The Laax Open 2021 was the first and certainly one of the few events this year that could be realized despite Corona. As we know it from the OC of the Laax Open, they presented us with a brilliant event, even with the restrictions and safety requirements of the federal government. Coherent and full of energy! Being a GummiLove rookie was a huge pleasure!
For us rookies, the weekend started on Friday evening with a casual rookie workshop via Zoom, where we got to know all the new rookies.
After a restful night in the Laax Jugi, things really got going on Saturday. GummiLove rookie Ems and I met Corinne and Gummi at the GummiLove office at 10am. After we had discussed the day and were on our way to pick up our media passes, a good-looking blonde woman ran into us. She greeted Gummi and he introduced her to us. It turned outOuting, outing: To out someone is to disclose a person's gender identity and/or sexual orientation to another person or group against his/her will. that this woman was Simone Bargetze, a stunt woman in various Hollywood films, including Avatar. After this exciting encounter, we got on the chairlift and got to work.
As soon as we arrive on the mountain, Donald Nader comes towards us, I almost didn't recognize him at first with his protective mask on. After a "fist bump" to greet us, he briefly told us a little about this year's difficulties and wished us every success.
After we'd absorbed a bit of content, hunger slowly crept in and so we all grabbed one of those black burgers at Galaaxy. We were only allowed to enjoy it outside, but that didn't make it any less delicious.
Our lunch was followed by one or two runs with Nicolas Müller, which, like last year, was great fun. We skied until the ski lifts were switched off and then chatted to various people, such as Reto Poltera (member of the Weisse Arena management for sport and leisure), until the halfpipe final started.
We watched the halfpipe final from the media room in the GALAAXY and cheered along with Pat Burgener, Jan Scherer and David Habluetzel. It was special, because normally the halfpipe is surrounded by hundreds of people, but this year everyone had to watch from home, which gave the whole thing a very special atmosphere. We felt very honored that we were still able to be there live!
After the finals, unfortunately without a podium place for Switzerland, I was allowed to take a photo at the top of the halfpipe with a rather dejected Pat Burgener.
Grateful and full of satisfaction, we made our way back down to the valley. We enjoyed the descent in the dark to the full. Once we reached the bottom, we met Sven Wallwork, who told us about his career as a rock guitarist, and the head of Absinthe Films, Patrick "Brusti" Armbruster, and chatted for a while. We ended the evening in a relaxed atmosphere and rounded off this fantastic weekend with a hearty breakfast at GummiLove.
The Laax Open 2021 was clearly something very special, but despite the masks, social distancing and eating outside, the atmosphere was no less great and I'm already really looking forward to next year!
Text: Tizi
