Last weekend, the Patscherkofel – a truly iconic location where Alpine skiing events took place during the 1964 and 1976 editions of the Winter Olympics – presented itself just like the people of Innsbruck know their home mountain: windy, sunny and with a spectacular panorama. Thus, the conditions were just ideal for the very first tournament of the newly established Austrian Snow Volleyball Tour. In a fantastic spot, at 1,965 m above sea level with a spectacular view over the capital of Tyrol, Snow Volleyball celebrated its premiere where some decades ago Olympic downhill racers had competed for eternal glory.
A truly iconic venue hosted the premiere of the Austrian Snow Volleyball Tour this past weekend © Max Mauthner
In challenging conditions, but yet very good spirits, the Austrian Snow Volleyball elite competed against strong international rivals. Finally, the Austrian women celebrated a triple victory with the quartet Freiberger/Wiesmeyr/Pfeffer/Schoder standing on top of the podium. The men’s podium was more international with Germany (Noack/Wagner/Schweikart/Doranth) claiming top honours ahead of Team Austria 1 and Switzerland. In general, the starting field was very appealing to the fans, with athletes from as many as six nations.
Teams from Germany, Austria and Switzerland composed the men’s podium © Max Mauthner
Snow Volleyball has high potential in Austria
Austria has already hosted CEV European Tour stops and National Championships – and now, with the establishment of the Austrian Snow Volleyball Tour, the organisers have laid the cornerstone to grow the sport even further. An attractive sport like Snow Volleyball needs an extraordinary location – just like the Patscherkofel. Especially during holidays and at weekends, the venue is a popular hotspot for skiers, snowboarders, winter hikers and ski mountaineers – who may well want to join the spectacle and watch matches standing courtside. Despite the wind and cold temperatures, the young crowd had a great time. The DJs gave their best to fire up the fans and got people dancing around the centre court.
The players were excited as well.
“This is one of the most beautiful spots we have ever played at! We definitely want this tournament to take place again next year!”
the winning Bavarian men’s team said.
Organiser Simon Varges (My BeachEvent) promptly answered: “We will be back, we promise!”
The aims for the next year(s) are high. Whirlpool, snow-bar and players hotel are just a few of the ideas discussed. In order to implement such big plans, the organisers have started a cooperation with the Austrian event agency Chaka2, which has been organising Snow Volleyball tournaments since 2008.
Snow Volleyball players have taken to the court at a location that hosted Olympic events in 1964 and 1976 © Max Mauthner
Innsbruck establishes itself as Beach and Snow Volleyball hotspot
It is no coincidence that the Patscherkofel was the place chosen for the kick-off of the Austrian Snow Volleyball Tour. The event enriches the Volleyball tradition in Innsbruck. The city’s signature tournament is the Innsbruck BeachEvent organised by My BeachEvent as well. For the last few years, the tournament has been part of the Austrian Beach Volleyball Tour PRO. This year it will become an international event for the first time with a new venue. From June 3-5, 2022, European beach volleyballers will be able to play on one of the most iconic spots in town, the Innsbruck Market Place.
Innsbruck has now asserted its role as Snow Volleyball hotspot! © Max Mauthner
