That’s another Hintertux Park Opening in the books and one that will take a while to recover from. Whilst the weather was sometimes unfavourable, riders turned up and delivered the ultimate show, both on snow and on the rails. Betterpark Hintertux did an incredible job of building a fun and creative set up that was enjoyed by all.

First up was the Werni’s Big Air Session by Quiksilver at Betterpark Hintertux. On Saturday morning we got a brief good window that allowed the assembled pros to hit the big kicker. The international field of riders like Halldor Helgason, Mons Roisland and Stale Sandbech all out but it was the talents of Norwegian Torgeir Bergrem, who impressed the judges the most and took home the win. Host Werni Stock said: “I am so happy we were able to pull off the Big Air Session, we really weren’t lucky with the weather. Sick riding from all, the fun level was high! It was another great Opening!”

Results Werni’s BigAir Session by Quiksilver
Best Man: Torgeir Bergrem (NOR)
Best Woman: Enni Rukajärvi (FIN)
Best Trick: Torgeir Bergrem (NOR) – Cab 9
Best Style: Bendik Gjerdalen (NOR) – FS 7 Nose
Most Creative Rider by Quiksilver: Fridtjof “Fridge” Tischendorf (NOR)
Best Line: Mons Roisland (NOR)
Best Slam: Torgeir Bergrem (NOR)

Saturday night saw The 2nd edition of the SANE! Snowboarding Metal Battle Rail Contest, back at the opening after a two year hiatus. The weather was horrific, with torrential rain the entire event, but that didn’t stop a big crowd and an explosive showcase of riding from taking place. Fabian Fraid (AUT) and Maisie Hill (GB) were really going for it and took the top spots. “The riding level was super high despite challenging conditions. Riders destroyed the setup pretty much. It couldn’t have been any better!” says Michi Schatz from the SANE! Crew. After the prize-giving everyone headed directly next door to Hohenhaus Tenne for the traditional big Opening Party.

Results SANE! Snowboarding Metal Battle
Best Overall Men: Fabian Fraidl (AUT)
Best Overall Girl: Maisie Hill (GB)
Best Trick Men: Fridtjof “Fridge” Tischendorf (NOR)
Best Trick Girl: Maisie Hill (GB)
Best Style Men: Davide Boggio (ITA)
Best Style Girl: Mia Brookes (GB)
Soundboks Master of the Legends: Simon Pircher (AUT)

The Cash for Tricks Session on the rails and the Burton Quarterpipe Session offered the perfect opportunity to earn some extra pocket money. The contest was open to international pros, as well as up-and-coming riders. How many events allow people to enter, with their favourite rider? Despite the fact it’s just the beginning of the season, we saw a lot of great riding.

The Kids Shred one long-standing tradition at the Opening, which we love is that snowboard legends Gigi Rüf, Steve Gruber and Nina from the Grilo Gand coached the kids, whilst photographer Markus “Fischi” Fischer captured the action and created their own Pleasure Mag covers. Can you imagine being coached by such snowboarding royalty? DJ Row won the kids hearts with his DJ workshop. The enthusiasm and the motivation of the little ones is truly inspiring, the future of the sport is in good hands.

As ever there were numerous snowboard brands, among them Burton, Salomon, Deeluxe, Aleck and Slash Snowboards there at the Tuxer Fernerhaus with their demo-fleet and brand-new material. Many people tested new product and found their ideal ride for the winter.

The RIDE Movie Night celebrated its revival at Tux Center after a two-years-break. The snowboard-family enjoyed watching the latest movies and edits, among them Ride’s new team movie “Sincerely Yours”

This sums up yet another well organised and fun Hintertux Opening event. A special shout out must go to the fantastic Bergfried Hotel. Not only is their hotel the best I’ve ever stayed in, they go out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, even though the snowboarders aren’t the same as their usual guests. Make sure you stay there if you are in the area.

Thanks for the support:

Quiksilver, Burton, Deeluxe, Nixon, 686, Soundboks, Aleck and Ride.