Hintertux Park Opening

Austria’s Hintertux glacier is in prime condition after recent snowfalls as it celebrates its 20^th Park Opening from October 3 – 6, 2024.

This weekend Hintertux is expected to have the most terrain open of the dozen or so European centres that have already started their 24-25 seasons and the centre’s famous Betterpark Hintertux is set to become the heart of the action. There’s also a full side programme with plenty of partying and the on-snow new-season gear test from participating brands has been an important part of the opening since day one.

Top international riders taking part include an illustrious Norwegian quintet with seasoned pros like Ståle Sandbech, Fridtjof Tischendorf, and Torgeir Bergrem. Alongside Canadians Truth Smith and Frank Jobin, and Iceland’s Halldor Helgason, known for his wild tricks, they, and many more, will christen the big jump at the first Transfer Session of the season.

Then it’s all about “airtime” at “Werni’s Transfer Games by Quiksilver”, a session open for anyone to join. The snowboarders won’t just be flying over the jumps but also over the rails, with a spotlight on the “SANE! Metal Battle” Rail Jam on Saturday evening.

Participants will include the 2023 Rock A Rail Tour winners Paula Benito (SPA) and Leon Gütl (GER). Young Austrians Selin Lakatha, Hanna Karrer, and Kristina Holzfeind aim to make a strong statement for the local snowboarding scene.

Among the men, Norwegian Øyvind Kirkhus is one of the favourites. Anyone can make it to the finals – all they need to do is sign up and take part in the “Metal Battle” qualifiers to snag one of the last spots for the big show at the valley station.

Many of the riders have a long history with the Opening and been regular participants over the years, some even as part of the “Kids Shred” program when they were younger. The “Kids Shred” is key element of the Opening since many years. Since last year, it’s been under the wing of Austria’s snowboarding legend Gigi Rüf. Annika Morgan, who regularly makes it to World Cup podiums today, Moritz Amsüss, Maxi Preissinger, and Kuba Hrones are just a few of today’s stars who took the chance as youngsters to get tips from pro riders and photographers.

Away from the park action the side program has a lot to offer, while also staying true to the classics. Friday’s “Movie Premiere Night” features the world premiere of “Schnitzeltime II – No Return” by and with snowboarder Clemens Millauer, who, just like in the first part, has gathered his Austrian snowboarding crew for the movie, including Olympic champion Anna Gasser, Gigi Rüf, Adrian Krainer, Sani Alibabic, and Zillertal locals Werni Stock and Tom Tramnitz. Additionally, “SCATTER” from the crew around Leon Gütl will be premiered.

For 20 years, snowboarders have been celebrating at the Hohenhaustenne in Tux. Right after the “Metal Battle”, the sound will be cranked up next door, featuring none other than pro rider Ethan Morgan as one of the DJs.

Photo credit: © Max Glatzl, Marvin Salmina; Park Overview © Wille Kaufmann