Sista Sessions 2010 Review - mayrhofner-bergbahnen.com

It was on a bluebird day when 43 girls from 13 countries gathered at the Skullcandy Sista Sessions in the Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen, Austria. Besides the 3Star Swatch TTR Slopestyle contest there was heaps of action such as beginner lessons, jam sessions and photo shoots. The 19-year-old newcomer and the Clip Contest winner Urška Pribošič from Slovenia landed on the first place. Local hero Christina “Tini” Gruber got second followed by Claire Frost (GBR) on the third place. The title for best snowboarder without sponsor went to Chani Michaux from Argentina – who has now a one-year deal with Billabong Girls.

As always, the Vans Penken Park was shaped perfectly and the riders could shred two rail sets, two box sets followed by an 11m jump and a 14m jump. In her winning run Urska pulled off one stylish trick after the other: 50/50 Slide at the upper rail rail, Backside Boardslide to Frontside Boardslide on the Flat Down Box, followed by a huge Backside 360 Tailgrab over the Billabong Kicker and finished her run with a Frontside 540 over the Skullcandy Kicker. After competing successfully against some of Europe’s best female snowboarders such as Liza Filzmoser (AUT) and Basa Stevulova (SVK) she was happy and overwhelmed: “I still can’t believe I won! I’m so stoked!”

Tini used her home advantage and demonstrated her talent with a Backside Boardslide to Fakie and a 270 Frontboard in the rail section as well as a huge Frontside 360 and a Backside 540 over the jumps. Clair had a great run and showed a Frontside Boardslide, Gap 50/50, Frontside 360 Melongrab and a Backside 360. All of the top 5 winners received a check and Skullcandy headphones. Head Judge Nina Rydelek was impressed by the high riding level: “The riding level on the rails as well as on the jumps was very high. The girls really pushed themselves and tried 720s. I think we have a good rookie as a winner; the upcoming riders did really well in their competition against the invited girls.” The top 3 girls got an invitation for the 3Star Oakley Girl Sessions in Ruka, Finnland, from 8 -11 April 2010. Moreover, the top 5 won an invitation for the 3Star Shred Down Austrian Masters.

Once again, the Skullcandy Sista Sessions managed to include riders of all skill levels. In the “Sweet Dream – Newbie Zone” beginners had the chance to practice new tricks with the SMT snowboard school and try them afterwards at the Box Jam Session, where a lot of prices waited for the winners. One of the heros of the day was the only seven-year-old Annika Morgen (AUT), the youngest rider of the contest.

The visitors had a good time in the chill out zone where they could watch Christa Leonard’s Les Ettes photo exhibition and drink hot chocolate presented by Billabong. We would like to thank all the girls who made this day so special. Click here to check out the video!