David Djite. Photo: Peter Rauch

For the weekend of January 22nd and 23rd, 2011 the halfpipe in Davos is reserved for the snowboard youngstars only: Junior Open Davos 2011 is on!

After the sick battle we witnessed in Mid-December at the Junior Open in Laax, we are curious about what we will get to see at the Bolgen, Jakobshorn in Davos soon. Starting with qualifications on Saturday, the big finals will happen on Sunday. Everyone under 20 is welcome to drop in. This year the Junior Open events are part of the TTR World Snowboard Tour and of the Audi Swiss Snow Series. A total prize money of CHF 3000.- is waiting for the winners. It’s worth coming up to Davos anyway; to compete in a top-class line-up or just to watch the show featured by the next generation of snowboarding.

The startlist of the second Junior Open this season is almost full. If you want to register, you better do it now on: www.swiss-snowboard.ch. Check out the Junior Open facebook page for further information!

Jan Scherrer, Photo: Peter Rauch

When it comes to Davos, it is currently the World Economic Forum that dominates the news from the glitzy Swiss resort. Don’t waste your time reading through the lengthy reports – according to the Wall Street Journal the main message has been “First, kill all the bankers.”

What is more important is that at the same time more than 100 snowboard groms had made their way through the massive police blockades to take part in the halfpipe and big air comps of the Iceripper Junior Open.

Halfpipe Results

As in the Laax leg of this small contests series it was Rafael Imhof who showed the highest level of tricks in the halfpipe. At the U16 kids it were Joel Staub, Jan Scherrer, and Linus Birkendahl who combined amplitude and style in the best manner. David Hablützel is not even 14 years old and already has tricks like a cab 7 up his sleeve. The ladies’ comp was dominated by Gina Somaini (U20) and Tamara Beutler (U14).

Markus Mathis, Photo: Peter Rauch

Big Air Results

The contest made use of the O’Neill Evolution kicker, but added two smaller options to make things a little less perilous for the smaller ones. Markus Mathis won in the U20 category with a BS 7 Melon. Jan Scherrer (U16) and David Hablützel (U14) once again dominated their categories. And at the girls it was Caroline Höckel (U20) and Verena Rohrer (U14) who took home victory. All winners received 3000 Swiss Francs. And points for the Move Sympany Snow Series. And prizes from Swiss brands Zimtstern and TSG.