Events

Hotzone.tv Park Opening 2016 at Hintertux – Full Gallery and Report

Take a look at all of our favourite shots from the Hotzone.tv opening on the Hintertux Glacier – the (un)official start of the 2016/2017 winter season!

All photos by Sam Oetiker

The first turns of the season are always something that we eagerly anticipate every year. Grabbing your board from the basement, jumping in the car and tightening your boots on the gondola ride up, before setting off on your first run after a long summer are all feelings we can relate to. For many of us who live here in Europe, those experiences will happen high up on the Hintertux glacier.

Scroll on for some of our favourite shots from this year’s opening:

Clemens Millauer sending a back 5 tailgrab over the first pro line kicker

You wouldn't think that this was Mario Kaeppeli just easing himself back into riding after a knee injury. Insanely stylish frontside 360

As one of the few resorts to offer riding all year round, the Hotzone.tv park opening at ‘Tux is one of the earliest opportunities you have of getting on your snowboard. This, combined with a banger park and a shedload of off-hill activities make the opening a weekend you simply cannot afford to miss. This year was no exception!

Day one kicked off with decent weather and a session on the pro kicker line. Local hero Werni Stock was up there early throwing down, alongside Clemens Millauer, Marko Grilc, Mario Kaeppeli, Benny Wetscher and a large group of incredibly excitable French rookies.

Clemens Millauer has the most stylish switch backside 540 melons

Clemens warming up with a lofty backside 720 melon

Marko Grilc showed up and was boosting these sick front 3s

Those locals lucky enough to have the Friday off work scored lap after lap through the Betterpark – which was in prime condition for the end of September.

After riding, everyone gathered at the Tux Center to check out the new Mehod Mag movie as well as Absinthe’s latest offering, AfterForever. Once the movies wrapped up the crowds moved to the various Hotzone Opening party venues in town, which provided some solid tunes and a good opportunity to catch up with the homies over a couple of beers.

Day 2 brought with it some challenging weather conditions which sadly resulted in the Session of the Dudes being cancelled due to speed and visibility issues.

Nevertheless, there was still a ton of park riding to be had – especially for the youngsters, who were treated to their very own photo session with GoPro photog Fischi, along with guidance from local legends such as Steve Gruber – good hands to be left in indeed!

Clemens with an insane cab 270 on, 450 out, with our resident filmer Sam McMahon getting the shot

At the base of the lift a rad little skate pump track had been constructed for everyone to have a go at, and there was ample opportunity to grab a bite to eat, catch some live music or try your luck on the roulette table.

After the sun went down the main Hotzone Opening party kicked off at Hohenhaus Tenne which definitely resulted in a few heavy heads the following morning…

Day 3 once again brought tricky weather conditions, with rain at altitude and a thick layer of fog making riding the park pretty tough.

However, it was rad to see that the rain didn’t dampen all of the riders’ spirits, with a good handful of snowboarders gathering for the Lib Tech cash for tricks session.

The demo centre - which snowboard are you most stoked to try out this season?

Now that's what we call POP. Clemens with a monster sidehit front 3

Lib Tech showing off their wad of dollar for the Cash For Tricks session!

Unknown rider with a stylish stalefish gap to front lip during the Cash for Tricks

Overall, the Hotzone Opening was a fantastic way to usher in the 2016/2017 season. A killer park setup, great parties, an opportunity to test out new snowboard gear and a chance to catch up with friends old and new.

If this weekend was any indication of what the following months have got in store for us on our snowboards and beyond, we’re in for an amazing winter!