Record participation at FIS Park & Pipe Development Camp and Slopestyle events in Landgraaf

The 2024-2025 Northern Hemisphere season got off to a strong start from 30th September to 6th October at SnowWorld Landgraaf in the Netherlands, hosting the first FIS Park & Pipe Development Camp and Slopestyle events of the season. With 26 nations and 83 athletes participating in the competitions, these early season events provided an ideal platform for young talents to earn points towards higher-level contests and for returning athletes to make their mark after a break from competition.

The Development Camp, held in cooperation with the Netherlands Ski Federation, welcomed athletes and coaches from 13 nations, offering two days of focused training followed by three days of intense competition. The event showcased the importance of realistic training scenarios, with athletes honing their skills in a competitive environment under the close support of their coaches. The cooperative spirit among teams created a positive atmosphere, fostering new friendships and collaborations across nations.

On 3rd and 4th October, the Snowboard and Freeski Slopestyle competitions saw outstanding performances. In the men’s Snowboard event, local rider Bart Poll (NED) claimed victory on both days, while in the women’s category, Demi van Griensven (NED) took the win on the first day, followed by fellow Dutch rider Sam van Lieshout securing the top spot on the second day. Meanwhile, on the Freeski side, Austria’s Lara Wolf and Stepan Hudecek of the Czech Republic dominated the podium, each securing back-to-back victories over the two days.

The highlight of the week came on 5th October with the Rail Event, a spectacular new format for the season. After two qualifying runs, athletes faced off in exhilarating head-to-head finals, where sportsmanship and mutual respect shone brightly. Estonia’s Laura Anga and Belgium’s Joewen Frijns triumphed in the Snowboard Rail contest, while Spain’s Maria Esteban and Hudecek, completing a rare triple win, stood atop the Freeski podium.

These competitions mark the beginning of an exciting season, with the next indoor events scheduled in Dubai and Madrid. As the Big Air World Cup in Chur approaches, the Landgraaf event set a high standard for what promises to be an exciting year of competition.