Swatch Skiers Cup brings out the best to Zermatt Jan 4 - 10
photo D Carlier / swatchskierscup.com
In 2013, Zermatt, Switzerland proved to be an incredible host for the SWATCH SKIERS CUP and 2014 is shaping up to be even better. The teams are confirmed, the snow is stacking up, and team captains JP Auclair (CAN) and Julien Regnier (FRA) are preparing their strategies. Just over two weeks remain until the action commences beneath the Matterhorn.
The Big Mountain discipline will again be held on a helicopter-accessed peak to be selected by head guide Samuel Anthamatten (Swatch Proteam, SUI). The second discipline, Backcountry Slopestyle, will go down in the ski area domain, providing a spectacular show for the public. Anthamatten said, “Last year’s Backcountry Slopestyle venue above the Breitboden chairlift is really good for athletes and spectators alike. This year we have our eye on Schwarzee, a spectacular face directly under the Matterhorn. We’ll decide between the two options depending on conditions before the event begins.”
The event’s match-play format means that riders face off in head-to-head heats with the three esteemed judges choosing the best run. Camille Jaccoux (FRA) heads up legendary Chamonix-based ski brand Black Crows, and he has eye for the extreme as well as the creative. Woodie Bouma (AUS) is a professional freestyle skier and life-long surfer. Originally from Australia, Bouma now lives in France and splits his time between the Alps and beach. Philippe Poirier (CAN), also a pro freestyler, was a member of the legendary New Canadian Air Force with Team Americas captain JP Auclair (CAN). The crew was integral in developing the tricks and ski technology that make freestyle what it is today. The Backcountry Slopestyle course will be shaped by professional skier Arnaud Kugener (FRA). Kugener designs and builds terrain parks at ski resorts around Europe, as well as building jumps for various film productions.
Both team’s rosters feature extraordinary talent, with elite athletes rarely seen in the same place at the same time. Team Europe has experience on their side, with six of their eight riders returning from last year’s champion team. Team Americas has less overall SKIERS CUP experience, but is stacked with big names like Seth Morrison (USA), Sage Cattabriga-Alosa (USA), Cody Townsend (Swatch Proteam, USA) and many more.
The event kicks off on January 4, with the opening ceremony, bib draw, and welcome party at the exclusive Vernissagebar in Zermatt. The event is comprised of two days of competition, held during the ideal conditions available during the event’s January 5-10 window. Public events are on offer every night of the week in the village, with award ceremonies and parties following each day of competition.
photo D Daher / swatchskierscup.com
