Freestyle spring in Flachau: my personal tip for sunny skiing days and unique tricks

For me, one of my absolute favourite times on the slopes is just beginning. Why? Because skiing in spring is simply unbeatable. Right now is when a day of skiing is at its best: perfect slopes in the morning, sunshine on your face during the day and a relaxing break on one of the sun terraces in Flachau – it doesn't get much better than that.

And as if that weren't reason enough for a trip to Flachau, there's another real event highlight waiting for us right now: freestyle at its finest at the Spring Battle in Absolut Park in Flachauwinkl.

Anyone who is even remotely interested in freestyle knows it: the Absolut Park at Shuttleberg Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl. It is one of the largest and most popular snow parks in Europe, and for good reason: the entire park area stretches over an impressive 1.5 kilometres and offers seven different sections with around 100 varied obstacles. From creative rails to perfectly shaped kickers, there’s something to suit every skill level.

And in March, the park will once again become a meeting place for the international snowboarding elite and a stage for unique tricks and spectacular runs. From the 14th to the 18th of March 2026, the famous Spring Battle will take place.

What do I find so special about this event? It's not a classic contest with ordinary runs and the usual pressure to score points. Instead, the freestylers are given time, freedom and the perfect playground to film their very own best run. Here's how it works:

• The run takes place on the slopestyle line
• The run is filmed: all in one take, without cuts
• A follow cam or even an FPV drone is used for filming
• Videos must be uploaded to Instagram by 7 p.m. on 18th March
• And tagged with the hashtags #springbattle26 & #springbattle26slope

This is not just about technical difficulty, but also about style, creativity and individual lines. That is exactly what has made the Spring Battle so special for many years.

At the same time, work is also being done on the rails. Right next to the Chill House, a separate setup is being created where freestylers can record their best rail trick – in one take, of course. Uploads are done via #springbattle26 & #springbattle26bestrail.

My tip: Even if you don't analyse every trick in detail and aren't an expert, the vibe around the chill house is unique and simply cosy. You can really feel that snowboard culture is alive and well here.

From the 15th to the 18th of March 2026, the highlights will also be presented daily on the ESBN show – hosted by snowboard legend Henry Jackson.

Live from Haus Flachau, you can watch the most spectacular runs and, of course, the winners. You can also join in online via YouTube. All decisions will be streamed live on the Absolut Park YouTube channel. Perfect for those who can't be there the whole time.

No sooner is the Spring Battle over than it's straight on to the next event: from the 19th to the 21st of March 2026, the international snowboard elite, led by Anna Gasser, will gather at Absolut Park for the next big highlight: the Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup. This is where things get really official: technical precision, massive airtime and tricks at an absolutely world-class level. Spectators can experience the action right on site: the contest takes place in the middle of Absolut Park and is easily accessible on skis or snowboard. So, if you're out and about in the ski area, you can easily stop off and watch the boarders compete. From the areas around the park, you have a good view of the runs and can experience first-hand how the athletes perform their tricks and lines at World Cup level. The backdrop of Absolut Park provides the perfect stage for this.

For me, March in Flachau is the perfect combination of:

• Sunshine skiing & moments of pleasure
• Creative freestyle action
• Relaxed spring atmosphere in the ski resort

You can carve your own turns, then relax with a drink in the sun and watch the world's best freestylers in between. Whether live on site or online, the Spring Battle and the Snowboard World Cup make the end of the season in Flachau something very special every year.

My tip: plan a day of skiing, don't forget your sunglasses and be sure to stop by the Absolut Park. Freestyle spring awaits.

photo credits: Shuttleberg Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl / Markus Rohrbacher