. world ski news : Halfpipe ski season starts in Saas-Fee - 27 October 2011 - 15:04
FREESTYLE SKIING, HALFPIPE. Saas-Fee is a traditional early season host of halfpipe contests in Europe - offering a perfect place to start the winter season for athletes and spectators alike. This week, Saas-Fee carried out the season's first FIS European Cup Freestyle ski halfpipe events that turned out to be dominated by the Swiss. In excellent snow conditions and sunny weather, the Swiss athletes swept the men's podium. 29-year old Nils Lauper, won the competition ahead of Jonas Hunziker and David Ortlieb. On the ladies side, overall World Cup winner from last season, and world champion, Virginie Faivre (SUI) won ahead of Katrien Aerts (BEL) and Katie Summerhayes (GBR).
The Saas-Fee halfpipe is located in the Allain snow park. This year, the slope is slightly steeper, and the park has been well prepared. Two weeks ago, FIS Snowboard Assistant Race Director , Robi Moresi and Daniel Andenmatten, head of the Organizing team in Saas-Fee were on the glacier to ensure the pipe had the best possible conditions.
Saas-Fee will host a total of three major FIS events this season: besides the FIS Freestyle Skiing European Cup halfpipe on 24th October, the FIS Snowboard European Cup halfpipe competitions are getting under way today, whilst the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup halfpipe will be held on 3rd November.
Contributed by Sofie Torlei Olsen
FIS news
26/10/2011