With neighbours like Lech, Zurs, St Anton and Montafon it’s unsurprising that the resort of Diedamskopf has remained a locals secret. Tucked away in Austria’s Vorarlberg, it’s only 50km from the famous lake side town of Bregenz, but with an hour’s drive to the base of the resort, only those that know how good Diedamskopf is make the pilgrimage. Cartel rider Benny Deeg is one such man. Benny has made Diedamskopf his local resort since he was grom and when we asked him to answer a few questions about his regular riding spot, he was stoked to let the cat out of the bag. With epic backcountry, an uncrowded and pristine terrain park and a day ticket costing less than 40Euros Diedamskopf is a ski and snowboard paradise.

What is your local resort?

My local is Diedamskopf, Austria.

How long have you been riding there?

I’ve been riding there on and off  for about 17 years.

Why does the resort hold a special place in your heart?

Diedamskopf  is quite unique, it is small but has very nice diversified terrain. And if you know the place well, it has a huge number of options where you can ride. I didn’t learn snowboarding at the Diedamskopf but almost every Trick I can do, I tried for the first time in Diedamskopf.

On the mountain I’ve met a whole bunch of people but the most outstanding for me, was meeting Gigi Rüf at the Diedamskopf and going riding with him. I still remember the first sessions about 12 years ago when there was a Halfpipe at Diedamskopf, Gigi busted out of the Pipe much higher and with more style than anybody else else.

How many days a year do you ride there?

I try to get there about 20-30 days a season.

When does the season run from – to?

It usually starts at the middle of December and lasts until mid or end of april.

When is the best time to go? Always!

Whenever there is powder to ride the mountain, and when there is slush it’s so much fun to ride the park.

Tell us about the park? Who runs it? What features/obstacles are there? What are your favourite features? Is it well maintained?

The Diedamspark is run by the famous Qparks who run parks all over Austria and Switzerland. There are tons of obstacles that are shaped daily, the park is always in an awesome condition. Most of all, I like the big Gap Kicker, it gives you so much hang time and is pretty safe at the same time.

 Any special backcountry spots?

Diedemskopf has great backcountry spots all around the resort, but I’m not saying where the best stuff is.

What is the local scene like? Lots of park rats? Serious freeride scene? Etc etc

The local scene is as diverse as the mountain, of course there are some park kids but there are some some old farts like me that shred the whole mountain.

Are there any good events, competitions or parties that happen in the resorts?

There is a competition of the Qparks tour, and the Ride with Gigi and Friends event. Generally the mountain is more famous for shooting, or just shredding and having fun.

Any good nightclubs, bars, pubs or restaurants that peeps should check out?

After a hard day’s riding I like to go to the Ur Alp they do some really good food :)

Mountain Statistics

2011/12 Season:  16/12/2011  – 09/04/2012

Base Elevation: 850m

Summit Elevation: 2060m

Vertical Rise: 1210m

Terrain parks: 1

Lifts:  7

Daypass:  37 Euros

Mountain website – http://www.diedamskopf.at

Terrain Park website – http://www.diedamspark.at

Only after 100+ hours of actual rail riding an Amplid board gets sent off to production. Benny Deeg, grinding the 2012/13 Declaration with the nex Abuse Base Technology to death, well, trying to. Curious on our new gear? Then pass by at the ISPO, starting tomorrow …

Photo: Sebi Madlener / Location: Diedamskopf

Every Friday we ask a member of the amplid Cartel team to tell us about five of their favorites. From five must have tricks you need in your repertoire to the five albums that are rocking their headphones every time they destroy the park. Weekly we’re bringing you closer to the amplid Cartel.

This Friday long-time amplid team rider Benny Deeg, the man who calls a rodeo a safety trick, takes you through five of his favorite German and Worldwide Hip Hop joints so you can download them off iTunes before your next shred.

Worldwide Hip Hop

Mos-Def / I know - Some friends and I had our “Naggede Ärsch Party” when we turned 16, and I still remember this track playing. We always thought (and maybe still think) it was so funny to wedgie dudes at this party.

Beatnuts / No Escaping This - An old party banger. You have to nod your head to this!

Wu-Tang-Clan /Reunited – This was my first real Hip Hop album. Wu-Tang forever!

Jay Z / Lucifer -My friend Jan and I spent three weeks on a Road trip through Spain with only one cassette in the car, Jay Z’s Black Album. This joint reminds me of such a good time in Spain, getting away from cops and sooo much more…hahaha

Jedi Mind Tricks / On The Eve Of War - Such a sick beat. Always Gives me confidence for really big hits.

And two close contenders -

Scribe / Not Many - New Zealands finest!

Dead Prez  / Hip-Hop - Word!

German Hip Hop

Kool Savas /der beste Tag meines Lebens - Listening to this song always makes me feel good, it teaches you somehow to appreciate what you have.

Das Bo / Türlich Türlich - Always a party banger

Fettes Brot / Schwule Mädchen – This is the best song to sing to as loud as you can when you’re drunk

Freunderkreis /Eimsbush bis 0711 - Growing up in Stuttgart this song always reminds me of good friends, good gigs and good times

Sido Aggro Berlin / Mein Block - I just love this track, I’ve spent a lot of time driving up to the mountain, listening to and singing this song. It’s just funny.

On this year’s Isenseven Dont Panic DVD you can find a second movie “Isenseven´s guide to galaxy” showing Benny Deeg’s  trip to svalbard.
Check it out.