The Big Beast of LAAX
Since January 2015, the world's largest halfpipe has been located in LAAX on Crap Sogn Gion. The Weisse Arena Group invested around 3.8 million Swiss francs in the "Big Beast," setting new global standards with its construction. The superpipe is located in the NoName Snowpark and underlines LAAX's claim to be the world's leading freestyle resort. Operating throughout the winter from December to April, LAAX offers national and international sports associations excellent training opportunities.
However, the facility is not only a daily highlight for athletes and guests, but also serves as the stage for one of Europe's most important freestyle events: the LAAX OPEN. Every January, the international elite gather here for World Cup competitions at the highest level and in the best conditions.
Pipe History
Pipe height 6.9 m | Pipe length 200 m
In January 2019, the LAAX OPEN snowboard halfpipe finals will be held at night for the first time. The illuminated superpipe will provide a spectacular backdrop for spectators at the venue and at home in front of their TVs.
Pipe height 6.9 m | Pipe length 200 m
In fall 2014, terrain modeling will be carried out, significantly enlarging the halfpipe once again. The new superpipe will open in January 2015. It now exceeds Olympic standards and is considered the world's largest permanently operated halfpipe (from December to April). This means it offers athletes first-class training opportunities throughout the winter.
Pipe height 6.8 m | Pipe length 140 m
Use of a new type of machine: The "Pipe Monster 22ft" was developed by Zaugg in collaboration with LAAX. The new snow groomer is the first in the world to allow a pipe height of 6.80 meters. The Pipe Monster is impressive and will also be used later at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Pipe height 5.5 m | Pipe length 140 m
The halfpipe will be extended by around 40 m and will gain 1 m in height.
Pipe height 4.5 m | Pipe length 100 m
The halfpipe will be enlarged and will now measure 100 m in length and 4.5 m in height.
Pipe height 3 m | Pipe length 80 m
New location for the pipe at Crap Sogn Gion at 2,252 m above sea level in what later became NoName Snowpark, and purchase of the "Pipedragon" from the USA. For the first time, the pipe is shaped using this special machine.
Pipe height 3 m | Pipe length 50 m
An excavator is being used for the first time. The finishing touches are done by hand.
Pipe height 2 m | Pipe length 50 m
The first halfpipe in LAAX is being built on the Vorab glacier. It is still being shaped by hand.
project details
Completed
January 2015
Casutt Wyrsch Zwicky Inc.
- Weisse Arena Group
- Gautschi Group
- Casutt Inc.
- Richard Schmid Inc.
- TechnoAlpin Inc.
- Trilux Inc.
- Open throughout the season (December to April)
- Equipped with lighting for evening events
- Ecological construction supervision for the protection of nature
- Reduction of energy consumption for technical snow production and fuel consumption for grooming through terrain modeling
