Laax, Switzerland – A new kind of training ground is redefining how athletes prepare for freestyle sports. The Freestyle Academy in Laax, opened in late 2024, isn’t just a trampoline park. it’s a multi-faceted facility designed to foster the skills needed for disciplines like freestyle skiing and snowboarding, born from a culture that initially flourished online. The academy represents a significant step in formalizing a sport that, until recently, existed largely outside traditional athletic structures.
The rise of “Gtramp” – a movement of athletes performing acrobatic feats on garden trampolines and sharing videos on platforms like Instagram – has been a key driver. As noted by the Freestyle Trampoline Association (FTA), this phenomenon, dubbed “The Sport Born on Instagram” by L.A. Magazine, blends elements of skateboarding, parkour and freestyle snowboarding. The FTA was established to provide structure and support to this burgeoning community, offering global events, training resources, and athlete support systems.
The Freestyle Academy reflects this ethos. Spanning 2000 square meters, the facility features a skatepark-style layout with a mini-ramp, skate bowl, street section, and a substantial half-pipe. Crucially, it also includes expanded trampoline and parkour areas, complete with an airbag and a sophisticated video analysis system utilizing a 360° camera setup. This allows athletes to meticulously review their technique and identify areas for improvement.
The emphasis on trampolines isn’t accidental. Paddy Graham, a British specialist in the field, highlights the fundamental role trampolines play in developing the “air awareness” crucial for freestyle sports. He explains that trampolines provide a safe environment to practice and refine the body control needed for complex aerial maneuvers. This echoes the origins of the commercial trampoline itself, invented in the 1940s by George Nissen, who initially envisioned it as a widespread athletic tool.
Nissen’s early vision involved traveling shows featuring trampoline performances, and even the invention of “Spaceball” – a game played on an angled trampoline – foreshadows the modern concept of trampoline walls. These walls, as seen in performances like Cirque du Soleil’s Volta, present a disorienting challenge that forces athletes to recalibrate their spatial awareness. The brain, according to experts, quickly adapts to visualize and navigate this flipped perspective during training.
The Freestyle Academy’s design acknowledges this need for adaptable training. While the facility caters to a wide range of skill levels, it’s particularly valuable for athletes seeking to refine their technique. The location in Laax is also strategic, as many professional freestyle skiers and snowboarders already use the area as a base during the off-season and throughout the competition year.
The FTA’s recent restructuring, with the formation of a 15-member Advisory Committee and an official Board of Directors, signals a commitment to long-term growth, and sustainability. This new structure aims to bring diverse expertise – from athletes and parents to brands and industry leaders – to guide the association’s development. The FTA’s core philosophy, however, remains rooted in individuality and creativity. As the association states, it’s not just about performing difficult tricks, but about expressing a unique style.
The Freestyle Academy in Laax embodies this spirit. It’s a space where athletes can push their boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and connect with a growing community. The facility’s popularity, evidenced by its bustling activity even on weekdays, suggests that this new approach to freestyle training is resonating with a generation of athletes who grew up sharing their passion online. The academy isn’t just a place to practice; it’s a launchpad for the future of freestyle sports.
