Grindelwald in the stunning Swiss Jungfrau region is taking steps to expand its attractions for freestyle skiers and boarders this winter by creating a new half pipe for 2014-15.
This is big news as while terrain parks are forever evolving and improving and boarder/skier cross courses being created, the number of halfpipes at the world’s ski resorts has declined over the years, due in party to the often high costs of building and maintain them.
Grindelwald’s move is the result of Swiss-bred (Russian-born) athlete Iouri Iourvich Podladtchikov (ipod to his peers) taking gold in the men’s half pipe at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.
Grindelwald will become one of the few wintersports areas in Switzerland with a half pipe located in the White Elements Snowpark in the resort’s First sector. The pipe will be built at the Bärgelegg in a natural trough in the landscape. Using the natural topography of the land greatly reduces the manufacturing costs and impact on resources. After the winter season the trough will be fully landscaped and restored to its original state which will also ensure minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.
