Idre Fjäll FIS Open: Event Recap and Highlights

Over the weekend, the Idre Fjäll FIS Open became the focal point for mogul skiing enthusiasts, as it welcomed over 85 athletes from 11 countries. This event was not just another competition; it was the debut of the brand new moguls course in Idre Fjäll, a precursor to the World Cup circuit that will pass through these slopes in just a few weeks. Athletes of all calibers, from emerging talents to Olympic champions, converged on this challenging course, each aiming to leave their mark at the start of the 2023/24 season.

A Display of Emerging and Established Talent

Saturday's event in the women's category was a striking testament to the sport's rising stars. Japanese prodigy, 15-year-old Rin Taguchi, showcased her exceptional talent, securing the top spot with 64.84 points. Not far behind was Laura Berghuis from the Netherlands, who finished with 64.00 points, while France’s Marie Dual demonstrated her skill with a solid final run of 55.27 points, earning her third place.

The men's competition was a spectacle of experience and mastery, led by 2022 Olympic Champion Walter Wallberg of Sweden. Wallberg’s impressive performance, culminating in 83.99 points, set a high bar for the competition. He led a Swedish sweep on the podium, with Emil Holmgren claiming second place with 76.58 points and Robin Olgaard finishing third with 73.63 points.

Sunday’s Continued Excitement

The momentum continued into Sunday, with Rin Taguchi once again dominating the women's event, scoring 65.23 points in her second victorious run of the weekend. Chelsea Elliot from Canada stepped up her game, earning 59.21 points for second place, improving from her near-podium finish the day before. Marie Duaux, consistent in her performance, once again secured third place with 58.23 points.

The men’s event saw Walter Wallberg repeating his victory, scoring 82.14 points in the final. His compatriot Rasmus Stegfeldt followed in second with 72.84 points, and Japan's Ikkei Fujimura completed the podium in third place with 70.88 points.

Full results are available HERE.

Anticipation Builds for Ruka

As the FIS Open in Idre Fjäll wraps up, the excitement within the mogul skiing community is palpable, with all eyes now turning towards Ruka. The upcoming FIS Freestyle Moguls & Aerials World Cup opener, scheduled in less than two weeks, promises to elevate the season's competition to even greater heights. After a weekend of dynamic performances and athletic prowess in Idre Fjäll, the stage is perfectly set for an exhilarating start to the 2023/24 World Cup season.