Dirksen Derby, the iconic celebration of snowboarding, will go down in Europe for the first time this winter season, switching the banked slalom for a brand-new, lung-busting Dirksen Derby Splitboard race.

Launched at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, in 2007, this annual event brings together snowboarders, artists, musicians and filmmakers. It has raised over $250,000 USD for groups and individuals, including environmental NGOs, through 1% for the Planet.

Patagonia snow ambassador Josh Dirksen is the brains behind the Derby, and has built it from a single, 58-person race to what it is today: a seminal season starter for the snowboard community, combining races, music, art, Worn Wear gear repairs and positive vibes.

Josh Dirksen comments: “I’m stoked to be bringing this incredibly fun and memorable weekend full of fast race times, strong friendships and fond memories to Europe for the first time.”

This year’s first European Dirksen Derby will take place in Axamer Lizum, Austria, on 21-22 March 2020. The splitboard race format will be one run “up and down” the course on Saturday, plus one run “up and down” on Sunday, for a combined final time. There will be men’s and women’s divisions, for all ages and abilities. More information will be available in mid-January when registration opens.