The Big Freeze – Real Snow, Big Air

Organisers of the The Big Freeze kindly sent EST some tickets to attend the industry day and take a look behind the scenes of what was to be an epic event for UK snowboarding. We got to see some of the world’s best riders in their heats and practice rounds before they took to the snow on the competition days in front of huge crowds at Battersea Power Station

The event itself was a welcoming one. Full of entertainment, Nintendo wii’s and simulated snowboarding machines to name but a couple. Bringing together perfectly real and virtual snowboarding in the rustic surroundings on the banks of the River Thames.

The set up was simply breathtaking. A 100m long, 30m high launch pad was the main attraction, featuring real snow and real pedigree with some spectacular jumps and some equally spectacular wipe outs! The competition was undoubtedly taken seriously as some of the jumps attempted were of the highest difficulty! Highlights for the festival were, Danny Kass, Scotty Lago and Lucas Magoon plus skiing stars Tanner Hall, Jon Olsson and Jacob Wester, testing themselves against the new jump which slotted into London’s scenery effortlessly. 

When interviewed about the event, Mark Simmers, CEO of SnowsportGB stated “To stage a Snowboard World Cup in the UK for the first time, is a massive boost for the sport, and will bring a huge amount of profile to our British Snowboard athletes when they compete at home against the world’s best. I must thank the International Ski Federation (FIS) for helping SnowsportGB to bring about the inaugural staging of the LG London Big Air.”

Further to the snowsports, the event also housed a 7,000 plus music auditorium featuring live bands. Headline acts from The Holloways, The Enemy, Cyprus Hill and DJ Annie Mac on the final day added energy and atmosphere in equal measure and were perfect conclusions to each of the four days of the festival!

All in all a great experience 10/10!