Yesterday the Orage European Freeski Open by Swatch the qualification took place in a perfectly shaped 140 meter long halfpipe. The women stormed the pipe the top 6 riders making it to the semifinals on Saturday 21st. US girl Claudia Bouvier pulled off the most stylish run and was awarded the highest score from the judges. Just behind her was Katrien Aerts from Belgium in 2nd place and Rebecca Hammond from England in 3rd. Swiss rider Claudia Neuweiler, Serena Woods (GBR) and Sarah Pinton (FRA) also qualified for the semifinals. In order to guarantee optimum safety conditions, the men`s qualification was postponed to Saturday due to heavy winds.

Today will see the invited riders debuting at the event. Top riders like Russ Henshaw (AUS), PK Hunder (NOR), Jossi Wells (NZE), Simon Dumont (USA), and triple champion of this event in LAAX, Virginie Faivre (SUI) will all be starting in the slopestyle semifinals. The finals at 2:00 pm at the Crap Sogn Gion will decide who will be awarded the first title at this year’s Orage European Freeski Open by Swatch in LAAX.

Check out laax.com/freeskiopen for more information.