Last week the UK’s freestyle community descended on a sleepy Mayrhofen where locals had all but hung up their boots for spring. Cue a sudden snowstorm and a last-minute park re-shape that set the stage perfectly for the British Snowboard and Freeski Championships' return to the Alps.
From Big Air sends to rail jam madness, to a speedy ski and boarder cross, the Mayrhofen Penken Park came alive once more as athletes of all ages brought the heat to the melting Alps. With bluebird skies breaking through midweek and a heavy-hitting cast of GB legends, long-time BRITS crew, and fresh faces, the stoke levels were off the charts.
The BRITS has been shaping the freestyle scene since 2002, providing a pathway for young riders to get involved in the sport. After being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, the competition has made a comeback, first with an epic event on Cairngorm Mountain in Scotland in 2023, followed by Tamworth SnowDome in 2024, and now, a much-anticipated return to the Alps this season.
“The Brits has changed a lot over 20 years. We’re in a bit of a reset now after the six-year gap - rebuilding momentum and reconnecting with the younger generation. There’s so much talent coming through, especially from the indoor and dry slope scenes, and particularly in the under 12s age groups, but they don’t always know this event is for them too. It’s about rebuilding that pathway, getting more UK-based events feeding into the Brits, and ultimately, helping the next Mia Brookes or Kirsty Muir find their way.” - Stuart Brass, Co-organiser
As the sun set on an epic week in Austria, one thing was clear: the BRITS is back, and it’s more important than ever. With a renewed focus on nurturing grassroots talent and creating a space where young riders feel they belong, the return to the Alps felt like an important next step for this iconic competition. Here's to the next generation of riders stepping up as the BRITS continues to pave the way.
For more details head over to The BRITS or keep up with the action @britssnow