SAM Magazine (SnowHunter) - October 6 --Burton will open the fifth of its natural Stash concept parks this winter, the second in Europe, at Fachauwinkl ski area in Austria's Salzburgland province. The Stash, scheduled to open in January, will be the first run of its kind in Austria, which is also home to Burton's European headquarters. The forst European Stash opened in Avoriaz, France last winter and will be expanded since, in the meantime the first southern hemisphere Stash opened in New Zealand.

The Stash is described as, "an evolution of freestyle terrain in a natural environment," by the company and was created by Jake Burton and the Burton global team riders and basically marks a return to the origins of freestyle boarding, using natural terrain features rather than heavy-machinery created pipes and snow piles for jumps. However the natural terrain is enhanced with terrain features manufactured from natural materials by hand and also maintained without heavy machinery.

Located on the north-side of the mountain opposite the Absolut freestyle park, the kilometer-long Stash run will follow the natural line of the mountain providing riders with an organic, big mountain terrain park. The Stash run in Flachauwinkl will take on an 'Old West' theme and feature over 40 obstacles, including some unique features like a bridge, a saloon-style cabin, hitching posts and banked wall rides.

Also unique to The Stash at Flachauwinkl is Lil' Stash, which will include small features perfect for kids and beginner riders at the top of the Stash run. The main Stash run is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders.

Burton team riders Stephan Maurer and Christian Haller have already been onsite in Flachauwinkl to help choose features for the new run. Snow Park Technologies, an industry leader in terrain park development, is also adding its expertise to the design and construction of The Stash.

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