11 November 2021
What could be better than skiing or snowboarding down steep slopes or doing spectacular tricks in the air? For professional snowboarder from Valais, Pat Burgener, the answer is nothing is better than this. In Crans-Montana, he has the perfect infrastructure to have fun right on his doorstep. Here are a few tips for experienced freestylers, and those who want to become one.
"Pure freedom" is how Pat Burgener describes the feeling of freestyle snowboarding. The 27-year-old from Vaud has been an accomplished professional freestyle snowboarder for over ten years now. Whether it's big air, halfpipe or slopestyle, Pat moves effortlessly on his board like a fish in water, and can boast several Swiss championship titles, World Cup podium places and two bronze medals at the World Championships. His favourite place to train and practise his tricks? "The snowpark in Crans-Montana is my favourite place. And I find the perfect mix of freedom and fun in the mountains that surround it". The largest snowpark in Western Switzerland has a Main Park with some of the best infrastructure in Europe, which meets the needs of both beginners and professionals: a Mini Park with boardercross and a mini-halfpipe for those who want to try freeskiing or freestyle for the first time, as well as one of the only permanent superpipes in the world.
Want to try freestyle snowboarding or freeskiing this winter? Pat Burgener's tips will help you take your first steps.
Proper equipment
Safety first: "Before you head off on an adventure, you need the right equipment. A good helmet to protect your head and a suitable snowboard or freestyle skis are essential".
Don't be afraid
If you've never ventured into a halfpipe before, the idea can be pretty scary. How do you overcome this fear? "If you understand that fear is an emotion, and that emotions develop from thoughts, the answer is pretty clear: think less and act more", says Pat.
So by really enjoying it, feeling good and approaching at the right speed, you're already one step closer to winning.
The first thing to do is to have fun!
The first step to becoming a freestyle pro is to enjoy yourself! Pat’s advice: "Don't compare yourself to others, especially the professionals. We all started small". The Mini Park in Crans-Montana is perfect for this.
Follow your instinct
Body awareness is essential for halfpipe and tricks: "Learn to observe your body and be sensitive to movement. This also includes precisely analysing all sequences of movement", explains Pat Burgener.
Find the right rhythm
"Every jump, every rail, every halfpipe needs a different speed. That's why it's so important to find the right speed. If the speed is right, you’ve already done half the trick".
And what if there’s no snow? "Then skateboarding, trampolining or surfing help prepare the body and mind for winter", says Pat. Crans-Montana also has something to offer in this respect: Alaïa Chalet. Switzerland's largest action sports centre has a variety of trampolines as well as an indoor and outdoor skate park, where professionals and beginners can pursue their passion. Even young athletes can develop their talent in the courses and holiday camps on offer. Great skills can be stimulated and developed on the trampolines and in the skate park.
