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Vonn and Ligety Shine at World Cup Opener

Editor — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:33:15 +0000

The Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season kicked off in Austria’s Soelden on the weekend, with Americans Ted Ligety and Lindsey Vonn of the US Ski Team claiming the top spots in the World Cup standing for men and women. For Ligety, this was his ninth World Cup win, and as defending champion, the weekend’s success was a good start to the season. Alexis Pinturault of France took second place, with Philipp Schoerghofer of Austria in third place.

Lindsey Vonn certainly appears to be etching her name in snow skiing history, as her weekend Grand Slam victory made her the fifth female to win races in all five of the Alpine disciplines – the other four skiers to have done so are Petra Kronberger (Austria), Pernilla Wiberg (Sweden), Anja Paerson (Sweden), and Janica Kostelic (Croatia). In a post-race interview Vonn admitted that she did not have much confidence as she started the race. Having hurt her hip in a practice run, the American skier had missed most of the week’s training sessions, so her objective was simply to do her best and finish the runs. Describing her victory as a “dream come true”, Vonn noted that she had seen a win in the Grand Slam as being out of her reach in this event. Viktoria Rebensburg of Germany came in second, with Elisabeth Goergl of Austria in third place.

Ligety is defending his third World Cup Grand Slam title, and his performance in the opening event of the season showed that he has what it takes to hold on to the coveted title. His win on the challenging Rettenbach glacier was a first for Ligety, and his ninth Grand Slam victory. Twice Junior GS champion, 20-year-old Alexis Pinturault came in 0.29 behind Ligety, scoring his second podium finish in the men’s GS league. Pinturault beat Ligety in Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora last season, taking second place behind Carlo Janka of Switzerland.

Skiers returning to the competitive slopes this season, having recovered from various injuries, include Robbie Dixon and Jean-Philippe Roy of Canada, and Didier Defago of Switzerland, as well as Marcel Hirscher and Benjamin Raich of Austria. Competitors acknowledge that the first race of the season is not necessarily an indicator as to how things will unfold, and with the season having just begun, skiers and spectators have lots of skiing action to look forward to.

Riding a Zipflbob

Editor — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:06:11 +0000

The inspiration for the Zipflbob was the coal shovel. Invented in 1970 by Siegmund Loger, the original model was changed to plastic. Modifications were made to the handle and seat over the years to provide more maneuverability, speed and comfort. It only re-emerged in the 1990s and this form of sled has gained so much popularity that the first Zipflbob World Series was held in 2002 in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Today there are thirty official Zipflbob events and the International Federation Zipflbob was established in 2009.

As mentioned, the Zipflbob is a type of sled where the rider sits flat on the seat with legs on either side of the control handle. It is easy enough for all ages to master and weighs a mere two kilograms. The Zipflbob is ridden by shifting weight and leaning in the seat, with riders first pushing themselves off with their hands to get the Zipflbob moving downhill. To remain going straight, all riders need to do is keep their arms at their sides with their feet in the air. To turn the Zipflbob to the right for instance, the rider will hold onto the handle with the left hand, and lean his/her body to the right; doing the opposite to go to the left. Stopping the Zipflbob is just as simple, as all riders need to do is hold onto the handle, lean back and dig their heals into the snow. It is one of the safest snowsports to enjoy and the popularity of the Zipflbob is growing with each passing season. Just as with any other winter sport, such as snowboarding and skiing, Zipflbob riders are advised to wear strong boots, a facemask, goggles, ski pants, hat and gloves, and always have a backpack with them to take accessories such as headlamps with them in case they get stuck out on the slopes in the dark.

Zipflbobs are able to reach high speeds, with the world speed record standing at a hundred and thirty-nine kilometers an hour. It is for this reason that Zipflbob racing has become so popular. There are different categories for riders to compete in such as a Team Race, Zipflbob Cross, speed racing and downhill. The latest models of Zipflbobs now feature molded rails and polyethylene frames. Zipflbob is truly a safe and enjoyable sport that all ages can participate in.

Helmet Safety on the Slopes

Editor — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:57:56 +0000

The news of Natasha Richardson’s death, daughter to famous Vanessa Redgrave and wife to Liam Neeson, shocked the world. What was to be an exciting and relaxing skiing adventure, turned to tragedy after a fall in which she suffered fatal head injuries. Another high profile incident occurred when a mother collided with a German politician on the slopes in Austria. She suffered a fatal brain injury while the politician, who was wearing a helmet, survived the incident. Enough proof to show that helmets are a necessity.

Researchers believe that skiing helmets should be promoted more aggressively and be made available to the public at resorts. Many believe that they should be included in skiing packages and be on the shelves of equipment rental stores. There are those who believe that ski helmets only cause a false sense of security. However, it has been seen that more advanced and skilled skiers are making use of helmets more frequently. This is not only because they take on more dangerous terrain than amateur skiers but because they have seen and experienced the risk of the sport. Safety is essential in any sport, and it should be the same with skiing.

Researchers have been conducting studies in regard to skiing helmets, and it was found that helmets can reduce a head injury by at least thirty-five percent. With children under the age of thirteen, helmets were able to reduce injury by fifty-nine percent. The study also showed that with injuries reported, up to nineteen percent were head injuries, and that seventy-four percent of head injuries were caused by skiers’ heads hitting the snow, thirteen percent were because of hitting solid objects such as trees and the remaining ten percent was caused by collisions.

Researchers, such as Gerhard Ruedl from the University of Innsbruck (Austria), know that convincing skiers who have been participating the sport for years that helmets are essential will take some time, as most believe only children should wear them. But it is hoped that by educating the skiing public regarding the risks and damage that can be caused to the brain, more skiers will begin to embrace wearing helmets, recognizing that they are a vital safety measure and small price to pay if they can reduce injuries and save lives.

Victory for Elisabeth Goergl

Editor — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:50:20 +0000

The satisfaction of winning the Super G event this week has been unimaginable after a long journey for Elisabeth Goergl of Austria. Winning her first gold medal was an extremely proud moment for the accomplished alpine skier, who also enjoys downhill disciplines as well as giant slalom. Born on 20 February 1981, Goergl will most definitely have something to celebrate along with her birthday as the enormity of her victory begins to sink in. Even though she was up against world class competition, the Austrian skier did not allow pressure to deter her from delivering one of her best performances.

Goergl had to settle for a bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships, but the Super G event of the 2011 World Championships seemed to have been waiting for her, as skiing is most definitely in her genes. Her mother, Traudl Hecher also won a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics of 1962 and 1964.

Two well known names in the skiing industry, Maria Riesch from Germany and Julia Mancuso of the United States of America provided intimidating competition for Goergl, but could not beat her time of one minute and twenty-three seconds. Mancuso was only off the mark by .05 seconds, while Riesch finished her round in a time of one minute and twenty four seconds. Lindsay Vonn, who was there to defend her title in the Super G discipline and who is the overall World Cup champion, commented that participating might not have been a good idea on her part, after sustaining a concussion a few days earlier when she fell during practice. Vonn was only able to secure a seventh position. The top ten positions were as follows: Elisabeth Goergl, Julia Mancuso, Maria Riesch, Lara Gut, Anna Fenninger, Elena Curtoni, Lindsay Vonn, Fabrienne Suter, Daniela Merighetti and Anja Paerson.

Goergl told the press that to take on the Super G course you need to ski it. Most contenders did comment on the dangerous conditions and bumpy ride they had to endure. Elisabeth Goergl, however, had a strategy going into the event and was quoted saying: “I wasn’t nervous at all at the start. I had a good run, I did what I had planned to do. The conditions were in my favor in this case.”

Snowbombing 2011

Editor — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:26:48 +0000

Volvo Snowbombing is a fun-filled festival that combines exceptional skiing and snowboarding with unforgettable parties. Attracting top bands and DJs to Mayrhofen, 2011 will be the 12th running of this top festival.

The music lineup for Snowbombing 2011 will include The Prodigy, Fat Boy Slim, Pendulum, Sub Focus, Magnetic Man, Professor Green, Chase and Status, Ms Dynamite, The Sunshine Underground and many many others. Complimenting the music is the stunning alpine peaks, pine forests and nightclub made of snow. The area offers skiers and boarders 625 km of pistes, as well as a top-class terrain park.

Date: 4 to 9 April 2011
Venue: Mayrhofen
State: Tyrol
Country: Austria

Fun in the Snow at Stuhleck

Editor — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:12:30 +0000

In the year 1891 the massive task was undertaken to summit Stuhleck on skis. The successful completion of this expedition had far reaching implications, as Stuhleck and the entire Spital am Semmering region developed into the most popular winter sport destinations in Austria. It is located in East Austria and is the biggest ski and snowboarding resort in the country. Skiers have access to nine different pistes and it is truly a skiing paradise for all winter sport enthusiasts. A number of facilities and services ensure that visitors will have fun both on and off the soft blanketed slopes.

At a height of 1,783 meters, Stuhleck is not only know for its height and various activities but the fact that it is covered mostly in natural snow. Snow machines are on hand to assist but they are fortunate to enjoy a good snowfall every winter. A six seater chairlift has just recently been installed to assist in the transportation of visitors, and with a total of eleven lifts, approximately nine thousand skiers can be accommodated per hour. The slopes have trails for various skill levels. For snow sport enthusiasts wanting to try something a little different, there is snow tubing and tobogganing. Tubes that are filled with air allow visitors to travel around the track that has been carved into the earth and a five kilometer toboggan run is waiting for families to enjoy, with both activities beginning at the summit station. Long distance skiers can enjoy an eight kilometer trail through the mountains, while skiers who were not able to enjoy the day time activities can ski at night on Snow Parkat, which is lit with floodlights.

Snowboarders will also be able to enjoy their time at Stuhleck with a fantastic snow park, making adventure available to all levels of snowboarders. The snow park has a variety of wood obstacles, kickers, rails, jibs and boxes that are maintained every day. The snow park is also open at night for snowboarders who want to take full advantage of their snowboarding holiday. Over and above the slopes, Stuhleck also has affordable and comfortable accommodation, as well as numerous restaurants, discos and cozy pubs. There is most certainly something for everyone to enjoy at Stuhleck.

Europe

Editor — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:17:10 +0000

Europe offers a diversity of cultures, scenery and activities that makes the continent a very popular holiday destination. For snow skiing enthusiasts, Europe certainly offers a world of possibilities just waiting to be explored. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, winter sports feature prominently in the lives of the locals, producing world class athletes that often dominate competitive winter sports. Visitors to the ski resorts found in these beautiful countries can expect world-class facilities, along with picture postcard scenery.

Italy, Spain and France may be more readily associated with sun-drenched orchards and lazy days on the beach, than with snow skiing. But those who have experienced the vibrant atmosphere and sheer fun quality of a snow skiing holiday at any of the many ski resorts located in Italy, France and Spain know that these European countries have much to offer in the way of superb snow and excellent facilities. If you have not yet done so, why not plan your next snow skiing vacation at one of Europe’s spectacular resorts.

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World Snowboarding Championship

Editor — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:43:32 +0000

Even though snowboarding has grown into an immensely popular winter sport, it has always remained on the sidelines in regard to championship tournaments. But that is all about to change with the recent announcement that a World Snowboarding Championship is currently being established. At the 2009 TTR General Assembly, which was held in Austria, representatives from around the world supported the project, which is being organized by the World Snowboard Federation and the TTR World Tour.

Swatch TTR, or Ticket To Ride, was established by Terje Haakonsen in the year 2002, and is a non-profit organization that focuses on the development of competitive snowboarding. Now, with the creation of the World Snowboarding Championship, the TTR will undertake their biggest challenge to date. It has been decided that the World Snowboarding Championship will be held every four years, and the inauguration event will be taking place in 2012. Oslo, in Norway, has been selected as the host of the event and the venue will still be advised, as the Norwegian Snowboard Federation is still awaiting approval by the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment in regard to plans to upgrade the Tryvann Vinterpark. The Oslo Municipality has also confirmed their support of the World Snowboarding Championship by putting up over $4.3 million towards the event. Reto Lamm, TTR World Tour President, commented that the creation of this event was a giant leap forward for the sport of snowboarding and expressed his enthusiasm for the inaugural event by saying: “We look forward to putting on a world-class event to push the progression of the sport and provide a global platform to showcase the best riders in the world.” The World Snowboarding Championship will have various divisions, enabling both men and women to display their best abilities in slopestyle disciplines as well as in the halfpipe events.

Some of the details in regard to prize money, participant qualifications and various event schedules are still to be decided and will be made public as soon as a final decision has been reached. The World Snowboarding Championship will allow snowboarding enthusiasts from all over the globe to compete for top honors and world ranking.

Protest World Rookie Final 2010

Editor — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:12:23 +0000

The Protest World Rookie Final 2010, is taking place on the slopes of Ischgl from the 7th to the 11th of April 2010. This is known as the ultimate snowboarding event, as the prizes up for grabs includes a photo shoot with Onboard European Snowboard Magazine, attending filming done by Pirate Movie Productions, a film trip to Chile and much more. Participants that have qualified for the Protest World Rookie Final will be divided into two divisions, namely those who were born before 1995, and those born after. All entrants are from the WSF member nations and include both men and women.

It is also a thrilling event for spectators to watch, as boarders will be pulling out all the stops to impress the judges. For more information about the participants, competition rules and the venue, visit the official website at www.worldsnowboardfederation.org.

Date: 7 – 11 April 2010
Venue: Ischgl
City: Tirol
Country: Austria

Kids Snow Day 2010

Editor — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:25:02 +0000

After hosting a very successful event in December, the Horsefeathers Superpark Plana, will be hosting another Kids Snow Day on 13 March 2010. Participation by children is free of charge, and beginners’ classes are offered by Blue Tomato Teamriders. Children will learn useful tips in regard to snowboarding, and equipment rental is available on the Kids Snow Day, allowing everyone to enjoy this exciting event. In addition, goodie-bags will be given away, after an exciting day on the slopes.

More information in regard to the Kids Snow Day and Blue Tomato Teamriders can be attained, by emailing julia.winslow@bluetomato.com.

Date: 13 March 2010
Venue: Horsefeathers Superpark Planai
City: Schladming
Country: Austria