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The Kick the Vik freeride eco-contest took place in the Gotthard region from March 12 to 14, 2010. 54 motivated freeriders, snowboarders, skiers and telemark skiers made their way to the Maighelshütte, where the three-day freeride event took place in combination with a contest. Untouched peaks with plenty of space for first lines were available, which could only be reached with touring equipment according to the "Earn Your Turn" concept, with the start in order of arrival on the mountain - a (still) unique contest format. Jochen Mesle, freerider from Innsbruck and participant in the competition, wrote an experience report for PowderGuide.
First day
We started on Friday morning at the Oberalp Pass, where the sun was already waiting for us. The 2-hour ascent to the first meeting point was quickly mastered, where the event management presented the summit of the Rossbodenstock and the slope to be ridden for the first part of the contest. The riders had enough time during the ascent to memorize a line in the untouched face, whereby the seemingly clear slope from above turned out to be more of a labyrinth of rocks and stones. Those who reached the windy summit the quickest and were the first to start were spontaneously rewarded.
A small number of the riders who had found their line were able to impress those waiting below with high cliff drops, fluid, fast turns in the steep gullies and beautiful line choices.
Afterwards, everyone set off on the ascent to the Maighelshütte, where the next peaks to be conquered were inspected while briefly relaxing in the last rays of sunshine. After satisfying their growling stomachs with a commendable dinner from the hut team, the riders went to bed exhausted after a short riders' meeting, where the course of the second day was explained.
Day two
After a hearty breakfast, all the riders set off on the 3-hour hike up Piz Purtgera at 7am. Once again, they stopped to inspect the slope. To reach the summit, we even had to climb a few meters. The hike started in two groups, divided into two slope areas, according to a previously drawn starting order. Once again, the participants were able to impress with their lines, and there were also some spectacular falls.
Afterwards, it was up to the participants whether they wanted to make another summit, build a kicker or simply relax at the hut. After an extensive dinner, the rider voting took place, where each participant was allowed to cast 6 votes for the men and 1 vote for the women. The filmed runs were shown on a screen to great cheers and laughter. The winners were then announced the next morning after a convivial evening and rewarded with prizes.
Swiss skier Michael Jurt won the men's competition ahead of Alexander Kristensen from Norway and local Armin Beeli. The women's competition was dominated by last year's runner-up snowboarder Linda Camathias.
After saying goodbye to the hut staff and participants, the descent into the valley could be freely arranged, so that many decided to go for another hike, but some also took a leisurely ride down into the valley.
So every participant headed home with a beaming, tanned face, grateful for a perfect weekend - next stop: showers!
Results
Men
1. Michael Jurt (CH)
2nd Alexander Kristensen (NOR)
3rd Armin Beeli, (CH)
Women
1st Linda Camathias (CH)
2nd Alba Wunderlin (CH)
3rd Theresa Brenner (AT)
