The rules were simple, 4 riders in a heat had 30 minutes to climb as high as they could, then pack the kite and free-ride down with the kite on their backs choosing the sickest line possible.
Solo and the other judges were positioned at the base of the main route to the top of the section most riders chose to take. Over 1000m was climbed with most riders reaching the top within 15 minutes!
Some of the sections were up-to 35 + degrees which obviously needs skill and a cool head to navigate the couloirs and choose the safest route to the top. Most riders were on 10m kites and fully powered winding their way up the mountain sides. It was amazing to witness the skill of the riders, we think this combination of using a kite to power your way to the top in a green way (no ski lift or helicopter needed!) is the future of snow-kiting events.
All the riders agree that this was the favourite day of the OSKM Bernina and can’t wait for OSKM 2009 Chasta as can be expected with his Pro-Snowboarding career behind him killed it on the ride up and the decent hitting small cliffs, launching sick rotations and generally tearing the mountain to shreds to take 1st place in Snowboard.
Johann Civel on skis took 1st and also deserves special mention for being the 1st person to climb a new route in Bernina up the side of the insanely beautiful glacier.
Patrick & Domink deserve a huge thanks from all those attending for creating such a smooth running and successful event. Big up guys…you rule and have created a super fun, friendly and relaxed event.
The FatFace Team arrived today, Will, Fliss and Extreme skier Andy David. They wasted no time in hooking into the Access XC for their 1st taste of snowkiting. Andy is hooked and we look forward to him actually competing next year. He was ripping around within 20 minutes and even started hitting the kickers!
The final party is tonight at the Pitschna Scena, the coolest bar in this region. Madhi and DJ Jazz will ensure we close the event in style……. They have been amazing every day and night.
Proven Energy having been powering the event all week with their incredible wind turbine
The guys have kindly sponsored the final party with a free bar for all attending the event….. thanks for the power Proven
More videos will be added to the site the next days, Morten from http://www.snowkitefilm.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has captured the magic the whole week and will be creating a killer film so keep checking back
We hope to see more of you next year, the Hospiz Bernina team pulled out all the stops this week, great hotel and the food has been amazing and full board for only 250 euros so its been a bargain.
Next year we will have the option for beginners & intermediate riders to come and be part of the event with full support from our Team of riders and instructors as we will be offering a learn to snow-kite package including accommodation so book up now for 09.
Our Thanks to all the Sponsors that have made this event possible
Cheers Matt
More pictures and video:
http://www.ozonesnowkitemasters.com/2008/oskm-day-4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;