Author: Ivan Furkov

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News

Rock A Rail Explodes in Budapest: Historic First Edition Lights Up the Hungarian Capital

January 2026 marked a major milestone for urban snowboarding, as Rock A Rail landed in Budapest, Hungary, for the very first time. Set in the heart of the city, the debut edition delivered high-level street-style snowboarding, massive public interest and an electrifying winter festival atmosphere.

From 9–11 January 2026, the iconic Városligeti Műjégpálya (City Park Ice Rink) transformed into a full-scale urban rail playground, proving once again that snowboard culture thrives far beyond the mountains.

First-Ever Rock A Rail Budapest: Urban Riding Meets Festival Energy

As part of the Generali Freeze Festival, Rock A Rail brought its signature rail-focused competition format directly into the Hungarian capital. Custom-built urban features challenged riders to push creativity, technical precision and style in front of a packed crowd — many experiencing live snowboard competition up close for the first time.

The Budapest stop officially opened the Rock A Rail 2026 season, setting a strong tone for the months ahead and highlighting the tour’s growing impact across Europe’s urban snowboarding scene.

Event highlight video:

 

 

High-Level Riding and Strong International Presence

Riders from across Europe gathered in Budapest to battle for podium spots, delivering progressive rail tricks, smooth lines and crowd-pleasing performances throughout the weekend. The competition format rewarded creativity and consistency, while the city-centre setup amplified the intensity and connection between athletes and spectators.

Beyond the contest itself, the event featured music, winter activities and festival elements that turned the venue into a true celebration of urban winter sports — blurring the line between competition and street culture.

Women

  1. Mia Langridge (GBR)

  2. Zoé Roffi (FRA)

  3. Anne-Sophie Lechon (BEL)

Men

  1. Thom Vogel (NED)

  2. Thom Wijnstra (NED)

  3. Botond Fricz (HUN)

Urban Snowboarding on the Rise

The successful Budapest premiere underlined Rock A Rail’s role as a driving force behind the expansion of snowboard competitions into city environments. By bringing elite-level snowboarding directly to the public, the tour continues to attract new audiences and inspire the next generation of riders.

With its explosive first appearance in Hungary, Rock A Rail has firmly established Budapest as a new hotspot on the European urban snowboarding map.

More information

Categories
News WSPL

Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY: Strong Start and Successful Second Tour Stop

The Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY continues to prove why it is one of Europe’s most important youth snowboard freestyle tours. Following a spectacular season opener just before Christmas, the tour returned to the Zillertal Arena for a highly successful second stop, bringing together young talents from across the globe and delivering another weekend packed with progression, competition and community.

 

Second Tour Stop – Zillertal Arena (24–25 January 2026)

 

Hosted by Blue Tomato at the Actionpark Kreuzwiese in the Zillertal Arena, the second tour stop welcomed more than sixty international riders competing in snowboard slopestyle. Perfect park conditions, shaped by Manfred Brandacher and the Zillertal Arena shape team, set the stage for high-level riding and standout performances across all age groups.

Slovakia’s Tadeas Nedielka claimed overall victory as the best male rider of the weekend, also securing the Horsefeathers Best Trick Award with a Cab 1080 Weddle. In the women’s competition, Poland’s Rosa Grzedzinska Aguiar dominated her debut VÄLLEY RÄLLEY appearance, winning overall female, her Super Grom Girls category, and the “Most Impressive Grom” award.

 

Photo-Credits: (c) Gustav_Hersmann

 

Season Opener – Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach (20–21 December 2025)

 

The twelfth season of the Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY kicked off in perfect winter conditions at Betterpark Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach. Over ninety riders from all over Europe gathered for the first tour stop, combining freestyle coaching sessions, an Ästhetiker Style Session and an international slopestyle competition.

Austrian rider Eric Dovjak took victory in the men’s open category and won the Horsefeathers Best Trick Award, while Livia Schatzer (AUT) stood out as the strongest female rider of the event. The opening weekend underlin

ed once again the tour’s role as a stepping stone for young snowboarders aiming for international competition.

 

Photo-Credits: (c) Tomislav Pejanovic

 

Looking Ahead

With two tour stops completed, the overall rankings are taking shape as riders collect valuable points for the World Snowboard Point List (WSPL), the Austrian Snowboard Association Austriacup and the World Rookie Ranking. The next stops will take place at Penken Park Mayrhofen and Hintertux Glacier, where the Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY royal family will be crowned at the end of the season.

 

Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY Tour Dates 2025/2026

20–21 December 2025 – Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach

24–25 January 2026 – Zillertal Arena, Actionpark Kreuzwiese

28 February – 1 March 2026 – Penken Park Mayrhofen

25–26 April 2026 – Hintertux Glacier, Betterpark Hintertux

 

More information, full results and galleries are available at:
https://www.valleyralley.at
https://www.valleyralley.at/results

 

Categories
Banked Slalom Events News

WSF Banked Slalom World Tour 2026 – Join the Tour!

The WSF Banked Slalom World Tour brings together independent Banked Slalom events from around the world under the umbrella of the World Snowboard Federation. Rooted in the origins of snowboarding – surfing and skateboarding – Banked Slalom captures the pure feeling of flowing through a perfectly shaped turn, a sensation shared by riders on water, concrete, and snow alike.

Banked Slalom is one of the most original and inclusive contest formats in snowboarding. Open to all ages and riding levels, it focuses on style, flow, and community rather than pressure and rankings. At its core, Banked Slalom is about bringing snowboarders together and having fun.

For the 2026 season, the World Snowboard Federation invites Banked Slalom event organizers worldwide, as well as National Snowboard Associations, to become part of the WSF Banked Slalom World Tour. The tour serves as a global network and communication platform, connecting organizers, sharing experience and know-how, and strengthening the international Banked Slalom scene.

Registered Events – 2026

So far, the following events are registered for the WSF Banked Slalom World Tour 2026:

Banked Slalom Tirol
31 January 2026
Schöneben / Heideralm – Italy

Banked Bakony
13–14 February 2026
Ski Arena Eplény – Hungary

Banked Slalom Innsbruck
Presented by Jones Snowboards
7 March 2026
Axamer Lizum – Austria

Banked Slalom Tirol – Finale
18 April 2026
Kaunertaler Gletscher – Austria

Join the Tour

All Banked Slalom organizers are invited to register their events and become part of the WSF Banked Slalom World Tour 2026. Find out more about participation requirements, recommendations, costs, and the benefits of joining the tour.

Be part of the global Banked Slalom community and help shape the future of one of snowboarding’s most authentic and accessible contest formats.

 

Register your 2026 WSF Banked Slalom event.

 

Read more: GRASSROOT PROGRAM – WSF Banked Slalom Tour

 

 

 

Photo-Credits: (c) Ruggli, WSF archive

Categories
News World Snowboarding

WSF New Year’s Message and Board Transition for 2026

 

The World Snowboard Federation wishes all members, partners, and the global snowboarding community a successful and inspiring start to 2026. The new year marks an important moment for the federation as the newly elected WSF Board begins its term on January 1, 2026.

After twelve years of service in various leadership roles, including Vice President Finance and most recently President, Dominic Kuhn concludes his term at the end of 2025. The WSF extends its sincere appreciation for his long‑standing commitment, strategic leadership, and contribution to the federation’s development over more than a decade.

The WSF also expresses its gratitude to the outgoing Board Members Denis Giger (Vice President Competitive), Becsy Balacs (Vice President Finance), Dustin Heise (Vice President Development), Satu Järvelä (Member of Board, former President), Laurent Pordie (Member of Board), and Mike Mallon (Member of Board) for their dedication, expertise, and service to the global snowboarding community. Their contributions have played an important role in strengthening the federation’s programs, governance, and international reach.

The federation further thanks the operational team – Tom, Ivan, and Hugutte – for their continued professionalism and commitment.

Under the previous Board’s leadership, the WSF strengthened its international position, expanded digital formats such as the Shred Kings & Series, advanced key Erasmus+ projects, and secured important funding to support a stable and sustainable financial foundation.

With the start of 2026, the WSF looks forward to a year full of progression, creativity, and global collaboration. The upcoming Olympic Winter Games 2026 and the WSF Marquee Events in March will be major highlights for athletes, organizers, and the entire snowboarding community.

The WSF congratulates Reto Lamm and the newly elected Board and wishes them a successful term, continued innovation, and a strong connection to the global snowboard spirit.

We wish everyone a great start into 2026 and look forward to an exciting season ahead.

WSF

 

Photo-Credit: (c) mattmchattie_lowres

Categories
News World Snowboarding WSF Team

World Snowboard Federation Holds General Assembly

 

A new chapter begins for the global snowboard community

The World Snowboard Federation (WSF) successfully held its General Assembly, bringing together members from across the global snowboard community to take important governance decisions and to set the direction for the federation’s future work.

A central outcome of the Assembly was the election of a new President, Executive Committee, and Board Members, marking a significant moment of leadership renewal for the organization. Reto Lamm (Switzerland) was elected as the new President of the World Snowboard Federation. The outgoing Board had chosen not to stand for another term, enabling a smooth transition.

The newly elected Executive Committee consists of:

  • Anna Negri – Vice President Finance
  • Meinhard Trojer – Vice President Grassroots
  • Josef “Seppi” Harml – Vice President Development
  • Sandy Macdonald – Vice President Competitive

In addition, the following Board Members were elected:

  • Annukka Himmi Vassoney
  • Stefan Karlsson
  • Ashley Deibold
  • Roberto Montanés
  • Shigeru Ishihara

Together, the new leadership team represents a broad international spectrum and brings extensive experience across grassroots development, competitive snowboarding, athlete pathways, and federation governance.

The General Assembly also provided an opportunity to express sincere gratitude to the outgoing Board and, in particular, to WSF President Dominic Kuhn. The World Snowboard Federation thanks Dominic for his dedication, leadership, and commitment during his tenure, including his efforts in guiding the organization through challenging periods while continuing to support and connect the global snowboard community.

With the election concluded, the WSF looks ahead with renewed energy and confidence, committed to strengthening cooperation among its members and further developing snowboarding worldwide in line with the federation’s core values.

Categories
Events News WSPL

Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY Kicks Off the Season in Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach

Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY Kicks Off the Season in Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach

The Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY snowboard tour, hosted by Blue Tomato, will kick off the 2025/2026 winter season on 20–21 December 2025 with its first tour stop in the Hochzillertal–Kaltenbach ski region.

Taking place on the weekend just before Christmas, the opening event once again positions the Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY as one of Europe’s leading platforms for young snowboard talents. The tour is known for its unique combination of international slopestyle competitions, free coaching sessions, and side events, creating an inclusive environment where any reasonably experienced snowboarder can take part.



 

 

Rooted in the Zillertal – Recognised Worldwide

What began twelve years ago as a local snowboard tour has grown into a well-established talent development series on the international snowboard scene. The Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY links four tour stops across the Zillertal Valley, taking place in Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach, Zillertal Arena, Mountopolis Mayrhofen, and the Hintertux Glacier.

All competitions are connected to the World Snowboard Point List (WSPL) and count as Austria Cups of the Austrian Snowboard Association, offering athletes valuable ranking points at both national and international level.



 

 

Chasing the Overall Tour Title

At each tour stop, riders collect points towards the overall Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY ranking. While medals, prizes, and prize money are awarded at every event, the overall tour champions will be crowned “Kings and Queens of the Zillertal VÄLLEY” at the grand finale on the Hintertux Glacier in April 2026.

 

Strong Support for Young Talent

From the very beginning, Zillertal Tourismus GmbH has played a key role as title sponsor of the tour. The event series is also supported by long-standing partners such as Blue Tomato, Red Bull, Horsefeathers, and Dana Beanies, alongside national and international snowboard organisations including the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) and the Austrian Snowboard Association (ASA).

Over the years, the Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY has proven to be an important stepping stone for young athletes entering competitive snowboarding, with many former participants progressing to international events, World Cups, and Olympic competitions.

 

First Tour Stop: Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach

The opening event will take place in the Betterpark Hochzillertal, which will be freshly shaped for the occasion. Online registration is mandatory and open until Thursday, 18 December 2025.

Event dates: 20–21 December 2025
Registration: www.valleyralley.at



 

Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY Tour Dates 2025/2026

      • 20–21 December 2025 – Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach

      • 24–25 January 2026 – Zillertal Arena, Actionpark Kreuzwiese

      • 28 February – 1 March 2026 – Penken Park Mayrhofen

      • 25–26 April 2026 – Hintertux Glacier, Betterpark Hintertux

More information on age groups, registration, and event details can be found at www.valleyralley.at



Photo-Credits: (c) Gustav_Hersmann

 

 

 

 

Categories
initative News ZERO

FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – ZERO FINAL CONFERENCE IN BERN

After three years of dedicated work, the Erasmus+ ZERO Project is approaching its conclusion. One of its final milestones was the Final Conference, hosted and organized by Swiss-Ski, one of the 11 project partners. All partners gathered in Bern on November 25, close to Swiss-Ski’s headquarters, for the last in-person meeting of the project.

 

 

ZERO’s main vision: The ZERO Project develops innovative grassroots snowboarding practices to increase accessibility and participation of young people in sport, while empowering them to take climate action and move toward “zero emission rides.”
Ultimately, it is about empowering the next generation of riders and turning them into climate advocates.

The conference opened with remarks from Denis Giger, WSF Vice President Youth Development, followed by a welcome from Nikos Karpathakis, Head of Freestyle Events at Swiss-Ski. The floor was then given to Elias Elhardt, one of Germany’s most renowned freeriders, a filmmaker, and an environmental activist. He delivered an inspiring keynote, describing his journey from a young snowboard enthusiast to a world-traveling professional; up to the point where he began questioning it all in order to stay true to his values.

 

 

Afterwards, participants took a deep dive into the project. The partners presented key milestones from the past three years, major findings and learnings, final deliverables including educational tools, as well as the challenges encountered along the way.
Gillian Rosh from POW Europe, who hosted the afternoon, gave a detailed introduction to the ZERO Climate Card Game, a deliverable that all partners are particularly excited about.

The program continued with a panel discussion titled “Rethinking Access, Education & Climate Action in Youth Snowboarding”, featuring Christine Busch (CIPRA), Pedro Flavio (FDI Portugal), Chloe Jordan (ENGSO Youth), and Fabienne Dirksen-Reuteler (Swiss-Ski). The discussion addressed a wide range of topics relevant to the snowboarding community and sparked numerous questions from participants. This concluded the afternoon program and the final presentation of the ZERO Project.

 

 

ZERO Final Conference Video Recap

Key notes by Elias Elhardt

Find out more about ZERO

Categories
Grassroots Projects News Shred Queens & Kings

Shred Queens & Kings Chall #6 Frontside Grab

Shred Queens & Kings – Challenge #6 is here!

Halfway through the journey. Time to raise your level.

 

The Shred Queens & Kings series returns with Challenge #6, marking the halfway point of the season. Six challenges behind us, six still ahead — and the global Shred community continues to grow stronger with every submission, every trick, and every landed progression.

Each challenge pushes riders toward better balance, sharper control and personal style. Now, as we cross the mid-season line, it’s time to take things into the air.

For Challenge #6, the focus is on the Frontside Grab: a fundamental freestyle trick that blends timing, confidence and expression. Whether you go for a smooth method-style hold, a compact air or a creative variation, this challenge is about clean execution and personal flair.

As always, this series is open to all ages, all genders and all riding levels. Ride on snow, train indoors, set up in your backyard or get creative wherever you can ride safely. All you need is your snowboard — and your smile.

First Winners Confirmed

We’re excited to share that the winners from Challenge #1 to Challenge #4 have officially been selected.

Across the opening stages of the season, riders from around the world delivered impressive clips, steady progression, and pure stoke. From first rides to confident landings, the impact of the Shred Queens & Kings project has already been felt across the global community.

Official announcements with full winner details — including names, categories and how the prizes were awarded — will be published very soon. Stay tuned as we celebrate the first riders to claim victory this season.

How to take part

  1. Watch the full trick tutorial video on YouTube.

  2. Practice the Frontside Grab.

  3. Film your best attempt.

  4. Upload your clip on the CHALL platform under Challenge #6.

  5. Always wear a helmet while riding.

You can participate on snow, indoors or in creative setups — wherever safe riding is possible.

Prizes

All participants in the Shred Queens & Kings series receive:

  • One year of free access to Addiction+ by Snowboard Addiction

And for the season winners:

  • Snowboard Addiction Training Set for the Overall Season Winner

  • NIDECKER: Merc 156 Snowboard for the Frontside grab Challenge Winner

Every challenge adds points to your season rank and brings you closer to the Crown of Shred.

Challenge Timeline

From  11/28/25 – 17:00
To  1/23/26 – 14:15

Why Challenge #6 matters

This is your checkpoint moment — halfway through the project. A time to look back at how far you’ve come and shift into high gear for the road ahead.

The Frontside Grab may be simple at first glance, but style lives in the details. Use this challenge to sharpen your confidence in the air, fine-tune your control and express yourself in flight.

Stay committed. Stay creative.
And ride deeper into the season with confidence.

Ride on. Grab on. Shred on.

Start your Frontside Grab

If you want to know more about the Shred Queens & Kings initiative, how it started, and who’s behind it, check out our full story with partners and background info here:  Read More

 

About CHALL:

“Chall is the go-to platform for digital challenges and competitions, designed to make it effortless for anyone to create, participate in, and share challenges across sports and beyond. We built Chall to empower individuals and organizations to engage their communities in a whole new way—fostering growth, motivation, and connection through competition. Our ambition is to become the leading global platform for structured and unstructured challenges, activating audiences across industries. Partnerships like the one with the World Snowboard Federation showcase how Chall can unite athletes worldwide, inspiring them to push their limits and elevate their performance.”

About Snowboard Addiction:

Snowboard Addiction exists to help you become the best snowboarder you can be.Through world-class snowboard tutorials and innovative training products, our mission is simple: to improve your riding.

17 Years Strong (and Counting) – More than just a business, Snowboard Addiction is a community of passionate snowboarders and industry professionals. Our strength comes from continuously innovating, improving, and most importantly—riding as much as possible. Everything we do revolves around making snowboarding more accessible, safer, and fun for riders everywhere.

Photo-Credit Header: (c) Snowboard Addiction

Categories
News World Snowboarding WSF Team

New WSF General Secretary

Dear Members & Friends of the World Snowboard Federation,

We are pleased to announce that during the Board Meeting held on November 4, 2025, the WSF Board has officially appointed Mr. Tom Wagener as the new General Secretary of the World Snowboard Federation.
Tom has been an integral part of WSF for many years, most recently serving as Sports Director, where he contributed greatly to the development and coordination of international snowboard events and programs. His experience, dedication, and vision make him an excellent choice for this key position.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Tom to his new role and wishing him continued success in leading the Federation into an exciting new chapter.
Categories
initative News ZERO

ZERO EMISSION RIDES: ZERO FINAL CONFERENCE IS COMING UP ON NOV. 25th

After three inspiring years, the ZERO Erasmus+ project, led by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF), is slowly coming to an end. To celebrate this milestone, the WSF and its project partners invite you to the ZERO Final Conference in Bern (SUI), hosted by Swiss-Ski.

 

 

The conference marks a key moment in the project, to network with various stakeholders from the snowboard industry and outside. It will serve as a platform to present the project’s main outcomes, showcase best practices for sustainability in snowboarding, and validate the core deliverables developed throughout the program.

The afternoon kicks off with a keynote speech by Elias Elhardt, professional snowboarder, filmmaker, and environmental activist from Germany. Considered one of Europe’s best backcountry riders, Elias is known for his appearances in numerous snowboard films and top competition results over the past decade. Through his award-winning short films, he explores deep questions around personal ambition, responsibility, and societal challenges through the lens of snowboarding.

“Having dedicated more than 25 years of my life to snowboarding, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much the climate, and our mountains, have changed in such a short time. Being part of this community and industry, I believe it’s essential that we live up to our responsibility and, despite the contradictions we may face, keep striving to shape the most committed and responsible path forward.”

 

 

 

Following the keynote, a panel discussion will explore how to rethink access, education, and climate action in youth snowboarding. Panelists include Fabienne Dirksen-Reuteler from Swiss-Ski (responsible for sustainable events), Pedro Flávio, ZERO project partner and president of the Portuguese Winter Sports Federation, Chloe Jordan, Policy and Project Manager at ENGSO Youth and Christine Busch, CEO of CIPRA, all bringing valuable insights and years of experience in their positions and organisations.

 

The ZERO Final Conference concludes with the last and final in-person partners’ meeting on Wednesday, November 26th.

The conference on Tuesday is open for everyone who refuses to let winter melt away — join us Tuesday to help reimagine the future of snow sports. _The conference on Tuesday welcomes everyone who cares about the future of winter — and wants to be part of keeping snow and winter sports alive.  

 

 

 

 

Meeting Location:

Restaurant Rio, Arastr. 7, 3048 Worblaufen

 

Program ZERO Final Conference

Tuesday, Nov. 25th, 2025

 

12:30 Registration

13:00 Welcome & speeches

13:15 Keynote: “Riding with Purpose: Reimagining Snowboarding in a Warming World”

Speaker: Elias Elhardt 

13:45 Intro ZERO

14:00 Presentation ZERO

14:40 Card Game

15:00 Coffee Break

15:30 Panel: Zero Emission Rides: Rethinking Access, Education & Climate Action in Youth Snowboarding

Speakers:

  • Christine Busch (CIPRA)
  • Chloe Jordan (ENGSO Youth)
  • Fabienne Dirksen-Reuteler (Swiss-Ski)
  • Pedro Flavio (FDI Portugal)

16:30 Outlook: Recommendations

16:45 Closing remarks

17:00 End

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