Further to the resort itself, Canoe will handle the press for all events including the upcoming Mini Shred Contest, Sudden Rush Banked Slalom and European Open. Chris Carr, Managing Director, Canoe said “Laax is a resort we have worked with closely over the years so it is pleasing to have the opportunity to work with them directly. Laax is a truly progressive resort, offering unparalleled service and facilities.

We look forward to promoting Laax as a year round destination and intend to capitalise on the impressive schedule of world class events that are hosted within the resort.” Over the next few weeks, the Mini Shred Contest (20 to 21 February 2016), the Sudden Rush Banked Slalom (4 to 6 March 2016) and the European Freeski Open LAAX (9 to 12 March 2016) will all take place at LAAX, with opportunities for media to experience both the events and all the resort has to offer.

The next event on the freestyle calendar is dedicated to the younger shredders. From 20 to 21 February 2016 they will have the chance to come of age in the halfpipe and on the slopestyle course on Crap Sogn Gion. This year will be the second time the contest takes place after being set up by the Freestyle Academy. Girls and boys, on skis or snowboards – anyone born in 2000 or later is eligible to take part. The event promises the chance to meet freestylers from various cantons and countries, plus a range of fantastic prizes. The engagement of the LAAX Snowpark Crew will be the same as for the pros. Additionally Sunday from 2.30 pm to 5 pm, the Burton Riglet park will stop at the rocksresort in the valley, to give young riders aged between three and six their first taste of snowboarding.

Before snowboards had edges, people simply rode banked. This is going back to the very origins of the sport – a time when LAAX openly embraced the snowboarding movement. Last season, LAAX got together with Sudden Rush to hold an event in honour of those early years. This was the birth of the Sudden Rush Banked Slalom. It was an instant success, hosted by two snowboarding icons, Terje Haakonsen and Nicolas Müller, who threw all their support behind the event – delighting the crowds with their enthusiasm and sheer passion for the world of snowboarding.  

From 4 to 6 March 2016, the Sudden Rush Banked Slalom will return. This is an event which brings together snowboarders from every discipline: boardercross riders, racers, Alpine legends and current snowpark riders. And once they are gripped by banked fever, having fun in the open event quickly takes second place to the desire to claim top spot in the contest! LAAX creates a demanding, competitive course for the contest on the Crap mountain, leaving some sections in their natural state for cruising – the cool way to slalom. In short, this is the perfect addition to the events calendar at LAAX. More than 150 riders, from youngster to master, have already registered to compete in the various age groups. There are still a few spots left, with registration open until Monday, 22 February 2016