After a one year hiatus, Red Bull PlayStreets is returning the streets of Bad Gastein in Salzburg, Austria. The event is scheduled to go down on February 14, 2015. Charles Gagnier will attempt to defend his title against his brother Vincent Gagnier, previous champion Elias Ambühl and other competitors such as Øystein Bråten, Jesper Tjäder, Bene Mayr, Tobias Tritscher, Luca Tribondeau and Dennis Ranalter. The contest will be free of charge for the public to attend and the partying will ensue following the competition. For more information, see the press release provided below.

Press Release provided by Red Bull PlayStreets:

After a one-year break, the international freeski elite will be back in Bad Gastein, Salzburg, Austria. The winter destination is preparing for the 6th edition of Red Bull PlayStreets. On February 14th, 2015 the world’s best artists on two “planks” will entertain thousands of spectators. Red Bull PlayStreets 2015 is set to follow the incredibly successful competitions of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013. After a one year break, hard times are coming to an end. This year’s impressive starter field will leave the 12,000 amazed visitors breathless. It’s good news that there won’t be any entry fees.

Around February 14th, the famous ski-region of Salzburg, Austria will become the “world’s slopestyle Mecca.” With its impressive street canyons and massive hand built obstacles, Salzburg is the perfect stage for this unique competition. The event is not just popular for the viewers, it’s also an honor for every pro-skier to get invited to the Red Bull PlayStreets event. The 2015 invitee list reads like a “who’s who” of the Freeski-scene. Participants include Charles Gagnier (CAN) the winner of 2013 and his brother Vincent Gagnier (CAN). Additionally, the 2011 champion Elias Ambühl (CH) and the winner of 2009 Russ Henshaw (AUS) will be competing. Also starting will be Bene Mayr (GER), Jesper Tjäder (SWE), Øystein Bråten (NOR) and the local heroes Tobias Tritscher (AUT), Luca Tribondeau (AUT) as well as a Red Bull PlayStreets rookie, Dennis Ranalter (AUT).

The winner of the very first and the 2013 Red Bull PlayStreets, Charles Gagnier, will be skiing once again to try and hold on to his title. “I’m really exited that the event is coming back and happy to be part of such a unique ski competition. It’s so nice to have an event that requires different skills than the traditional slopestyle competition. Can’t wait to see the course this year and hope there will be some new features to ski on,” says Gagnier.

Helmut Putz and his crew are again responsible for the course in 2015. Putz told us that preparations are already underway and that he and his crew will begin building the course in December. Furthermore, the crew will try and improve the obstacles, and surprise the athletes with great new features. 

Everyone has probably already seen some amazing pictures from Freeskiers rocking the roofs and streets of Bad Gastein. Watching the athletes jump over kickers, slide boxes and rails attracts a lot of visitors to the Gasteinertal.The winner will get his own star at the Red Bull PlayStreets Walk of Fame. That alone is appealing enough for the athletes to give their best.

There will also be a lot to do for party-animals during the event. Celebrations kick off with the new “Walk of Fame—Star” on February 12, 2015 in the Silver Bullet Bar, and parties rage all weekend long at several bars all around town.

Related: See 30 amazing photographs from 2013 Red Bull Playstreets