Aerials Summer Grand Prix set to kick off in Mettmenstetten

Fresh off a successful FIS Freestyle Junior Regional Cup, the summer water ramp season is ready to kick into full swing this weekend as some of the world’s best aerialists head to Mettmenstetten (SUI) for the opening stop of the 2026 FIS Aerials Grand Prix.

On Sunday, 16 August, the famous Jumpin water ramp facility will once again welcome an international field for the FIS Freestyle Aerials Masters 2026, marking the first of three stops on this summer’s Grand Prix circuit.

While summer competition brings a slightly more relaxed atmosphere compared to the intensity of the winter World Cup tour, the Grand Prix provides athletes with a valuable opportunity to stay in competition mode, work on new tricks and put their summer training to the test against an international field.

Around 50 athletes representing seven nations are expected to compete in Mettmenstetten, with some of the biggest names in aerials set to take part.

Leading the home Swiss team will be Noé Roth and Pirmin Werner, both returning to competition following a memorable 2025/26 winter season. Roth arrives as a two-time World Champion and Olympic medallist, while Werner will also be looking to put on a show in front of the home crowd following his own Olympic success earlier this year.

With the Swiss team competing on home soil and a strong international field expected, Sunday promises plenty of high-flying action at Jumpin.

A full day of action at Jumpin

Competition gets underway at 10:00 CET with qualification, followed by the Junior Final at 13:15 and the main Final at 14:00. The day will conclude with the awards ceremony at 15:30.

Away from the ramps, organizers have also prepared a full programme for spectators and families. Brunch will begin alongside qualification at 10:00, while a children’s programme will run from 10:00 to 14:00, featuring a magician, bouncy castle, slackline and glitter tattoos.

Four competitions across three Grand Prix stops

Mettmenstetten will launch a three-stop 2026 FIS Aerials Grand Prix series stretching from Europe to North America and Asia.

Following Sunday’s opener in Switzerland, the circuit will move to Park City (USA) for the second stop on 23 August.

The series will then conclude in Qinhuangdao (CHN), where a double competition on 19-20 September will bring the 2026 summer Grand Prix season to a close.

2026 FIS Aerials Grand Prix calendar

• 16 August – Mettmenstetten (SUI)

• 23 August – Park City (USA)

• 19 September – Qinhuangdao (CHN)

• 20 September – Qinhuangdao (CHN)

With the Junior Regional Cup now in the books and the Grand Prix ready to begin, the summer aerials season is shifting up a gear as the world’s top athletes continue their preparations on the water ramps.