The 2022/23 FIS Snowboard slopestyle World Cup season is set to open in just a few weeks, and the first of this season’s four slopestyle World Cups will be a big one indeed as we once again visit the storied slopes of Crap Sogn Gion for the Laax Open.
This season’s Laax Open will take place from 18-22 January 2023, and for the first time in the event’s history the world-renowned park & pipe showcase will also include freeski slopestyle in its programme. Laax is equally revered within the the freeski community as it is for the snowboarders, and with reigning World Champion and five-time crystal globe winner Andri Ragettli calling Laax his home resort,
While Ragettli is one of Laax’s most famous sons, of the 250 men and women planning to take part in the Laax Open 2023, there’s a whole slew of huge names up and down the various preliminary startlists, including 2022 Olympic champions such as snowboard halfpipe gold medallist Ayumu Hirano (JPN), big air winner Anna Gasser (AUT), freeski slopestyle champions Mathilde Gremaud (SUI) and Alex Hall (USA), and freeski big air winner Birk Ruud (NOR).
The sporting highlight of the Laax Open 2023 will be the finals on Crap Sogn Gion mountain on the weekend of 21-22 January 2023, with snowboard slopestyle and halfpipe finals on the 21st, and freeski slopestyle finals closing things out on the 22nd. The best riders from the preliminary rounds will there compete for the coveted Laax Open titles, trophies and 165,000 CHF in prize money. Live acts, DJ parties and photo exhibitions are also part of the freestyle festival.
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