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SnowFest 2023: Innsbruck celebrates winter sports

20 November 2023

Post originally written in: Deutsch

That SnowFest 2023 is in the starting blocks. From November 24 to 26, the square in front of the Tiroler Landestheater in Innsbruck will once again be transformed into Winter Sports Village. Tyrolean clubs invite you to find out more, get to know each other and try things out. Freestyle pros will be demonstrating what is possible on one and two boards on the specially constructed snow ramp. On Friday, snowboarders will be competing at the renowned Rock a Rail Contest, and the following day, freeskiers will be showing off their aerial tricks to the amazement of spectators. Sunday is all about the future sports stars, as the snow ramp will be rebuilt and open to all under the watchful eyes of coaches.

All this with free admission!

Dear Anna, you won the Rock a Rail Contest title at SnowFest 2022 in Innsbruck. What expectations did you have going into last year's competition and what is your goal for the 2023 contest?

Anna Gasser: "Last year, Rock a Rail took place in Innsbruck for the first time, but of course we all knew Rock a Rail from The Hague. In Innsbruck, I just wanted to have fun with the other girls, the setup, the backdrop and the atmosphere were great. So it was even cooler that I won."

What is so special about rail riding, what do you like about it, what perhaps less?

"I don't necessarily see jibbing as my hobbyhorse. But rails are part of every Slopestyle, and in recent years I've also tried my hand at rails somewhere in the streets for filming. It's great fun, but it can also be really tough."

You compete in contests all over the world, how do you like Innsbruck as a location?

"I think it's really cool that we're in the middle of the city. It's a very special atmosphere between the Hofburg and the Landestheater. And Innsbruck itself is still a snowboarding stronghold."

In your opinion, what should visitors to SnowFest not miss - apart from Rock a Rail Contest?

"You absolutely have to stop by Burton Riglet, the little ones on the snowboard are great fun."

Which clubs are taking part this year and what can visitors to Winter Sports Village look forward to?

The local clubs and associations are once again represented in large numbers, including the ÖSV with ski jumping and alpine skiing as well as Rodel Austria. You will also find the Bob & Skeleton Association, TLEV (curling), HC Innsbruck, SAAC Avalanche Camps and many more exhibitors at Winter Sports Village. With its Riglet program, Burton will ensure that the little ones can take their first steps on a snowboard, while action artist Stephan Pirker will also amaze visitors.

Which program items are particularly exciting for kids and youngsters?

Sporting highlights are the snowboard contest Rock a Rail on Friday afternoon and the DownTown StreetSki Contest on Saturday afternoon. Here you can see cool freestyle action from some of the best snowboarders and freeskiers, who tackle the spectacular setup right in front of the Tiroler Landestheater.

For all generations, but especially for families, Winter Sports Village offers a wide variety of sports to get to know and try out from Friday to Sunday - all free of charge.

On Sunday, the ramp will be opened up to everyone with a setup that has been modified overnight. Under the supervision of coaches, everyone can try it out for themselves.

Which stars of the scene are expected at the Rock a Rail and DownTown StreetSki contests?

All the premiere winners from 2022 will be there, above all Anna Gasser, but also the serial winner from Rock a Rail, Benny Milam (USA), and Ryan Stevenson (USA). There will also be a diverse field of riders from all over the world, supported by locals such as Ferdinand Dahl (SWE), Noah Strack (AUT) and Laura Wallner (AUT) - all freeskiers - as well as Annika Morgan (GER), Fridtjof "Fridge" Tischendorf (NOR), Leon Gütl (GER) and Max de Vries (NED) - all snowboarders.

Last year, the ramps were used from the snow from road clearance work in the Axamer Lizum. Is that planned again this year?

Last year we were really lucky with snowfall during the event week. This year's snow partner is once again the Axamer Lizum, which in the best case - if the temperatures play along - will deliver the snow from near Innsbruck.

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Lena Koller

L - ives life to its limits, E - xperiences most of her greatest moments on the mountain, N - ever says no to good coffee and A - dores her mum's homemade sauerkraut