Four Olympic gold medalists have already confirmed their participation in the LAAX OPEN presented by Zalando 2026: Zoi Sadowski Synnott (NZL), Ayumu Hirano (JPN), Su Yiming (CHN) and Mathilde Gremaud (SUI).
They are as representative of the history, value and quality of the competition as Mark McMorris (CAN), who won the first LAAX OPEN in snowboard slopestyle in 2016, and Andri Ragettli (SUI), who did the same in the freeski premiere in 2023. And as snowboarder Mia Brookes (GBR), who stood at the top of the slopestyle podium at the LAAX OPEN in 2025, and Scotty James (AUS), who leads the men rankings as a four-time LAAX OPEN halfpipe champion. In addition to these eight exceptional athletes, there is plenty of potential in the riders’ field to amaze the judges and the audience.
A total of around 250 athletes will compete in the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup to battle it out for the coveted event titles. As is the tradition every four years, the LAAX OPEN gives riders their last chance to qualify for the Winter Olympics, adding to the sporting excitement and, for some, turning preliminary rounds into final rounds.
