Cannonball MTB Fest brings the gravity party to the mountains

Thredbo sits on the traditional territory of the Monero-Ngarigo people, who have cared for this land, water and community for over 60,000 years. We thank them for everything they have done and continue to do to take care of their country, a special place that we all love and respect.
Thredbo's monster Cannonball Festival needs little introduction. This year is more fun than ever, and you'll want to know about what the top people out there in the alpine are up to. Spoiler: another crazy schedule of racing, partying and mountain livin'. Oh, and did we mention there's a $120,000 AUD purse up for grabs?
In the words of the legend Jack Moir himself: “We're putting on the biggest/funnest race of the year in Aus.”
So how big is it? How sweet is it? Let's go in.
Related:
Five times the gravity racing, five times the fun
The race courses open from Sunday, February 9, so the sharpest beans can start dialing in those racing lines.
The first cab out of this rink will be the Osprey All Mountain Enduro on Tuesday, February 11, in a new format. With the All Mountain Trail now divided into three named runs, the All Mountain Enduro is a 9km race in three stages from the top to the bottom from Eagles Nest to the lowest lift, Panorama, Pegasus, Dream Catcher, and brand new. Rockpools trail.
Also returning with a shiny new outfit is the Fox Flow Motion Cup, which promises a fun new track and fun berms on the upgraded Kosciuszko Flow track, which will include a newly installed section alongside the Boost Mobile Jump Park – all fired up with some lung-crushing pedal work to keep the -enduro purists are satisfied. Deep breaths, folks!
The Fox Flow Motion Cup will last two days (Feb 12-13), the field is divided into two groups based on race stage to prevent traffic jams later.

This is Cannonball though, and there are other races to be had as long as you can still hang from the bars.
The Maxxis Dual Slalom was launched last year to celebrate the festival's 10th anniversary. It was a great foot-in-out time, and we'll be back to close on Thursday afternoon (Feb 13). The event team has opened the gates to the course for the Friday Flat. No berms or purpose built features, just flat corners and a test of who could negotiate those side knots the best.
Back again is the Oakley Pump Track Challenge which will take place on Friday, February 14. Planting will take place in the morning, and the final will be run under the lights on The Village Green. With a DJ playing and a party atmosphere, it's always a good time for riders and spectators alike, so remember to bring your loud stuff.


It all culminates in the final open race of the week at the infamous Cannonball DH. RockShox Australian Open DH seeding begins on Friday, and the main event will begin the following morning. Taking a full Cannonball run from top to bottom, including the fire road above, the sound barrier may be broken in pursuit of the big purse.
A full lineup announcement is promised soon, but word of mouth suggests names like Troy Brosnan, Sian A'Hern, Ollie Davis, Ellie Smith, the Zwars and Meier-Smiths, and many more will be there.
The riding festivities end with Deity Whip battles. The invitation-only event is always a crowd pleaser, and taking place in a pleasant, pleasant afternoon light makes it even more fun.


Appointed as the king of gravity | The King and Queen of Cannonball
In honor of every rider who comes to Thredbo every February to chase the Cannonball King or Queen.
Riders will receive points in all events throughout the weekend, with the exception of the Deity Whip War, and will be tallied to reveal the overall King and Queen of Cannonball in each division – from U11 all the way up to Super Masters 50+ and all. It's in the middle.
That said, unlike previous years, you don't need to run every event to be able to claim the title. You automatically enter the race by participating in any event in Cannonball, to see how you stack up against the likes of last year's winners, Ellie Smith and Ryan Gilchrest. It should be easy enough to take the win, then…
You don't even need to run to be happy
Don't like arguing with your partners in between tapes? Post track-side and watch some of the best sports rips on your behalf. Are you thirsty? Grab a drink and watch in person as riders defy the laws of physics in Deity Whip Wars or the crowning of the 2025 Cannonball King and Queen.
You might even see your mountain biking heroes wandering through the crowd or behind the signing desk at the meet and greet, or maybe win one of the great prizes floating around.
There is also a full expo with brands like RockShox, Maxxis, Deity and more. Last year, the Norco tent even had a new high pivot Sight and Optic before it was officially launched.


As ever, if racing isn't your thing, there's still plenty to ride on the mountain, with daily DJ sets from Tuesday and a show from Byron Bay pop-pop artists Babe Rainbow to blow the whistle before then. the official Cannonball closing party after the presentation — 9PM until late.
Registration is now open on Thredbo's official website, so we strongly urge you to head over there and start planning your trip with a few willing mates. Gravity Season Pass holders at Thredbo will also receive a 20% discount on ticket prices.


Photos: Nick Waygood / Thredbo, Flow MTB
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