2026 FREERIDE CONTEST GR MT HELMOS FWT Qualifier by THE NORTH FACE

FREERIDE CONTEST GR MT HELMOS by THE NORTH FACE

Run Up The Hills – “Thanasis Sotiropoulos”

22 Ιανουαρίου 2026

The FREERIDE Contest GR by THE NORTH FACE returns stronger than ever, once again placing Greece on the global map of the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

During the Clean Monday long weekend, February 21–23, 2026, Kalavrita Ski Center and WayOut Adventuresproudly present the FREERIDE CONTEST GR MT HELMOS by THE NORTH FACE, an official FWT Qualifier 2★ event, set in the spectacular alpine terrain of Mount Helmos.

True alpine conditions, demanding backcountry lines, and breathtaking views stretching all the way to the sea create the ultimate freeride arena. At the same time, youth-focused freeride initiatives open the path for the next generation of riders (U15–U18), offering them the opportunity to experience authentic off-piste skiing and snowboarding in Greece.

Greek and international athletes will compete for valuable FWT ranking points, while spectators will enjoy a three-day experience full of action, intensity, and an authentic mountain vibe.
This is not just a competition.
It is a community, driven by passion for the mountains, where nature delivers power and spectacle that take your breath away.

Live the challenge.
Live Mount Helmos.

Venue – Technical Specifications

Summit Elevation: 2,020 m
Vertical Drop: 320 m
Average Slope Angle: 40°
Average Snowfall: 1.9 m – 2.5 m
Face Length: 650 m

The imposing and highly demanding competition face, located outside the ski resort boundaries, requires a high level of technical skill and experience from the athletes, while offering exceptional excitement and suspense for both competitors and spectators.

Spectator Areas

Viewing areas are located around the Kalavrita Ski Center chalet, next to the finish line and directly opposite the competition face.

Side Events & Activities

Workshops & Educational Seminars
(Freeride World Tour Academy Greece)
Giveaways & Prize Draws
Music Events
Brand Expo Area, featuring specialized outdoor companies offering product information and on-site gear testing

Athlete Judging Criteria

Line Choice / Technical Difficulty
Fluidity / Speed
Control
Jumps
Technique

There is no predefined route.
Each athlete completes one single, fully free descent.

Rider Categories

FREERIDE CONTEST GR MT HELMOS – FWT Qualifier 2★

Men’s Ski
Women’s Ski
Men’s Snowboard
Women’s Snowboard

FREERIDE CONTEST GR MT HELMOS – FWT Junior U18

U18 Ski
U18 Snowboard

Judging Panel

In accordance with official FWT regulations, the judging panel will consist of:

1 Head Judge appointed by the international organization
2 Snowboard Judges
2 Ski Judges

The judges’ briefing will be conducted by the Head Judge, following official FWT guidelines.

Event Schedule – FWT Qualifier & FWT Junior

Friday | February 20, 2026

All day – Arrivals
16:00 – 19:00 – Registration
19:00 – 20:00 – Technical Meeting & BIB Distribution

Saturday | February 21, 2026 – Competition Day

08:30 – Face Check | Rider & Equipment Control
09:30 – Competition Start
14:00 – Prize Giving Ceremony & After Party

Sunday | February 22, 2026

Weather Window 2
VIKOS Below Zero Sessions Vol.1
DJ Set by Myronas Stratis | 12:00 – 16:00

Monday | February 23, 2026

Weather Window 3

Registration Fees

FWT Qualifier 2★ – €85

Includes:

Ski pass for competition day
40% discount on ski passes for the remaining event days
BIB
20% discount at the Kalavrita Ski Center chalet
Accident insurance

FWT Junior 2★ – €60

Includes:

Ski pass for competition day
40% discount on ski passes for the remaining event days
BIB
20% discount at the Kalavrita Ski Center chalet
Accident insurance

Mandatory Safety Equipment

Snowboard / Skis
Helmet
CE-certified back protector
(backpacks with integrated protection are NOT accepted)
Backpack
Probe (metal, 240 cm or longer – strongly recommended)
Shovel (metal – strongly recommended)
Avalanche Transceiver
(worn on the body, switched ON, fresh batteries, 3 antennas – strongly recommended)