Happy Faces

The first BigLePowSki event was a thrilling event for all those who took part last weekend in Engelberg. There were lots of happy faces all around despite the icy cold conditions.

Last weekend the first BigLePowSki event came to Engelberg. The Igloo-Village at Trübsee was the starting point and meeting place for the freeriders, all of whom had signed up for special workshops. The Igloo-Village was so ice cold that a few members of the group couldn`t feel their toes after a short while!

On Friday evening the participants, guides, helpers and sponsors met in the Ski Lodge for welcome drinks which included, of course, the Dude´s favourite drink: White Russian. As well as a short briefing from Markus Kaluza (Black Diamond), Jürg Buschor (Freeride Maps) presented the freeride maps.

At 8.00 a.m. on Saturday the sponsors´ marquee was set up. At 9.00 a.m. people began to gather in front of the tents hoping to test a ski or still register for the workshops. The weather was perfect and the snow was in abundance. Altogether 34 motivated freeriders took part. Furthermore, test skis for casual customers walked the Black Diamond carpet. The freeride workshops were led by the Black Diamond pro riders Thomas Gaisbacher und David Pitschmann; Richi Bolt (Pieps) and mountain guide Ervin Jacomet, Engelberg mountain guide Remo Baltermia and the photographer Baschi Bender. Among other things the participants learned in the workshops was how to be safe when on the move in deep snow or how to take good photos. The BigLePowSki-Party took place on Saturday evening in the Eden-Bar. Beforehand Ueli Kestenholz presented his slide show featuring exciting pictures such as steep slopes in Alaska and speed runs in the Swiss Alps. Pure Adrenaline! An exciting moment was the raffle for the BigLePowSki-Ski. Everyone wanted the ski, and the lucky winner didn´t let it out of their sight! The proceeds from the raffle will go to a good cause.

Sunday began just a little too early for some people. The cold weather and the sunshine managed to wake everyone up sooner or later. The participants were enthusiastic about the workshops and the material and are already enquiring about a date and place for next year. Without a doubt, it was a weekend that won´t be forgotten quickly judging by all those happy smiles!

The BigLePowSki makes it next stop in Chamonix from the 23-25 March 2012.

The BigLePowSki 2012 is presented by Black Diamond, Arc'teryx, Polartec, Diamir Fritschi, Pieps, Powderguides, Freeride Maps and Red Bull.