One of the most traditional events in the Austrian freeride scene is back in the Tyrolean lowlands: the 1* Freeride World Tour Qualifier and the 2* FWT Junior competition will once again stop at Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau – at the legendary Wiedersbergerhorn. Hardly any other stop on the tour calendar enjoys such a high reputation: the face is extremely popular, technically challenging, and at the same time ideal for gaining first contest experience. In addition, young riders are given the stage they deserve – including a livestream and one of the best public viewing areas on the Qualifier Tour.

Contest day set for Saturday, April 4 – stage set for the next generation
The competition has long been regarded as the perfect platform for young talents and ambitious newcomers. Technical line choice, creative riding, and clean runs meet a fair and motivating contest atmosphere. For many young riders, this stop has been an important stepping stone to higher competition levels.

To ensure the best possible conditions for the riders, the event was postponed from early February to Easter Saturday, April 4. The organizers are now even more excited about the excellent conditions: following the recent snowfall, Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau offers prime conditions with fresh powder and sunny weather forecast for the entire weekend.

Live on site and online via livestream
For spectators, a public viewing area with a video wall will once again be set up at the bottom of the face. In addition, as in previous years, a professionally hosted livestream will ensure that freeride fans around the world don’t miss a moment. This way, even the smallest details of each run can be followed up close.

“Ride Out Alpbachtal”: gaining freeride experience beyond the contest
A special new feature awaits this year beyond the competition itself: for the first time, the “Open Faces Ride Out” will be offered as part of the contest weekend. Experienced freeriders Andreas Jenewein and Michael Strauss will spend the Friday together with selected participants for a full day in the backcountry. The focus is not only on contest lines, but on the bigger picture:

• Safety considerations in the backcountry
• How to read terrain correctly
• Smart line choice
• Risk awareness and decision-making in alpine environments

This offer is aimed at anyone who wants to move more safely and consciously in off-piste terrain. Participation spots will be raffled – all details can be found on the Open Faces Instagram account.

A proven venue for freeride competitions
The 1* FWT Qualifier and 2* FWT Junior competition in Alpbachtal has established itself as a fixed part of the series in recent years. The terrain at Wiedersbergerhorn offers a wide variety of features – from playful sections to technically demanding passages – providing ideal conditions for riders looking to gain their first contest experience.

As a unique feature within the Open Faces tour calendar, the stop at Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau also includes manually shaped kickers, offering riders additional opportunities for airs and style.

For more information, visit www.open-faces.com or follow the Open Faces Instagram channel.

First Line Skiing at Wiedersberger Horn
Anyone looking for another highlight on Saturday, April 4, shouldn’t miss the popular “First Line Skiing” at Wiedersberger Horn. From 7:00 am, the Pöglbahn and Hornbahn 2000 will be open, offering the very first turns of the day.

Sunrise in the mountains, perfect conditions on freshly groomed slopes and untouched powder fields – a unique experience for early risers. Afterwards, head straight to the Open Faces public viewing at the Wiedersbergeralm (slope 53).

Open Faces Alpbachtal 2026
Saturday, 04.04.2026 | Wiedersberger Horn, Hornbahn 2000
Contest - Start: 10:00 Uhr, Contest end ca. 14:00 Uhr

For more information, visit: www.open-faces.com