Press Release, Livigno, Italy, March 30th 2014:

Style and innovation were the judging criteria for the Big Air contest that took place on the 29th of March 2014 in Livigno, Italy for the Suzuki Nine Queens presented by O’Neill. After many days of shooting at the colossal castle, the invited riders where amped to push the level of riding in the jam session. Spectators basked in the sun on Mottolino Fun Mountain, cheering on the girls while they sent it. Lisa Zimmermann claimed the top spot out of the freeskiers, with her two best tricks: a breezy 900 tail grab and (her first ever) switch 1080 mute.

Eighteen-year-old Lisa Zimmermann was eager to defend her unofficial “Queen of the World” title in the four-run, five-rider final. After stomping the 1080 on her last run, the German ripper was all smiles. “I’m super stoked to land that trick for the first time. The girls were pushing each other on the top and there was such a good vibe. It worked out great today, because the conditions and the jump were perfect, I felt really confident, so I just went for it.”

Event director Nico Zacek (GER) commented, “Lisa is a progressive rider and also stomps the difficult tricks.”

Lisa Zimmermann en route to a first place finish. Photo: David Malacrida

Coming in second was Sweden’s Emma Dahlström, who has been slaying the kicker all week with style. A Nine Queens veteran, this was her first time on the podium, a well-earned spot with thanks to her cork 720 tail grab and stunning switch 720 mute. Using good vibes as her fuel clearly works. “Hanging out with all these girls, shredding and having fun, it was just good times today. I love doing my signature trick, the cork 720 tail grab, and I’m getting it quite good on this castle, so I’m happy!“

In third place was the ever-smiling Keri Herman (USA) who was also able to improve on her trick list by landing her first 900 safety after stomping a floaty switch cork 540. Just outside the podium were Zuzana Stromkova (SVK), who has been rocking it for the whole week and Kim Lamarre (CAN). Zuzana’s best tricks were a misty 900 and misty 700 with textbook style. Anais Caradeux (FRA) entertained the crowd by being the only girl to attempt and stick the seriously large transfer from the take-off in the middle of the pipe to the landing of the left jump.

Emma Dahlström snags the grab as well as a second place finish. Photo: Klaus Polzer

Overall, it was awesome day and the perfect introduction for snowboarding to the Suzuki Nine Queens presented by O’Neill.

More details about the event on www.ninequeens.com and www.facebook.com/ninequeens.