Coming in mid-March, the Orage European Freeskiing Open is back and better than ever. Sign up for the premiere open slopestyle and halfpipe event in Europe! Visit www.laax.com/freeskiopen for more information. We asked Orage’s Team Manager Cody Lynge to answer a few questions about this year’s Euro Open.
Freeskier Magazine: What makes the Orage European Freeskiing Open such a big event?
Cody Lynge: I think part of why its become so big is because its helped to unite the European freeski scene and creates a legitimate platform for North American talent to attend as well. Laax always does a great job with their slope course and pipe, the prize money is reflective of the talent competing and the whole vibe of the event start to finish is always so much fun. All of this combined make it what it is…
FS: Are you excited to see it back in Laax for the 4th straight year?
CL: No question about it that we’re all excited to see the event return to Laax. They’re pros all the way which helps make the event as seamless as possible. Laax is also going through a strong development period right now too that we hope will help the event grow in the future. The invited athletes will actually be staying at the new hotel at the base of the mountain this year called the Rocks Resort… it’ll be sick.
FS: Are you expecting some big names from NA and Europe to compete this year, as they have in past?
CL: Definitely expecting some names at the event this year. Including Jossi Wells, Phil Casabon, Andreas Hatveit, Xavier Bertoni, Colby West, Russ Henshaw, PK Hunder on the men’s side and Sarah Burke, Virginie Faivre, Mirjam Jager, Roz Groenewoud, Jess Cumming, Anais Caradeux, Kristi Leskinen on the women’s side.
FS: Do you see the Euro Open as a more important event, with the decline in number of open events this year?
CL: Open format events are definitely important and help to showcase new talent at home and abroad. I wouldn’t say its any more important than other major events but for those who don’t get invites to those this is definitely a solid opportunity for them.
FS: With Orage back on board for the 4th year, do you think that the company brings something more to the event?
CL: I’d like to think that we bring something to whatever we’re doing but with this event we have strong relationships built with the resort, the event organizers and the competitors which really helps. You can’t have one without the other so in this regard we’re all bringing something to the table. Having said that, we’re fun.
FS: Anything else new or exciting competitors can look forward to this year?
CL: Well like I had said, new accommodation for invited athletes is something and the slope course changes from year to year slightly. The parties are always bad ass… I would say no major changes, just a whole lot more fun on the way.
Visit www.laax.com/freeskiopen for more information.
Here is the schedule of events at the Orage European Freeskiing Open:
