Kappl remains the stage for tomorrow's stars: YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships extended until 2032

New five-year contract secures international junior championships in Paznaun. Kappl remains a hotspot for the next generation of freeriders. The region will continue to be the venue for one of the most important junior events in international freeride sport.

Over the weekend, a new contract was signed to host the YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships during the Freeride World Tour stop in Fieberbrunn. Freeride World Tour founder and CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods, Martin Ladner (Bergbahnen Kappl) and Thomas Köhle (Paznaun–Ischgl Tourism Association) extended the event for another five years until 2032. This underlines the region's long-term commitment to promoting young freeride talent.

International stage for the freeride stars of tomorrow

The Freeride Junior World Championships are among the most important events for young talent in the international freeride calendar. Since 2012, the world's best young freeriders have been meeting here every year – by invitation only. In 2022, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) took over the Freeride World Tour and integrated the competition more closely into the international winter sports structure.

The competition is aimed at athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. At the 2026 event in Kappl, athletes from 13 nations demonstrated their skills. Four new FIS Freeride Junior World Champions were crowned in the categories of women's skiing, men's skiing, women's snowboarding and men's snowboarding.

Long-term partnership for young freeride talent

With the partnership extended until 2032, Kappl remains a central hub for promoting young talent in international freeride sports. The event combines top sporting performances with tourist appeal, bringing athletes, media and fans from numerous countries to Paznaun every year.

Thomas Köhle, Managing Director of the Paznaun–Ischgl Tourism Association:

"By signing the five-year contract until 2032, we are sending a strong signal for the future of freeriding in Paznaun. The YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships 2026 in Kappl have once again impressively demonstrated the potential of the next generation of this sport. Numerous athletes from five continents have demonstrated their skills here, impressively highlighting the international appeal of this discipline. For us at the Paznaun–Ischgl Tourism Association, it is both a great pleasure and a responsibility to actively support this development. Freeriding has long been an integral part of alpine winter sports culture and stands for adventure, nature and sporting innovation. With this long-term partnership, we are creating planning security and can continue to position Kappl and the entire region as a stage for young talent from all over the world. Events like this are not only important for sport, but also for tourism: they strengthen the international perception of Paznaun as a modern winter sports destination and at the same time show how closely top-class sport, the promotion of young talent and sustainable tourism can be linked. We are therefore very pleased to continue promoting the development of freeriding in the coming years together with our partners."

Kappl as an established freeride spot in Europe

Kappl/Kapplaska has consistently delivered since 2017. The unique topography of the ski area makes it possible to find faces in all exposures – perfect conditions for challenging and fair competitions. For riders, this means varied lines, technical terrain and genuine freeride terrain at the highest level. With the Quellspitze, one of the most famous freeride mountains in Europe is also available. For me personally, Kappl has become a very special place over the years – a place where freeride spirit, professionalism and passion for this sport come together perfectly." – Markus Kogler, "Mr Freeride", state-certified ski and mountain guide and chief safety officer at freeride events in Austria.

Sustainable effect for the region and mountain railways

The Freeride Junior World Championships have been a great success for Bergbahnen Kappl right from the start. The event has enabled us to attract freeriders from all over the world as a new and very enthusiastic group of visitors to Kappl. Many athletes now return regularly – a lasting effect from which we benefit every year.

With the Quellspitze and Alblittkopf, we have two mountains that offer almost perfect faces for freeriders throughout the winter. The Alblittkopf in particular offers exceptionally long and varied descents with numerous line options and striking cliffs. This combination makes Kappl particularly attractive for freeride competitions and gives the area a special status in the international freeride scene," explains Martin Ladner, authorised signatory of Bergbahnen Kappl.

Kappl ski resort – compact, versatile and an insider tip for freeriders

The Kappl ski resort in the Paznaun Valley is considered an insider tip for freeride fans. Seven kilometres of marked freeride routes offer varied terrain descents in a secure ski area. Some of the unprepared slopes start directly at the mountain station, allowing you to be the first to leave your tracks in the powder snow after a fresh snowfall.

In addition, the ski resort offers ideal conditions for beginners, families and athletic skiers on 42 kilometres of slopes. Around ten kilometres of blue slopes are suitable for beginners, 20 kilometres of red slopes provide varied descents, complemented by five kilometres of black slopes for demanding skiers. With ten lifts – including a gondola lift, three chairlifts, two T-bar lifts and other climbing aids – Kappl combines compact clarity with sporting diversity and has also developed into a meeting place for young freeride talents in recent years.