Before heading to North America end of last week, Australian Ski Cross racer Anton Grimus has been preparing on the Pitztal glacier in Austria which currently seems to be the heart of snowboard cross with almost every nation at site to train for the season opener.

While the Mittelbergjoch with its purpose-built course featuring three different start sections is mainly used by the boarders, there were a few skiers at site, too, capitalising on some outstanding conditions in Tyrol.

One of them, 23-year-old Grimus who took some time to talk about new ways of preparing for the World Cup as well as his goals for the new season.

FISFreestyle: Anton, tell us something about your season preps. How has it been so far?
Anton Grimus: Well, this season was a bit different. I was training together with the Austrians, which was awesome. And being here on the Pitztal glacier was good for me.

So changing your normal routine paid off?
Yes, I was able to work on my head-to-head racing. Being amongst guys who are really good on the World Cup circuit was good. I also was able to improve my starts.

That was my plan and it was well-executed. But we will find out in a few days how the work in the pre-season is paying off.

What's your goal for the first race which is actually taking place in Nakiska where you earned your so far sole podium result on the World Cup tour?
Last year I was third, so I want to better my result. You always want to be on the podium .That's the goal.

While there are some more World Cups scheduled till the World Champs, what are you expecting from the Kreischberg event?
It's pretty similar for the World Champs. We got a high standard in Australia as we have the two-time Boarder Cross World Champion Alex Pullin to live up to. So, I want to better my last result (Rank 7) and keep moving uphill.