Most of us enjoy the snow parks that resorts have to offer us. Whether it's flying high on a kicker, getting steezy on a rail, or trying to pull off your first trick in the pipe, we want to have the best parks available. I have noticed recently that many of the European riders are traveling more and more across the Atlantic to ride big North American parks. Why is this? Don't we have some great parks and wonderful resorts here in Europe. Well, of course we do, but there is something to be said about the way the parks are in North America. Of course there is the size of these parks, along with many obstacles and choices to ride. But, there is even the way their parks are maintained and presented, with such focus that you would think that they are the main attraction at some of these resorts. That is a key point, as to get a park like that; there must be the demand for one.
Naked Nick "testing" one of his own creations over Innsbrooklyn Pic: FloSmithphotography
For a long time, places like Laax, Mayrhofen, Hintertux, and Saas Fe have been the mecca for snow parks. However, in the last several years, a great number of parks have started to pop up and draw attention to their respective resorts. It was our intention to develop these parks more carefully and to try and strengthen the larger, more established ones. That is why myself, and Nick Francke, teamed up with the ISPO to bring about a conference to address the issues concerning growth and more, and to give some resorts the chance to show off and promote their parks. Along with the four day booth grouping located in Halle A1, next to the ISPO 2010 Brand Award winners, these park personnel will be key attendees at the first conference to be held on the opening of ISPO on Sunday, the 6th, and Monday, the 7th NEXT!!!!...
Innsbruck Air & Style 2008 Pic: Skye Darden
Topics for this conference will include issues such as safety, new shaping techniques and tools,
business and marketing, and finally events. Within these four topics, special guest speakers will
present issues in an attempt to close the gap between our parks here in Europe, and the ones in North America. Speakers such as snowcat manufacturer Prinoth will present their new Bison X Park Groomer or, the safety company Smart Style will discuss their signage and techniques for rating difficulty levels. Among other speakers include TTR and the World Snowboard Federation telling us about new events and techniques in ranking and formats, and even pro athletes such as German halfpipe snowboard legend Xaver Hoffmann, making a passionate plea for more focus on the halfpipe strength in Europe.
Xaver Hoffmann lifting off at Spring in the Park, Zugspitz Pic: Skye Darden
Along with this conference, parks such as Mellow park Kitzsteinhorn, Quicksilver Crystal Ground Kleinwalsertal, Hyse Park, Moreboards Stubai Zoo, O'Neill Alpspitz park Nesselwang, Horsefeather Superparks Planai and Dachstein, DC Snowparks Kitzbuhel, Swatch Snowpark Solden, Snowpark Lenzerheide, and Novapark Silvretta Montafon will also have a communal booth section in the snowboard Halle A1. Park companies such as Q-Parks and Mellow Parks have booths set up with information and goodies about their respective parks. The German park company, Schneestern, will also be on hand and have provided a "rail park" bar for people to enjoy their visit. There are also rumors that a "banana bar", hosted by Downdays.eu will also be there to sling out free bevis to masses.
Patrick Hollaus destroying the gap built in Kitzbuhel Pic: Christoph Schoech
We have the opportunity to help make a difference! So please tell your local park to make sure and check the exhibit out in A1 and register for next year's conference. Only with your help can we make our dreams come true and have the same opportunities as our North American brothers and sisters enjoy. Make sure that you make a difference too... Shred on!!! ~ Skye Darden
Myself slapping some wood at Spring in the Park, Zugspitz Pic: Jiri Lausnecker
Text and photo : Skye Darden
