First snowfall was a real latecomer…

This year, fall was extremely harsh to the Sölden freestyle lovers. Temperatures were just too warm and snow was a very scarce resource at the beginning of the season. Huge investments had been made and a host of new obstacles, among others the brand-new Oakley special obstacle were waiting for their first big “gig”. As late as on the 3^rd December 2009, the first snowflakes in an amount worth mentioning came down on the area where soon the Swatchpark Sölden would stand.  70cm were still too less to construct the park and we had to wait another week to start the snowmaking. However, then, things have gone extremely fast:

It’s on…!

Our team’s on site and they’re fully motivated to make the best of the little amount of snow until Christmas. 10 years designing the park in Sölden from the very beginning have taught QParkdesigner Rudi Wyhlidal everything about his baby and as if by some help from “above”, he erects the park, together with his fabulous team of shapers, in almost the entire setup as one of the first snowparks in the Alps within a few days! First pics are made and everyone is stoked by the perfect Swatch Snowpark Sölden! On January 8^th, the pro line is standing ready and we are asking Rudi in an exclusive and stunning interview about the life of a QParksdesigner!

Specialicious

On January 20^th, the first special obstacles are placed inside the park and we provide 3 galleries of awesome pictures by Rudi and his crew!  On the 23^rd, Max Horn and Benni Deeg come for a visit to the park with their snowboards and again some stunning photos and also a nice videoclip by Basti Funk are made! Since 2 days the notorious giant Oakley elephant box has been placed and we provide an interesting feature about the “Big O”. On Jan 29^th the park is fully finished and Rudy gives another interview with amazing pics of the entire Swatch Snowpark Sölden 2010! After some highlights in February, among others the renowned Netherlandish magazine “White” come for a visit with the whole crew, it is time to announce the 5^th sequel of the legendary Freestyle Feast inside the Swatchpark. Everyone is curious, as this year for the first time, a slopestyle contest will be integral part of the feast. Before that another shooting takes place with pro riders such as Mario Wanger, Thomas Franc, Much Macho, Patrick Tilg and Jye Kearney and probably the best material of the season is captured on canvas! On March the 13^th the time has finally come and the Freestyle Feast passes off in utmost stylish manner! At perfect bluebird weather, Gram Gottfried, René Friedl and Dominik Rangger dominated the respective categories! Everybody is excited about the new format and for sure it wasn’t the last Freestyle Feast contest!

Almost over…

The warm weather and spring vibes at the Feast have made clear that winter is finally over and the snow is getting wetter, heavier and our shapers have all hands full with keeping the park in the right condition. As a last highlight, the special Oakley media-kicker has been built at the glacier, where an endless coming and going of international filmcrews has been going on since the opening, however, the kicker is only for watching, as it is not public. At the moment the obstacles are being carried out of the park but ther is no need to be sad - you can already look forward to next winter, as there will for sure be some next surprises for you in the Swatch Snowpark Sölden! See also Rudi’s closing statement of the season.

The QParks team wants to thank you all for a splendid season in the Swatch Snowpark Sölden, including the Bergbahnen, all our Sponsors Oakley, Nitro, Swatch, Moreboards and Onboard, and of course our fabulous team Rudi, Christoph & co for always keeping the park in perfect condition! See y’all next winter!

And watch out for the upcoming clip of the special Obstacle Shooting! It will be online within the next days!