UPDATED PROGRAM
Updated March 20, 2026 (added event info for Friday and Saturday)
Due to current snow conditions, we have made changes to the program. Please review them carefully below.
The exceptionally warm weather has made the snow wet and poorly supportive. As a result, The Original Free’kend will take place on the main slopes instead of the freeride areas, with the following exciting program updates:
-Thursday’s program remains mostly the same, with only minor changes to workshop content.
-On Friday, the Huttu-Ukko Challenge is replaced by optional Plan C sessions (descriptions and instructions below).
-Poker Rando will run as an extended competition, with all categories receiving prizes.
-Saturday’s main race will be the Golden Selection, with each rider completing two runs.
-Avalanche safety equipment is not required for competitions or workshops.
-Sunday’s backcountry tour has been canceled.
You can find the updated schedule details below.
Have you already registered? We offer three options for you to choose from:
-Keep your registration as is and select one additional workshop for Friday by editing your registration via the LYYTI link sent by email.
-Move your participation to next year by emailing tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi.
-Cancel your participation and request a refund by sending your bank details to tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi.
You can cancel or transfer your participation until Friday at 12 PM
We hope to see you at the workshops and competing for the Kukkula Royalty 2026, despite the program changes!
Thursday 19th of March
| Time | What? | Where? | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.30–11.15 | Event info | Hotel Pyhätunturi reception | Pick up a wristband and Free'kend cap (included with some passes) |
| 11.30–13.30 | Adults freeride workshops | Departure in front of Mesta. | See workshop descriptions below. |
| 15–17 | Adults freeride workshops | Departure in front of Mesta. | See workshop descriptions below. |
| 19.30 | Free'kend-night | Mesta | Come and speck the weather with Antti Autti and get to know Pyhä's freestyle skiing culture! |
Torstai 19.3.
Klo 19.30 Free’kend ilta Mestassa
Kaikille avoin ja ilmainen!
Kelin Kyttäyksen ABC
Antti Autti käy puolessa tunnissa läpi kelin kyttäämisen perusteet vapaalaskijan näkökulmasta. Luvassa on käytännön vinkkejä siihen, miten säätä kannattaa seurata ja milloin olla laskemassa eikä kämpillä päivittämässä ennustetta. Tämä on setti kaikille, jotka haluavat selkeyttä tuleville laskureissuille, vaikka kelit näyttäisivät välillä synkiltä. Pelikaanikin lentää hyödyntäen hetkellisiä ilmavirtauksia säästä riippumatta, mikset sinäkin?
Vapaalaskun välinehuolto
Vapaalaskussa välinehuolto ei ole vain mukavuuskysymys vaan se on suoraan kytköksissä turvallisuuteen ja välineiden pitkäikäisyyteen. Toisin kuin hoidetuissa rinteissä, maasto on vaihtelevaa ja kuluttavaa. Jani Johansén kertoo (ja demottaa) lyhyen oppimäärän välineiden pidempään ikään.
Friday 20th of March (UPDATED)
| Time | What? | Where? | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–12 | Adults and juniors freeride workshops | Departure in front of Mesta. | See workshop descriptions below. |
| 10-12 | Girls-only freeride jam by Haglöfs | Departure in front of Mesta. | Open and free for all girls. The sessions will be led by Henna Palosaari and Malva Björkman. |
| 13.00 | Plan C sessions | Departure in front of Mesta. | Replacement program for Free’kend and Competition Pass holders. See the descriptions below. |
| 13-15.30 | Event info | Lower rental shop | Pick up a wristband and Free'kend cap (included with some passes) |
| 13-16 | Test Center | Lower rental shop | Salomon, Burton and Haglöfs. More to come. |
| 15.30 | Poker Rando info and competition | Start at the Lower rental shop | The competition starts right after the info. The new route map is addes to competition formats |
| 20.00 | Movie night | Naava | Read more below! |
Saturday 21st of March (UPDATED)
| Time | What? | Where? | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.15 | Golden Selection competition info | Camp Kitchen & Bar | Bibs will also be handed out during the info. |
| 11–16 | Test Center | In front of the Huttutupa | Salomon, Burton and Haglöfs. More to come. |
| 11.30-15.30 | Event info | Lower rental shop | Pick up a wristband and Free'kend cap (included with some passes) |
| 11.30-13 | Golden selection, round 1 | Kultakero slope | All series |
| 13-14 | Lunch break | ||
| 14-15.30 | Golden selection, round 2 | Kultakero slope | All series |
| After the race | Junior awards ceremony | Huttutupa | |
| 20.00 | Free'kend closing dinner | Popolo | Requires registration in advance. |
| 22.00 | Adult Series Awards Ceremony | Camp Kitchen & Bar | Those under the age of 18 can also come and watch the award ceremony. |
| 23.00 | Free'kend party: Vimma | Camp Kitchen & Bar | Included in some of the passes. Tickets are also sold separately. |
Sunday 22nd of March (CANCELLED)
| Time | What? | Where? | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANCELLED | Backcountry hike guided by Pyhätunturi Ski School | Departure in front of Mesta. | We practice moving and riding around in the backcountry in a safe company. Duration approximately 5 hours. Price 70 €/person. |
NEW: PLAN C -SESSARIT ( For Free'kend or competition pass holders)
FRIDAY, March 20
Replacement program for Free’kend or Competition Pass holders:
1:00–2:30 PM
- Avalanche safety
- Relaxed riding sessions with a photographer
- Skiing/snowboarding technique
Junior sessions in the park
You can choose the Plan C sessions as a replacement for the canceled Huttu-Ukko Challenge via the LYYTI link sent with your registration.
ADULTS FREERIDE WORKSHOPS (UPDATED)
10–12
DROP WORKSHOP (UPDATED)
During the workshop we train drops and line choices. The workshop provides a solid starting point for competing in the Golden Selection.
RELAXED RIDING SESSIONS WITH A PHOTOGRAPHER
We ride together in Pyhä’s lift-accessed off-piste areas. The sessions include a professional photographer, to whom you can show off your best turns. You’ll receive the photos as a keepsake after the event.
GIRLS-ONLY FREERIDE JAM BY HAGLÖFS (UPDATED)
This two-hour girls-only freeride jam is about trying something new and enjoying the process. We’ll ride together, draw energy from each other’s encouragement, and get more comfortable pushing beyond what feels familiar. Expect practice, support, a few falls, and plenty of laughs — while building a solid girl crew heading into the Golden Selection Freeride comp (taking part in the competition is optional). Open to all skill levels, and to both skiers and snowboarders. There’s always something new to learn — and it’s more fun when we do it together.
JUNIORS FREERIDE WORKSHOPS (UPDATED)
FRIDAY 20.3. 10–12
JUNIOR WORKSHOP: TECHNIQUE SESSIONS (UPDATED)
As a replacement program on the forest trails, juniors can practice their technique under the guidance of skilled instructors on Pyhä’s ski slopes.
Level: suitable for all levels; groups will be formed according to participants’ skill levels. Disciplines: alpine skiing and snowboarding.
EVENING PROGRAM FRI-SAT
Friday, March 20
8:00 PM Movie Night at Naava
Open and free for everyone! Snacks can be purchased from Cafe Loimu.
Ride to Ride – Henna Palosaari and Karen Ekman
What happens when you strap a splitboard to a gravel bike and head off into the unknown? For Henna Palosaari and Karen Ekman, it meant ten days of pure freedom in Norway’s Sunnmøre Alps. Ride to Ride follows their self-supported journey, carrying everything they needed on their bikes—camping gear, boards, and food—and letting nature decide the pace. Through exhaustion, laughter, and moments of quiet, they discover what happens when physical effort silences the mind and simple living brings joy. It’s a celebration of curiosity, endurance, and the adventure that begins when you slow down.
Reason – Malva Björkman
Two years ago, Malva Björkman was caught in an avalanche that changed her life. Today, she lives full-time in her van, following storms and chasing new adventures wherever they lead. Filmed in the wild mountains of Northern Norway, Reason explores the events that shaped her as a skier, how she finds balance in risk, and why her passion for backcountry skiing burns stronger than ever. It’s a story about resilience, perspective, and the love of a life lived close to nature.
Pyhä Backcountry – Antti Autti
Pyhä Backcountry (2016) is an atmospheric freeride film in which Antti Autti seeks new skiing experiences close to home in Pyhä, showing that excellent backcountry skiing and great spots can be found in Finland. The film combines the silence of the Arctic nature, visual beauty, and the joy of discovery.
The project was produced by Kota Collective and was a memorable experience for Antti, marking the start of his long-term collaboration with Pyhä.
This screening celebrates 10 years of collaboration between Antti and Pyhä. Whether you haven’t seen this project before or want to relive the magic of Pyhä’s snow conditions at their best, come see the project at Naava!
Skiers: Antti Autti, Saku Tiilikainen
Direction: Matti Ollila
Cinematography: Matti Ollila, Teemu Lahtinen
Editing: Matti Ollila
Photography: Jani Kärppä, Matti Ollila
Producer: Antti Autti
Saturday, March 21
Free'kend Party @
The Original Free'kend and Free'kend Camp events conclude with the Free'kend Party on Saturday, March 21. After the awards ceremony, VIMMA will perform, followed by dancing in the disco like there’s no tomorrow with DJ Jaffa (sounds like a house party). All fell visitors are welcome, even if you’re not participating in the Free’kend events otherwise.
Ticket €20 if purchased separately (includes service fee). Get your ticket here.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door if available. 18+. (Note! Free'kend Party is automatically included in Free'kend, Workshop, and Competition Passes.)
Free'kend party on Saturday: Vimma
VIMMA is indie rock with violins. Their songs explore what it feels like to witness the destruction of the planet — and what can be done about it. The band’s music is the soundtrack to the lives of its activist-minded members: chaotic bursts of energy mixed with wistful moments. Or simply good music.
In spring 2025, VIMMA released their third album ''Ei noi muut'', from which three singles were taken: Kapina on kuumaa, Pestään kädet, and Tarviin. In autumn 2025, VIMMA performed at showcase festivals including Lost in Music and WOMEX Worldwide Music Expo.
The seven-member band VIMMA consists of Eeva Rajakangas (vocals), Pessi Jouste (violin), Roope Jokinen (violin), Kalle Outila (guitar), Aino Kallio (piano), Santeri Kettu (bass), and Vilho Louhivuori (drums). Their music blends influences from indie rock, pop, folk music, and hip hop, while the themes of their songs draw from the climate crisis, activism, and the human relationship with nature.
