Laax Open 2016 Hotline Bling

This year Laax went it alone and threw a huge open contest of unprecendented scale in the Promised Land. The term „Open“ means what you think it means: Everyone - Johnny Regular,  you and me- were given the chance to knuckle the big line on the hunt for a share of the purse. We're talking 500k prize money here. Most of us, including myself, would probably do some pretty fucked up stuff for 500k (if you feel affected and you got the funds, leave a message below).

Laax Resort is a real-life replica of our wettest and wildest shred dreams- three parks in close proximity, countless options to get pitted in the vast backcountry, a vibrant nighlife, and the girls.. oh the girls.. make this whole place come pretty damn close to Neverland.

While many of the front-runners got knocked out in the Qualis and Semis, the young guns were given a shot to shine. That's the term OPEN in a nutshell.
Then again seeing world class snowboarding live is always a good reminder of your own shortcomings. But instead of circumstancial crywanking in the shower, LAAX OPEN held tons of goods for everyone and it truly was an event for the community. An enclave of good vibes, sunburns and powder barrels with the outside world barred by the surrounding mountains..

We need to get back to Laax ASAP and if that means collecting deposit bottles or even engaging in a socially accepted form of prostitution (like work) in order to acquire the necessary funds, then so be it.

Thanks to Jason Horton and Matt McHattie for the shots. XoXo

Hitsch
© Jason Horton Local hero Hitsch Haller came in hot with gnarly speed and airtime.

 

ayumu2 by jason horton.jpg
© Jason Horton Ayumu was on a total rampage. If there was a place before 1st, then Ayumu'd have made that as well.
tyler by jason horton.jpg
© Jason Horton Tyler Nicholson is a beast.
mcmorris by jason horton.jpg
© Jason Horton You know McMorris is always a frontrunner. 1st place slopestyle - well deserved.
marco_grigis by jason horton2.jpg
© Jason Horton Grigis with a beauty of a Method into the unknown.
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© Jason Horton. Pipe Podium - 1st. Ayumu, 2nd Pat Burgundy, 3. David Habluetzel
ayumu_japan by jason horton.jpg
© Jason Horton. More Ayumu for good measure.
mcmorris by matt mchattie.jpg
© Matt McHattie. McMorris' weekend was a constant hotline bling.
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© Matt McHattie. The view ain't much different from the one in East London.
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© Matt McHattie. UFO on course, down to throw down.
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© Matt McHattie The term "ballistic" doesn't even quite cover the Space Odyseey that these guys launched themselves into. Project Stratos.

Thanks for everything, LAAX. Keep it coming.