The FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup’s Big Air event in Chur for the 2024/25 season is shaping up to be an electrifying spectacle, scheduled for October 19–20, 2024. Held in Chur, Switzerland, at the Obere Au, this event will kick off the freestyle skiing and snowboarding season with an adrenaline-pumping mix of elite competition and live entertainment. Big Air Chur has become a staple in the FIS World Cup calendar, combining the technical prowess of international athletes with a festival atmosphere.
The Competition
Big Air events involve athletes launching off a large ramp to perform a series of complex aerial tricks before landing on a steep slope. This event demands exceptional skill, precision, and style. The ramp at Chur, an impressive 40 meters high and 110 meters long, serves as the stage for world-class freestylers, with 150 riders from over 25 countries competing in both skiing and snowboarding disciplines. Among the athletes, you’ll find Olympic champions like Anna Gasser (Austria) and Sebastien Toutant (Canada), along with other top-tier talents like Kokomo Murase (Japan) and Mark McMorris (Canada), who are all expected to showcase breathtaking stunts.
Switzerland, the host country, will be well-represented by prominent figures in freestyle skiing like Mathilde Gremaud and Andri Ragettli. These local heroes will enjoy home-field advantage, cheered on by thousands of fans as they vie for a spot on the podium.
The Festival Vibe
Big Air Chur isn’t just about sports; it’s also known for its unique festival ambiance. The event masterfully blends action-packed competition with a music festival featuring live performances by nine bands. This year’s lineup promises top-tier music acts, making it as much a cultural celebration as a sports event. The fusion of freestyle sport and live music has made this festival a vibrant attraction for a wide audience, combining the excitement of world-class athleticism with the atmosphere of a major music festival.
The Setting
The venue, Obere Au in Chur, is perfectly suited for this hybrid festival-sport event, offering a spacious area to accommodate both the sports infrastructure and the festival crowd. Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, provides a stunning backdrop for the event. Its picturesque Alpine setting is transformed into a hub for freestyle action and urban culture during the competition. The Big Air ramp, constructed with 650 tonnes of steel, is the focal point of the action, where athletes will perform gravity-defying tricks to the roaring applause of spectators.
The Importance of Big Air Chur
This event marks the start of the 2024/25 FIS Freestyle World Cup season and is crucial for athletes aiming to build momentum early in the year. The competition in Chur serves as an important platform for freestylers looking to make their mark in the lead-up to larger international competitions, including the World Championships later in the season. Given its early positioning in the season, it offers an opportunity for both emerging talents and seasoned veterans to stake their claim at the top of the leaderboard.
Athletes in both skiing and snowboarding will look to refine their tricks and execution under the watchful eyes of judges and fans alike. The points earned at this event contribute to their overall World Cup rankings, making every jump, spin, and grab critically important. For local Swiss athletes, the event offers the added motivation of performing in front of a home crowd, further fueling the intensity of the competition.
The Future of Big Air in Chur
Chur has rapidly grown into a favorite stop on the FIS World Cup circuit. Since its debut as a venue for freestyle sports, it has consistently delivered in terms of both sports performance and festival vibes. The city’s urban setting combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding Alps provides a unique contrast, offering fans and athletes a distinct experience that is both metropolitan and deeply rooted in the outdoor culture of Switzerland.
Looking Ahead
As the Big Air event approaches, anticipation is running high. With a perfect blend of athletic feats, live music, and festival fun, Big Air Chur promises to be one of the most exciting events of the freestyle season. The weekend of October 19-20, 2024, will see the best athletes in freestyle skiing and snowboarding pushing the limits of their sport while enjoying an atmosphere filled with music, excitement, and the thrill of competition. Whether you’re there for the tricks, the tunes, or both, Big Air Chur is set to deliver an unforgettable experience.
This competition also offers a glimpse of what’s to come in the 2024/25 freestyle season, with athletes fine-tuning their skills in preparation for the major events of the winter, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.