Austrian Freeski Open 2010 with Olsson, Henshaw and Brown!

The race is on for the Austrian Freeski Open 2010 at the Kitzsteinhorn Mellow Park! From February 25th to 28th 2010, Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria, will become the centre of the freeski scene. Many of the world’s best slopestyle riders will take up the battle for the US$ 20,000 prize-purse.

The 8th Austrian Freeski Open at the Kitzsteinhorn in One Big Park SalzburgerLand comes up with a first-class field of participants including freeski legend Jon Olsson (SWE), the winner of the Jon Olsson Invitational 2009, Russ Henshaw (AUS), the double X Games winner, Bobby Brown (USA), and the winner of the European Open 2008, Henrik Harlaut (SWE). With titleholder Elias Ambuehl (SUI), the runner-up of the Austrian Freeski Open 2009, Bene Mayr (GER), and the winner of the Nippon Open 2008, Jossi Wells (NZL), three top-notch Atomic pros will join in. Austrian riders Tobi Tritscher from Schladming and Eva Patschneider from Serfaus will also be fighting for their share of the highest Austrian Freeski Open prize money up to now, US$ 20,000!

The Kitzsteinhorn Mellow Park is prepared for the Austrian Freeski Open 2010: at the Central Park, all 26 obstacles are ready. The park will be specially shaped for the freeski pros’ requirements so that riders will find ideal contest conditions on the rails, kickers and special obstacles giving them the opportunity to show top-level performances.

The Austrian Freeski Open will start with the ladies’ and the rookies’ contests on Thursday, February 25th 2010. Friday will see the qualification for the concluding male finals on Saturday. Up to 80 riders were allowed to register for the qualification. The best 15 riders of the qualification will meet 15 seeded pros in the semi finals. Every rider will have two runs with the best run counting. The best ten riders will reach the finals and battle for the victory as well as the attractive prize money. The rookies will fight for non-cash prizes by El Grito and the best rookie will get a one-year sponsoring by Atomic.

Exciting side events, concerts and DJ acts will come with the competitions at the Austrian Freeski Open 2010. On Wednesday night, a Freeski Night Show will kick off the event at Zell am See: a gigantic kicker will wait at the valley station of the City Xpress Schmittenhoehe to catapult some selected riders into the air. The proceedings of the night will go to the “Wings for Life” foundation. The FM4 Downdays Party at Kaprun Castle with DJ Chris Fader (ITF Champion 2005/2006), Kya Bamba, WRED (We Are Electric Disco – Urban Art Forms) and Damn Good Kids will close the event on Saturday night.

For further information please visit http://www.austrianfreeskiopen.com.