Words by Nico Zacek

Photos by Klaus Polzer

For the fourth time, German freeski pioneer Nico Zacek will gather the world’s most talented freeski athletes for his superstar session at a fantastic obstacle. From the 9th to 14th of April, the famous castle-like kicker set-up will be gracing the slopes of Livigno, Italy, where the winner of the Wanne Be A Knight video contest will have the chance to ride with the biggest names of the sport.

Nico Zacek

 

Following a year hiatus due to missing snow last season, the Suzuki Nine Knights returns at a new location. Located 1,800 meters above sea level and nestled deep in the Italian Alps, Mottolino in Livigno is a resort with a rich history in freestyle sports. “Il Castello”, the fabled jump of the Nine Knights, will once again be perfectly cut into the shape of a behemoth castle when the riders will battle for the crown at the public big air contest on the 14th of April. In 2012, with plans to make the jump even bigger, more creative and more progressive, there is no doubt that onlookers from all over the globe will be awestruck by the incredible trickery that will go down. There are also plans for a new, top secret feature, and although we can't give out any details just yet, rest assured that your mind will be blown.

Thomas Hlawitschka

Tobi Reindl

 

Since the competitors at Nine Knights have always been considered freeskiing royalty, the confirmed names for this season’s edition are of the highest calibre. Tom Wallisch, Henrik Harlaut and Russ Henshaw will be among the established knights who will welcome a rookie warrior at their playground. The wild card for this reserved spot on the invitation list will be decided by the Wanna Be A Knight video contest, which is open for entries now. To enter the competition potential knights will have to put an edit together with 9 and only 9 tricks. The required trick list reads as follows: 540°, Switch 540°, 720°, Switch 720°, 900°, Switch 900°, 1080°, Switch 1080°, and your most creative banger trick! All tricks can, but don’t have to be doubles, but every move needs to be stylish. For more details check out the video below...

 

Competition for the one and only wild is expected to be fierce. The last winner of the Wanna Be A Knight competition was Markus Eder, who is now one of the undisputed stars of the freeski scene, but unfortunately out for the season due to injury. However, Markus is supporting Nine Knights as a judge of both the Wanna Be A Knight online vidoe contest and the big air contest on location.

Markus Eder

The invited knights will gather on the 9th of April for a week of epic sessions which will culminate in the public big air contest on the 14th. Once again the best filmers and photographers from all over the globe will document the Suzuki Nine Knights to present this unique event to the freeskiing public in all its glory.

 

For more details on the Suzuki Nine Knights and the Wanna Be A Knight video contest check out http://www.nineknights.com or Like our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nineknights. Stay tuned for more info on “Il Castello” and the final list of invited riders!