A New kind of Halfpipe Seeks to Revive Their Appeal
In snowboarding’s early years, the halfpipe wasn’t just a discipline; it was the beating heart of the scene but over time, pipes have grown larger, more technical and more exclusive. Now, a new concept, the fun pipe, is set to re‑energise that culture.
The halfpipe has been part of snowboarding’s DNA since the sport’s earliest days. In snowboarding’s early years, the halfpipe wasn’t just a discipline; it was the beating heart of the scene. Over time, pipes grew larger, more technical and more exclusive, leaving only a handful of superpipes worldwide, most used primarily by professionals. Many regions now have no pipe at all, limiting opportunities for riders to learn or progress.
Now, a new concept is set to re‑energise that culture. The Fun Pipe, a redesigned, more accessible version of the traditional halfpipe, will make its debut in May at Austria's Hintertux Glacier, where the existing pipe in Betterpark Hintertux will be transformed using Zaugg’s newly developed 13‑foot Pipe Designer.
The idea is simple: create a “blue run” of halfpipes. The Fun Pipe is deliberately smaller and friendlier than today’s superpipes, measuring around 120 metres in length with 3.5‑metre walls and a gentle 14% incline. A rounded, wave‑like bottom is designed to give riders a smoother, more flowing feel, while the lower walls make the feature safer and far less intimidating for newcomers. The aim is to help beginners build confidence quickly, without shutting out more advanced riders who still have plenty of room for creativity and progression. Open to snowboarders and skiers of all ages, the Fun Pipe is intended as a genuinely inclusive space.
But the project is about more than reshaping snow. Its creators hope the Fun Pipe will revive the social spirit that once defined halfpipe culture – a place where riders gathered, pushed each other on, and simply enjoyed the rhythm of riding together. The initiative comes from Stefan Plattner (MTNpool / Rock A Rail), known globally for his innovative pipe and street‑style designs.
“My vision is clear,” he says. “Make mini‑pipes easier for resorts to build and maintain, make them more accessible for riders, and spark new enthusiasm for halfpipe riding worldwide.”
The Fun Pipe will run throughout May at Betterpark Hintertux, which reopens on 18 April. Two dedicated Fun Pipe Camps, an Opening Weekend (1–3 May) and Closing Weekend (23–25 May), supported by Nitro Snowboards – will bring the community together with coaching sessions, group rides, appearances from well‑known riders, and the first‑ever Fun Pipe Games, a playful competition open to all generations.
The Fun Pipe aims to offer a modern, accessible way to reconnect with the roots of freestyle riding.
