Higher, faster, further: on Saturday, the 28th of January the freestyle elite met up in the Senoner'park Hochkar, in order to match each other in hot head to head battles! In the categories Men and Ladies, the riders gave it their all, showcasing their skills on an exquisitely shaped Big Air Kicker. Michael "Stani” Stanschitz won the Snowboard Contest!

Even before sunrise, the Shapecrew had catered for a perfectly shaped kicker, which should become the riders' battle ground in the contest and thanks to a perfectly sunny day it looked just spot on! As is custom at the Hochkar Open, also this year the tension increased to the breaking point. Small wonder: 1,000€ prize money, massive TSG and Sport Senoner Goodies and the prospect on credits for the QParks Snowboard Tour, meaning loads of glory, made it easy for the riders to be motivated for the contest. The riders gave it their all, battling each other on a massive Big Air Kicker by every trick in the book!

The snowboard contest was positively nail-biting. Here, local Michael "Stani” Stanschitz won the battle, delighting judges and spectators alike. Maja Löfvenmark turned out to be the snowboarding queen of the day. "Stani” was absolutely stoked by his home win: "I made it up the mountain quite late and missed the training. Still, I entered the finals, which was just great! I loved the fact that the kicker was even bigger this year and I was able to show many stylish tricks. The Hochkar Open is my home contest, so being part of it really is something special to me. My whole family is here and that really gives my confidence a boost!”

Marvin Salmina, who managed to enter the top three, convinced the judges and showed the Best Trick. The young snowboarder Florian Prietl had a real surprise in store: because he was the only rookie registered, he was entered into the Men's contest – and managed to make it into the finals. He had to surrender to the winner, which he isn't ashamed of, however: "I never thought I'd come this far, I'm absolutely stoked! I've already taken part in a few contests of the QParks Snowboard Tour and there are more to come, which I want to be part of, too!” Once again, the QParks Snowboard Tour as well as the Hochkar Open proved to be the perfect step stones for young talents: Albert Senoner, main sponsor and benefactor of the Senoner'park Hochkar and the contest alike was so taken by Florian Prietl's skills, that without much ado he offered the rookie a one-year sponsoring: "I was instantly stoked by Florian's riding level! He really deserves to be supported!”

Here are the first results:

Snowboard Men
1. Michael Stanschitz
2. Flo Galler
3. Marvin Salmina
4. Pitter Patrick
5. Viktor Szigeti

Snowboard Ladies
1. Maja Löfvenmark
2. Lisi Wurzenberger

>>> Best Trick Snowboard: Marvin Salmina

But not only the Big Air contest itself was a sight to be seen. A DJ pampered the audience with electrifying beats, providing the perfect priming coat for the competition. At the traditional BBQ, no one had to go hungry and Albert Senoner himself once again took the opportunity to care for the sizzling steaks and sausages. His upshot on the contest: "It was absolutely massive: perfect weather, high riding levels, many people – this really is as good as it gets!”

The QParks Snowboard Tour Continues!
Already next week, on Saturday, the 4th of February 2012, the QParks Snowboard Tour will move on to Germany, at the TWO FIFTY Masters Feldberg. All freestylers will again get the chance to demonstrate their skills in a massive contest. Learn more about it here! For more recent information and news, go to snowboard.qparkstour.com or visit the Facebook Fanpages of the QParks Snowboard Tour. Stay tuned for drama and glory!

Mountain High is proud to announce two members of its newly formed professional snowboard team medaled in the Snowboard Street event at the 2012 Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado. Ryan Paul took Silver with his impressive technical tricks including a 270 onto the Jersey Barrier to 450 out, a gap to 50-50 on the down-flat ledge to a backflip out, and a Cab 180 to 50-50 on the ledge to backside rodeo out. Nick Visconti held off some series competition to win the Bronze with his smooth style and hammer tricks including a hardway cab 3 on the down rail, a 270 onto the curved C-rail, and frontside 50-50 to 180 out on the massive cargo container feature.

"X Games was so awesome. I'm super stoked on how it all went and can't wait to get back next year,” says Ryan Paul. "Mountain High has been a great training ground to learn the tricks that have helped me excel as a professional snowboarder.” "It was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'm excited to participate in annually,” says Nick Visconti. "I'm thankful and feel blessed to represent the core side of snowboarding in the X Games for my sponsors including Mountain High.”

Paul and Visconti have become an exceptional part of Mountain High's new professional snowboard team that also includes Marc Frank Montoya, Kyle Lopiccolo, Harrison Gordon, Cory Cronk and Spencer Link. For more information on Mountain High's team check out: http://mthigh.com/archive/pro-team/index.html

On Sunday March 18, 2012, X Games medalist's Nick Visconti and Ryan Paul will team up for a signature event at Mountain High dubbed "The Great White Park Attack.” This will be a great opportunity for snowboard enthusiasts to come out and meet the professionals who took home Silver and Bronze from the Winter X Games in 2012.

Look for the entire Mountain High professional snowboarding team throughout the season as they film for the Drive In web series and their first full-length snowboard movie "Los Angeles” that will be released in the Fall of 2012. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact John McColly at 760 316 7803 or john@mthigh.com.

Mountain High is Southern California's closest winter resort located just an hour and a half from Los Angeles and Orange County. The area consists of three separate mountains (Mountain High East, West, and North), and offers a wide variety of lifts and trails, a world-class terrain park, an outstanding Winter Sports School, and the region's largest tubing area. Night skiing & snowboarding is available 5 nights-a-week and snowmaking covers more than 80% of the slopes. Mountain High has been the first resort to open in Southern California for the past 14 years and traditionally operates from mid November to mid April. Get more at mthigh.com.

The Black Yeti proudly announce the first Halfpipe event of the World Rookie Tour. The best European junior teams are awaited in Monte Bondone, Trentino, where is placed one of the very few permanent European super pipe. Don't miss the opportunity to train and compete in this 3star halfpipe event and join also the 3Star Italian Halfpipe Championships to be held in the same location on February 12th, just one day after the finals of the Halfpipe Rookie Fest 2012.

The 4 days program will include training session with Pros, a 3Star Halfpipe contest, a night session, video premiere, an unforgettable party, a visit to Trento. The event is also connected with the 3Star Halfpipe Italian Championships, held in Monte Bondone on Sunday 12th February and with 3.000€ prize money to grab. Two 3star halfpipe contests in few days to climb the World Rank and compete with the best halfpipe riders of the Alps.

Moreover, to support the crew coming at this first Halfpipe Rookie Fest, the coach of each national team registered with at least 3 riders, will enter the event for free receiving hotel in halfboard, event pass and lift ticket.

In addition don't forget the upcoming 2Star slopestyle Transilvania Rookie Fest in Arena Platos, Romania, from 27 to 29 January! All info are here.

Event Program for Halfpipe Rookie Fest in Monte Bondone, Trentino, Italy
8 February _ Arrival Day + Welcome Pizza at Hotel Montana.
9 February _ Training with Pros + Visit to Trento.
10 February _ Qualification + "Rookie Trip to Chile" film premiere at Hotel Montana.
11 February _ Finals + Night Session in the park + Final party
12 February _ 3Star Italian Halfpipe Championships 3.000€ Prize Money.

Prizes
2 tickets for the Protest World Rookie Finals 2012 in Ischgl, Austria
2 tickets for the World Rookie Fest in Livigno 2013
2 invitation to the Rookie Shooting in Val Senales, Italy in summer 2012
3 surfcamp in Santader offered by Surftolive.com
CHUCKBUDDiES and Tech Riders and other goodies offered by the sponsors.

Entry Fee
All inclusive package including hotel*** in half board from 8 to 12 february, 4 days lift ticket and event pass _ 300€
Only 4 days lift ticket (from 9 to 12 febbruary) and event pass _ 100€
Only 3 days lift ticket (from 9 to 11 febbruary) and event pass _ 80€

Registration, info and bookings
rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org - 0039.331.9027656

Follow the Yeti online @
web: worldrookietour.com and worldsnowboardfederation.org
facebook fan page: facebook.com/worldrookietour
vimeo channel: vimeo.com/channels/worldrookietour
Mpora WRT channel: mpora.com/worldrookiesnowboardtour/
The Halfpipe Rookie Fest in Monte Bondone, Trentino, Italy, is organized by the World Snowboard Federation in collaboration with Board Riders, and it was made possible by TRENTINO, Trento Funivie, APT Trento Monte Bondone e Valle dei Laghi, Hotel Montana, energized by REDBULL, supported by Tech Riders and CHUCKBUDDiES. You can follow the Halfpipe Rookie Fest on our international media partners Onboard European Snowboard magazine, Cooler, MPora and on our italian media partners Snowpark.it, Entry Magazine and Board.tv.

The world's top snowboarders unite at the iconic Bergisel Stadium in Innsbruck to throw down their tricks, fight for the title and lay claim to the prestigious Ring of Glory.

On the 4 February 2012, 20 charged riders and live music acts SIDO and Beatsteaks will gather before 15,000 amped spectators for the final 6 star event on the TTR Big Air World Tour. Joining the action will be burn units

Ståle Sandbech - recently scored 3rd place at Air & Style Beijing
Ulrik Badertscher - holds the title for Air & Style Beijing
Werni Stock - won 3rd place in 2011
Marco Grigis - new comer to the contest & eager to show what he can do

New This Season At Air & Style
New for this season and spicing up the event is the burn jib section. Separating the rippers from the rookies, the new section demands creative flare and masterful rail skills. Having landed the jump, riders must cruise the burn jib section which now consists of the burn can and two massive 8m rail stair sets (one straight and one double kinked). The burn jib section will now count for 20% of the riders overall score

Burn Fire & Steel Rail Contest
Following the success of last year and setting the scene for the Saturday action, burn will host the Friday night burn Fire & Steel rail contest. Taking over Innsbruck's most historical boulevard, 20 riders will shred the burn stair set, as crowds line the streets. Live music from Indie rock band The Heavy accompanies the action. To add to proceedings and build suspense, the rider draw for Air & Style will be announced amid the action.

Afterparties - Let Burn Fuel Your Fire
And it doesn't end there… burn will be fuelling the official after-parties across the city. Bring your lederhosens and dancing shoes, raise your steins and prepare to party all night long.

Check the official teaser film at: http://www.burn.com/en_GB/movers/air-style.html

Scuol, Switzerland -- TTR and WSF are pleased to announce the confirmed rider field for the World Snowboarding Championships taking place February 10th-19th in Oslo, Norway. Over 200 men and women from over 25 countries around the world, including 3-times TTR World Tour winners Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) and Jamie Anderson (USA), 2012 X-Games winners Mark McMorris and Torstein Horgmo (NOR) as well as Olympic gold medallist Kelly Clark (USA), will compete for the Slopestyle and Halfpipe World Champion 2012 titles and $500,000 in total prize money.

With this immensely strong gathering of athletes in competitive snowboarding, spectators around the globe can expect a massive dose of action in the halfpipe and on the slopestyle course. More than a 100 independent TV stations will broadcast the WSC worldwide.

TTR Pro Snowboarding, World Snowboard Federation and the WSC organizers in Oslo are pleased to welcome the athletes to the first World Snowboarding Championships for snowboarders by snowboarders since 1999.

A final round of Wildcards for influential riders, who weren't able to qualify through competition in the past year, were handed to: Olivier Gittler and Arthur Longo from France to enter the Halfpipe contest. The Women's Halfpipe contest sees Elena Hight (USA) join the start field.

The confirmed riders have been anticipating the World Snowboarding Championships for over a year now and can't wait to drop in and ride the world-class Slopestyle course and Halfpipe. ‘The WSC is the most prestigious competition in Freestyle snowboarding in 2012, and I am very honored to be a part of it. We have all been focusing on this the whole season, it's that time to show your stuff' says Belgian Seppe Smits.Hosting country Norway will warmly welcome many of their favorites in the Oslo Vinter Park Arena, such as Torstein Horgmo, Gjermund Braaten and Stale Sandbech in the men's field, and Kjersti Ostgaard-Buaas, Silje Norendal and Linn Haug in the Women's competition.

Henning Andersen, event director: ‘Oslo is ready for the action: The snowpark is in good condition and the final phase of the shaping process has started. The city of Oslo is welcoming everyone to the biggest sports event in 2012.'

The complete overview of all confirmed athletes can be found at: www.wsc2012.com / www.ttrworldtour.com

After the recent heavy snowfalls, the freeride routes at Kitzsteinhorn currently offer excellent powder conditions. But that's not the only reason why the X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn 2012 from March 22nd to 25th 2012 will present freeriding at the highest level. For the first time in its 8-year history, the big mountain contest will be held as a 3-star qualifier of the Freeride World Tour. At the most important freeride tour in the world, national and international top riders on skis and snowboards fight for prize-money and important points for the overall ranking.

The X OVER RIDE has first been held in 2004 and has continued to progress since. The event started as a grassroots freeride cross contest at the Langwied slope und quickly evolved to an annual season's highlight with competitions in freeriding, slopestyle and superpipe. Now the X OVER RIDE will return to its roots and focus on his past as a big mountain freeride contest for freeskiers and snowboarders. It will be held as a Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) for the first time, including two runs at the slopes of Geißstein and Lakarschneid-Langwied on two days. Participation is limited. The current ranking of the Freeride World Tour will decide which applicants can enter the event. For everyone who is not placed in the Freeride World Tour ranking yet, an open qualifier to the FWQ*** main event will be held on March 17th 2012 at the Kristallbahn slope.

Due to reliable snow conditions and a great variety of off-piste runs, Kitzsteinhorn is just the right spot for an event like the X OVER RIDE. The glacier in the region of Zell am See and Kaprun, Salzburg County, Austria, is one of the most popular freeriding hot spots of the Alps. Wide powder fields, nice cliff jumps, cornices and natural pipes: located right next to the lifts, the five Kitzsteinhorn freeride routes offer everything off-piste lovers could wish for. Since Kitzsteinhorn has opened the new freeride routes under the slogan "Freeride XXL” and provided them with an informative system of signs, the powder slopes on Austria's first glacier ski resort have become even more popular. This information system concentrates on a comprehensive education on alpine dangers and calls on individual responsibility.

The five marked ski routes "Westside Story", "Left Wing", "Jump Run", "Pipe Line", and "Ice Age" offer beautiful ridges, natural pipes, kickers, and pipes. At the Freeride Info Base next to the Alpincenter, freeriders get all the information on the freeride routes as well as current weather, snow and avalanche conditions. Additionally, they'll find a checkpoint for their avalanche transceivers, equipment tips, and much more. At the Freeride Info Points, riders will find more information, like a topographic map showing the steepness of the slope, dangerous spots, and the most beautiful line. In addition, they can get advice on security and emergency measures.

A further offering for freeriders at Kitzsteinhorn is the free PIEPS Avalanche Training Center near the ICE CAMP. It offers off-piste fans the perfect conditions to practise the handling of their avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. And for freeride beginners or advanced riders who want to improve their skills and alpine knowledge, Kitzsteinhorn offers various Freeride Camps, arranged by Kaprun ski schools such as Hartweger's and Oberschneider, or Freeride Experience.

Further information and videos of all five freeride routes can be found at www.kitzsteinhorn.at. For information on X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn 2012 and registration for the X OVER RIDE Open Qualifier, please visit www.x-over.at. Registration for the X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn 2012 FWQ*** at www.freerideworldtour.com !

There's hardly a park that offers more freestyle action than the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn! Apart from the Easy Park and Austria's biggest Superpipe, as of now the Central Park additionally has shredheads jump with joy! As befits a proper opening, we've had a good long look at the park paradise at a shooting. Snowboard pro Stephan Wimmer told us just what it is that makes the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn stand out!

Every day, hundreds of freestyle fans swarm the Easy Park and Central park, in order to enjoy the tons of freestyle fun the Snowark Kitzsteinhorn has to offer. Among them three snowboard pros pros enjoyed a sunny day on the mountain at an unwound shooting on location, in order to put the setup to the test!

In a short interview, pro Stephan Wimmer told us what the shooting was like and what sets the Kitzsteinhorn apart.

Stephan, you've been a passionate snowboarder for 14 years now and frequently pay the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn a visit! What is the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn to you?
What I like most is that the whole park offers countless options to run wild! I don't think there's any other park in Austria that is nearly as varied.

As a pro, I'm sure you expect a sophisticated park setup. Would you recommend the Kitzsteinhorn to other snowboarders?
As I just said, there's no other park in Austria that offers such varied lines. There's also a perfect pipe and easy jumps, followed by great rails and two lines with two kickers of different sizes each in the Central Park! The whole park area faces south and sensibly shaped, so even a critic like me can't do anything but praise the park. ;-)

Which obstacle in the Central Park did you like best at the shooting?
I think I had most fun on the Roller in the Pro Line. You don't often find such a great variation of a kicker!

On www.snowpark-kitzsteinhorn.at the whole setup is being updated on a daily basis. What's more, you can also download our free Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn iPhone App, in order to always stay up do date!

For the clips and pictures from the shooting, go to the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn website and have a look at the varied offer for yourself!

With our „Power of T(z)en" special, under-19-year-olds can delve into the freestyle Eldorado Kitzsteinhorn for only 10 Euros every Saturday until the 5th of May 2012!

Swatch and the TTR World Snowboard Tour are pleased to announce the third annual Swatch Art Rules Design Contest. It offers artists the chance of a lifetime to have their artwork featured on the 2012/13 TTR World Tour Trophy and matching Swatch Tour Watch. The TTR Trophy, which was sculpted by renowned "Coarse” designer, Mark Landwehr, acts as a blank canvas for artists to get creative. One lucky winner will have the honor of their work being part of snowboarding history. The Contest is on now through March 27th, 2012 and artists can submit their designs at www.artrules.swatch.com.

Swatch Art Rules is an excellent opportunity for an artist to showcase their work and break into the spotlight through the snowboard and art worlds. As one of the most coveted awards in freestyle snowboarding, the TTR Tour trophy is featured throughout the TTR season and is awarded to the tour champions live on stage at the biggest events in the sport. In addition, the matching Swatch Tour Watch with the winning design will be produced and distributed worldwide in 2012/2013.

This year's installment of the design contest presents a challenge to the artists of the world: submit a graphic design that expresses the themes of Progression and Style. Progression and Style are two elements that run through all aspects of snowboarding and an artist's interpretation of these themes will make the TTR Trophy and Swatch Tour Watch aesthetically complete.

A jury of snowboard and art experts selects the winning design from all submitted proposals. The top three nominees will be invited to the Swatch Art Rules Night gala event in May 2012 in the Los Angeles area (USA) where the winning design and artist are set to be unveiled to the world. In addition to the portfolio-building exposure, the winner also receives a two-week trip to New York City to soak up all the art and design inspiration of the Big Apple.

The Swatch Art Rules Design Contest has just started, so get the creative juices flowing and submit your final designs by March 27th, 2012. For full details surrounding the contest and for instructions on how to submit your design, visit www.artrules.swatch.com

For the 8th time in a row Norway presented the best team at the Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, standing out as the most influent nation in youth competitive snowboard programs. On the podium we also greeted riders from Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Belgium and Poland. The finals of this 3Star TTR slopestyle produced massive tricks and tons of style in the Mottolino Swatch Snowpark, perfectly shaped despite of the lack of snow and the storms of the last weeks: nothing can stop Mottolino resort in Livigno when the Black Yeti squad is awaited.

Norwegian ripper Ole Christian Hagen resulted best rider of the Protest World Rookie Fest 2012 in Livigno. The other male rookies on the podium were Swiss talent Michael Scharer and Norwegian rising star Jonas Veddegjerde. The grom male section was dominated by the Norwegians who got the top 4 place. Mons Roislan turned out best under 14: start remembering this name.

Among the girls Polish Katarzina Rusin won in the rookies category, while shredder Katerina Vojakova (Czech Republic) took first place among the groms.

Protest World Rookie Fest 2012 in Livigno was the best edition ever, with a great lifestyle program of activities including "Trip to Chile" and "Art of Flight" video premiere, a Yoga session and Bob Klein's workshop "Wanna be a Pro Snowboarder?" Further experiences counted a city contest at the new Cable Park, a wellness day at the Aquagranda SPA and, finally the unforgettable final party at Miky's Pub.

Find the full list of the final results on www.worldsnowboardfederation.org. Full photo gallery with shots from ALL the riders will be soon available on the official fan page.

Watch the video highlights from the finals with the winning runs of the best riders: vimeo.com/35221244

Follow the Yeti online @

Web: www.worldrookietour.com and www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/worldrookietour
vimeo channel: vimeo.com/channels/worldrookietour

CARLSBAD, Calif.—SPY® today announced its eyewear sponsorship of the X Fest at the Winter X Games, Jan. 26 through Jan. 29, 2012 in Aspen, Colo.

"The SPY crew is amping on this sponsorship because it properly underscores our commitment to snow sports generally and at the same time allows us to back the tremendous talent we have on our snow team roster,” says Kevin Casillo, SPY marketing manager. "Our snowboarders, skiers and snowmobilers put a lot of preparation and training toward this contest so we're stoked to help make the X Games rad for them and the fans in attendance.”

SPY athletes slated to compete in the big show include SPY's reigning Winter X Games Europe SuperPipe Gold Medalist Louie Vito; reigning Winter X Games Europe Ski Slopestyle Gold Medalist JF Houle; Women's SuperPipe charger Sarka Pancochova; and previous Gold and Silver Medal Freestyle Snowmobile Winner Justin Hoyer.

"Louie Vito has been gaining momentum going into this event, we know he's capable of pulling-off some big moves and he's definitely a threat to take gold in Men's SuperPipe,” said Casillo. "JF and Sarka are capable of big results, as well, and Justin is planning on doing something huge, so it's going to be exciting.”

The on-site SPY tent will host rider autograph sessions, games and serve as a demo station for the all-new SPY Platoon goggle: the biggest, cleanest, technical spherical goggle available. The Platoon is equipped with fog-free, optically-correct and distortion-free ARC® (Accurate Radius Curve) spherical dual lens; the SPY-patented Scoop® venting system; triple-layer Isotron™ face foam featuring moisture-wicking Dri-Force™ fleece; dual-adjustment, silicone-ribbed strap; and 100% UV protection.

"We couldn't be happier with the feedback we've gotten on the Platoon so far,” says Brent Sandor, SPY brand manager. "Naturally, Winter X is the ideal venue for unveiling the Platoon goggle to ski and snow enthusiasts on a grander stage. It's where some of the most technical riding goes down, so it's a perfect match. If you haven't seen it yet do yourself a favor, stop by the SPY tent in Aspen and take the Platoon on some laps. You'll be crying tears of joy, but your Platoons will be crystal clear. ”

For the complete Winter X tune-in schedule, go to espn.go.com/action/xgames/winter/2012/schedule. For more information about SPY, log-on at www.spyoptic.com and for on-site updates from SPY at X Games go to www.facebook.com/spyoptic.