Spring Break 2016 kicks off in style!
Words and photos by James North
2016 marks the 10th year that Spring Break, formally known as The Snowboard Test, has been held in Kaunertal, Austria …and as always the proceedings kicked off with a bang.
Saturday, the arrival day, was a perfect sunny day in the Austrian Alps. Rolling past green fields, impressive mountains and few rogue lederhosen clad farmers, the UK snowboard industry arrived in the friendly town of Feichten on very good terms.
Early doors this morning we headed up the glacier, things felt like mid winter as opposed to spring, with cold temperatures, low visibility and relatively large snowfall – but testers were not put out and stoke levels were high. With all the major players in the snowboard industry present, there was a plethora of product waiting to be tested and enjoyed – snow or shine.
While everyone prepared their first set ups of the week, the familiar smell of the Vans waffles filled the air and naturally the queue started to quickly grow for an early morning treat.
The first on hill event was the DC Rail Jam in association with Monster and despite the conditions, a great crowd headed kto the three rail stair set in the park, ready to ride and/or watch the DC Rail Jam Team Battle.
With endless Radlers waiting to be knocked back and Tim Warwood on the mic, spirits weren’t dampened and the rail jam got into swing.
Starting with an open session, two standout riders were picked out by the judge’s to be the team captains, while the remaining top 8 riders were selected by the captains to join their team…. battle then commenced.
Sparrow Knox and local Austria lad Fabio were representing as captains with many other recognised names such as, Gazza Andrews, Marc McClement and Sam Turnbull completed the team line ups.
Visibility was an all time low but it didn’t stop both teams laying down some hammers. In the end, it was team Fabio who took the win but everyone left with some cash, free Radler and a smile. Thanks DC & Monster and Snowpark Kaunertal for putting the event on despite the tricky weather conditions.
Day 3 and we finally see the sun!
Luckily for us the clouds lifted and we were graced with the pleasure of seeing the stunning Kaunertal glacier in all its glory. The weather was a mixed bag, but it was novel for everyone to see where they were going!
As well as more product testing on the amazing snow conditions, today was the day for Witness The Hitness, a side hit event presented by Monster Energy. There is nothing better than bashing side country with your mates in good weather and this laid back competition encapsulated this exact vibe.
Starting from the test centre at midday, a big squad of riders set off down the hill with a sled in tow heavily laden with beer and loud tunes to get everyone hyped.
The Kaunertal park shapers had prepared four side hits ready for people to throw down, from kickers, to pole jams, to cat track drops… there was something for everyone no matter regardless of ability.
The format was simple: do impressive stunts, get cash money. Then after each session, a winner was called out from the spot leaving them to bask in the glory of props from fellow riders and spectators.
Good vibes followed at the end of the day, with the ever popular Analog Apres. Held at the test centre, Spring Break attendees gather for free beer, Jagermeister, Austrian pumping music and of course, some free swaaaaaaaag. The beer was flowing and it wasn’t long before a long arm drinking game ensued.
Thank you Analog for setting everyone up for a good night at the Zappa Dello bar for the Monster x Vans rock night. Air guitars at the ready, people.
Words and photos by James North
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Your Snowpark Kaunertal Crew