The contemplative mountain village of Filzmoos in SalzburgerLand will transform into an arena for the International Austrian Yukigassen Championship from March 14 to 16, 2025 - making it the stage for the country's largest snowball fight! This winter sport, originating from Japan, combines competition with nostalgic childhood memories and attracts teams from all over Europe to the snowy alpine idyll. Here, you’ll find all the essential information about this ultimate snowball battle - and you and your team can still sign up to join the action!
Yukigassen: More than just a snowball fight
Yukigassen originally comes from Japan and translates to “snowball fight.” However, this is far from a simple snowball-throwing game—it’s a strategic team sport with fixed rules, similar to Capture the Flag or Paintball. Two teams of seven players compete against each other, aiming to eliminate opponents with precisely thrown snowballs or capture their flag. Strategy, precision, and teamwork are key to victory.
The International Austrian Yukigassen Championship will take place for the second time in Filzmoos from March 14 to 16, 2025. Teams from all over Austria and Europe will travel to this snowy mountain setting to compete against each other. The event venue is centrally located in the village, allowing participants and spectators to easily switch between the matches and the nearby ski slopes. The Filzmoos tournament officials will be supported by a three-member expert team from Finland.
Snowballs aren’t simply made on the spot. A special snowball-making machine from Finland ensures that each ball meets the official size and consistency regulations. The playing field measures 10 x 36 meters and is equipped with protective barriers and flags, allowing for tactical maneuvers that make the game even more exciting.
Game procedure, conditions of participation and prizes
The Yukigassen Rules
- Each team consists of 7 players and 3 substitutes. (The 7 on-field positions include 4 attackers and 3 defenders.)
- Each round lasts 3 minutes; the team that wins 2 rounds first wins the match.
- Each team receives 90 snowballs per round.
- A player is eliminated if hit by a snowball while it is in flight (direct hit).
- The team that eliminates more opponents or captures the opponent’s flag wins the round.
Safety is not neglected either: safety goggles and helmets are mandatory, as the snowballs will be flying at high speed. The conditions of participation are straightforward: Anyone who is at least 13 years old can become part of a team - no previous experience is required.
The incentive for winning is high, as the winning team can not only call themselves the “Austrian Yukigassen State Champion”, but will also receive medals and prizes from sponsor Stiegl as well as prize money of 3000 euros. The runner-up is rewarded with 2000 euros and the third-placed team receives 1000 euros.
Yukigassen on the way to the big stage
The sport’s journey to Austria led through Finland. Peter Donabauer, tourism director and founder/president of the Austrian Yukigassen Association, first discovered the sport through his connections in Finland. There, Yukigassen is already well established, with the European Championship taking place annually in Lapland. “After a few phone calls, it quickly became clear that we wanted to bring this new trend sport to Austria, and that Filzmoos offers the perfect conditions as a host location,” explains Donabauer.
Filzmoos has since gained international recognition and now collaborates with the International Alliance of Sports Yukigassen, the sport’s global governing body. Together with other national federations, Austria is pursuing a long-term goal: to establish Yukigassen as an official discipline in the Winter Olympics.
Filzmoos ski area as a winter paradise
If you're traveling to Filzmoos for the Yukigassen Championship, don’t miss the chance to explore its diverse ski area in all its glory. This picturesque mountain village in SalzburgerLand is nestled in the breathtaking Dachstein Massif at an altitude of approximately 1,057 meters. If you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of major ski resorts, Filzmoos is the perfect destination.
Filzmoos is part of Ski amadé, Austria’s largest ski network, offering 760 kilometers of slopes. Ski passes for 1.5 days or longer are valid not only in Filzmoos but also across all Ski amadé resorts.
The 20 kilometers of ski slopes in Filzmoos mainly consist of blue and red runs, making it an excellent choice for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers. From the Papageno gondola and Grossberg chairlift, several scenic blue and red runs lead back down to the valley. For those seeking a challenge, the black-rated Michaela Kirchgasser FIS slope promises an adrenaline-packed descent.
Offene Lifte und Pisten
For a well-deserved break, you can choose from several charming mountain huts: the rustic Moosalm, the cozy Schörgi Alm with its snow bar, and the inviting Kleinbergalm, a Canadian-style log cabin. Here, you'll find everything a skier’s heart desires after a long day in the snow - hearty Austrian specialties, delicious pastries, and hot drinks that taste even better on the sunny terrace.
Away from the pistes, Filzmoos also offers numerous winter activities. A romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape, for example to the Oberhofalm or Gsengalm, offers a cozy way to enjoy the winter landscape. Active sports enthusiasts get their money's worth on 50 kilometers of cleared winter hiking trails, while the floodlit 3 km natural toboggan run guarantees fun for the whole family. If you simply want to relax after a long day in the snow, the Filzmoos leisure park is the place to be: A heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool, various saunas and a wellness area await you here - perfect for regenerating after an active day of skiing.
The winning team of the Yukigassen championship can be celebrated right afterwards in the après-ski huts of Filzmoos. A popular place to go is the Kalahari Bar, where you can dance and enjoy cocktails deep into the night. With a varied program of DJs and live bands, there is always a great atmosphere here. For those who prefer a more rustic atmosphere, the “Kenn' i di” dance bar is the perfect place to end the day in a convivial atmosphere.
Wettervorhersage
