FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix 2023: A Dive into Brand New Aerials Summer Series

In just a few days, the world will witness the debut of the FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix series. After years of meticulous planning, the unique concept of an aerial water ramp competition series is finally springing to life.

Eschewing the traditional snowy slopes, athletes will take on a specially designed water ramp facility, their typical off-season training ground. Here, they'll showcase their awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers, launching off ramps and splashing down into a pool of water.

The 2023 series charts a course across three prestigious venues. The grand opening will be held in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, on August 20. The action then moves to the Utah Olympic Park in the USA on August 26, and culminates on September 9 at Brisbane's Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Center, Australia.

This summer series will adhere to the World Cup's stringent standards, featuring qualification rounds and two-stage finals. Not only will the top three athletes at each stage be celebrated, but the series' conclusion in Australia will also crown the overall victors. All performances will be critically evaluated by an esteemed panel of international judges.

Mettmenstetten, Switzerland:

The picturesque town of Mettmenstetten is set to inaugurate the series. During the summer, aerialists here fine-tune their skills, preparing for the looming battles of the World Cup and the European Cup once winter unfurls. This state-of-the-art facility offers diverse jumping opportunities. While professionals hone their craft, the period from May to September ensures that enthusiasts too bask in adrenaline-fueled fun. The facility boasts water ramps, trampolines, and slacklines, ensuring wild aquatic leaps. Beyond being a thrill-seeker's paradise, it's a prime venue for larger events. This year, the Swiss water ramp center not only catered to the Swiss national team but also hosted multiple training camps for the Ukrainian Aerials Team.

Utah Olympic Park, USA

The series then traverses to the iconic Utah Olympic Park. Recollecting 2002, Salt Lake City was the cynosure of all eyes during the XIX Olympic Winter Games and the VIII Paralympic Winter Games. Buoyed by this success, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has been tirelessly championing winter sports among Utah’s youth. The foundation’s reach spans from community-driven recreational camps to elite development programs, solidifying its status as a U.S. Olympic Training Site.

Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Center, Brisbane, Australia

The finale is poised at Brisbane's Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre, a testament to the southern hemisphere's commitment to winter sports. Operational all year round, this world-class venue caters to both budding and seasoned Winter Olympic athletes. With seven distinct jump profiles, it encompasses various aerial disciplines, from moguls to slopestyle. Inaugurated in 2021, it's also the training nexus for Australia's elite, including the 2022/23 World Cup winner, Danielle Scott.

As the Swiss opener looms just around the corner, anticipation surges. The formidable Swiss team, anchored by world champions Noé Roth and Pirmin Werner, is touted as favorites. Yet, titans from Ukraine, Australia, USA, Kazakhstan, Canada and Germany are also vying for aerial supremacy and the jury's acclaim.

With a constellation of global talents converging, this series guarantees unparalleled competitive fervor. As these athletes defy gravity and chase glory, the FIS Freestyle Ski Aerials Summer Grand Prix is poised to etch its mark as an unparalleled summer spectacle.

For competition programmes, live-scoring and results see HERE.