Epic Freeride Showdown: Bluebird Skies & Big Air at 2025 Open Faces Heiligenblut am Großglockner

The Open Faces Freeride made a spectacular debut in Heiligenblut, at the Großglockner ski resort, delivering a thrilling competition in perfect conditions. The Magrötzenkopf face provided an ideal venue for both the 2 FWT Qualifier*.

A Warm Welcome & Exciting Prizes

The picturesque village of Heiligenblut welcomed freeriders with goodie bags, and for the first time, a raffle was held, featuring exciting prizes sponsored by the Heiligenblut ski region. Among the standout rewards were overnight stays in Heiligenblut and the Swiss resort of Saas-Fee, adding an extra layer of excitement for the participants.

Smart Line Choices Were Key

Due to weather conditions, the competition was postponed by one day, but the wait proved worthwhile. Participants were rewarded with a dreamy "blue bird" day and radiant sunshine. The area around Großglockner not only offers breathtaking views but also technical and diverse freeride terrain.

The ascent to the start gate was a unique challenge: riders were first transported by snow groomer to the "Hochtor", followed by a 45-minute hike with their skis and snowboards on their backs to the starting point at 2,734 meters. To ensure safety, adjustments were made to the zoning of the face, including closing off a large cliff the day before the event to reduce risk. These changes required riders to be highly focused, making smart line choices crucial.

Spins, Flips & Big Jumps in the Adult Categories

In the adult competition, many riders chose their lines in the riders' left section, while others traversed the entire face to maximize scoring opportunities.

Snowboard Women

The female snowboarders impressed with smooth, stylish turns in the middle section before launching off the Großglockner High Alpine Road. Mia Grempel (GER) delivered a standout air, narrowly missing the win to Anastasia Abelyasheva (RUS), who had already claimed victory at the 2 qualifier in Bruson*. Tessa Knoef (GER) rounded out the podium in third place.

Snowboard Men

The men’s snowboard competition was fiercely contested, with two riders breaking away. Johannes Leitner (AUT) took third, while Ciaran Purcell (IRL) celebrated an emotional second-place finish, lifted on the shoulders of his fellow riders. However, the standout performance came from Sascha Mörtl (AUT), who clinched victory with an impressive 82.00 points.

Ski Women

The ski women’s category delivered a tight race, with Brielle Zacharias (CAN) securing the win with a solid, confident run. Lisa Grabner (AUT) and Teresa Novotná (CZE) completed the podium in second and third, respectively.

Ski Men

The ski men’s competition was packed with action and high-level performances. The highlight of the event was Jonathan Hauss’ (AUT) massive air over the ridge, followed by a handdrag cork 360 off the High Alpine Road edge, securing him first place.

His compatriot Simon Zwischenbrugger (AUT) put down an incredible run, featuring a cork 360, flatspin Japan over the windlip, and backflip in the lower section, finishing just behind Hauss. Filip Rabanser (ITA) impressed with four 360s in his run, earning him a well-deserved third place.

A Triumphant Return to Großglockner

The Open Faces Freeride competition at Großglockner was a resounding success, marking a memorable return of the tour to this iconic region. With challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and top-tier performances, Heiligenblut is set to remain a key stop on the tour calendar in the years to come.