What’s up, shredders! Zazi here, still buzzing like a bee after an absolutely insane weekend, visiting for the first time the legendary LAAX OPEN! I’ve been following the LAAX OPEN for ages. Seeing the absolute best freestyle snowboarders on the planet throw down mind-blowing tricks? It’s always been a bucket list item. And as I am now living in Laax in winter, it actually happened. Not only did I get to witness the spectacle firsthand, but the universe (and my amazing bestie Lela!) seriously conspired to make it the sickest experience I’ll be reliving in my dreams for years to come.
So, picture this: crisp mountain air, snow-capped peaks piercing the bright blue sky, and the electric hum of a world-class competition in full swing. Just being there was already surreal. The energy around the venue was infectious. You could feel the passion for snowboarding radiating from everyone – the riders, the fans, the organizers. It was like stepping into a snowboarder’s Disneyland!
But hold up, it gets even crazier. My dad, who is basically a wizard when it comes to making cool things happen, somehow managed to snag us VIP access! Cue the jaw-drop. Suddenly, we weren’t just spectators; we were practically part of the action. We had access to areas I’d only ever seen in videos, and the vibe was just next level.
Check out all the amazing things that happened next—and the cool people I met along the way:🙌
Of course, for me, the halfpipe is always the main event. There’s something so mesmerizing about watching these athletes defy gravity, launching themselves into the air and twisting and flipping with such precision and style. And guess where we were sitting for the finals? Front. Freaking. Row!
Let me tell you, watching the likes of Scotty James, Ayumu Hirano, Yuto Totsuka, and our absolute queen Chloe Kim just a few feet away is an experience that’s hard to put into words. The sheer amplitude they get, the speed, the complexity of their rotations – it’s breathtaking. You can feel the air move as they fly past, hear the crunch of their boards on the lip of the pipe, and see the laser focus in their eyes. Every run was a rollercoaster of emotions – the anticipation before they dropped in, the collective gasp as they soared, and the roar of the crowd when they landed a banger.
Lela and I were practically screaming after every insane trick. We were high-fiving strangers, our hearts pounding in sync with the rhythm of the competition. It was pure, unadulterated stoke. Witnessing that level of dedication and talent up close was truly inspiring. It reminded me why I fell in love with snowboarding in the first place – that feeling of freedom, the challenge, and the pure joy of pushing your limits.
After the nail-biting finals, the energy shifted as everyone made their way towards the awards ceremony. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and a sense of camaraderie. And then, the next layer of ‘pinch me, am I dreaming?’ kicked in. Because of our VIP access, Lela and I found ourselves in the mix with the athletes themselves!
Suddenly, I was standing just a few feet away from legends I’ve admired for years. Scotty James’ signature red gloves were even more vibrant in person! Chloe Kim’s smile lit up the entire area. Maddy Maestro exuded such grace and power. Bea Kim, Mia Brooks, Pat Burgener with his rockstar vibes, and the incredible Japanese trio Yuto Totsuka, Ruka Hirano, and Ayumu Hirano were all there, congratulating each other and soaking in the applause.
It was a surreal whirlwind of handshakes, smiles, and quick chats. Everyone was so gracious and down-to-earth. And then, the moment that made my inner snowboarder girl absolutely lose it: I actually got to meet Chloe Kim! We chatted for a few seconds (I’m pretty sure I mumbled something incoherent about how much I admire her), and then, get this… she gave me her competition bib! Her actual bib from the LAAX OPEN! I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the snow (if there had been any indoors!). I’m going to frame that thing, it’s a treasure!
But the star-struck moments didn’t end there. I also had the chance to meet the hilarious and legendary presenter of the Bomb Hole, Chris Grenier! His energy and passion for snowboarding are infectious. And then, I even bumped into Pierson Wodzynski, whose content I’ve been following for ages – it was so cool to see her in person.
And if all that wasn’t enough to make my head spin, we even got to briefly meet Reto Gurtner, the visionary owner of LAAX! It’s incredible what he’s built there, a true mecca for snowboarders.
Leaving LAAX felt like stepping out of a dream. My phone is full of blurry but precious photos with some of the biggest names in snowboarding, my heart is overflowing with inspiration, and I have a Chloe Kim bib that I still can’t quite believe is real.
This first taste of the LAAX OPEN was more than just a competition; it was an immersion into the heart and soul of freestyle snowboarding. It was a reminder of the incredible talent and passion that exists within this community. And it has definitely fueled my own fire to keep pushing my limits and chasing those unforgettable moments, whether they’re on a wave in Bali or a snowy mountain in Switzerland.
Thanks for sharing this epic adventure with me! Stay tuned for more stories from my journey, wherever it may take me next!
Stay stoked, everyone!
Zazi
PS. Follow the adventures of Zazi, the Indonesian Athlete, Teen Model & Snowboard Girl, on Instagram: Click Here !
