The Original Free'kend
Event Passes | Participant Gear List | Q&A
Event pass (coming soon)
I want it all! The event pass includes freeride workshops, participation in the competitions, a VAI-KO product, and, for adults, a Saturday night concert ticket. This is your chance to be crowned the next Royal of the Hill.
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Three-Competition Pass (coming soon)
Three-Competition Pass includes participation in all three competitions and, for adults, a Saturday night concert ticket. This is your chance to be crowned the next Royal of the Hill.
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Single Competition Entry (coming soon)
Single Competition Entry includes participation in the competition of your choice. Registration is open until 23:59 the evening before the event.
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Freeride Sessions Pass (coming soon)
Freeride Sessions Pass includes participation in individual sessions only. Note: spots are limited.
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Adult: €xx
Junior: €xx
Participant Gear List
Image
LIFT PASS
A lift pass is required for all activities except the touring-focused Poker Rando. At Free’kend, the focus is on riding together, and lifts are used to get uphill when needed. See lift tickets
A lift pass is required for all activities except the touring-focused Poker Rando. At Free’kend, the focus is on riding together, and lifts are used to get uphill when needed. See lift tickets
Image
AVALANCHE SAFETY GEAR
Participants must have avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe) and a backpack for the freeride sessions. Depending on snow conditions and terrain, this gear may also be required for the competitions.
Participants must have avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe) and a backpack for the freeride sessions. Depending on snow conditions and terrain, this gear may also be required for the competitions.
Image
INSURANCE
Insurance that covers off-piste skiing is recommended for all participants.
Insurance that covers off-piste skiing is recommended for all participants.
Image
HELMET & BACK PROTECTOR
A helmet is mandatory for all participants, and wearing a back protector is recommended. Pyhä can assist with equipment rentals if needed.
A helmet is mandatory for all participants, and wearing a back protector is recommended. Pyhä can assist with equipment rentals if needed.
Image
SKI & BOARD EQUIPMENT
Participants can use a snowboard, splitboard, alpine skis, or telemark skis. In the competitions, a separate category is organized for telemark skiers if there are enough participants. Telemark skiers may also join the alpine groups for the freeride sessions.
Participants can use a snowboard, splitboard, alpine skis, or telemark skis. In the competitions, a separate category is organized for telemark skiers if there are enough participants. Telemark skiers may also join the alpine groups for the freeride sessions.
Image
TOURING EQUIPMENT
For Poker Rando, you will need touring (rando) gear or snowshoes. Pyhä can provide rental touring equipment if needed when registering.
For Poker Rando, you will need touring (rando) gear or snowshoes. Pyhä can provide rental touring equipment if needed when registering.
Q&A
Where is The Original Free’kend held?
The event takes place at Pyhätunturi Ski Resort in Finnish Lapland. Pyhä offers several lift-accessible freeride areas in addition to the nearby national park terrain, earning it the reputation as Finland’s freeride mecca. There is suitable terrain for everyone from beginners to professionals, although participants at The Original Free’kend should have solid freeride skills.
How to get to Pyhä?
Pyhä is easily and sustainably accessible from the south via train and bus. The nearest train station is in Kemijärvi, from where you can catch a morning bus directly to the resort. From southern Finland, such as Helsinki, the night train is the most convenient choice.
From Rovaniemi train station, there are several ski bus connections daily, and the bus ride to Pyhätunturi takes under two hours.
If flying, the nearest airports are in Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, and Kittilä.
Who can participate in The Original Free’kend?
You can take part in The Original Free’kend if you are confident skiing or riding off-piste. The competitions are held in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere, with the focus on everyone having a safe and enjoyable experience—both participants and audience. Prizes are also awarded beyond the podium places.
Can I participate in just one competition or activity?
At The Original Free’kend, you can choose to join only your favorite sessions or a single competition. However, doing so will likely exclude you from the race to be crowned the Royal of the Hill in the overall standings.
Can I register as a youth in the adult category?
Absolutely! At The Original Free’kend, young riders (ages 13–15) can choose to compete in the adult open category if they wish.
What equipment can I use?
You can participate using a snowboard, splitboard, alpine skis, or telemark skis. In The Original Free’kend competitions, a separate category is organized for telemark skiers if there are enough participants. Telemark skiers may also join the alpine groups for the freeride sessions.
