Easter highlight in the Alpbachtal valley: Freeride talents compete on the Wiedersberger Horn

Events

02/April/2026

Easter highlight in the Alpbachtal valley: Freeride talents compete on the Wiedersberger Horn

On Easter Saturday, up-and-coming freeriders will gather at the "Open Faces Freeride Contest" on the Wiedersberger Horn. Perfect powder awaits thanks to deep snowfall, along with spectacular lines and excellent conditions in the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, which is open until April 12th.

One of the most traditional events in the Austrian freeride scene is once again taking place in the Alpbachtal valley. The 1* Freeride World Tour Qualifier and the 2* FWT Junior competition will be held on the legendary Wiedersberger Horn in the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. Few other stops on the tour calendar enjoy such high status. The slope is extremely popular, athletically challenging, and at the same time ideal for gaining initial competition experience. Furthermore, up-and-coming riders are given the stage they deserve – including a live stream and one of the best public viewing areas on the Qualifier Tour.

For years, the competition has been considered the perfect platform for young talents and ambitious newcomers. Technical line choice, creative riding, and clean runs meet a fair and motivating competition atmosphere. For many young riders in the past, this stop has been an important stepping stone to higher categories.

Ideal conditions until April 12, 2026.

To offer riders the best possible conditions, the competition was postponed from early February to Easter Saturday, April 4th. The organizers are therefore all the more pleased with the optimal conditions: Following the snowfall of the past few days, the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau offers ideal conditions with fresh powder and sunshine forecast for the entire weekend.

Be there live, both on-site and online via livestream!

A public area with a video wall will once again be set up at the base of the face for spectators. In addition, a professionally moderated livestream will ensure that freeride fans worldwide don't miss a single moment. This allows them to follow even the smallest details of the runs up close.

Gain freeride experience beyond the contest.

This year, a special new feature is being offered outside of the actual contest action. 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 a full day in the backcountry on Friday with selected participants. The focus will not only be on contest lines, but also on the bigger picture, such as correctly reading the terrain, backcountry safety exercises, and risk awareness training.

This offer is aimed at anyone who wants to move more confidently and consciously in the backcountry. Places will be allocated via a raffle. All information can be found on the Open Faces Instagram account.

A proven venue for the freeride competition

. The 1* FWT Qualifier and 2* FWT Junior competition in Alpbachtal have established themselves as a fixed part of the series in recent years. The terrain at Wiedersberger Horn offers diverse features – from playful elements to technically demanding sections – providing ideal conditions for riders looking to experience their first taste of competition.

A unique feature of the Open Faces tour calendar, this stop in the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area, also boasts hand-shaped kickers, offering riders additional opportunities for airs and style. Those interested can stay up-to-date at www.open-faces.com and via the Open Faces Instagram channel.

"First Line Skiing" at Wiedersberger Horn:

Anyone wanting to experience another highlight every Saturday in April shouldn't miss the popular "First Line Skiing" at Wiedersberger Horn . The Pöglbahn and Hornbahn 2000 lifts open as early as 7:00 a.m., allowing for the first turns of the day. Sunrise on the mountain, perfect conditions on freshly groomed slopes, and untouched powder runs await. And then it's straight on to the Open Faces Public Viewing at the Wiedersbergeralm (piste no. 53 / near the Hornbahn 2000 valley station)

Open Faces Alpbachtal 2026