By ALYSON LAMB
Falls Creek’s 2026 winter events calendar is gathering pace, with the resort’s freeride competition officially joining the global Freeride World Tour Junior circuit for the first time this winter.
The Falls Creek Freeride Junior 2* will return this August, following the success of the resort’s debut freeride event last winter.
The now sanctioned event is part of the 2027 Freeride World Tour Junior season and will bring emerging skiers and snowboarders to Falls Creek for big mountain riding, progression and competition on natural terrain.
Judging will focus on line choice, fluidity, technique, airs and overall rider expression, with the event designed to support the next generation of freeride athletes through a recognised competition pathway.
Danny Foster, Falls Creek senior manager skier services, said this newly sanctioned Freeride World Tour event is significant for the mountain resort.
“It’s amazing to see the discipline of freeriding grow from year to year, even more so since operating under the FIS banner,” he said.
“With whispers of freeride becoming a future Winter Olympic discipline, Australian events like this one will only strengthen the next generation of freeriders.
“I’m stoked to see Falls Creek involved in this process and becoming a home for these athletes.”
While the Freeride World Tour Junior announcement is the biggest addition to the calendar, it forms part of a broader winter program that includes the return of the Ruckus Rail Jam and expanded Ski Demo Days.
The Ruckus Rail Jam returns after its inaugural event last season.
Presented by CAPiTA and Union, the judged event will feature a variety of park features, with advanced and intermediate lines for competitors to choose from.
The Rail Jam is in addition to regular terrain park favourites like Storm the Park and The Dreamer.
Falls Creek guests will also have more opportunities to test new equipment on snow this winter, with Ski Demo Days now split across two separate event windows.
Atomic Ski Demo Days will run on Thursday, 30 July and Friday, 31 July in the Village Bowl, adjacent to Ski & Boot Co. at the base of Eagle Express. Völkl & Black Crows Ski Demo Days will follow on Thursday, 6 August and Friday, 7 August in the same location.
With more events still to be announced, Falls Creek’s 2026 calendar gives guests plenty of reasons to return throughout winter.
• See the full event line-up at skifalls.com.au.