Project planning partner:
Exclusive tourism partner:
The project
Known since April 2026
The White Pillow Park is set to be built in Ilanz, in the Surselva region. Its design will be unique in Europe for freestyle sports. A training facility is being created for freeskiers and snowboarders of all ages—from beginners to pros. But it’s not just about freestyle sports: the goal is to create a space where cultures come together. The vision is for it to eventually provide a home for both world-class sports and local culture. White Pillow Park is becoming a gathering place for young and old.
In order to build the facility in the Grüneck industrial zone, a partial revision of the local zoning plan is necessary. The eligible voters of the municipality of Ilanz will decide whether they want to build the White Pillow Park in the heart of the Surselva, in Ilanz/Glion.
Ilanz/Glion & Surselva
The White Pillow Park is by no means just a training facility for competitive freestyle athletes.
In addition to the large kickers and the two quarter pipes, White Pillow Park will offer a wide range of activities for the active residents of Ilanz/Glion and the entire Surselva region. The element of water is incorporated through the surf wave—the two event areas, one indoor and one outdoor, are available for use and activities covering a broad range of themes.
To this end, at least two padel courts will be included in the plans—and the inclusion of rock climbing is under consideration. Businesses, cooperatives, and clubs from Ilanz/Glion and the surrounding region will have the opportunity to showcase themselves on a one-time or ongoing basis—even beyond the realm of sports.
Timeline
The White Pillow Park concept has been very well received across the board – this confirms that we are addressing a need which is a dream come true for many athletes – and that it represents an attractive tourist offering for a wider target audience.
There are a number of hurdles to overcome. If everything goes smoothly and without any setbacks or restrictions, the building permit could be granted by the municipality of Ilanz by the end of 2027 – and the White Pillow Park could open at Easter 2028. The following milestones are key to this:
Phase 1
Oktober 2024 – Mai 2026
- Needs assessment
- Feasibility study
- Background planning
- Preliminary review of the partial revision of the local development plan
- Preliminary negotiations with investors/sponsors
Phase 2
Jun 2026 – Dez 2027
- Partial revision of the local development plan
- Negotiations with investors
- Sponsorship negotiations
- Negotiations regarding public funding
- Decisions by the Executive Committee, the Parliament and the residents of Ilanz
- Planning application / planning permission
Phase 3
Jan 2028 – Apr 2028
- Build
- Test
- Design
- Open – at Easter 2028
Sponsoring
A hallmark
The White Pillow Park will, by its very presence, become a landmark of Ilanz, the Surselva, Graubünden and Switzerland.
Top international athletes will be visiting the Surselva, as will many locals and families with children from the surrounding tourist regions.
Whether through digital or static channels, sponsorship offers the opportunity to reach a wide audience in a young, innovative environment.
We’d be happy to tell you more about the opportunities available if you get in touch with us here.
We’re proud that the Surselva region supports us even before any key decisions have been made. We’re convinced that we can also be an exciting platform for you or your business.
Comments on the project
DR. SIMON OSTERWALDER
Chairman of Surselva Tourismus AG
«I welcome this initiative and am convinced that such a project would be a real asset to our entire region!»
MATHILDE GREMAUD
Double Olympic champion
«If we’re making a difference for our sport here in Switzerland, that’s something we can only support. This vision for the infrastructure really wins me over!»
NICOLAS HUBER
Snowboard Professional
«We need a facility like this! We athletes and we as a nation of winter sports enthusiasts. I’m delighted to be able to contribute my personal expertise!»
FAQ
Over the past few months, we have been asked many good questions. We consider it our duty to act and communicate transparently towards the electorate and the residents of the municipality of Ilanz. Among others, we were asked the following questions:
Who can train at White Pillow Park?
Essentially, the main facilities are designed for freeskiers and snowboarders who also use jumps, rails and half-pipes in winter. The facilities will be designed to ensure that there are suitable training options for all ability levels.
Is the park open to the public?
Everyone is welcome at White Pillow Park – athletes and spectators, families and children. A fee is payable whenever the sports facilities are used. You are also welcome to simply enjoy the atmosphere. White Pillow Park is not accessible outside the specified opening hours.
Can younger children take part in sporting activities too?
Yes, there’ll be a wide range of activities on offer, from slacklines and trampolines to table tennis tables and small bouldering walls.
How much does the White Pillow Park package cost?
The pricing for use of the infrastructure has not yet been finalised. However, it will be in line with comparable competing offers.
Are there any padel courts?
Yes, there will be at least two indoor padel courts at White Pillow Park. This will allow both locals and tourists to enjoy this trendy sport indoors all year round.
Who is funding White Pillow Park?
On the one hand, we are self-financed through investors; on the other hand, we rely on public funding. Negotiations are currently underway with the local authority and the Canton of Graubünden, as well as with the San Gottardo programme.
Do you also offer courses and camps?
As soon as we have the necessary planning and operational certainty in place, we will draw up the camp programme. Our clear aim is to be able to offer camps open to the public at fair prices – and in this way to get as many young people as possible excited about freestyle sports.
Does the park produce emissions?
White Pillow Park has a limit on the number of users per day on the freestyle facilities. No more than 60 athletes will be able to train at any one time. It is currently impossible to estimate the level of interest from members of the public who do not have any direct interest in freestyle. The park will cause little to no emissions into the environment, as it operates mainly using water and appropriate filtration processes.
How do you plan to manage traffic volumes?
The transport plan to be drawn up will ensure that operations run smoothly. Noise emissions (during day-to-day operations and events) form part of the licensing process. We are committed to addressing the needs of local businesses and the public wherever possible.
Are events possible?
In general, events of many different kinds will be possible. The multipurpose room located in the hollow core of the facility can be used for concerts, presentations, celebrations, and more for an appropriate fee.
Interested?
If you are interested in investing, please contact us here.
Investors
We are convinced that the project is an attractive prospect for investors and are happy to provide detailed information to anyone interested.
All negotiations with investors are expected to be concluded by May 2027.
Engagement
White Pillow Park will only become a reality if lots of people get involved alongside the two initiators.
