Last weekend, the freeride hotspot Hochfügen once again welcomed the best contest riders to the annual Big Mountain Event. The freeride contest is one of the top-class 4* events within the Freeride World Qualifier series and attracted many onlookers thanks to the good weather. Participants Julian Zenzmaier and Jochen Mesle were on site for PowderGuide and report on their impressions.
The starting position
With up to 70 cm of fresh snow and the fact that only the best riders on the current seeding list were admitted, a high level and massive action was pre-programmed. The weekend began on Friday, the day of arrival, with the first riders' meeting.
The unstable weather forecast for Saturday meant that it was not yet possible to decide when the contest would ultimately take place. So it was time for us to head up the mountain and take a first look at the face. Relatively early on, however, we averted our eyes and enjoyed the wonderful powder that Mrs. Holle had given us on this contest weekend. We received the news that the contest would take place on Sunday in the evening during the cozy riders' dinner at the 8er Alm. At this point, a compliment must be paid to the organization. The news was rewarded with a round or two. After rewarding powder runs on Saturday, we took it easy in the evening with burning thighs and concentrated fully on the face, the legendary east face.
The contest
Sunday, 8:00 am, Bluebird, first gondola. We couldn't have wished for better conditions. Despite the icy temperatures, everything spoke for a successful day. Simon Wohlgenannt started at half past nine on the dot with start number 1, who enjoyed a wonderful powder run and was later rewarded with a place in the top 10. In the meantime, a large crowd of spectators had already gathered in front of the 8er Alm to enjoy the spectacle with the best view.
In the men's category, the young star from Völs, Raphael Webhofer, only just missed out on first place with a mix of Newschoo elements and a confident performance in the technical section, finishing behind Frenchman Loic Collomb-Patton, who impressed the judges with a Cork 720 and a 360. Raphi also received the news at the awards ceremony later on that he would receive a wildcard for the Freeride World Tour stop in Fieberbunn, which he more than earned with his fourth podium this year. Mickael Bimboes was delighted to take third place with his usual fast and convincing style. It was his third podium of the season and so, like Raphi, the Frenchman's place in the 2013/2014 Freeride World Tour can hardly be taken away from him.
Lorraine Huber came out on top in the women's race. It seems that she is unstoppable at the moment. After her confident run in Chamonix at the Freeride World Tour and her victory at the 4* event in La Clusaz, the Vorarlberg native is once again at the top of the podium. Matilda Rapaport from Sweden took second place with a fast and flowing line. Laura Vailly from France rounded off the podium in third place.
Flo Orley was once again able to assert himself among the snowboarders thanks to his experience. He improved on his line from last year and took his second win in a row after the 4* event in Engadin. This means he now also leads the FWQ ranking, which is sure to provide a motivational boost for the remaining World Tour stops. Second place went to Chris Charlet from France, who is also high up in the rankings. In third place, Mike Aeschbach from Switzerland achieved by far his best result this year. There was a mixed podium for the women. Maria Kuzma from New Zealand came third, just behind Austria's Liz Kristoferitsch. The young Swiss athlete Estelle Balet won with a commanding lead.
The winners
Snowboard women:
1. Estelle Balet SUI
2. Liz Kristoferitsch AUT
3. Maria Kuzma NZL
Snowboard men:
1. Flo Orley AUT
2. Chris Charlet FRA
3. Mike Aeschbach SUI
Ski women:
1. Lorraine Huber AUT
2. Matilda Rapaport SWE
3rd Laure Vailly FRA
Men's skiing:
1st Loic Collomb-Patton FRA
2nd Raphael Webhofer AUT
3rd Mickael Bimboes FRA
Conclusion
Only enthusiasm could be heard from all sides - the organizers can be very proud of themselves! It was also the highest level we have ever witnessed at an FWQ event. From backflips and massive 360s to technical, steep lines, it was all there - great stuff! All in all, we had a great weekend that couldn't have been better. We're really looking forward to next year.
