The Ästhetiker Jam – Wängl Tängl is the last 5-star event on the Swatch TTR world tour. So along with prize money of $50,000, it’s also one of the last chances to gather valuable TTR world ranking points and a share of the $250,000 prize purse in the final!

Running from 1st to 8th of March 2008 in Mayrhofen, this legendary event combines snowboarding, skate contests, an art exhibition, concerts and parties all blended into one week of intensive fun. The Aesthetiker crew are once again working their magic in the Vans-Penken-Park to create insane new obstacles for this, the grand finale of the contest season. All riders need to know is that a snowpark like this has never existed before… and that there is $50,000 to be won. Not forgetting that the Waengl Taengl is set to be the hardest party week ever!

The philosophy of the Aesthetiker comes from the roots of the sport – surfing and skating. This is what inspires them to build such unique snowparks and obstacles. And that is what riders should know if they want to be part of the event. The contest format allows the riders to show their creativity and spontaneity: this is not a rehearsed trick tournament. All obstacles have to be ridden. Two runs that are entirely distinguishable from each other is what the judges want to see.

The rider list is very diverse, with riders from 20 nations: veterans such as Peter Stroem, and video stars like Tonton Holland and Wolle Nyvelt. The ‘spinning squad’ of young Scandinavians Jakko Ruha, Ville Uoitila and Kalle Ohlsen will be there, as will the French crew of gangsters led by Jean-Jaques Roux and Arthur Longo, with the widest pants from here to the house of Snoop Dog. Alongside the invited riders, other rippers will earn a spot with wildcards earned at other events, just like Marc Swoboda who came out of nothing to finish in 5th at the Waengl 2007.

With a park set-up consisting of unique obstacles such as the Red Bull-Endsection which features the ‘Cradle’ (an open bowl to ride through) and the ‘Taco’ (a curved wallride), the Waengl Taengl is the ultimate rider event, giving the pros a unique environment to show their skills and creativity as riders.

But there is more to the Waengl Taengl than just snowboarding! This shredder summit brings skateboarding and art into the mix too. Last years winners Michi Nadler and the current European champion Philipp Schuster will defend their Aesthetiker Skate Jam titles against all-comers on the IOU-Mega-Miniramp. $10,000 prize money is up for grabs in the single and team ranking.

Meanwhile, distinguished street artists like Will Barras, Bo130, Microbo, Chrisi Tee and the Permanent Unit will bring their visual refinement to the party. The public response to last years Modart exhibition was so overwhelming that this year spectators will see art installations in the snowpark on the mountain, as well as at the Modart exhibition held at the skatepark in the valley. The new crew of street artists are bringing in a whole new kind of mountain fresh.

The parties and gigs change daily, and so do the location and the style of music. From the Reggae-Bashment to the Funk-Night, the week builds up to Saturday’s final Hip-Hop concert with international bands, and rockers from the Austrian underground. Guests will be challenged to prove their rap skills at the Hip-Hop-Karaoke-Contest. Apparently a record contract with the ‘Zellberg Buam’ is waiting…

On top of it all, the massive supporting program consists of a Poetry-Slam, the Vans-Photo-Award (with serious prize money) and the ‘FM4 Fight For Your Ride’. This week is all about interaction. It is about getting to know people, connecting and reaching out of your own little scene.

Is that it? Almost. This year, the Waengl Taengl’s snowpark and IOU-Mega-Miniramp will be opened to the public for two hours each day. Where else can the public give it a try in the contest arena?

For more info, click on to the Waengl Taengl event website.