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FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup | Lake Placid | January 9 -12, 2026

Friday, January 9, 2026 9:50 AM
Monday, January 12, 2026 12:30 PM

Olympic Ski Jumping Complex 5486 Cascade Road Lake Placid, NY, 12946 United States (map)

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2026 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup Soars Back to Lake Placid

High-flying winter action at an iconic Olympic venue.

Freestyle aerials ski jumping in Lake Placid. — Freestyle Aerials.

Get ready for one of the most jaw-dropping winter sports events of the season as the FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup returns to Lake Placid from January 11–12, 2026. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Olympic Jumping Complex, this international competition brings the world’s best aerial skiers to town—athletes who are flipping, twisting, and flying their way toward the 2026 Winter Games.

For spectators, this is winter magic at its most electrifying. Music pulses through the snow, announcers break down the action in real time, and fans gather to watch Olympic hopefuls launch skyward in gravity-defying displays of athleticism and nerve.

Whether you’re already skiing nearby, chasing Olympic energy, or just looking for a memorable Adirondack winter outing, this event delivers.

What makes freestyle aerials so thrilling?

Olympic ski jumping complex in Lake Placid. — Lake Placid’s Olympic Jumping Complex.

Freestyle aerials skiing is a judged sport where precision matters as much as courage. Each jump is scored based on air (height and distance from the jump, 20%), form (clean execution in the air, 50%), and landing (smoothness on touchdown, 30%). That total is then multiplied by the jump’s degree of difficulty, meaning the riskier the trick, the higher the potential reward.

Athletes launch from one of three kickers:

Single kicker (8 feet tall): launches skiers about 20 feet into the air
Double kicker (11.75 feet tall): sends skiers roughly 30 feet skyward
Triple kicker (13.5 feet tall): catapults athletes 45–50 feet into the air, enabling quintuple-twisting triple backflips

Common tricks—like Fulls, Lays, Tucks, and Halfs—are linked together into combinations such as “Lay Full” or “Full Full Full.” Even better for first-timers, experienced announcers will call out planned jumps and explain their difficulty, making it easy to follow the action.

Practice sessions you can watch for free.

Freestyle aerials competition in Lake Placid. — The thrill of gravity defying aerials.

Want a sneak peek before competition day? Practice sessions on Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10, are free and open to spectators.

Friday, January 9 | FREE

9:50–11:50 AM | Aerial Practice Session Group 1
11:10 AM–2:10 PM | Aerial Practice Session Group 2

Saturday, January 10 | FREE

9:50–11:50 AM | Aerial Practice Session Group 2
12:10–2:10 PM | Aerial Practice Session Group 1

These sessions are a great way to see the athletes up close, understand the course, and soak in the atmosphere without the crowds.

Competition schedule highlights.

Sunday, January 11

Morning warm-ups and qualifications for women and men
Afternoon finals for both, followed by awards ceremonies

Monday, January 12

Team warm-ups
Aerial Team Finals
FIS podium and awards

With action spread throughout the day, spectators can plan to catch key moments or stay for the full adrenaline-packed experience.

Make a weekend of it in Lake Placid.

Major international events like this bring vital energy to the Adirondack economy. While you’re in town, consider supporting local restaurants, cafés, shops, and lodging properties. Grab a post-competition drink on Main Street, warm up with a hearty Adirondack meal, or browse locally owned shops for unique finds. Your visit helps sustain the community that proudly hosts world-class winter sports year after year.