The Suzuki Nine Queens big air contest is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of the season. Showcasing the talents of skiing and snowboarding’s finest female big air athletes and a tremendous castle-like feature, the week-long competition—hosted by Austrian resort Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis—produces arguably the most progressive riding of any event our sport has to offer.
Per usual, this year’s Nine Queens event provided high-flying action, a perfect jump setup and an all-star cast of ladies. Taking the win for the skiers was 17-year-old Guilia Tanno. Hailing from Switzerland, Tanno was stomping under the sun all week long. The Swiss skier landed atop the podium thanks to a switch 1080 tail and a cork 720 safety.
“It’s so amazing to be on the podium,” stated Tanno following the event. “I wouldn’t have expected this at the beginning of the week. We’ve all been traveling for three months to compete, and this is the best week of the season.”
Joining Tanno on this year’s podium was American skiers Maggie Voisin and Keri Herman. Congratulations to each of the ladies, as well as the Nine Queens event organizers on yet another fine event.
Enjoy the highlight video (above), and the photo gallery and press release (below).
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Press Release (provided by Nine Queens):
Confirming its rightful place as the most progressive event in women’s skiing and snowboarding the Suzuki Nine Queens Big Air contest day saw incredible performances from the invited ridersin Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austria, the week of photo shoots wrapped up with a jam session format competition, wherein the two best runs determined the 2016 winner. Austrian superstar snowboarder Anna Gasser made a surprise comeback after a 10 week-long injury, triumphantly taking first place while 17 year-old Swiss rookie skier Giulia Tanno came out on top for the skiers.
Ski highlights
Throughout the week Giulia Tanno (SUI) was consistently putting down her tricks, and in the contest her winning tricks included a huge switch 1080 tail grab and a left cork 720 safety grab. “It’s so amazing to be on the podium. I wouldn’t have expected this at the beginning of the week. We’ve all been traveling for 3 months to compete, and this is the best week of the season”, she said beaming with joy.
Maggie Voisin (USA) earned second place with a technical left cork 900 tail grab and stylish switch left 540 ghetto grab. In third, Keri Herman (USA), a 6-time Suzuki Nine Queens veteran, went big with a switch lead japan and a right cork 720 tindy grab. Though not on the podium, Coline Ballet-Baz (FRA) and Zuzana Stromkova (SVK) both accomplished personal firsts today; Coline with her left 900 tail to tail and Zuzana with her first flatspin 1080, a never-before-seen trick in women’s skiing. “I had the perfect day, and the jump was so good. I was really motivated to try a new trick.”
The incredible contest day truly demonstrated one of the main aspects of the Suzuki Nine Queens, progression. Next, the men will be heading to Watles in South Tyrol for the Suzuki Nine Knights – Perfect Hip to innovate hip and transfer riding. The event runs from March 29th to April 2nd, 2016. To find out more head to www.nineknights.com.
