The Swiss freestyle snowboarders won't travel overseas this year but will train on home soil capitalizing on a resort known for its legendary passion for snowboarding.


Laax, which hosted an Halfpipe World Cup back in 2002, is currently building the world's biggest halfpipe (22 foot walls, 200 metres in length) operated continuously over the year.

The best conditions to prepare for the up-coming contest winter for the team led by reigning Olympic Champion Iouri Podladtchikov who is aiming to defend his World Championships title next January.

Until the opening on Dec 6, the squad will keep on shredding in Switzerland and the neighbouring countries.

While the Swiss halfpipe cracks are actually on top of their game, Head Coach Pepe Regazzi sees some potential for the slopestyle team.

2We have to catch up on the men's side”, he knows, while the women's roster is already well-respected in the world despite some tough set-backs lately.

However, due to a broken shinbone last August, Isa Derungs, who placed eighth at the Sochi Winter Games, is still sidelined from action.

In addition, Challenger Team rider Carla Somaini will also miss some precious training and contest time due to a ankle joint fracture suffered two weeks ago on the Stubai glacier.