<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since its inception in 2008, visually spectacular course designs have always been a hallmark of the Audi Nines presented by Falken. The event series’ focus on a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics has resulted in some of the most eye-opening creations in the realm of action sports. This year the Audi Nines has collaborated with Audi designer Sebastian Gehwolf, drawing inspiration from his design approach to create one of the most ambitious and breathtaking constructions ever seen in snow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A Design Match Made in Heaven</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Feature concepts at the Audi Nines have channeled a wide variety of influences over the years, from medieval architecture (“castles out of snow”) to more recent, science fiction-inspired creations. In <a href="https://www.boardriding.com/events/the-audi-nines-2021" target="_blank">2021, the Audi Nines</a> have collaborated with Sebastian Gehwolf to “hack” the setup and introduce his own vision. The result is a stunning synthesis of function and style that will amaze snowpark fans and design aficionados alike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Designing this huge snow construction so that it looks fascinating—drawing the eye to different angles, shapes and curves—was challenging but very rewarding,” says Gehwolf about the process.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Excited by this unique opportunity, Gehwolf saw parallels to his usual work. “When designing a car, there are functional aspects that have priority above aesthetics,” he explains. “Similarly, with a snow feature, it first needs to fulfil the requirement of being a place of progression for the best athletes in the world. But in the end, both a car and a snow feature should be pleasing to the eye.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Design and aesthetics have always been an important aspect of the Audi Nines,” says event founder Nico Zacek. “The result of Sebastian’s vision is something that we never could have hoped to dream of. Through this collaborative approach, we’ve built a bridge between action sports and design to truly reach a new level for both fields.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A Creative Playground for the World’s Best Riders</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In its new location at the resort of <a href="https://www.boardriding.com/spots/crans-montana-snowpark" target="_blank">Crans-Montana</a> in Valais, Switzerland, the 2021 Audi Nines setup offers a variety of different jumps, rails and other features to challenge a carefully selected crew of the world’s best freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The venue centers around a double-sided main feature complex that is approachable from opposite directions. In front of the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, riders will fly past each other in dizzying displays of athletic prowess while exploring the setup’s myriad possibilities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The design includes a large “step-up,” a classic style of jump where the landing is much higher than the takeoff. Other innovations include a massive snow sphere 8 meters in diameter as a “knuckle jib” that riders can bounce off, jump over or even jump through with the help of a tunnel. Finally, a rail setup designed with input from boundary-breaking skier Jesper Tjäder (SWE) will provide a venue for jib progression.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The invited riders’ list includes international top athletes such as <a href="https://www.boardriding.com/riders/halldor-helgason" target="_blank">Halldór Helgason</a> (ISL, SNB), Henrik Harlaut (SWE, SKI), <a href="https://www.boardriding.com/riders/anna-gasser" target="_blank">Anna Gasser</a> (AUT, SNB) and Eileen Gu (CHN, SKI). Click <a href="https://ring-pr.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46a6b3a4dc6b2368cfeca86a5&id=248907d3ba&e=946a62d1e1" target="_blank">here</a> to view the updated riders’ roster and download all assets.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>More information about the Audi Nines can be found at <a href="https://ring-pr.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46a6b3a4dc6b2368cfeca86a5&id=248907d3ba&e=946a62d1e1" target="_blank">audinines.com</a>. Stay tuned and get ready for an unforgettable session!</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Rider Statements:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I’ve grown up watching Audi Nines and it’s always been a childhood dream of mine to be invited. I’m so stoked, and even more so now that I’ve seen the setup for this year. The aesthetics and creative approach of the course design is unlike anything I’ve seen before.” - <a href="https://www.boardriding.com/riders/leon-vockensperger" target="_blank">Leon Vockensperger</a> (GER, SNB)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I’m super hyped to be going to Audi Nines this year. The setup looks insane as usual. From some of the initial designs I’ve seen some crazy things. It looks you can hit the jumps from both sides of the mountain, because it’s in the bottom of a valley. I’m sure there’s going to be some crazy trains and crossovers going on. Hopefully we luck out with the weather, and it should be a sick time!” - Alex Hall (USA, SKI)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I’m super keen to be heading to Audi Nines. This is the first year I’ve gotten invited, and it’s going to be sick. The build is going to be really good, we’ve been seeing some photos and it looks amazing. It’s going to be all-time for sure!” - <a href="https://www.boardriding.com/riders/tess-coady" target="_blank">Tess Coady</a> (AUS, SNB)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The Audi Nines are something I’ve always dreamed of going to, so being a part of it is going to be crazy. I really like the look of the sphere at the top with the hole through it — it’s got some old Candide Thovex Invitational vibes to it. The cross-directional takeoffs from both sides are also very exciting. It’s going to take a few runs just to digest everything; there are so many takeoff options and transfers that are possible on the setup.” - Finn Bilous (NZL, SKI)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Important Covid-19 Information</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Covid-19 pandemic remains a serious challenge to be treated with the utmost respect and caution, and the Audi Nines team has taken every precaution necessary to provide a safe environment for its riders and production team. <strong>This year’s session will remain closed to the public.</strong> Stringent measures will be in place to prevent viral transmission onsite while ensuring that all local, regional and national regulations are met or exceeded.</div>