LAAX opens natural snow park "Free60"

Laax, February 14, 2022. The LAAX winter sports resort is known for freestyle skiing, four varied snow parks for all levels, and the world's largest halfpipe. Since last weekend, action-hungry visitors have had access to a fifth snow park: the new "Free60" natural snow park between Crap Sogn Gion and Plaun. What makes it special is that the elements are located on unprepared terrain, are made of wood, and are covered with snow.

LAAX recently proved that it is a paradise for freestylers at the international World Ski Awards, where it was named the world's best freestyle resort for the sixth time in a row. And this title is well deserved: year after year, LAAX works hard to come up with new offers to give its guests even more fun on the mountain. This led to a unique project in late fall 2021: a new, fifth snow park called "Free60." However, unlike the popular P60 snow park, it is located away from the groomed slopes and parks, in open, ungroomed terrain.

A deep snow dream comes true

The opening of the "Free60" natural park had been eagerly awaited for a long time. Thanks to the fresh snow that fell in February, however, nothing stood in the way of its opening. Two different runs are now available for skiing or snowboarding on the route from Crap Sogn Gion to Plaun. They consist of successive elements such as ramps, rails, bridges, pillows, and pale jams. There are around 18 of them in total. The elements, also known as obstacles, were made from wood sourced from the region by members of the piste and rescue team and the LAAX snow park crew.

Full commitment for action lovers

The team was inspired by the Red Bull Natural Selection Tour organized by American professional snowboarder Travis Rice. Mike Zeller from the piste and rescue service quickly realized that LAAX needed something similar: "Freestyle and freeriding simply belong together, and it was a great experience to work with the snow park team to implement such a unique project. We hope to see lots of excited faces in the park."

The initiators are aware that the Free60 Snowpark appeals more to advanced to very good riders. This is because it takes a fair amount of skill to maneuver your snowboard or skis through deep snow, perform stylish tricks over the obstacles, and land them safely. Nevertheless, the team was keen to incorporate elements for different skill levels so that riders can slowly work their way up to the larger and more difficult obstacles.

The park is located on an avalanche-safe slope. Especially when there is plenty of fresh snow, the conditions here are perfect for an action-packed adventure in natural terrain. Guests can find out the official opening status of the Free60 Snowpark on a daily basis on the live page at live.flimslaax.com/snowparks.

Free60 – The most important facts and figures at a glance:

The snow park consists of 2 different runs with a total of 18 elements.
25m³ of round timber (tree trunks) and 10m³ of boards from the region were processed.
80 hours of work were completed over two weeks in October 2021.
Seven members of the piste and rescue team and the snow park team were involved in the project.