Seiser Alm to celebrate debut as World Cup host

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With the 2016-17 slopestyle World Cup season already in full swing, it's time for the tour's third event this week. Some of the best riders in the world have traveled from the LAAX Open straight to Seiser Alm to take over control of one of the best snow parks in Italy.

The World Cup competition which is scheduled from January 25 to 27 will be the first for the South Tyrolean resort; however, Local Organisers have already left their marks in the snowboard scene.

Last year, one Europa Cup stop as well as the junior worlds decisions in slopestyle and big air took place in the famous terrain park which boosts a continuos line of 1.5km with over 70 features and obstacles.

The field is led by reigning world champion Ryan Stassel (USA) who is hoping to score some more points in the race for the snowboard freestyle overall World Cup title which is currently led by Max Parrot (CAN, 2,800).

But as the LAAX OPEN 2017 winner is competing simultaneously at the X Games in Aspen (USA), the 24-year-old from Anchorage has the chance to take over the top spot of the ranking with 2,520 points under his belt so far.

However, he has to have Seppe Smits on the list as the 2011 world champ from the flat lands of Belgium is also within reach having cumulated already 2,060 points. In addition, Roope Tonteri (FIN; 1,928.80) might also be able to throw in his hat in the ring again.

But there is even more talent which has descended on South Tyrol featuring the likes of Mans Hedberg (SWE), Moritz Thoenen (SUI) and Max Eberhardt (CAN) who had a strong showing in the Laax World Cup event a few days ago.

In addition, Peetu Piiroinen (FIN), Carlos Garcia Knight and Tiarn Collins from New Zealand, Torgeir Bergrem (NOR) as well as Billy Morgan and Jamie Nicholls from Great Britain are also on the list to watch out for.

With the top ladies of the current standings missing out the Seiser Alm World Cup due to a X Games invitation, the door is wide open for Sarka Pancochova (CZE), Cheryl Maas (NED), Lucile Lefevre (FRA) or Swiss team members Lia-Mara Boesch, Sina Candrian, Isabel Derungs, Carla Somaini and reigning big air world champion Elena Koenz.

It's a list of names which promises some pretty decent riding in the women's competition, too.