Snowboarders can dust off their gear and head to the Alps for a season kick-off party this weekend.
Shladming and Dachstein, towns in Austria’s Styria region, host gatherings of boarders Friday through Sunday. Once a small get-together just for locals, today it attracts thousands of enthusiasts. In 2012, the O’Neill Pleasure Jam celebrates its 10th anniversary in grand style.
By day, watch boarders show what they’re made of in the snow park. Competitors are a mix of invited pros and those who make it through qualifying rounds. Race results determine the starting position for the upcoming season. Any good yourself? Make a short video of tricks and send it to the organizers, who’ll upload it to the event’s Facebook page. From there, the public votes on the individual who’ll swoosh into the finals. In the evening, it’s party time, with DJs spinning the sounds of hip hop and dubstep.
To not miss a beat, consider one of several Sleep & Ride packages that include accommodation, lift pass, goodie bag and free entry to the parties. Bed-and-breakfast accommodation costs 76 euros for a single overnight, 140 euros for a two-night stay, or 199 euros for a three-night stay. Opt for an apartment stay without breakfast and the costs drop to 68/124/175 euros, respectively. For package details, call (+43) (0) 3687-233-10616 or see schladming-dachstein.at. For more on the Pleasure Jam, see www.pleasurejam.com.