Start into a curvy weekend! Suddenrush Banked Slalom LAAX 2023

Image credit: / Laax Snowpark / Ruggli

Monday, March 6, 2023

2023 marks the 8th edition of the Suddenrush Banked Slalom LAAX. When you look into the turmoil of the finish area, it seems to be a much longer tradition. Former World Champions, Alpine and Boardercross legends from the 90ies meet Olympians, current Freeride-Stars and weekend shredders. The latter mentioned are often the fastest. They all have one thing in common: a passion for the Snowboard. This should be well waxed for the 17 banked turns, which have been shoveled at the course close by Crap Sogn Gion. Participating is good, to master the course fastest is even better.

Peter Bauer is one of the fastest regularly, also today in his category of the oldest riders: „The course is fine and simply built but leaves a lot of room for the wrong line. I can’t remember that we – the “old” ones and super ambitious ones – discussed so much about the perfect line as

today: How are you riding? Do you go high or low into the turns?” Super Master Winner Bauer revealed his special recipe. “Frontside very low, Backside very high.”

The fastest riders of the day were the Grand Masters with times of 46 seconds. Pascal Imhof secured his umpteenth victory ahead of Ueli Kestenholz. Josh Dirksen and Sina Candrian successfully defended their titles in the Pro category ahead of Moritz Thönen and Celia Petrig. Her muscles were aching at the end, but the LAAX freerider was stoked after her first Banked contest: “It’s so much fun despite burning thighs.”

First-timers were also among the Master Women. How was the first Banked Slalom for Fabienne Wick? “Really cool. The kids told me, Mom, just don’t slow down!” That’s what she did, and she finished with a great time. “I will be back next year!” Her kids are back already this Sunday. Before that the 18–39-year-olds drop into the course on Saturday, followed by the Fastest Race, where the best riders out of all adult categories determine the king & queen. Will Pi’s best time be beaten? For those interested to watch: Just cruise from Crap Sogn Gion to the Beginner Park at Ils Plauns.

All information and results are available at www.laax.com/en/suddenrush.

@snowparkLAAX @LAAX @suddenrush_guarana

#SuddenRushLAAX #BankedSlalom #LAAX #SuddenRush

Day Two: Turns in endless loop!

The best booked category is traditionally the one for the Open riders. Ordered and delivered for them: clear blue sky at the Crap Sogn Gion, all around a scenic 360° mountain view. “Please don’t let that distract you” was the motto for the 100 snowboarders, as they have to focus on their start at the 8th SuddenRush Banked Slalom LAAX. The dance through the 17 banked turns includes it all: from elegant to daring, brave to chilled, ambitious to risky. Carla Somaini and title defender Renato Nadig master the course the fastest.

Svenja Schallner is familiar with the SuddenRush Banked Slalom LAAX as Open rider and makes it to the podium year after year (2023: 2. Open Women, 3. Fastest Race). She has a great time also this weekend: „Really cool people, awesome atmosphere, it’s just great fun! The fascination Banked? For me it’s the centrifugal force, enabling you to generate speed out of each turn.”

At the end of the day the fastest riders or all ages and skills categories have the chance to drop in once more for the so-called “Fastest Race” to determine the fastest female and male rider. A run which needs to be on point. Turn after turn, like in an endless loop, from top to bottom, from bottom to top, for spectators as well as for riders. They pass through the light barrier at the finish line every minute, cheered on by their fellow competitors. Looking at the time display – in vain. Switched off to maintain the tension. Only the award ceremony in the valley reveals what has already been rumored: Ueli Kestenholz, alpine star at the turn of the millennium, shows his class and is a touch faster as Halfpipe World Cup rider Dave Hablützel (2nd place) and LAAX local Renato Nadig (3rd place). In the women’s comp Irene Marolf takes the crown as the fastest lady.

All information and results are available at www.laax.com/en/suddenrush.

@snowparkLAAX @LAAX @suddenrush_guarana

#SuddenRushLAAX #BankedSlalom #LAAX #SuddenRush

The SuddenRush Banked Slalom LAAX stands for fun, friendship, open-mindedness – it’s all about enjoying time together on the mountain on the one board which means the world to all of them. For those interested to watch: Just cruise from Crap Sogn Gion to the Beginner Park at Ils Plauns. Sunday is junior day.