2026 YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships Results
The 2026 YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships came to a dramatic close today in Kappl, Austria, as four new FIS Freeride Junior World Champions were crowned in the disciplines of Ski Women, Ski Men, Snowboard Women, and Snowboard Men. With 67 top junior athletes representing 13 countries, the event underscored the growing international depth of freeride’s next generation.
Swapping out the iconic Quellspitze for the equally demanding Alblittköpfe face at 2720 meters, organizers delivered a new challenge featuring a 40° slope gradient, technical terrain, and creative line opportunities. Under bluebird skies and in front of an energized crowd, riders rose to the occasion with standout performances that showcased control, style, and innovation. Each descent was judged across five key criteria: line choice, air and style, control, fluidity, and technique - offering a true test of elite junior freeriding.
Jana Hausl (AUT), the 2024 Junior World Champion, came into this year’s competition with something to prove and she delivered in spectacular fashion. Competing on home snow in front of an enthusiastic Austrian crowd, Hausl put down a commanding run that showcased her signature control and technique. With two clean 360s and big, confident airs, she secured a well-earned return to the top of the podium, much to the delight of the local fans.
Sawyer Popovitch (CAN) claimed second place with a powerful and fluid line that impressed the judges, while Nima Janet-Moreillon (SUI) took third with a technically sound and composed performance.
“It feels like a dream all over again. You never think something like this will happen twice until it does. The conditions at the top were surprisingly good, and I felt strong and confident throughout my run.” Jana Hausl, 2026 FIS Freeride Junior World Champion
Hamish Henderson (NZL) won first place, putting down one of the strongest runs of the day, opening with a big 360 and the first cleanly landed 720 of competition. Despite hard snow conditions, Henderson executed his run fluidly, presented confident line choice, and impressed judges by committing to the biggest cliff on the face.
Jem Müller (AUT) finished in second place, showcasing strong freestyle skills and excellent execution on big win features. Zebedee Schreiber (USA) put down two 360s with clean landings and demonstrated technical skill and control, landing himself in third place.
“The snow on the top half of the venue offered classic kiwi conditions: what I’m used to skiing everyday. It feels great to be World Champion; I trusted myself, felt confident in my abilities, and managed to put down exactly what I wanted.”Hamish Henderson, 2026 FIS Freeride Junior World Champion
Snowboard Women: Once again, the title goes to a French rider
Elly Dalton-Richard (FRA) earned herself first place as she put down a confident and high-impact run, committing to the biggest cliff drop in the women’s snowboarding category. She backed it up with fast, well-judged windlip jumps, honing in on her boardercross background using speed and size to her advantage despite a tracked-out face.
Hinatea Chretien (FRA) delivered a fast and fluid run marked by aggressive turns and well-timed airs from top to bottom, landing her second place. Kizuna Takahashi (JPN) came in third with a solid run which featured featured big airs early on, as well as a controlled grab.
“As the sun came out, the changing snow conditions presented a really fun terrain. I meticulously studied my line before the competition and I loved riding it. It hasn’t sunk in yet, the fact that I’m a World Champion. It’s been an amazing experience doing this with all the other female riders, really amazing.” Elly Dalton-Richard, 2026 FIS Freeride Junior World Champion
Leo Thoresen (NOR) won the Snowboard Men Category, opening with a clean backside 360, linking into a solid cliff drop and finishing with a big 360 with a grab. He showed excellent control, creativity, and composure, drawing on his strong freestyle background and riding with a relaxed style, putting together one of the most complete snowboard runs of the day.
Hernán Navales Calle (ESP) landed second place, demonstrating clean 360s and mixing things up with a straight air, showing variety in his run. Casper Kantermo (SWE) finished in third, riding with speed and no hesitation while displaying creative line choice.
“Despite the challenging snow conditions, I really enjoyed my run. I’m thrilled I managed to land all my tricks. Becoming World Champion is an incredible feeling, I’m truly happy.” Leo Thoresen, 2026 FIS Freeride Junior World Champion
As the curtain falls on this year’s event, the freeride community celebrates a new generation of talent. With spectacular runs and inspiring moments, the 2026 YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships set the bar high for the future of freeride sports.
