The 2016 Kaunertal Opening is a wrap!

The alps oldest park opening started its 4th decade of shredding on the weekend from the 7th – 9th of October. The glacier was packed and all in all it was an epic weekend!

NEW HALF MILE JIB LINE at the Snowpark Kaunertal

New decade, new style. Right in time for this years KTO, Snowpark Kaunertal started a new era. 22 back-to-back obstacles, 800 meters in length and some of the sickest Jib obstacle combos ever seen, created one of the smoothest, longest and richest in variation Jib Lines the glacier has ever seen. It has again been the combination of the outstanding work and perfectionism of the Kaunertal Gletscherbahn staff paired with the unstoppable dedication and creativity of the Schneestern Crew, which made the extraordinary park and piste setup possible. Next to the Jib Line an incredible contest setup has been created which has been considered as one of the best in over 10 years by some of the riders.

Yamaha Playground – full of side events!

The KTO Side Event Highlight has definitely been the Yamaha Playground. Next to jib and skate elements, Yamahas 200PS sleds could have been taken for a spin in the separately

installed parcour. Another remarkable element was the DJI Dome. Under professional supervision and guidance DJI ́s drones were tested all day long.

Blue Tomato Testival

Over 50 of the hottest freeski and snowboard brands gathered hundreds of people around the Blue Tomato Testival Area. The latest equipment of the upcoming season was out there to test for free on all three days of the opening. For the first time in KTO history, the Modular Pumptrack has been installed as another special and super fun feature.

31. KTO – “kick ass and kick off day”

Above the clouds, against the sun. This was how the Kaunertal glacier welcomed the freeski and snowboard scene on Friday. The first sessions, like the Shred Unit Gils Session and the Got.it Style Session, went down. The first girls only session has been truly amazing. Guided by professional coaches and concluded by a vibrant goodies for tricks session. One of the first gatherings of the season has again created and spread unique vibes. Happy faces, tired legs and super pumped people have been all over the place and kept the KTO spirit with it ́s 30 year history alive. After the first chill After Ride BBQ by Blue Tomato and Go-Shred, everybody was getting ready for the KTO Festival Friday, by burger, beer and beats. Invasion Sound meets Shizzle Soundsystem ft. Ruffneck Smolik Live started the party off till they made way for the Balkan-pop granates Russjaka. Friday headliner was no less a figure than former The Prodogy member Leeroy Thornhill, who also celebrated his birthday at the KTO.

31. KTO – „Blue Bird Saturday“

Day two started off incredibly. Blue Bird, nicely shaped park and a keen and eager crowed waiting for fist chair. The programme was packed with side events, sessions and the KTO Pro Contest. The motivation of the rider field was above and beyond and the level of riding outstanding. Torge Nagel threw down one style loaded run after the other and won not only the Freeski Pro Contest but also the Best Style Award. Same for the swiss style machine Markus Mathis. Lisa Zimmermann dominated the girls Freeski Pro Contest and set new standards once again. Following up the Pro Contest people got wild at the go-shred Rail Bingo. Life acts and DJs like Wiedmann and the 606 crew delivered some chill beats throughout the weekend at the Red Bull Defender. The Festival Saturday has been played by the theme hip hop deluxe. Following up Fatoni live, one of the biggest hip hop legends entered the stage. Eric Bobo, former artist and percussionist from Cypress Hill ft. DJ Rhettmatic set the KTO crowd on fire. The beloved KTO court musicians, the Wax Wreckaz DJ Team, well known for their explosive and heavyweight sound played the grand final.

31. KTO – “Sundays shredfest”

Day three held many surprises. A fresh layer of snow that came over night made the glacier look all pretty and shiny and fuelled the excitement for the upcoming season. Those vibes strongly reflected on the KTO Amateur Contest. The swiss young gun and style machine Jerome Hunger won the Freeski Contest and David Loibel killed it at the Snowboard Contest and also won the best style award. 

KTO16 – a transition from bike to board, from skatepark to snowpark and from the autumn blues to winter madness. Winter is here, so go shred and have fun you people!