Strong line-up at the Slopestyle World Cup opener on the Stubai Glacier

Updated 13.11.2022

The best women and men of the international freeskiing elite from 20 nations in the fight for the first slopestyle world cup points at the FIS Freeski World Cup Stubai from 16 to 19 November 2022

When the national and international freeskiing elite meets at the Stubai Glacier at the beginning of the season to collect the first World Cup points of the slopestyle season, one thing is for sure - Olympic medallists, overall World Cup winners and X-Games heroes guarantee the finest slopestyle action and a World Cup kick-off that is second to none. From 16 to 19 November 2022, the FIS Freeski World Cup will be held for the sixth time in the popular Stubai Zoo Snowpark. The thrilling final can be followed live via ORF1 and TV stations worldwide.

After five years in a row, it is already considered a tradition in 2022 that the absolute crème de la crème of the national and international freeski elite gather on the Stubai Glacier on the penultimate weekend in November to get the first World Cup points of the season. This year is no exception, because from 16 to 19 November the Pro Line in the Stubai Zoo will once again be the venue for the first slopestyle battles of the winter. The usual perfect park conditions offer optimal conditions to ring in the competition season and compete for prize money of CHF 55,000. In addition, the "King of the Stubai Glacier" will receive a wildcard for the legendary in-city contest Red Bull PlayStreets, which will take place again in the streets of Bad Gastein on 10 February 2023 after a four-year break.

With the end of the registration phase on 9 November, the ÖSV and organisers can once again look forward to the who's who of the international scene and thus extremely exciting competitions in the Stubaital. As in previous years, the contingent (28 women and 60 men) from four continents has been exhausted and many of the top athletes of the past World Cup and Olympic season will be at the start on the legendary Gaiskarferner.

The Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) has one of the hottest irons at the start with young Matej Svancer (S), who has already shown off internationally in the last two years. The 18-year-old, who is currently between his school-leaving exams and his final World Cup preparations, was able to enjoy a place in the final last year. With an excellent 14th place, he still has a big score to settle with the Stubai slopestyle course

"I am really looking forward to the home World Cup, although I have a lot to do at the moment with school and my A-levels, which is not easy at the moment. But when there is a contest, I focus completely on the competition. And the anticipation is definitely there, also the training at the Prime Park sessions was perfect."(Matej Svancer)

Hannes Rudigier (T) from Kappl, who impressed with fifth place at the World Cup opener in Big Air in Chur at the end of October, is considered one of the top contenders for top places from an Austrian perspective, as is his team mate Lukas Müllauer (S), who was the second best Austrian at the season opener in Chur. Together with their teammates Julius Forer (V), Luis Resch (ST), David Wolf (T) and the young local hero Daniel Bacher (T), they make up a strong men's team at the first Slopestyle World Cup of the season.

The two Austrians should also be on the bill at their home World Cup. Lara Wolf from Paznaun, who made a sensational start to the season with fifth place in Chur, will try to bring the positive vibes to the ground at home as well. David Wolf 's sister is also the only Austrian athlete to have achieved a World Cup podium finish in slopestyle to date. Local hero Laura Wallner, who secured her place among the elite for the first time last year on the Stubai Glacier with a place in the final and an eventual eighth place, is also highly motivated for the competition on her home glacier

"I am really happy that we are back on snow. The park on the Stubai Glacier is perfectly shaped and the training sessions were great. It's really something special to ski a World Cup at home. My mum has already taken time off and my friends are also trying to get time off to be at the home World Cup. Last year it went quite well for me on the Stubai Glacier. Let's see what comes out this year."(Laura Wallner)

In the men's race, an exciting fight for the podium is pre-programmed. After having to miss last year's opener on the Stubai Glacier due to injury, 2020 winner Andri Ragettli is back at the start this year. The Swiss will face strong competition from those nations that also dominated the Olympic Games. Above all, the Norwegian Olympic champion in Big Air, defending champion in 2021 and also winner of the first World Cup of the season in Big Air in Chur, Birk Ruud, is currently in a class of his own.

His compatriots, Ferdinand Dahl, who came third in Tyrol in the last two years, and Sebastian Schervje, will also be attacking again on the Stubai Glacier. From Sweden, Jesper Tjäder (Olympic bronze medallist in slopestyle) is also a big name who could be among the front runners.

Top riders from overseas will also be competing against the Scandinavian armada: with 3-time X-Games winner and 2022 Olympic slopestyle champion Alex Hall and Big Air Olympic silver medallist Colby Stevenson, the USA has a strong duo with a view to podium places.

The women's entry list also promises top-class runs and hot battles for the winner's trophy. Last year's and 2018's winner Kelly Sildaru (EST, multiple X-Games winner, halfpipe world champion and Olympic bronze medallist in slopestyle) will not miss out on going for the "triple" on the Stubai Glacier.

Strong competition awaits her, as the winner of 2020 and Olympic silver medallist in Big Air, Tess Ledeux (FRA), will start with an extra portion of self-confidence in Tyrol thanks to her renewed victory in Chur. The runners-up of 2021, Sarah Höfflin (SUI) and Johanne Killi (NOR), will also have to unpack their best tricks to make it to the podium again. The Olympic slopestyle champion Mathilde Gremaud (SUI), who took bronze in Chur, is currently breathing down everyone's neck.

From a German point of view, it could also be exciting in the women's competition, because Aliah Delia Eichinger is still considered a great young hope in slopestyle. In addition, the German team has the youngest lady in the field, 16-year-old Muriel Mohr from Bavaria.

Wed, 16.11. Training ladies & menThu, 17.11. Training ladies & menFri, 18.11. Qualification ladies & menSa, 19.11. Final ladies & men | LIVE on ORF1 from 11.00 a.m.*Programme subject to change without notice