After eleven successful years as a 3- and 4-star Freeride World Tour Qualifier, the event will be held from March 14-17, 2026, for the third time as a Freeride World Tour (FWT) Challenger – while celebrating its 20th official edition.

As a host venue, Kitzsteinhorn offers everything freeride hearts desire: challenging terrain with countless opportunities for creative, individual lines. Set within the impressive mountain scenery of the Zell am See-Kaprun region, Kitzsteinhorn has established itself as one of the leading freeride destinations in the Alps. Wide-open powder fields, impressive cliff drops, technical steep terrain, and high snow reliability make the area the perfect stage for top-level freeride competitions.

Lakarschneid – A Face for the Best of the Best

Once again, Lakarschneid is THE face to conquer. The varied, “gnarly” terrain ranks among the most demanding faces on the FWT circuit. With gradients of up to 65 percent, technical sections, and numerous line options, even the world’s best riders are pushed to their limits –while delivering spectacular runs at the same time.

The Freeride World Tour Challenger events are the decisive competitions in the fight for the qualification to the top class of freeride in the following season. X OVER RIDE enjoys true cult status: Since 2004, it has been a permanent fixture in the international freeride scene and – with interruptions due to cancelled events – will take place at Kitzsteinhorn for the 20th time in 2026.

Following the major upgrade in 2024, when X OVER RIDE was first held as an FWT Challenger, the battle for the coveted tickets to the Freeride World Tour has become even more intense. In 2026, the best 24 male skiers, 13 female skiers, 13 male snowboarders, and eight female snowboarders will compete for valuable points and one of the limited starting spots.

Experience Freeride Up Close

For spectators, X OVER RIDE is an absolute highlight. The public viewing area at Langwied offers prime conditions to experience the runs up close – you can hardly get any closer. In addition, the event will be broadcast worldwide via a professional livestream.

X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn 2026 once again stands for freeride at the highest level – decisive in sporting terms, spectacular for spectators, and firmly rooted in the history of the scene.

Images and highlight videos from the #xoverride event can be found on social media channels as well as on the event website.