Event Recap: 20th Anniversary Hintertux Opening
An incredible park set up for this years Opening. Photo: MonEpic
The 20th Hintertux Park Opening went down this past weekend. From October 3rd – 6th, anybody who was anybody headed to the Tux valley to celebrate its 20th anniversary. A few months ago it was looking like the event might not even happen, due to zero snow but thanks to an early dump in September, the snow and park conditions were perfect for an exceptional season kick-off. Of course it wouldn’t be the opening without some bad weather but the sun did make an appearance on Sunday, which added to a great atmosphere. As ever there were brands having their products out to test, the Sane Metal Rail Battle, the Kids Shred and the highlight for many, The Werni Stock Transfer Session.
Nitro on hand to show their latest collection. Photo: MonEpic
Over the years, the Hintertux Park Opening has truly become a gathering of generations. In Betterpark Hintertux, you will find everyone from the Kids Shred Crew, with some as young as three, coached by snowboard legends like Gigi Rüf and Steve Gruber, to rookies, amateurs, and stars of the scene. This year included riders like Halldor Helgason (ISL), Norway’s Stale Sandbech, and Austria’s snowboarding veteran Max Plötzeneder, who made waves in the late ‘90s. For many, these are the first days back on snow, and the motivation is high: testing the latest boards from various brands, exploring the resort on their own, joining one of the park sessions like Sunday’s Canary Cartel Playground Session, or simply enjoying the fresh snow. The movie night delivers on its promise with the world premiere of “Schnitzeltime II – No Return”, and Leon Gurtl’s movie “Scatter”
Werni Stock on home soil. Photo: MonEpic
The Legend that is Gigi Rüf teaching the next generation of youngsters during the Kids Session. Photo: MonEpic
Werni’s Transfer Games by Quiksilver – Zillertal local and pro rider Werni Stock once again hosted “Werni’s Transfer Games by Quiksilver”. Style, airtime, and creativity were the name of the game, and the park conditions laid a perfect foundation for the season’s first jump session. In teams riders showcased stylish transfers, often synchronously, like Leon Gütl and Noah Vicktor’s perfectly executed 180s and switch backside 180s, which earned them the “Steeziest Team” award. “Best day ever!”, said Werni Stock. “Fresh snow, a fantastic park, great vibes among the riders, and perfect jumps. Thanks to the entire Betterpark Hintertux team.” The “Best Team” award went to the international quartet with Kuba Hrones (CZE), Kalle Järvilehto (FIN), Frank Jobin and Truth Smith (both CAN). The Norwegian team, featuring Stale Sandbech, Torgeir Bergrem, Øyvind Kirkhus, Fridtjof Tischendorf, and Bendik Gjerdalen, won the Best Tech Team award. Nick Pünther, along with host Werni Stock, also impressed and took home the “Best Creative Team” award.
The incredible Oyvind Kirkhaus during the Transfer Session. Photo: MonEpic
Metal Battle presented by SANE! – The 4th edition of the Metal Battle held at the bottom station of Hintertux Glacier, marked the season’s first rail contest. A diverse field of riders including those who qualified on Friday, faced off against jib stars, delivering a firework of tricks. Among the women, Paula Benito from Spain claimed both the Overall and Best Trick categories. For the men, Canada’s Frank Jobin was the standout rider. His compatriot Truth Smith took home the Best Style award, while Norway’s Øyvind Kirkhus delivered the most extreme trick wowing the crowd with a “Hardway Switch Backside 270 Transfer”. “Definitely the most impressive Metal Battle to date. Perfect conditions, pleasant weather, a great atmosphere, and world-class riding made this year’s event special
Sparrow Knox impressed us at the Sane Metal Rail Battle. Photo MonEpic
That concludes the anniversary edition of the Hintertux Park Opening. Werni Stock summed it up perfectly: “The Hintertux Park Opening is simply legendary, and I’m proud that’s it’s been a staple in the fall for 20 years. And the journey continues. I’m already looking forward to next year.” See you at the 21st edition of the Hintertux Park Opening from October 3rd – 5th, 2025.