New School Gathering: Too much snow for the riders

Start your Winter. The motto of the New School Gathering was taken too seriously by Mother Nature. Because of heavy snowfalls and strong winds this year’s sessions on the Dachstein Glacier had to be cancelled. Step by step …

The New School Gathering started on Friday evening in the Stadtkino Schladming where the Action Sports Award was handed out. Bene Mayr (D) assured this coveted title and is now entiteled to call himself ‘Freeskier of the Year 2008’. After the award ceremony the new Headbud-production ‘Aestivation’ flickered across the screen followed by a poster signing by the athletes of the movie for the numerous kids who showed up.

On Saturday the main contest of the Gathering was on the bill but unfortunately the heavy onset of winter tied up the ascent supports on the Dachstein Glacier. More than 40 motivated Freeskiers made the best out of it by building a small jib-setup a few altimeters lower in a sheltered area. Among these riders were well-known faces of the scene like Patrick Hollaus (AUT), Roy Kittler (D), Tobi Tritscher (AUT) and Szczepan Karpiel (POL).

Due to these rough conditions an ordinary contest could not be held, but a nice ‚cash4style’ session was initiated. Each stylish trick was rewarded with money-in-hand immediately after performing. Afterwards all the riders gathered in a traditionally Austrian ski hut to freshen up and refuel at the legendary Kaiserschmarr’n-Schmausen.

Due to the bad forecast the sportive action on Sunday was spontaneous transferred from the Dachstein Glacier to the Planai where the riders shredded fresh powder all day long.

Everybody felt a little sorry that the Atomic Superpark could not be used during this weeking because it was built up perfectly. What really counts on the other hand are the many smiling faces that have been seen at the Gathering despite the adverse conditions. And what else could be more heart warming for a freeskier than playing around in the first powder of the season?