December 2010

Already early in December, Father Frost brought us a decent amount of snow. This didn’t only allow some sick backcountry action, but of course to start timely with constructing the Swatch Snowpark Soelden. With park designer Rudi Wyhlidal being torn between shredding and pushing the pow, a perfect start into the season was given. Even if the weather turned out to be a bit tricky, the park was officially opened on December 22^nd, what a sweet Christmas present. Also a first inofficial photo shooting was held at the end of the year; Rudi is not only the mastermind behind his park, he’s also the one who’s providing us with amazing shots from there!

January 2011

The New Year began as the old one had ended: with massive freestyle action! Nitro Rookie Tom Hörhager and his friend Dominik Brunner right away paid a visit to the park. They carefully examined the beginner and medium area and the result was a sweet clip at bluebird and freestyle action on a spotlessly shaped setup.

On the 10^th of Jan, after bleeding hands, a couple of broken shovels and tons of snow moved by the cats, the pro line was ready to be conquered and hence the Swatch Snowpark Soelden set up in its full extends. Along with the beginner and the medium line, there were more than 20 obstacles to be crushed.

Also the Best Pic Award 2k11 was held on facebook, letting you chose the most awesome shot in our galleries. Here you can find the winner.

February 2011

This month started out with the release of another pro–clip from the Swatch Snowpark Soelden. Rasmus Dalberg Jørgensen and Moreboards Rider Mario Wanger killed the pro line after park designer Rudi had briefed them on what’s on the agenda! But check out the clip yourself and be warned, there’s some explicit shredding content! Of course we also have some pictures for you.

March 2011

March should start with a big freestyle bang and the sixth Freestyle Feast in the Swatch Snowpark Soelden. Live music, a DJ, Jonel Fricke on the mic, about 50 super motivated riders, perfect weather, cash and goodies … what more could you ask for? Rudi of course built a special obstacle for the event that was just another demonstration of his creative park design. Both freeskiers and snowboarders in the end agreed, that the Freestyle Feast 2011 surely is the undisputed, most relaxed scene come-together of the Ötztal valley.

Apart from international visitors flocking into the park, also a Slovenian crew came to not only shoot the Freestyle Feast, but also to check out the backcountry with park designer Rudi who knows the area inside out. No matter if slabs, gullies, rocks or bumps,  Bine Zaholar, Matevz Pristavec and Mitja Legat found whatever the backcountry affiliate desires. Convince yourself … here’s the clip.

And to put the icing on the cake, right after the Freestyle Feast, Rudi and his awesome shape crew started out with the construction of this year’s photo-obstacle. Though, all who followed us here will know that this might be misunderstood. Rudi, in fact, released a monster in form of a multi-obstacle with 10 take offs, 3 landings, 2 poles and all kinds of things which let’s a true shredhead stand gaping! Various film and photo crews came to conquer the monster with the footage produced remaining top secret until autumn. But no worries, of course you get a glimpse at what it looks like when a set of pros kills the “Incredible Project”.

April 2011

20° Celsius, foehn winds and basically no fresh snow at all for weeks made keeping the park in shape a Sisyphus task. Nevertheless, the Swatch Snowpark Soelden team did a great job and managed to provide remarkable conditions until after Easter. And whilst most of the other resorts in the Alps already went into aestivation, the pros and their film crews rocked the “Incredible Project” and shredders from all over the world enjoyed the winter park. In autumn then, the glacier park will open it’s lines. Until then, we would like to wish everyone a chilled out summer.

Last but not least, of course we would like to say thanks to the Oetztal Tourism, the mountain railways Oetztal, Swatch, Oakley, Nitro, Moreboards and Neff for their support. Big cheers of course go out to Rudi Wyhlidal and his team, you did an awesome job! And most importantly, thanks to everyone who came and had a ride with us … you guys rock … hope to see ya all next season!