26.05.06 The 2026 Champions are crowned
After the second day of SBMC was cancelled due to weather, this year’s champions were determined based on two days of competition. The classic run in “Ravinen” featured breathtaking performances that led to several shifts in the standings from day one. In total, riders from 20 different nations competed in what is the world’s oldest freeride competition.
Telemark
SBMC is one of the few competitions that still features a telemark category, which is highly appreciated by both the crowd and the athletes. As seen so many times before, this year’s champion is Erik Nordin—arguably the best telemark freerider in the world.
Snowboard
This year’s women’s champion is Tua Gröndahl from Finland. Tua’s powerful riding impressed everyone with high speed and perfect flow. In the men’s snowboard category, a Swede took the top spot. August Coster, who has reached the podium several times before, ticked all the judges’ boxes with his playful style and big tricks and is the 2026 champion.
Skiing
In the women’s ski category, Fien van Zweiten from Norway left a lasting impression. Competing at Riksgränsen for the first time, Fien delivered flawless technique, big airs, and high speed. She finished ahead of the past two years’ winners, Maria Rydén and Lovisa Rosengren.
The men’s ski category was an emotional rollercoaster. The crowd witnessed a heavy crash when young Vinston Ekstedt lost control at high speed. Fortunately, reports later confirmed that Vinston was doing well considering the circumstances. The competition resumed, and the remaining skiers delivered outstanding runs, resulting in an all-Swedish podium.
In third place was Swedish freeskier Oliver Movenius from Kiruna. Edvin Olsson, who recently qualified for the Freeride World Tour, finished in second place, just as he did last year. The reigning champion, only 16 years old, is Loui Windstedt. Loui’s run in Ravinen was described by many as immensely impressive: a very difficult line choice at high speed, a massive 360 over the biggest rock, and a finish featuring a huge double backflip with a perfectly controlled landing.
