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Events News

SAVE THE DATE: Who will claim the titles at the Austrian & German Masters 2024?

17-21 April, 2024 – Kitzsteinhorn, Zell am See/Kaprun

The ASA (Austrian Snowboard Association) and Snowboard Germany are continuing their successful partnership for the grand season finale, the Austrian & German Masters at Kitzsteinhorn in Zell am See/Kaprun, taking place from April 17 – 21, 2024 For the third time, the Masters will be held across borders, which both the Austrian and German Snowboard Champions 2024 being crowned at Kitzsteinhorn.

The Austrian & German Masters have become a veritable institution over the years bringing generations of riders together to celebrate the fascination of freestyle for a week. They all share a passion for the one board that means the world to the. Kids, rookies, professionals, and veterans – they all gather in the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn, the homo of the Master for three years. Competitions take place in Slopestyle, Big Air & Halfpipe and are open to all ages.

 

 

More information: www.powdern.com

 

Photo-Credit: (c) Andreas Amplatz

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News

WSF JOINS INTERNATIONAL FAIR PLAY COMMITTEE

The World Snowboard Federation joins the International Fair Play Committee. Fair Play is one of the core values that the WSF stands for and conveys to its members and young athletes. Membership in the International Fair Play Committee is therefore a logical consequence.

Fair play is a complex concept that comprises and embodies a number of fundamental values that are not only integral to sport but relevant in everyday life. Fair competition, respect, friendship, team spirit, equality, sport without doping, respect for written and unwritten rules such as integrity, solidarity, tolerance, care, excellence, and joy, are the building blocks of fair play that can be experienced and learned both on and off the field.

These are exactly the values that the WSF also conveys for example in its Erasmus+ program SafeShred. The World Snowboard Federation is proud to be now an official Fair Play member. Dominic Kuhn, WSF president, states: “Fair Play is a very key value for the WSF and we are aware of the responsibility we have towards the young riders under our wings. We are very pleased to join the International Fair Play Committee to represent snowboarding.”

Sport has many faces. Starting from the widest range of physical exercise, there’s competitive sport, sport for leisure, sport for health There are many ways of “doing sport”: one person is after pleasure, another seeks the thrill, whilst still others simply want to have their bodies in good working order. Sporting activities offer countless people worldwide an outlet for their everyday “stress” and allows them to find both inner balance and intellectual stimulation. That having been said, what we want to see on our television screens is sport of a very high level, charged with emotion. Sport is as varied and colorful as life itself. Fair Play is one of the founding pillars of sport. It helps free the great potential that sport offers to people of all cultures.

Dr. Jenő Kamuti, President International Fair Play Comittee, adds: „The first International Fair Play Awardee was a winter sports representative, Eugenio Monti, a bobsled racer. This is one of the reasons why I would like to welcome the World Snowboard Federation (WSF), the leading organization of another winter sport, among our members. Fair Play education starts in childhood, it is important that young people hear about it as soon as possible and learn about good examples. The snowboard-society are mostly made up of young people, as it is a sport that is popular among the youth and practiced by young people all over the world. I sincerely hope that through cooperation with the WSF, the message of Fair Play will reach many young snowboarders in the future.”

Find out more: www.fairplayinternational.org

 

 

Photo-Credit: (c) Zillertal Välley Rälley, by Gustav Hersmann

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Events News

ONE FOR THE BOOKS: LAAX OPEN 2024

“Creativity is everything in our sport” – is the message from the Riders Lounge.

The 200 World Cup riders present both class and ease to the judges, spectators and fans in the stands, on livestream and on TV. In Laax, Graubünden, and around the world from Manchester to Australia. On freestyle snowboards and skis, they follow the trinity of snow-air-snow and convey perfect infinity.

9s, 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s – how many turns is that?

The amount of technique, training and discipline behind all of this remains in the background during their performances at the LAAX OPEN 2024. Here they enjoy the enthusiasm of the audience, the presenters, the wows and ahhhs, and the applause. Grateful to be able to show off their skills in unique freestyle facilities. What an innovative slopestyle course and what a magnificent superpipe the snowparkLAAX team conjures up year after year on the Crap Sogn Gion mountain, the “Rock of St John”!

“Backside airs are and always will be the most stylish jumps” – according to snowboard fans from the very beginning. Chloe Kim, Olympic champion 2018 & 2022 and multiple OPEN winner in LAAX since 2010, sets a special precedent with her immense backside air on the first hit of this year’s night final and amazes thousands of spectators. Just like Birk Ruud in freeski slopestyle, who took off into the air on the final feature, the quarter, landing safely and leaving the community speechless.

Also, the sight of the Event Village on the night-time gondola ride down into the valley is beyond words: the rocksresort is buzzing with the best atmosphere and music. Get into the crowd and rap right along is the right motto.

LAAX OPEN 2024 – What an event!

Radiant for freestyle sport and freestyle lifestyle. Laax at its very best. As top freeskier and several World Cup winner Andri Ragettli says: „I am freestyler because of Laax.“

 

Photo-Credits: (c) Ruggli, Lämmerhirt

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Banked Slalom Events News WSPL

MINI MOUNTAIN MASH 2024: YOUNG SNOWBOARDING STARS BETWEEN SLOPESTYLE CONTEST AND ANON BANKED SLALOM

Ian Matteoli secured double victories among men in the Slopestyle Contest, while Kamilla Kozuback and Marilù Poluzzi clinched the top spots in the women’s category. In the Anon Banked Slalom, Niccolò Colturi and Giorgia Giurdanella emerged victorious.

The Anon Banked Slalom marked the conclusion of the seventh edition of MINI Mountain Mash, the snowboarding event that energized the weekend in Madonna di Campiglio. Culminating four days dedicated to the shared passion for the coolest snow discipline were two high-adrenaline competitions, accompanied by a dense program of tests, lessons, and moments dedicated to the snowboarding community.

SLOPESTYLE CONTEST

Following Thursday’s trials, elite riders of the discipline gathered on Friday, January 26th, and Saturday, January 27th, to compete in the Slopestyle Contest finals, hosted in the Ursus Snowpark alongside the Grostè facilities.

Since 2014, slopestyle has been part of the Olympic program due to its spectacular nature, where riders perform acrobatic jumps on kickers of various sizes and slide on fixed metal structures called “rails”. However, slopestyle is not just a show; there is an “artistic” component where each competitor has the opportunity to express themselves following their own creativity. Dominating the men’s Slopestyle contest on Friday, with a high level of competition, was the newly turned adult Ian Matteoli (born in 2005!), who finished the event with 88.67 points. Equally thrilling was the women’s Slopestyle contest with Hungarian (but Canadian passport holder) Kamilla Kozuback taking the lead with 93.33 points. On the second day of competition, young rider Ian Matteoli clinched another victory with 84.33 points, while in the women’s event, Marilù Poluzzi reclaimed victory with 85.87 points.

 

ANON BANKED SLALOM

Closing the MINI Mountain Mash was the Anon Banked Slalom on Sunday morning, open to all board

enthusiasts. Here, the ability to maneuver the board was combined with the skill of navigating around slalom poles in what could be described as a parabolic curve. As a discipline that marked the beginnings of snowboarding, the banked event in Madonna di Campiglio saw the participation of 90 athletes, including professionals and amateurs. Confirming the predictions was Niccolò Colturi, junior world vice-champion and son of the sport: the snowboarder from Lissone, raised on the slopes of Bormio, finished the event with a time of 52.07″, securing his third Anon Banked Slalom title. In the Banked Slalom Women’s Overall category, Giorgia Giurdanella from Courmayeur claimed victory with a time of 58.66.

There was also room for athletes with disabilities: indeed, the Banked Slalom event is a candidate to be included in the program of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, and in Campiglio, Milanese athlete Riccardo Cardani defeated Australian Ben Tudhope (bronze medalist in Beijing 2022) and Jacopo Luchini, a native of Prato, Tuscany. In the Men Under 16 division, Emanuele Maroncelli took the top prize; while the Men Under 12 contest was won by Giacomo Bosetti. In the Banked Slalom Women Under 16 division, Giorgia Giurdanella claimed the first position, in the Women Under 12 division, Arianna Ballardini stood atop the podium.

Finally, the Banked Slalom Men also hosted the Master category, which saw Pietro Colturi emerge victorious.

MINI MOUNTAIN MASH 2024

Thus, the 2024 edition of MINI Mountain Mash enters the annals, having attracted enthusiasts, professionals, and curious onlookers who witnessed high-level competitions and participated in test rides and numerous social moments typical of the snowboarding world. “We are always excited to organize the event for its ability to bring together diverse and complementary forces: our interpretation of snowboarding combines territorial promotion with the pairing of brands targeting youth,” concluded Pietro Colturi, organizer of Mountain Mash with his B-Factory. “In this sense, we want to thank the Madonna di Campiglio Cableways for the quality and support they have provided, and MINI for partnering with us and sharing the spirit of the event.” With these premises, everyone is looking forward to the eighth edition in 2025.

 

Photo-Credits: (c) Roby Bragotto

Categories
Events News WSPL

ZILLERTAL VÄLLEY RÄLLEY CONTINUES WITH 2nd STOP IN ZILLERTAL ARENA

The 2nd Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY tour stop hosted by Blue Tomato took place in the Zillertal Arena on 20 and 21 January 2024 in glorious sunshine. Young snowboard talents from all over Europe took the opportunity to present their best freestyle tricks on the snowpark setup of Actionpark Kreuzwiese. The best performance in each category was rewarded with valuable points, medals and prize money. The highly endowed Ästhetiker Style Award, Horsefeathers Best Trick Award and other awards by the Ästhetiker Snowboard Club were also up for grabs.

The conditions couldn’t have been better! With wintry temperatures and a perfectly shaped snowpark, the 2nd Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY tour stop last weekend in the Zillertal Arena made for many happy faces. Young snowboard talents took advantage of Saturday´s practice day to improve their tricks at the free freestyle coaching sessions and to celebrate the new format of the Ästhetiker Style Session with lots of airtime, few turns and plenty of style. On Sunday, the open slpestyle competition really got down to business. Plenty of medals, prize money, prizes and of course valuable overall points awaited the winners of the 8 categories.

In the end, it was Dmytro Luchkin (UKR) who scooped triple honours with overall victory in the classification of all male participants, victory in his category Grom Boys (13-15 years) and the Style Award. Petr Ershov (RUS) came second in the overall standings. With his clean “BS Double 1080” he also earned the Horsefeathers Best Trick Award. Kristina Holzfeind (AUT) took the overall victory of all female riders in the ladies’ category after claiming first place in the Rookie Girls class (16-18 years).

However, young Adèle Vankerschaver (POR) was hot on Kristina’s heels. In addition to her victory in the Super Grom Girls class (U12 years), Adèle was delighted to win the silver medal in the Open Women’s Class and even happier to receive her well-deserved Ästhetiker Style Award.

Livia Schatzer from Team Austria won the Grom Girls competition (13-15 years), Roahan Duncan (GBR) was the cool Rookie Boys winner (16-18 years). Ricco Nawarkiewicz-Wisniewski from Poland, took first place in the Super Grom Boys (U 12 years) ahead of his brother Gustav and was honoured as the “most impressive Grom of the dÄy” for his solid performance. The complete results and tour stop rankings can be found at https://valleyralley.at/results. 

The Zillertal Arena shapers are delighted with the successful event: “The Zillertal Välley Rälley has once again brought the young stars of the snowboard scene to the Actionpark Kreuzwiese this year. Thanks to the Ästhetiker team and the participating kids – we’re already looking forward to next year!”

The Actionpark Kreuzwiese in Zell will remain open until mid-April and will be shaped daily. Every Tuesday, the Zillertal Arena offers free freestyle coaching sessions with the Ästhetiker Shredschool. The meeting point for the coaching sessions is always Tuesdays at 11.00 am at the tipis in the Actionpark Kreuzwiese.

With the second of four contest results, the cards have been reshuffled in the Zillertal Arena. The new overall tour ranking can now be viewed at https://valleyralley.at The overall tour winners will be crowned new Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY royal family after the fourth and final tour stop at the end of April on Hintertux Glacier.

Points for the international World Snowboard Point List (WSPL) were awarded for participation. The tour stop counted as an ASA (Austrian Snowboard Association) Austria Cup and rookies (U18) receive credits on their World Rookie Ranking points account. Wildcards for the World Rookie Final will be awarded for the best rookie score (m/f) after the 3rd tour stop.

The partners of the 2nd tour stop are: Zillertal Tourismus GmbH, Zillertal Arena, Uniqueparks.com, Blue Tomato, Red Bull, Horsefeathers, Dana Beanies, the World Snowboard Federation (WSF), the Austrian Snowboard Federation (ASA) and World Rookie Tour (WRT).

Photo-Credit: (c) Zillertal Välley Rälley/by Gustav Hersmann

Categories
News ZERO

ZERO UPDATE: COLLECTON OF BEST PRACTICES TO RAISE AWARENESS

Collection of existing educational and raising awareness content for the youth on sustainability and climate change, within snowboard associations.

Every person has an individual responsibility towards the environment – in life, and in sport. Sport organisations also have a responsibility in terms of recycling waste, using materials that can be recycled, food that should not be easily thrown away, and above all, providing educational and awareness raising material for its members. The WSF recognized its responsibility and is taking action.

Together with its members, the World Snowboard Federation is seeking to embark on the journey of sustainability and use the power of sport to educate, empower and foster inclusion. In the context of the ERASMUS+ ZERO (Zero Emission Rides Objective) project, lead by the WSF, the project partners put together a collection of existing education and awareness raising content within the partners consortium.

The foreseen Collection of best practice examples is expected to contribute to a more sustainable “World of snowboarding”. It will serve as a tool to raise awareness about the urgency of taking action and the impact of individual and organisational behaviour in our race to a more sustainable future (of sport).

Sustainability is a team effort.

The Collection of best practice examples emphasizes the need for joint promotional activities, especially through social networks, for sport in general, and snowboarding (& winter sport) in specific to impose itself as a leader when it comes to environmental sustainability efforts.

The included examples are good practice examples from the project partners coming from ten different countries. The good practices are distributed in five categories: digitalisation, mountain, equipment & facilities, transportation & education.

This Collection of Best Practices is for anyone who wants to make a positive impact working towards a sustainable (sport) world. Existing good practice examples from different countries should inspire you to replicate different activities in your surroundings.

Read the full document HERE.

More information about ZERO.

 

Author: Ivana Pranjić

Photo-Credit: Sneeuwsport Vlaanderen

 

Categories
Events Features News WSPL

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YOUR EVENTS FOR THE WSPL/WWR RANKING? YOUR CHECK-LIST!

The contest season has started and is in full swing as we speak.

Have you entered all your events for the WSPL/WRR calendar 2023/24?

 

IMPORTANT: As it’s a completely new process in place we ask all WSF members to register all events for the WSPL/WRR 2023/24 calendar (and ranking) as soon as possible. Please keep in mind this is the only ranking which allows young riders to climb the contest ladder year by year.

NEXT STEPS: If you haven’t done it yet, please go ahead and register your events to be listed on the calendar. Please remember, it’s not enough to send an excel list anymore, the whole process is now completely online thanks to our partnerships with LiveHeats and Wyldata.

Step 1: Use your WSF Log-In for the members section on the WSF website.

Step 2: make sure your WSF membership fee is paid and that you are marked as active member.

Step 3: Choose the payment plan you want. Please note: zero costs for the basic package, the regular WSF calendar fee will be charged as usual:  € 100 per division/category).
Create your LiveHeats account on LiveHeats.
To link your LiveHeats account with your WSF Log-In it’s necessary to name the field “organization profile URL” with your LiveHeats name, eg.: liveheats.com/yourliveheatsaccountname. You will receive a Welcome E-Mail from LiveHeats to confirm that your LiveHeats account is linked with WSF.

Step 4: Once you have received your Welcome Mail, you are all set, it’s time to register your events for the WSPL/WRR calendar. Please note that events will be registered for both calendars/rankings with one event fee only.
Create your individual events on LiveHeats. LiveHeats will then share with Wyldata to update the calendar.

More about the new process. 

 

CHECK LIST:

And – most important – here comes your check-list in case you are struggling to navigate through the LiveHeats universe: Check-List
Categories
Banked Slalom Events News

UNLEASHING EXCITEMENT: ANON BANKED SLALOM HITS MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO ON JANUARY 28th

Snowboarding enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, get ready to carve your way down the slopes of Madonna Di Campiglio at the renowned Anon Banked Slalom, set to take place on Sunday, January 28th. This exhilarating snowboard contest promises an unforgettable experience for all participants and spectators alike, as they navigate the challenging course in pursuit of victory and Anon prizes.

The Anon Banked Slalom is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the snowboard community, open to every rider at every level. With the breathtaking backdrop of Grostè, participants, will showcase their skills in riding the thrilling banked turns.

Event Details:

Date: 27th and 28th January, 2024

Location: Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy

Schedule: 27th open trainings, 28th trainings and final

Prizes: Anon prizes and more

Category: Open to all riding levels and age, online registration mandatory. Please note the age group for 50+, make sure to get your parents uncles and aunts signed up for the fun!

Registration: To ensure a seamless and organized event, participants are required to register online before the race day. Registration details and further information about the event can be found on the official Anon Banked Slalom website.

All riders are welcome, the Anon Banked Slalom promises a day filled with thrills, spills, and the sheer joy of snowboarding in the heart of Madonna Di Campiglio.

For media inquiries, please contact pr@b-factory.it

 

Categories
Events News

“MINI MOUNTAIN MASH”, THE SNOWBOARD SLOPESTYLE CONTEST, HITS URSUS SNOWPARK

The slopes of Madonna di Campiglio are set to witness an adrenaline-packed spectacle as the “Mini Mountain Mash”, the renowned WSPL Slopestyle takes center stage at Ursus Snowpark, from 25th to 27th January, 2024.

Organized by B-Factory, this thrilling competition will bring together elite snowboarders from around the globe, showcasing their skills and creativity in riding the WSLP Slopestyle International Level – XL Pro Line.

The Mini Mountain Mash promises to be a visually stunning event, combining technical prowess and artistic flair as riders tackle a diverse array of kickers, rails, and other innovative features. With the majestic backdrop of Madonna di Campiglio’s, spectators are in for a treat as the athletes push the boundaries of snowboarding excellence.

“We’re thrilled to host the Mini Mountain Mash at Ursus Snowpark. It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the snowboarding culture and the spirit of camaraderie among riders. The course is designed to challenge and inspire, and we can’t wait to see incredible performances.” said Pietro Colturi.

Event Details:

Date: From 25th to 27th January, 2024

Schedule: 25th January – Trainings ; 26th January – Qualifications; 27th January – Final.

Award Ceremony: 27th January 3pm

Prize-money: €5’000,00

Location: Ursus Snowpark, Madonna di Campiglio, Italy

For media inquiries, accreditation, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: pr@b-factory.it

 

Categories
Events News

LAAX OPEN 2024 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Riders from all around the world are getting ready for one of their favorite events: The LAAX OPEN. From 16-21.01.2024, hundreds of freestyle riders will dominate the sporting and cultural events in Laax. Performances in slopestyle and superpipe are all set to take the centre stage. All around, riders and visitors can expect the best entertainment with music, film screenings, exhibitions and signing sessions because freestyle is a lifestyle in LAAX.

Stars to marvel at, action to go crazy for, music to rock out to!

Europe’s most important freestyle event culminates in the highlight weekend on 20/21.01.2024 when things get galactic around the Galaaxy Mountain Station on Crap Sogn Gion mountain at 2,252 metres above sea level. Exciting final decisions for titles, trophies and CHF 180,000 in prize money are on the agenda. There’s lots going on in the Event Village, live concerts in the rocksresort and a neverending party in the Riders Club – be there or be square!

Did you know? 

LAAX has been voted the World’s Best Freestyle Resort for the eighth time in a row by the public and a jury of experts. Get ready for a freestyle blast to take you out of this world next week!

Event Website: www.laax.com/open

Photo-Credit: (c) Ruggli/Lämmerhirt/Stadler