Hochkar Open 2012: the Fight for the Most Stylish Airs is Over!

Higher, faster, further: on Saturday, the 28th of January the freestyle elite met up in the Senoner’park Hochkar, in order to match each other in hot head to head battles! In the categories Freeski and Snowboard, the riders gave it their all, showcasing their skills on an exquisitely shaped Big Air Kicker. In the Freeski Competition, Alex Moser came in first; Michael “Stani” Stanschitz won the Snowboard Contest!

Even before sunrise, the Shapecrew had catered for a perfectly shaped kicker, which should become the riders’ battle ground in the contest and thanks to a perfectly sunny day it looked just spot on! As is custom at the Hochkar Open, also this year the tension increased to the breaking point due to the exciting head to head contest format. 2.000€ prize money, massive TSG and Sport Senoner Goodies and the prospect on credits for the QParks Snowboard Tour and the QParks Freeski Tour, meaning loads of glory, made it easy for the riders to be motivated for the contest.

In the freeski contest, Alex Moser came in first, putting Julius Gerhart behind him in the head-to-head battle of the Superfinals. But that wasn’t all: with a stylish Switch Nine Double Grab, Alex also won the Best Trick and was pleased to receive another 100€ cash! Alex on his victory: “Coming here definitely paid off! Last year, I also took part in the Hochkar Open and this year, the kicker was even more massive, I loved it! The weather was fine as well – it was tons of fun! Next year I want to come here again and I’m definitely going to take part in other QParks Tourstops!” Amongst the Freeski Ladies, Maria Blersch demonstrated quite impressively, that the guys aren’t the only ones capable of stylish airs! The Rookies also showed mile high riding levels. Daniel Walchhofer prevailed in the end.

The snowboard contest wasn’t a bit less nail-biting. Here, local Michael “Stani” Stanschitz won the battle, delighting judges and spectators alike. Maja Löfvenmark turned out to be the snowboarding queen of the day. “Stani” was absolutely stoked by his home win: “I made it up the mountain quite late and missed the training. Still, I entered the finals, which was just great! I loved the fact that the kicker was even bigger this year and I was able to show many stylish tricks. The Hochkar Open is my home contest, so being part of it really is something special to me. My whole family is here and that really gives my confidence a boost!” Marvin Salmina, who managed to enter the top three, convinced the judges and showed the Best Trick.

The young snowboarder Florian Prietl had a real surprise in store: because he was the only rookie registered, he was entered into the Men’s contest – and managed to make it into the finals. He had to surrender to the winner, which he isn’t ashamed of, however: “I never thought I’d come this far, I’m absolutely stoked! I’ve already taken part in a few contests of the QParks Tour and there are more to come, which I want to be part of, too!” Once again, the QParks Snowboard tour as well as the Hochkar Open proved to be the perfect step stones for young talents: Albert Senoner, main sponsor and benefactor of the Senoner’park Hochkar and the contest alike was so taken by Florian Prietl’s skills, that without much ado he offered the rookie a one-year sponsoring: “I was instantly stoked by Florian’s riding level! He really deserves to be supported!”

But not only the Big Air contest itself was a sight to be seen. A DJ pampered the audience with electrifying beats, providing the perfect priming coat for the competition. At the traditional BBQ, no one had to go hungry and Albert Senoner himself once again took the opportunity to care for the sizzling steaks and sausages. His upshot on the contest: “It was absolutely massive: perfect weather, high riding levels, many people – this really is as good as it gets!”

The QParks Tour Continues!

Already on Saturday, the 4th of February 2012, the QParks Tour will move on to Germany, at the TWO FIFTY Masters Feldberg. All freestylers will again get the chance to demonstrate their skills in a massive contest.

For more recent information and news, go to snowboard.qparkstour.com or freeski.qparkstour.com or visit the Facebook Fanpages of the QParks Snowboard Tour and the QParks Freeski Tour. Stay tuned for drama and glory!

Photo Credit: Stefan Voitl