Q&A with FIS Contest Director Roberto Moresi getting ready for Chur

1. The Big Air Chur is around the corner and going down this weekend. Are you excited about it?

A: Normally, we start our season with the Southern hemisphere World Cup events in New Zealand but due to the COVID situation we are not capable of traveling there. We extend our greetings to the New Zealand guys and we hope that we can return soon. This delays our start into the season. Therefore, the Big Air Chur is an important event for us. It represents a reboost and signals that we are finally back. All the teams are excited. We have a very deep entry list so this will be a first highlight of the season and also one of the last events that will count into the Olympic qualification process.

The Big Air Chur combines snowboard, freesking and music. This concept has already been successful in the past and it is well established. Part of the organisers have realised events with us for many years. The connection of different cultural areas is beneficial. It attracts the interest of people for our sport. Hopefully this will also lead to a higher participation rate and a bigger reach.

2. Which three words would you choose to describe last season?

A: To describe the previous season I would use the terms condensed, emotional and high class.

The pandemic did not allow us to go from event to event and have a normal season. Instead, the season was very condensed with many gaps and a few highlights. That’s why the few moments of action were very intense and emotional. Everybody wanted to take the chance to compete at the highest level and bring value to what we are doing.

3. If you had one wish free for next season, what would you wish for Roberto?

A: My wish is that the season goes well and that the competitions will take place in a safe environment. This will allow the athletes to put on the best performance and deliver what they have trained for so hard.

4. Complete the sentence: The best thing about the Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022 will be…?

A: … for the athletes to be in the spotlight and be able to perform at the highest level possible. They can show the world what they are capable of doing. We have 12 events in the Park & Pipe Snowboard & Freeski discipline, 6 for men and 6 for women. Beijing will do its best to provide the best setting so that the athletes can shine. We are looking forward to an outstanding event with outstanding performances.

5. Any final word Roberto?

A: A big thank you to the organisers. We know that it is not easy at the moment to host events. But they do it with dedication and professionalisation. A big thank you to the athletes: Without them nothing would make sense. They have put all their energy and hard work into the preparation of the season and they will deliver.