The Nanshan Open planted its roots in China ten years ago, when a small group of international and local friends gathered for what would be the first snowboard event ever held on Chinese soil. Only a handful of riders took part, many of them in their first season of riding, and no one anticipated what would be in store for this backyard event in the years to come!

Gaining 3Star status on the Ticket To Ride World Tour in 2007, the Open grew to a 4Star event the following year and gained status as the largest Asian stop on the Tour for 2010. 2012 will be the Open’s sixth year with Red Bull as the title sponsor; this long-term partnership has allowed the Open to make exciting progress in China’s developing snowboard scene.

The Red Bull Nanshan Open deservedly earns itself a reputation with riders as one of the most enjoyable competition trips in existence. A perfectly shaped snowpark by the Mellowparks.cn park crew and a week’s worth of 5-star hotels, massages, fine dining and sightseeing await competitors that participate for an unforgettable experience.

Putting together an event like this is never easy, yet a small tight-knit local crew of Chinese and international colleagues seem to make this event run as smoothly as possible year after year. More importantly, this is an event by riders, for riders. Almost to prove this point, each year event organizer Steve Zdarsky ensures he’s the first in line to hit the big kickers on training day; post-competition, the rest of his team find the time to shred the park together with the riders. Park Designer and Head Park Shaper Marco Huang ensures his team provides the best possible park, with a variety of lines and creative features shaped to perfection.

The Red Bull Nanshan Open has undoubtedly put China on the snowboarding map, and as the Open enters it’s tenth year there are no surprises on what to expect – one of the most enjoyable competitions on the circuit out there!