The new season is coming closer and it won’t be long until freeskiers and snowboarders will take over the Vans Penken Park once again. The prestigious snowpark at the heart of the Zillertal isn’t only one of Europe’s biggest parks; within the scene it has also established itself as a top address for innovative and progressive park design. Thus, also in the season of 2011/2012 the operators have once again come up with numerous innovations in order to give ultimate freestyle fun to all shredheads.

Last year, extensive reconstruction added to the park’s further development, providing the riders with perfect runs. In voting the Vans Penken Park Europe’s best park for the first time in the Snowboarder MBM awards, the local community thanked the park crew for their commitment. For park designer Sven Toller and his team, however, this is no reason to rest on their laurels – after all, they want to defend the title this coming season too and thus, numerous ground-breaking innovations are under way.

In 2011/2012 the countless lines which have been created over the last few years will be combined in separated areas. Thus, in the Vans Penken Park you’ll find a total of 6 different areas, guaranteeing endless freestyle fun to riders on all skill levels. One of the most important innovations is located on the left-hand side of the park. As of this season, the former race track will be turned into the newly furbished Fun Area with its own entrance reminiscent of a boarder cross parkour, so you can race against each other in twos or threes. Directly next to it, in the Medium Area, experienced riders can refine their skills on a 3 Kicker Combo with different jumps, as well as on several jibs of medium difficulty. Additionally, this year there will also be an Advanced Area – with its different jibs and a sophisticated Kicker Combo it’s just perfect for extensive shredding sessions. Directly underneath the quad chairlift ‘Sunjet’, you’ll find the well-tried heart of the Vans Penken Park: the Pro Area.

Last year, big names of the international freestyle scene, such as Halldor Helgason, Sage Kotsenberg, Seb Toots and Mark McMorris have been swarming the mountain, showing on the 16-20m Kickers that they’re truly made of stern stuff. Apart from the kickers, pros and young guns can look forward to the newly set up Pro Rail Line, promising massive rips. Of course, in the Vans Penken Park the needs of freestyle beginners won’t be forgotten either: the Beginner Park located on the right directly next to the Mittertrett lift will once again be everything they need. And last but not least another seasoned highlight in the Vans Penken Park: the Halfpipe, located between the Pro Area and the Kidspark.