When the Reschen Pass between Austria and Italy calls for the Battle ROJal – you can be sure it’s action time! That’s always been the case, but last weekend was special! A bluebird day and the finely shaped setup set the perfect ground on which locals and shredders from far away competed for the freestyle crown of Schöneben.

“All in all, we were on the road for 8 ½ hours,” says Andrea Ostijk – coach of the Dutch crew Shred Masters. The team travelled all the way from Landgraaf to the Reschen Pass to compete in the Battle ROJal at Schöneben. So, one can say, they definitely put in quite some effort. Was it worth it? “Absolutely! Usually we ride indoors, for many kids it was the first time on real snow,” Andrea tells us. “It was great fun for sure!”

Maike Herkenrath was definitely as stoked as Andrea. Being a local, she knows every obstacle of Snowpark Schöneben. “That’s my park, I ride here the entire winter,” explains Maike. She already took part in last year’s Battle ROJal and ever since she's been working a lot on her tricks at her home base. “I learned new stuff and I definitely made some progress. The jumps are working perfectly today!”

Props for the shape crew from all sides

Maike already talked about the nice jumps. Andrea from the Shred Masters backs her up: “The contest line-up was really sick! The jumps were awesome, doable for all levels and the weather also played its part!” This is music to the ears of Schöneben’s Park Designer Daniel Osterland, aka “Fox.” Together with his hard-working crew, Fox built a contest line that impressed everyone. As freeskier David Wolf (AUT) put it: “The setup was epic again. The jumps were sensational. Just perfect for me to send it properly!”

The best freeskiers

David might be a man of few words, but his jumps talk for themselves. The TSV-Freeskier didn’t only win in his category, but also took home the Best Trick Award by Free Spirit with his Flat 540 Bow & Arrow. After being asked for his secret to success, the Tyrolean wasn’t hesitant at answering: “The secret formula is simply having fun on the skis. That’s it – you don’t need anything more. No need to add salt to the soup – just have fun!” Word. David won the category Men in front of Noel Walser (AUT) and Leon Ernhofer (GER). Florian Pale (AUT) dominated in the Groms category. Florian Tschiderer (AUT) came second and Patrick Tafeit (AUT) third. The freestyle crown of Schöneben in the category Freeski Women was handed over to Victoria Ressel (AUT) followed by Greta Staudacher (AUT) on the second place.

This year’s Battle ROJal is in the books and it’s definitely a success story. A bluebird day, a massive contest line and endless freestyle action. What else can a rider’s heart ask for? Exactly – footage, footage, footage from the Snowpark Schöneben and from the QParks Tour. Where to find that? Easy, just go to the park’s Facebook Page and Instagram or visit the Tour’s Instagram and Facebook channels.