Much has happened and much has changed, but luckily not everything. The park has developed and over the years it has grown to its current size and dimension. The “Signature” Area in the lower park area, the Triple Kicker Line, is the oldest and most characteristic park area – a remarkable number of riders have sent it across these tables over the past years.
A little later, the big Gap Kicker, which was always branded with the unmistakable Kitzbühel chamois was added to the opposite side of the Kicker Line. This was followed by the Middle and the Upper Park Area and two years ago by the Kids Area in the upper section. “The park has grown bit by bit”, says Bernd Mandlberger, who has been employed by the Shape Academy as a technical manager and as such involved in the development of the park for a long time. “Also thanks to people like Toni Kogler”, he adds. “Without him the park wouldn’t have grown as fast as it did.”
Snowcat driver Toni Kogler remembers very well how it all began: “At first, we used a conventional snowcat; the one they use for the usual grooming. Then we started to optimize it for the construction of the park. We extended the push frame and rebuilt the cylinder linkage”, the routineer competently explains the changes to the machine. He was responsible for the slope for 20 years. The construction and the maintenance of the snowparks were a new challenge for him – which he still likes to take up today. You can feel his passion for the topic when he speaks about the modifications: “By relocating the cylinder suspension we could reach the optimal departure angle. We tested it in the park and also engineers of the snow groomer manufacturer PRINOTH came by to test it in the field. We still drive it today and are still satisfied with the quality!”
Here we would like to show you a Vimeo video.
Of course, also Lisi Obermoser, Max Schirmeisen and Flo Hasenauer are significantly responsible for the development of the freestyle sport in Kitzbühel. The organization team of the Sick Trick Tour was involved in the formation of the park from the beginning – and they have brought contest atmosphere to Hanglalm for many years.
And while we are talking about people who coined the Snowpark Kitzbühel we will not forget about Franz J. Lechner. He has also been one of the persons influencing the Snowpark Kitzbühel over the years. Known as a Kitzbühel institution, he put his stamp on the park for many years as a park designer. Once again, he will be responsible for the park during this upcoming season.
What does the Future have in Store?
Before Hanglalm became a freestyle playground, the Kitzbüheler Horn was the focal point for riders from the surrounding area. This winter we will come full circle: The Kitzbüheler Horn will become home to a Family Park and an Audi quattro funslope.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the happenings at the Snowpark Kitzbühel, then check out the park’s very own website and the Facebook page and Instagram feed!