officially kicked off at the Ursus Rookie Fest in Madonna di Campiglio (Italy) this January, marking the first of five key events supported by Collective [of] Moving People.

Across these selected stops, the CMP line designed for Gen Z provides technical, customised uniforms for event staff, contributing to a strong, consistent visual identity on snow. Its presence extends from the competition course to the Chill Area — the space where riders, crews and communities connect between runs.

“Collective [of] Moving People chooses contexts that reflect its identity,” said Nicolò Rossignoli, Sponsorship Manager of Collective [of] Moving People. “The World Rookie Tour represents freestyle as culture before it is sport. This partnership is built on shared values of personal expression, collective energy and community.”

Collective of Moving People

“The World Rookie Tour has always been about creating real opportunities for young riders in an environment built around progression, identity and community,” added Marco Sampaoli, Co-Founder of the World Rookie Tour. “Supporting five key events means reinforcing the structure that allows the next generation to focus on riding, learning and building their future in freestyle.”

The partnership will continue at the Innsbruck Rookie Fest (February 21–23, 2026), followed by the World Rookie Freeski Finals in Madonna di Campiglio (March 15–20, 2026) and the World Rookie Snowboard Finals in Kaprun – Kitzsteinhorn (Zell am See–Kaprun) from March 21–28, 2026) — gathering the best young snowboard and freeski riders from around the world where progression, style and community meet on snow.

With this collaboration, the World Rookie Tour continues to build an environment where the next generation of freestyle athletes can grow, connect and take the next step in their journey.

Meet Collective [of] Moving People


Collective of Moving People

 

Triple Drop Weekend: Ogau, Innsbruck and Slovakia Light Up the World Rookie Tour

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February is not slowing down. It’s accelerating.

This weekend the World Rookie Tour drops into a triple-stop mode across Europe, stacking rail precision, slopestyle flow and alpine skyline vibes into one high-energy block. Germany, Austria and Slovakia are ready. Rookies and Groms, it’s go time.

Ogau Rookie Fest – Rail mode activated

From 19–21 February 2026, the Ogau Rookie Fest takes over Snowpark Oberammergau in Germany with a pure snowboard format. Important update: the freeski competition has been cancelled. Ogau is now 100% snowboard.

And honestly? That means one thing: full focus on rail destruction.

Known as one of the strongest rail stops of the winter, Ogau is compact, technical and unforgiving. No wasted space, no easy lines. Just steel, creativity and that precise board control that separates stylish from sketchy. Organized together with the Junior Freestyle Tour and shaped by the Oberammergau Snowpark Crew, this is a proper rail battle in the heart of Europe.

If you love clean boardslides, next-level combos and that silent moment before the stomp, Ogau is your arena.

Innsbruck Rookie Fest – Skyline slopestyle history

From 21–23 February 2026, the Innsbruck Rookie Fest returns to Nordkette Skyline Park, one of the most iconic urban-alpine venues on the entire Tour.

Big news: for the first time ever, Innsbruck hosts both snowboard and freeski. That’s a serious evolution for a stop with real history.

The setup? Technical slopestyle. The backdrop? Dramatic alpine skyline towering above the city. It’s the kind of venue that makes tricks look bigger and progression feel inevitable. Two disciplines, one legendary stage, and riders pushing the level higher every season.

Registrations close on 18 February. This one will hit different.

Slovakia Rookie Fest – Jasná energy

On 21 February 2026, the Slovakia Rookie Fest lands at Jasná Snowpark in the Nízke Tatry mountains.

One day. One venue. Two disciplines. Maximum progression.

Both Snowboard Slopestyle and Freeski Slopestyle will go down, open to Rookies and Groms ready to test their flow on a progressive setup built for safety, speed and technical challenge. Jasná continues to prove itself as one of the strongest freestyle hubs in the region.

Three stops. Three different energies. One weekend that keeps February moving at full throttle toward the decisive stretch of the season. The future of action sports isn’t waiting. It’s already dropping in.

Three stops. One weekend. Zero excuses.

Ogau brings the rail heat, Innsbruck delivers skyline slopestyle history, and Jasná keeps the progression flowing. Different vibes, same mission: push the next generation forward.

February is moving fast, and every run counts. The road to the Finals is getting real.

World Rookie Snowboard Finals Return to Kaprun: registrations are now open!

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Finals are back in Kaprun

The countdown has started. Registrations are officially open for the 2026 World Rookie Snowboard Finals in Kaprun, taking place from March 21st to 28th, 2026 at the legendary Kitzsteinhorn Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria.

After a full winter of Rookie Fests and international qualifiers across Europe, North America and Japan, the best young snowboarders on the planet are ready to drop in on the glacier for the ultimate showdown of the season. Kaprun is not just another stop — it’s the Grand Final, where Groms and Rookies battle for the prestigious titles in Slopestyle, Big Air and Rail.

Only qualified riders will earn their spot at the Finals. The event is open to male and female athletes born on or after January 1st, 2008, competing in the Rookie (2008–2010) and Grom (2011 and later) categories. Qualification is based on the official World Rookie Rank, with the top-ranked riders securing their place, alongside national quota selections and automatic qualifiers from previous events.

Registrations must be completed online no later than March 16th, 2026 at:
👉 https://worldrookietour.newcommerce.tirol/

The entry fee is €100 for one discipline, €140 for two disciplines and €160 for three disciplines. Lift tickets (March 22–27) and official accommodation packages must be booked through the same platform. Accommodation starts from €72 per night per person (half board).

Winning in Kaprun means more than standing on the podium. Champions earn the title of World Rookie Snowboard Champion and enter the World Rookie Tour Hall of Fame, joining a legacy that has helped launch international snowboard careers. Exclusive prizes include tickets to Rock A Rail and Absolute Park Spring Battle, World Rookie Camp training weeks, Surf Camps in Santander and premium gear from Nitro, TSG, Blue Tomato, Red Bull and more.

The Finals will also be streamed live, so the global snowboard community can follow every run from the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

Kaprun is calling. See you at the Finals.

📥 Download the full Info Sheet

Slovakia Rookie Fest 2026: Slopestyle Takes Over Jasná

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On February 21st, 2026, the World Rookie Tour lands in the heart of the Nízke Tatry mountains for the Slovakia Rookie Fest 2026. The event will take place at Jasná Snowpark, one of the most important freestyle hubs in Slovakia and a reference point for the next generation of riders.

The competition will feature both Snowboard Slopestyle and Freeski Slopestyle, open to Rookie riders (born 2008–2010) and Grom riders (born 2011 and younger). One venue, one day, two disciplines, all about progression, style and rookie mindset.

Event Program:

The schedule starts on Friday, February 20th, 2026, with unofficial training (8:30–15:30) and the Online Coaches & Riders Meeting at 19:30.

The main event unfolds on Saturday, February 21st. Riders will complete registration (8:30–10:00) and inspection (8:30–8:50) before entering official training (8:50–11:15). Qualifications will run from 11:30 to 13:30, followed by Finals from 14:00 to 15:00 and the Prize Giving Ceremony at 15:30. The final detailed program will be confirmed during the Riders Meeting.

Set against a powerful alpine backdrop, Jasná Snowpark, Nízke Tatry offers a progressive slopestyle setup designed to let young athletes express their level safely while pushing technical limits. As every World Rookie Tour stop, this event is not just about results, it’s about community, new connections and sharing freestyle culture.

The detailed schedule will be confirmed during the Riders Meeting.

Registrations close on February 20th, 2026.

The entry fee is €20 per rider/day (cash only) and the daily skipass costs €25.

For registrations and information, contact:

Matej Matys – freestyle@zsl.sk – +421 904 273 970
Ján Jakubčo – +421 918 359 589

👉 Download the Info Sheet

Jasná is ready. Slovakia is calling. Time to drop in.

Hungarian World Rookie Fest 2026 Returns to Mátraszentistván

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The World Rookie Tour is heading back to Hungary for the Hungarian World Rookie Fest 2026, set to take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, at Skipark Mátraszentistván. Located in one of Hungary’s most traditional mountain areas, this event confirms its role as a key Eastern European stop for the next generation of freestyle snowboarders.

The competition will run in Slopestyle format, with slope number 5 partially reserved for the event and shaped by the Snowboard Hungary Crew. The setup is designed to support progression, consistency and clean execution. The event is open to Rookies (born 2008–2010) and Groms (born 2011 and later), both women and men. All results will count toward the World Rookie Rank, and all podium riders will earn direct qualification for the 2026 World Rookie Finals in Kaprun, Austria.

The overall best girl and best boy will receive all-inclusive tickets to the World Rookie Finals, while the best Hungarian rider will secure a national qualification spot. All registered athletes will also receive a goodie bag from the event partners.

Event Program – Hungarian World Rookie Fest 2026

  • February 26, 2026 – Arrival Day
    Arrival of riders and free training on the slopestyle setup.

  • February 27, 2026 – Official Training Day
    Bib allocation and official slopestyle training on slope 5.

  • February 28, 2026 – World Rookie Fest Contest Day
    Slopestyle qualifications and finals, followed by the prize giving ceremony and riders’ dinner.

  • March 1, 2026 – Hungarian National Championships
    Hungarian Slopestyle Championships, including FIS Nationals, with qualifications and finals.

Registrations are open via LiveHeats or through National Federations. The registration deadline is February 23, 2026, with an entry fee of 25 EUR or 8000 HUF. The nearest international airport is Budapest, around 113 km from the resort.

Contacts
Balázs Györki – balazs.gyorki@sbhun.hu
registration@worldrookietour.com

Download
👉 Download the Info Sheet

Ogau Rookie Fest 2026: rail action in the Bavarian Alps

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The Ogau Rookie Fest 2026 is set to go down from February 19th to 21st, 2026, in Oberammergau, Germany, bringing snowboarders and freeskier rookies back to one of the most solid rail stops on the winter calendar. Hosted at Snowpark Oberammergau, the event confirms its role as a key meeting point for young riders focused on progression, style and competitive experience.

Part of the World Rookie Tour and run in cooperation with the Junior Freestyle Tour, the Ogau Rookie Fest combines an international contest atmosphere with a compact, rider-friendly setup designed to push technical rail riding in a safe and progressive environment. The park will be shaped by the local Oberammergau Snowpark Crew, ensuring creative lines and consistent conditions throughout the event.

The action starts on Thursday, February 19th, with the Riders Office opening, official training sessions and the first coach meeting.
On Friday, February 20th, the spotlight is on the Freeski Rail Contest, followed by prize giving and snowboard training in the afternoon. The day will close with the Blue Tomato BBQ Night, a classic social moment where riders, coaches and crew come together off the rails.
Saturday, February 21st, is dedicated to the Snowboard Rail Contest, wrapping up with the final prize giving.

The competition is open to Rookies (born 2008–2010), Groms (2011–2013) and Super Groms (2014 and later), female and male. All results will count toward the World Rookie Rank, while points will also be awarded for the Junior Freestyle Tour ranking.

Registrations & Event Contacts

Registrations must be completed by February 16th, 2026.

Online pre-registration via LiveHeats:
• Snowboard Rail Contest: https://liveheats.com/events/436105
• Freeski Rail Contest: https://liveheats.com/events/469406

All athletes must finalise their registration at the Race Office located at the Oberammergau starting station during event days.

Several all-inclusive packages are available for athletes and coaches, including accommodation, lift tickets, contest registration and access to side activities.

For registrations, accommodation and special requests:
📧 raceoffice@snowboardgermany.com
📞 +49 089 85790 403

The Ogau Rookie Fest is more than a rail contest: it’s a crucial checkpoint on the road to the World Rookie Finals, where focus, control and style make the difference. Bavaria is ready. Rails are waiting.

👉 Download the Info Sheet

Balkan Rookie Fest 2026 goes down in Malyovitsa, Bulgaria

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Everything is set for the Balkan Rookie Fest 2026, taking place this weekend at the Malyovitsa Ski Center, as the World Rookie Tour returns to Bulgaria with one of the key snowboard events of the winter season. Official activities kick off on Wednesday, 11 February, with riders on snow for training, followed by the full competition day on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

This event represents an important step for freestyle snowboarding in the region. The Balkan Rookie Fest will take place at the brand-new Fun Park Malyovitsa, built on the historic Mecha Polyana slope, an area deeply connected to Bulgarian alpine tradition. With the opening of this new park, Malyovitsa officially enters the freestyle scene, offering young athletes a modern playground designed for progression, creativity, and safe performance.

The slopestyle and rail setup has been carefully shaped according to international safety and competition standards. The course is designed to reward clean execution, technical control, and smart line choice, giving rookies and groms the chance to compete on a balanced layout in a true alpine environment.

Top 3 riders in each category will earn a direct qualification to the World Rookie Snowboard Finals 2026 in Kaprun, Austria, where the best young snowboarders from around the world will compete at the end of the season.

Podium riders will also receive products and prizes from tour partners Blue Tomato, TSG, and Contrabanda.bg, confirming the importance of this stop within the World Rookie Tour calendar. Entry fees are set at 20 EUR per athlete, payable in cash on site, plus a 20 EUR BIP deposit, also payable in cash and refunded upon return of the bib. Lift access on competition days will be free of charge for all officially registered athletes and coaches, ensuring a smooth and rider-focused event experience.

Registrations & Info

Registration deadline: Sunday, 8 February 2026

International riders must send their registration details by email to:
📧 snowboard.boroboard@gmail.com

Bulgarian riders must register via the Bulgarian Ski Federation online system:
👉 https://timing-sb.bfski.com

Registration assistance (Bulgarian riders):
Assia Ilieva
📞 +359 878 105 990
📧 assia.ilieva@bfski.com

Event Contact Person:
Hristo Ahtapodov
📞 +359 877 603 100
📧 snowboard.boroboard@gmail.com

👉 Download the Info Sheet