First week’s motto of the funpark-opening ‘Spring in the Park’ on Zugspitze is all about the ladies!
Spring season just started on Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain) and for the second time the event ‘Spring in the Park’ is taking place here on top of the Alps. From March 31st to April 15th ‘Spring in the Park’ will be featuring an amazing funpark including over 14 rails, four kickers, spin-chip-corner combo, curve-box, and personal coaches supported by K2 and Ride, who will guide you through the obstacles of the park. Coaching is for all levels and will be hosted by K2-Pros such as Martina Tscharner (SUI), Michelle Parker (USA) and professional coaching teams. A photographer is shooting your best jumps, tricks and rail-moves – the perfect trophy to bring home! For all new schoolers, slopestylers and snowboarders, there is also a K2/Ride-testing-area, where you can check out new equipment with professional support.
The special offers all around the first week include, a wellness area, with special cosmetic treatment, a fitness coach for the warm-up, a showroom by Ziener clothing-line riders can check out, and of course some après-ski events and old school contests. “When you spent so much time in the mountains, it can be extreme for your skin: Wind-burns, chapping and the sun-stress is typical for riders. It was a big success last year and the ladies really appreciated it“ as Eva Greimel, responsible for the relaxing area, explains. “Spring in the Park” creators are doing their best to show you girls, that the best things in life are free: Access to the funpark as well as the wellness and relaxing areas are included in the lift tickets. Seems like some people know what girls want! Well, that is no surprise, since the creative heads behind the event are also involved in the Chicken Jam, one of the most popular events among female riders! With all this coaching and relaxing the ladies should be ready to hit the rails for the upcoming contest the following week.
Cooler Magazine caught up with snowpark-coach Bernd Gutwenger (SUI)
From a coach point of view, what special treatment do female riders need?
I don’t really think they need different treatment! It’s just the style among female riders that is much more communal.
Give us an example!
A very good example is during contests! You know in the starting area when guys are up there, everybody is really concentrated and to themselves: it’s quiet. With the ladies it’s different. They cheer each other up, everybody is excited and showing it. I like that vibe!
Any other adjustments you made for the ladies coaching?
You know in terms of riding level, girls are like guys, they do the same tricks and enjoy the same action. I just came back from the “Chicken Jam” and saw the girls do the Super Pipe 900 and double seven to seven in combo – talking about girl-power!
So what is the big difference in terms of contests?
I would say that guys are more aggressive on the competitive sector. I’m not saying girls are not, but the ladies push each other to their limits, rather than being the lonesome fighter in the snow! Keep up the good spirit ladies!
Your favourite female rider right now?
Uh, that’s a tough one! I’ve seen a lot of good riders at the Chicken Jam, but I guess my favourite right now is Torah Bright TTR World Champion. She rocks!
Your Tip:
Coaching is all about approaching people directly! No rider will come up to you and ask you for advice, especially when they are less experienced. That’s why it’s really fun hanging out with the girls. They are much more open to the communal experience of it all!
Information
Spring in the Park, March 31st-April 15th, Travelpackages can be booked via www.snowparkguide.com
For further information see www.zugspitze.de
Words by: Nicole Wagenstetter
Photos by: Lorenz Holder
