LAAX OPEN Confirmed for January 14-18, 2026

All Images: Marcel Laemmerhirt | Skier: Tormod Frostad

With winter 2026 approaching, we're starting to get a good idea of the events and dates we'll be planning our season around. With that being said, the LAAX OPEN, one of freeskiing's greatest cultural expositions, has been confirmed for January 14 - 18, 2026.

Located in LAAX, Switzerland, the LAAX OPEN has long been one of our favorite gatherings. The competition is an FIS Freeski World Cup event, but in addition to the 250 skiers and snowboarders gunning for the title, the main focus of the event is blending fans with athletes, music and art to craft a unique scene that has managed to carve out its own stage in the crowded world of competition.

Alex Hall dials in a mute grab out of the quarter pipe at last winter's LAAX OPEN

While each year over the last decade has brought something new to the festival, both in terms of riding and events, 2026 is sure to be legendary. This is because the LAAX OPEN will be the final opportunity for many riders to punch their tickets and qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The day-by-day schedule has not yet been announced, but you can count on the freeski slopestyle finals taking place in the last two days of the event, as was the case last year. The sprawling course featured some truly jaw-dropping features, with the quarter pipe, massive rainbow rail and unique jump line standing out.

But even features that would be considered standard were above par and sculpted to a tee. This commitment to freestyle excellence is what makes LAAX such a stellar resort, and why the LAAX OPEN keeps us coming back year after year.

Last winter, it was Eileen Gu and Birk Ruud who came out on top in the women's and men's slopestyle freeski finals, respectively. Mac Forehand and Alex Hall stood atop the podium behind Ruud, while Megan Oldham and Mathilde Germaud joined Gu. As mentioned, Olympic qualification is on the table for many athletes. Hall is the only American to have qualified for slopestyle as of now, so we're fired up to see the best in the world bring everything they have to the table.

The skiing is sweet, the after party is sweeter at LAAX

Make those travel plans now, because the 11th annual LAAX OPEN is free for all to attend. However, if you're interested in scoring a unique view of the events plus meal vouchers and more, check out the VIP and Fan Tickets, on sale now until October 5, 2025.