The Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY is one of the most iconic snowboarding events in Europe, bringing together talented riders from across the continent to showcase their skills and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Austrian Alps. What makes this event so special, what challenges await the riders, and why shouldn’t you miss the next edition? We also talked to one of the organizers, our rider – legendary Steve Gruber, about the event's backstage and uniqueness. Find out why the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY is a must-have in your snowboarding calendar!
The Zillertal VÄLLEY RÄLLEY is one of the most renowned snowboarding series in Europe, attracting hundreds of riders from across the continent to the Austrian Alps each year. Organized by the Ästhetiker crew, this legendary event features four stops at the best snowparks in Zillertal – Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach, Zillertal Arena, Penken Park Mayrhofen, and Betterpark Hintertux. Riders compete in disciplines like slopestyle and big air, with categories tailored to age and skill levels. The event also includes free freestyle coaching, gear testing, and the chance to earn points in international rankings.
This year’s edition is all about sunny days, a unique atmosphere, and amazing snowboarding culture. Our interview with one of the organizers, our rider Steve Gruber, offered us an exclusive insight into the backstage of the event, which is not just a competition but also a gathering place for snowboarding enthusiasts from all over Europe. Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or a complete beginner, VÄLLEY RÄLLEY is an event that will remind you why we love snowboarding so much!
Interview with Steve Gruber about the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY
Can you introduce the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY for those who might not be familiar with it?
The VÄLLEY RÄLLEY is essentially a starting point for young riders who want to try competitive snowboarding. We aim to keep the atmosphere mellow and welcoming. It’s all about introducing kids to competitions in a way that doesn’t stress them out, letting them grow into the competitive side of the sport at their own pace. It’s not a full-on hardcore contest—it’s designed to be relaxed and enjoyable.
Who can participate in the event?
Pretty much anyone who can ride! We have categories ranging from Super Groms, who are as young as six years old, all the way up to grown-ups. We have categories for boys, girls, men, and women. Over the years, we’ve seen more and more girls joining, which has been fantastic to watch as they’ve progressed.
The event has been running for over a decade. Were you involved from the start?
Yes, I’ve been involved since the beginning. The VÄLLEY RÄLLEY grew out of previous competitions we organized, which were more focused on professional riders. We wanted to create something for the next generation—a competition where young riders could start in a more chilled environment. The Zillertal region, with its great parks and mountains, was the perfect place for this concept.
How does the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY support the snowboarding community?
The event brings people from all over Europe together. Riders come from places like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, the Netherlands, and even Iceland. It’s a melting pot of different levels and styles, and it motivates kids to improve and make friends across borders. It’s beautiful to see them push each other, ride together, and celebrate snowboarding as a community.
What can participants expect from the competition format?
We’ve designed the format to reduce stress. Riders get two runs, and the best one counts. There’s plenty of training time before the competition, and we also have a coaching day where participants can practice and familiarize themselves with the park. It’s typically a slopestyle setup with jumps and rails, though the exact features depend on the park and weather conditions.
How did the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY x Horsefeathers partnership come about?
At Horsefeathers, they have always been about supporting young riders and fostering the growth of snowboarding, especially in Central Europe. They joined the tour because it aligns perfectly with their values. It’s a win-win partnership—their gear and prizes are top-notch, and the kids absolutely love them. They also sponsor the Best Trick Award, which highlights the most stylish or technical tricks in the competition, emphasizing creativity over simply spinning for points.
Does the event help young riders get noticed by sponsors or move toward a professional career?
Definitely. The overall tour winner gets a ticket to the World Rookie Finals, where they compete with top international riders. We’ve had riders from the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY go on to the Olympics and other professional events. While we’re not claiming to create pros, we do provide a platform for young talents to shine and take the next step in their careers.
Do you have any memorable moments from past events?
There are so many! Seeing kids overcome their fears or land their first big tricks is always emotional. One time, a young rider landed her first frontside 1080 during the competition—that was unforgettable. But honestly, the best moments are when kids leave with huge smiles, feeling proud of what they’ve achieved, regardless of their placement.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced organizing the event?
The weather is always a challenge in outdoor sports, but we’ve been lucky overall. On rare occasions, we’ve had to cancel a competition day, but we always try to make the best of it by organizing sessions or style awards. The kids’ enthusiasm makes it all worth it—even in less-than-ideal conditions, they’re motivated to ride and have fun.
Any future plans for the VÄLLEY RÄLLEY?
We’re looking at integrating more social media elements, encouraging participants to create and share clips. We’ve also added style sessions to emphasize creativity and technique over just spinning. The goal is to keep the event fresh while staying true to its roots of community and progression.
THIS is how it looked at the FIRST stop of VÄLLEY RÄLLEY 24/25 - Hochzillertal Kaltenbach
