Saudi Arabia Holds Snowsports Competition
The SnowBlast KSA Cup is the newest sporting event announced by Riyadh Season. The snow skiing competition, is a winter-themed event bringing with it blended artistry, creativity and skills in the form of snowy outdoor tricks.
An International Freestyle Cup showcasing Olympic champions. Offering family fun, dazzling lights, shows and parades, meet skiing legends and savor treats. All in a first-of-its-kind event in Riyadh that blends sport, winter and entertainment!
Henrik Harlaut from Sweden emerged victorious, grabbing a hefty $50,000 prize and a gleaming gold medal.
Hot on his heels, Ralf Wilboner from Italy took the second spot, with a $30,000 prize and a silver medal to his name. The third place was claimed by the American athlete, Colby Stevenson, who took home a bronze medal and a $20,000 prize. This remarkable finish marked a high point in the event.
The SnowBlast KSA Cup, held for the first time in the region, represents a unique global event. It marked the inaugural hosting of snow skiing sports in Riyadh, taking place from February 26th to 29th.
A total of 14 athletes showcased their skills in this freestyle skiing event. Each athlete had three opportunities to impress the judges, with their top two jumps contributing to their final score. This competitive format added an extra layer of excitement, unfolding on a massive snowy stage weighing over 500 tons. It was a highlight of the Riyadh Season, drawing spectators from all corners.
The event featured a range of distinctive winter experiences for visitors, aiming to promote the sport and create local and international skiing competitions. The global event featured skiing and snowboarding performances, along with the participation of 30 world and Olympic champions in skiing sports. The event was set on over 500 tons of snow, with a slope length of 150 meters, a height of 30 meters, and a width of approximately 20 meters.
During the SnowBlast KSA Cup competitions, each contestant performed three jumps, with the total of their best two jumps being calculated. The results and points of the contestants were displayed on large screens, while the audience enjoys live commentary in both Arabic and English.
Accompanying the SnowBlast KSA shows were various winter activities and artistic performances for families and children, starting at 4:00 PM. These include snowball battles, building snowmen, simulated snowfall, and roaming winter activities featuring artistic and musical performances.
The SnowBlast KSA Cup featured the participation of 30 competitors, including top international figures in skiing and snowboarding, such as X Games champions, Olympic medalists, and national heroes. Additionally, there was an international judging panel for freestyle skiing events.