Back in LAAX: 2nd Season of Snowboard Training in Europe’s Freestyle Capital

There is a specific feeling when you step off the gondola at Crap Sogn Gion. It’s not just the crisp Alpine air—it’s the hum of creativity, the sight of perfectly groomed transitions, and the knowledge that you are standing in the Freestyle Capital of Europe.

I am beyond thrilled to announce that I am back at my home base in LAAX for my second season of intensive training. Coming back here feels like returning to the source of my inspiration. While many resorts are content with traditional downhill runs, LAAX has spent decades cultivating a global “mecca” for those of us who prefer to spend our time in the air.

Learning from a Legend: Training with Iouri Podladtchikov

This season is extra special because I am continuing my journey under the mentorship of the “I-Pod” himself, Iouri Podladtchikov.

Training with an Olympic gold medalist and a pioneer of the sport is a masterclass in precision. Iouri doesn’t just teach you how to land a trick; he teaches you how to understand the transition, the physics of the 22-foot pipe, and the mindset required to push past fear. His guidance is the secret ingredient in my quest to elevate my riding to a professional level.

Why LAAX is Just… Different

Honestly, if you’ve been here, you just get it. Most mountain resorts feel like they were built for your grandparents to go on a slow Sunday cruise, but LAAX? LAAX feels like it was built for us. It’s not just about having a park; it’s about the fact that the entire mountain has this “freestyle soul.”

Everything here is pro-grade. We’re talking about the world’s biggest permanent halfpipe and kickers that look like they belong in a video game. But it’s more than the ramps and the rails; it’s the vibe. You can feel it in the air—this culture of “anything is possible.” Whether you’re a local legend or a kid from the tropics like me, nobody looks at you weird for wanting to fly. In LAAX, being an “outlier” is actually the cool part. It’s the one place where the weirdos and the dreamers are the ones running the show!

From the Tropics to the Halfpipe

I want to take a moment to say a massive Terima Kasih (thank you) to the entire LAAX team.

Supporting an “outlier” athlete like me—a snowboarder hailing from the tropical islands of Indonesia—is a testament to the inclusive spirit of this mountain. LAAX doesn’t care where you come from; they care about where you are going. They have embraced my quest and provided the world-class environment I need to prove that passion knows no borders or climates.