Successful 2nd edition of the Freeski World Rookie Fest 2020 at Nordkette Skyline Park (Innsbruck)

Sunshine welcomed riders last weekend at the 2nd edition of the Freeski World Rookie Fest at Nordkette Skyline Park above Innsbruck. From 14th – 16th of February the best up-and-coming riders showed their skills in the Slopestyle course. In both categories– Groms (born 2005 and younger) and Rookies (born 2002 – 2004) – riders tried to snatch a spot on the podium and therefore a ticket for the World Rookie Tour Final 2020 at Seiser Alm. Additionally the Austrian Junior Champions got crowned.

During the qualification on Saturday the 35 kids and teenagers were greeted with sunshine. Riders showcased high level riding in the perfectly prepared slopestyle course with a spectacular view of Innsbruck, which doesn’t not only wow tourists, but also locals every time. The young Freeski riders had two runs each, with the better one counting for the result. Same format also applied on Sunday for the finals. The biggest challenge here was the wind in the 2nd run, but this didn’t daunt the boys and girls to showcase their best riding.

15-years-old Daniel Bacher, one of Austria’s great hopes for the future, dominated the Rookie competition and repeated his victory from last season. He went into finals with a lot of confidence and convinced with his 2nd run with a Frontside Switch-Up at the first rail, a Switch Ride Cork 540 Mute Grab and a Left Double Cork 1080 Safety Grab on the jumps and a Backslide 450 with Tail Tap at the last rail feature. Only Matej Svancer (CZE), who claimed a Gold medal in Big Air at the Youth Olmypic Games in Lausanne in January, came close to him, but Daniel’s execution was cleaner with more flow and that meant 1st place for him. Matej ended up 2nd and Gian Andri Bolinger (SUI) completed the podium as 3rd. At the Groms category, Swiss Fradri Rhyner was celebrating his win with 2nd placed Andreas Penz (AUT) and Timothe Roche (FRA) in 3rd. The girls winner is Muriel Mohr from Germany. All riders on the podium were rewarded with a ticket for the Freeski World Rookie Tour Final in March. The winner additionally received an „All-round carefree package“ with accommodation, meals and lift tickets. Since 2005 the World Rookie Tour, which includes dozens of events globally, offers young freestyle talents the opportunity to collect competition experience.

Austrian Junior Championships
Also The Austrian Junior Champions were determined last weekend. Daniel Bacher (youth) and Andreas Penz (pupils) entered the podium a 2nd time on Sunday and were very happy about the titles.

Austrian Freeski Days
The Austria Ski Federation (ÖSV) hosted the Austrian Freeski Days over the weekend. Interested kids and teenagers had the possibility to learn first freestyle steps with the help of the experienced Freeski Austria coaches. This winter the tour includes 17 stops across Austria with over 500 participants between 8-16 years.

The 2nd edition of the Freeski World Rookie Fest in Innsbruck is a wrap. Thank you to partners Marker, Völkl, TSG, Therese Mölk, Innsbruck, Blue Tomato, Freeski Austria, Level and to host resort Nordkette.

Results Grom Girls: