Industry News
For snow sport fans, the summer can seem endless, but fret not, the 2026-27 freestyle season officially gets underway in just eight weeks. At the start of October snowboarders and freeskiers return to one of Europe’s most iconic glacier parks. The traditional Hintertux Park Opening from October 2-24, 2026, marks the unofficial start of the 2026-27 winter freestyle season.
For 22 years, Austria’s Hintertux Glacier has been home to one of the most anticipated early-season events in European freestyle skiing and snowboarding. After more than two decades, Hintertux Park Opening has become much more than the first opportunity to ride snow after summer; it has evolved into an annual reunion of riders, brands, and fans celebrating the return of winter.
Located at 3,250 meters (10,663 feet) above sea level, Betterpark Hintertux provides one of Europe’s most reliable early-season freestyle setups. With jumps, rails, and creative features, the park attracts everyone from professional athletes preparing for the upcoming competition season to young riders taking their first steps into freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
The 2026 edition will continue the event’s unique blend of progression, community, and competition. While snowboarders have long been at the heart of the Hintertux Park Opening, freeskiers officially became part of the event program in 2025. This year’s schedule will once again feature some of the event’s signature highlights. Werni Stock returns with the legendary “Transfer Games,” while younger riders can experience their first taste of the freestyle scene during the “Kids Shred” hosted by Gigi Rüf. The open Rock A Rail qualification will also bring together snowboarders and freeskiers competing for a place in the main finals at the valley station, where the Rock A Rail Tour 2026 continues its autumn campaign.
Beyond the riding, the Hintertux Park Opening has become known for its community atmosphere. Visitors can test the latest equipment from leading brands, watch the traditional movie night, and continue the celebrations at the Hohenhaus Tenne — maintaining the combination of riding, friendship, and shared experiences that has defined the event for more than two decades.
With its combination of high-altitude snow, world-class terrain, and a loyal freestyle community, Hintertux remains one of the most important early-season destinations in Europe.
