The Longboard Classic in Stuben am Arlberg has been around longer than some of us have been snowboarding. For 25 years, this legendary gathering has brought together the community: legends and newcomers, grandparents and grandchildren, teens and kids, pros and bros (and of course, sis’) eagerly come to Stuben am Arlberg for the season finale. And fittingly for a quarter-century birthday celebration, the number of well-wishers was huge: 610 participants came on April 13th to ride the 1001 vertical meters of Albona “sideways.”
The idea for the LBC was born in 1999 by Paul Gruber and Harry Gunz, the founders of Crazy Banana and Rad Air, and the first event took place on April 15, 2000. For the 25th anniversary, organizer Paul Gruber put together a book that chronicles the history of this legendary event in countless pictures across over 140 pages. The first gift to the LBC. The second gift turned the gathering of the snowboard family into the tour finals of the newly established Legends World Tour. But the two greatest gifts were certainly the spring-like temperatures of +20 degrees Celsius and the over 600 visitors, among them US legends Laurie Asperas, Lori Gibbs, and Tom Burt. From Europe, Manuela Mandl, Harry Gunz, Serge Dupraz, Micky Früh, Andy Tanner, Max Plötzeneder, Gigi Rüf, and many more were spotted. – Jose Fernandez was even present five times, four friends of Jose had the fun and raced with Jose Fernandez face masks, and at 75 years old, Titus Dittmann is probably the oldest participant.
The race itself is the most important side event of the festival. It’s more about the reunion, shredding together, chatting, and celebrating. Nevertheless, a big shoutout and respect to the winners in the various categories! – See ranking list below.
In this spirit, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! from us as well, and here’s to at least another 25 years! Mark your calendars for the 26th birthday of the LBC on April 5, 2025!
Results Longboard Classic #25, April 13, 2024, Stuben am Arlberg
LBC Masters Women
- Manuela Mandl (Austria)
LBC Masters Men
- Ralph Castelberg (Switzerland)
LEGENDS WORLD TOUR WINNERS 2024/25:
Women
- Ruthie Goepel (Canada)
- Steffi Hartinger (Germany)
- Laurie Asperas (United States)
Men
- Tom Burt (United States)
- Max Plötzeneder (Austria)
- Marcel Müsel (Germany)
For full results head to www.longboardclassic.com.
Photo-Credit: (c) Sam Oetiker, Fredy Holenstein