2022 Freeride Junior World Championships Athletes & Location Confirmed!

The best young skiers and snowboarders on earth come together once a season for a special event that has the power to shape the future of Freeride. That event? The Freeride World Junior Championships.

In 2022, the Freeride World Junior Championships (FJWC) are set for 26-29 January in Kappl, Austria. The resort from Austrian Tyrol has warmly hosted the FJWC since 2018, providing a prime location with its plentiful snowfall and Quellspitze competition venue. After a hiatus due to sanitary restrictions, the FJWC returns to Kappl for its 9th edition organized with the Open Faces Freeride Series.

These riders achieved qualification to the 2022 FJWC based on their final ranking from the 2021 FJT season. Top-ranked riders on the most current Global Ranking may also be eligible for entry.

In this year’s edition, returning riders such as Martin Bender (SUI), Adam Kuch (CAN), Jean Tonnelier (FRA) and Tavo Sadeg (USA), are no strangers to Kappl, and are aiming to dispute the title of world champion in their respective categories. Emma Piguet is also raring to surpass her 3rd place in Verbier last year, and intend on placing a perfect run. This year’s competitive field will also feature fresh faces, with many of them making their debut appearance at the event. Erik Stromberg (SWE), a Swedish mogul athlete, is looking to use his skills gained in mogul skiing in a big mountain terrain. Owen Carlson (USA) is planning on applying his scoping skills when planning his run. Campbell Bates (USA) hopes to carry on her success in Region 2, in challenging the title of world champion.

Both the Freeride Junior Tour and the World Championships play huge roles in the development of up-and-coming riders as they advance from the Freeride Junior Tour, to the Freeride World Qualifier, and for a talented few, to the Freeride World Tour. Many of Freeride’s biggest names followed just such a path; riders like Leo Slemett (FRA), Andrew and Jacqueline Pollard (USA) and Sybille Blanjean (SUI). Who will be next? The FJWC is one of the best ways to find out.

In-depth coverage and breathtaking live event broadcasts are available, as always, at www.freerideworldtour.com. Don’t miss this chance to see tomorrow’s Best Riders in the World!

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