WCSNOWSK8 – 2026

“Rock-hard ice in the morning, snowstorm, sunshine, slush, and great conditions in the end.”

Words – Kenneth Erlandsen
Photos – panda.shoots.pics / pndphotos.webly.com

That’s more or less how organizer Reidar Øren sums up this year’s Snowskate World Championships in Solheisen, Hemsedal, held on Saturday, April 26.

For the fourth consecutive year, Øren – in collaboration with Solheisen – invited snowskaters from around the world to what has become the annual highlight for those who love to ride unstrapped. The program included Banked Slalom, Chinese Downhill, and Park.

“This year we introduced a new judging system, with a fixed number of points awarded for first, second, and third place. In addition, we continued the format where the audience gets to vote for the riders they feel deserve points during the park session.”

After tallying the votes and combining the scores from Chinese Downhill – won by Terje Haakonsen – and Banked Slalom, where Øren himself took the win, organizer Reidar emerged as the overall champion.

Surprising? Not at all.

Reidar Øren has been at the forefront of developing snowskating into what it is in 2026. With his background in skateboarding, the snowskate has almost become an extension of Øren’s body. The same can be said about Haakonsen, who for years has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on a snowskate. What these guys have done for the progression of snowskating is hard to put into words – but it’s a lot.

As in previous years, the World Championships were first and foremost about bringing the community together to have a fun session. New riders, including two British snowskaters based in Avoriaz, France, had made the trip, as had South African Mikael Worman, visiting Solheisen for the second time. Regulars were also present, such as Ingrid Berntsen, Elisabeth Kristoffersen, Terje Haakonsen, Leo Citadella, Edward Eriksen, and perhaps Norway’s most dedicated snowskate family – Johansen/Nystog, straight outta Rauland, Telemark.

“We had a crazy amount of prizes this year. Among other things, three complete snowskates from Hovland, boot dryers from Hedgehog Dryer, and much more. The merch I had made for sale ended up as prizes instead, so everyone got something,” Øren laughs.

That pretty much sums up what the Snowskate World Championships have always been about – an informal arena for creativity, and progression, where everyone rides together, regardless of age or skill level.

“We try to keep it as low-key as possible and let the core values of what we do guide us. I think we’ve managed that well throughout the years we’ve organized the Worlds,” Øren concludes.

Next year marks five years of the Snowskate World Championships in Solheisen.

Øren should make a lot of merch.