Bouncy Balls, Trapeze Swings, and Freeskiing Alpine Peaks: Bösch’s Creative Flair Reimagines the Circus on Snow
Forget clowns and traditional tents: in Circus Bösch, it’s Swiss freeskiing star Fabian Bösch, a trapeze, some balloons, and the iconic peaks of The Schilthorn, a summit in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, that takes centre stage. Using trapeze swings, bouncy balls, and snow-covered railings, Bösch performs a circus act like no other, blending athletic precision with a playful touch. His new YouTube video brings audiences along as he leaps between swings, balances on bouncy balls, and executes daring tricks – all within the stunning winter wonderland of the Swiss Alps.
The 80/20 Snapshot
- Bösch’s Snow Circus Vision: Swiss freeskier Fabian Bösch conceived the idea of a snow circus while training in the gym. Inspired by bouncy balls, he envisioned incorporating them into a ski jump, which ultimately led to the creation of Circus Bösch.
- The Pressure of Performance: Crafting Circus Bösch was as intense as a major competition. “In a contest, it’s just me, but with 20 people on the mountain, I didn’t want to disappoint anyone,” Bösch reveals.
- Iconic Location: Schilthorn is known not only for its connection to the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service but also for its stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Deep Dive
For Bösch, a world-renowned freeskier with a creative streak, the dream of a snow circus began in an unlikely spot – the gym. Years of training with bouncy balls inspired the idea, but there was a twist: instead of using them for fitness, they would become part of a ski jump. With that spark, the circus came to life, although not without some trial and error on the snowy slopes.
Fortunately, Bösch had a strong team to help bring his vision to life. Helvepark, a Swiss company known for designing and building innovative snow parks, took on the challenge of creating his “circus” elements on the mountain. They worked closely with Bösch to craft custom trapeze and rail setups that would allow him to perform his feats.
“We didn’t have much time,” Bösch admits. “The shapers from Helvepark asked me how they should set up the different elements. I didn’t have any more of an idea than they did. We had to try out a lot of options and listen to both our experience and our gut feeling when we were building the elements.”
Bösch felt the intensity of the project, he recalls: “‘Circus Bösch’ was about as challenging as taking part in a big competition. What really got to me were the little falls – approaching an obstacle 30 times and failing 30 times. In a contest, I’m alone, so when I mess up it only bothers me. With ‘Circus Bösch’, there are 20 people on the mountain. You don’t want to disappoint anyone.”
Beyond Bösch’s snow circus, the Schilthorn itself holds special fame. As a James Bond film location, it offers visitors the same legendary views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains and is home to the Pända Snowpark, a freestyle haven with jibs, rails, and kicker lines for both pros and beginners.
Circus Bösch invites audiences to rethink what’s possible on the slopes. Here, creativity and skill come together, with Bösch’s imagination as the main act, and the breathtaking Alps as his arena. (Red Bull Content Pool)
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