Snowflakes were falling when riders were getting ready to drop into the Halfpipe underneath GALAAXY. In the women’s field the only European rider in the finals, Queralt Castellet from Spain, was clearly in the lead after the first run. She started off with a huge Lien Air, a Backside 900 Mute, followed by a Frontside 900 Melon, Air to Fakie, finishing off with a Switch Backside 540 Mute. She was the rider to beat in the 2nd run but none of the other contestants was able to get close to her ex...

The big event of the last FIS Snowboard World Cup before the Olympic Games took place last weekend in Laax (SUI). At the Crap Sogn Gion, the freestyle snowboarders had best conditions. A truly magical atmosphere after sunset at 2,252 meters above sea level, combined with sensational riding and rapturous fans. In slopestyle the athletes showed their skills on ramps and rails under a bright sunny sky. The absolute highlight of the event was the night finale in the halfpipe under floodlight, whe...