he snowboard community celebrated the kick-off of the new season at last weekend’s 14th Hotzone.tv Park Opening in Hintertux (Oct. 4th – 7th, 2018), the very first snow park Opening in Europe. Fresh snow just in time for the event, a Betterpark HIntertux, which presented itself in the best light, the popular snowboard test and a very fine party program attracted lots of snowboard enthusiasts to join also this year.

Contests

An action-packed weekend is history. Friday saw the main contest happening under blue skies, the „Session of the Dudes“ where many international riders showed their trick arsenal hitting the Pro Line. Finland’s Roope Tonteri convinced judges the most and walked away with the „Best Overall Rider“ award. Leon Vockensperger from Germany got celebrated for the „Best Rookie“ award and Werni Stock – the local at Betterpark Hintertux – claimed the „Best Trick“ award with a massive and clean Switch Backside 1260 Mute. „The weather could have not been better and the Betterpark Hintertux was perfect. Everyone sent it and it was so much fun to ride. I am super stoked“, said Leon Vockensperger after the prize giving. On Saturday riders were hitting the special opening obstacle shaped like an alarm clock during the „Alarm Clock Battle“.

The Austrian Fabian Fraidl caused a stir with hand plants in all variations. The last event of the weekend was Sunday’s „Transform Cash for Trix“ session just above the test area at Tuxer Fernerhaus. With the most creative tricks riders could earn some pocket money directly onsite. Again it was Fabian Fraidl, who stood out oft he crowd, also Zoltán Strcula from Slovakia deserves a mention. So Betterpark Hintertux showed its best side for the 15th anniversary of the park. A big thank you goes to Wille Kaufmann (Betterparks company) and his shape crew for presenting a perfectly prepared park. The positive feedback from attending riders is proof.

Kids Shred: Fun for kids in the Betterpark Small Line

Kids were looking forward all week long to Saturday to join the Kids Shred with Marko Grilc and Steve Gruber. Two international successful riders, who both love to share their passion for the sport with the youngest riders in a playful way without competition pressure. Marko Grilc, who had his son Maxx joining, said: „It’s really great to see the little ones progressing on the boxes und to see how much fun they have while snowboarding.“ After shaking hands and a warm-up run the dozen kids already hit the boxes in a beginner-friendly size as Betterpark Hintertux offers also smaller elements and features in the newly created „Small Line“. Ästhetiker Steve Gruber mentioned: „The most important thing is that we all have fun“. Kids and legends had indeed fun on Saturday!

Boards, boots, bindings from 30 Snowboard brands

Year after year not only a perfectly prepared Betterpark Hintertux await winter sport enthusiasts, but also the test center which is set up for four days up on Hintertux glacier. Nearly 30 brands of the snowboard industry present their latest gear for free testing at the tent village at Tuxer Fernerhaus. The broad offering of boards, boots and bindings from the current collections was an invitation to try something new and to hit the slopes or the park. From the youngest shredder, the teenager to curious winter sportspeople – all of them enjoyed the friendly service, tips and tricks or an expert talk in relaxed atmosphere. The joy about the new season kicking off was present all over the test area.

Parties

Not only the mountain, also the valley was in the spotlight with an extensive party program. Hintertux and Lanersbach were going crazy all weekend long with parties at the Kleine Tenne in Lanersbach and Hohenhaus Tenne Hintertux. The Video Night at the Tux Center stirred up the anticipation of powder-runs and winter in general. Many riders showed up to watch season edits and some of the latest movie productions, among them Wolle Nyvelt’s and Andreas Monsberger’s new movie “Sparks”, which was celebrating its world premiere.

Résumé with outlook

This was the 14th Hotzone.tv Park Opening Hintertux: Best atmosphere and vibes combined with passion for Snowboarding – that’s how the past weekend can be summarized. Fascination for Snowboarding united all participants, from riders, media, industry members, snowboard fans to winter sportspeople. Mark the first October 2019 weekend (Oct. 3rd – 6h, 2019) in your calendar already. The Hotzone.tv Park Opening will celebrate its 15th anniversary and surely some surprises can be expected!