http://live.tetongravity.com/service/getFeed.kickAction?quantity=25 New blogs from shayjohnson on Teton Gravity Research Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:34:32 GMT Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:34:32 GMT dev@tetongravity.com (TetonGravityResearch) dev@tetongravity.com (TetonGravityResearch) KickApps Feed Builder 2012-06-21T18:34:32Z 5 http://live.tetongravity.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=75233&sortType=recent&tags=null 0 http://live.tetongravity.com/_Mikey-Basich39s-Big-Boy-Toys-At-Area-241/blog/6187131/75233.html When it comes to boys and their toys, pro-snowboarder Mike Basich stands out from the crowd. He’s built his own mountain playground in California, Area 241, on Donner Summit complete with a full-scale groomer. He’s designed the ultimate snow-chasing vehicle, and continues to expand his mecca with new inventions. It all began when Mike Basich bought the land near Donner Summit in North Lake Tahoe. Located three miles from the closest plowed road, he built his home in an area known for deep snow that requires more than a four wheel drive vehicle to get home. With an assortment of vehicles from a full-scale resort groomer to snowmobiles, it looks like Basich won’t be joining the Donner party anytime soon. [image]Get outta Dodge: Mikey Basich transformed his Dodge truck into a snowboarder's dream rig.When it came time to search for a vehicle to take Basich to his next travel destination, he knew he was looking for a truck that could be converted into much more.  “I needed a vehicle that gave me the freedom of moving with weather and snow patterns,” Basich said. His checklist of diesel, horsepower, miles per gallon, stock parts and design were met with a Dodge truck. Instead of going the typical trailer route to haul his sled, he opted to design his own custom rig that combined sleep quarters with a sled carrier to handle the snowy roads from California to Alaska.“It happened really fast,” he said. “I went from the tradeshow to meet with sponsors to help raise money for the truck. GoPro was first on board from the beginning to make it happen. By the time I left the tradeshow, I had three weeks ’til Alaska. It was built in 17 days, roughly 12-14 hours a day.”[image]From design to welding, here Basich transforms his truck into the ultimate mountain rig.The finished product is a completely redesigned Dodge truck with an insulated, carpeted, rear sleeping area complete with lighting. On the roof is the snowmobile ramp with a hydraulic backend that lifts up for more room in the sleeping quarters. The front seats spin around so you can sit comfortably facing the rear of the vehicle. It’s not just for winter, either. In the summer, you can take the canvas off to enjoy the cool summer breeze.When you live three miles from the nearest plowed road in Tahoe, you need a different kind of vehicle to access your mountain home. Four years ago, he replaced his first snowcat with a full resort groomer that he calls the “best thing he’s ever bought in his life.” With the amount of torque and power, now he can build roads, access new terrain and build his own features worthy of a backcountry freestyle contest. [image]“I haven’t touched a shovel since I bought it.” Neither would we.“I needed something to get up and down with,” said Mike Basich.  “Now I’m using it for a lot of different things. In the spring when there’s still snow, I use it go get dead standing trees, haul them down and mill the wood in my sawmill to help build my cabin and other projects.”In the winter, the snowcat allows for him to build challenging and rewarding freestyle riding to his backcountry playground. In the beginning JP Martin taught him park building techniques of how to push and pack snow to make it last longer. Now he can hop in, build a 16-foot wide corduroy takeoff into bottomless powder and session it for hours. “It’s not like you spend half a day building a kicker that gets tracked out and it’s done,” said Mike Basich. “It doesn’t end there. My snowcat lets you keep going with the freedom of fresh lines, building stuff and waiting for it to snow.”[image]Transforming backcountry access from sleds to SUV’s.Despite not having much of a sled selection, Basich makes use of what he’s got at Area 241. His mid-1990s air-cooled 380 Ski Doo has been something he really values for handling a variety of conditions from mud to snow throughout the seasons. He’s even snowmobiled over to Sugarbowl Ski Resort in the middle of winter. On the property are two other sleds that are newer that belong to friends and family who frequent the property.When his mom decided to get rid of her old SUV, it wasn’t put to waste just yet. Mike created his own homemade, true snowmobile lug tracks that could be driven in mud, snow, and pavement with the SUV. It lasted a year as a passenger vehicle for the drive to Area 241. In its final days it powered a towrope on the property before heading to the junkyard.With a fair share of challenges and inventions, Basich continues to build on his endeavors with toys that can handle the snow. It won’t be long before he’s riding the steepest lines in AK with his truck parked at the bottom awaiting him.For more, visit www.241-usa.com When it comes to boys and their toys, pro-snowboarder Mike Basich stands out from the crowd. He’s built his own mountain playground in California, Area 241, on Donner Summit complete with a full-scale groomer. He’s designed the ultimate snow-chasing vehicle, and continues to expand his mecca with new inventions. It all began when Mike Basich bought the land near Donner Summit in North Lake Tahoe. Located three miles from the closest plowed road, he built his home in an area known for deep snow that requires more than a four wheel drive vehicle to get home. With an assortment of vehicles from a full-scale resort groomer to snowmobiles, it looks like Basich won’t be joining the Donner party anytime soon. [image]Get outta Dodge: Mikey Basich transformed his Dodge truck into a snowboarder's dream rig.When it came time to search for a vehicle to take Basich to his next travel destination, he knew he was looking for a truck that could be converted into much more.  “I needed a vehicle that gave me the freedom of moving with weather and snow patterns,” Basich said. His checklist of diesel, horsepower, miles per gallon, stock parts and design were met with a Dodge truck. Instead of going the typical trailer route to haul his sled, he opted to design his own custom rig that combined sleep quarters with a sled carrier to handle the snowy roads from California to Alaska.“It happened really fast,” he said. “I went from the tradeshow to meet with sponsors to help raise money for the truck. GoPro was first on board from the beginning to make it happen. By the time I left the tradeshow, I had three weeks ’til Alaska. It was built in 17 days, roughly 12-14 hours a day.”[image]From design to welding, here Basich transforms his truck into the ultimate mountain rig.The finished product is a completely redesigned Dodge truck with an insulated, carpeted, rear sleeping area complete with lighting. On the roof is the snowmobile ramp with a hydraulic backend that lifts up for more room in the sleeping quarters. The front seats spin around so you can sit comfortably facing the rear of the vehicle. It’s not just for winter, either. In the summer, you can take the canvas off to enjoy the cool summer breeze.When you live three miles from the nearest plowed road in Tahoe, you need a different kind of vehicle to access your mountain home. Four years ago, he replaced his first snowcat with a full resort groomer that he calls the “best thing he’s ever bought in his life.” With the amount of torque and power, now he can build roads, access new terrain and build his own features worthy of a backcountry freestyle contest. [image]“I haven’t touched a shovel since I bought it.” Neither would we.“I needed something to get up and down with,” said Mike Basich.  “Now I’m using it for a lot of different things. In the spring when there’s still snow, I use it go get dead standing trees, haul them down and mill the wood in my sawmill to help build my cabin and other projects.”In the winter, the snowcat allows for him to build challenging and rewarding freestyle riding to his backcountry playground. In the beginning JP Martin taught him park building techniques of how to push and pack snow to make it last longer. Now he can hop in, build a 16-foot wide corduroy takeoff into bottomless powder and session it for hours. “It’s not like you spend half a day building a kicker that gets tracked out and it’s done,” said Mike Basich. “It doesn’t end there. My snowcat lets you keep going with the freedom of fresh lines, building stuff and waiting for it to snow.”[image]Transforming backcountry access from sleds to SUV’s.Despite not having much of a sled selection, Basich makes use of what he’s got at Area 241. His mid-1990s air-cooled 380 Ski Doo has been something he really values for handling a variety of conditions from mud to snow throughout the seasons. He’s even snowmobiled over to Sugarbowl Ski Resort in the middle of winter. On the property are two other sleds that are newer that belong to friends and family who frequent the property.When his mom decided to get rid of her old SUV, it wasn’t put to waste just yet. Mike created his own homemade, true snowmobile lug tracks that could be driven in mud, snow, and pavement with the SUV. It lasted a year as a passenger vehicle for the drive to Area 241. In its final days it powered a towrope on the property before heading to the junkyard.With a fair share of challenges and inventions, Basich continues to build on his endeavors with toys that can handle the snow. It won’t be long before he’s riding the steepest lines in AK with his truck parked at the bottom awaiting him.For more, visit www.241-usa.com Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:34:32 GMT http://live.tetongravity.com/_Mikey-Basich39s-Big-Boy-Toys-At-Area-241/blog/6187131/75233.html shayjohnson 2012-06-21T18:34:32Z Teton Gravity Research When it comes to boys and their toys, pro-snowboarder Mike Basich stands out from the crowd. He’s built his own mountain playground in California, Area 241, on Donner Summit complete with a full-scale groomer. He’s designed the ultimate snow-chasing vehicle, and continues to expand his mecca with new inventions. It all began when Mike Basich bought the land near Donner Summit in North Lake Tahoe. Located three miles from the closest plowed road, he built his home in an area known for deep snow that requires more than a four wheel drive vehicle to get home. With an assortment of vehicles from a full-scale resort groomer to snowmobiles, it looks like Basich won’t be joining the Donner party anytime soon. [image]Get outta Dodge: Mikey Basich transformed his Dodge truck into a snowboarder's dream rig.When it came time to search for a vehicle to take Basich to his next travel destination, he knew he was looking for a truck that could be converted into much more.  “I needed a vehicle that gave me the freedom of moving with weather and snow patterns,” Basich said. His checklist of diesel, horsepower, miles per gallon, stock parts and design were met with a Dodge truck. Instead of going the typical trailer route to haul his sled, he opted to design his own custom rig that combined sleep quarters with a sled carrier to handle the snowy roads from California to Alaska.“It happened really fast,” he said. “I went from the tradeshow to meet with sponsors to help raise money for the truck. GoPro was first on board from the beginning to make it happen. By the time I left the tradeshow, I had three weeks ’til Alaska. It was built in 17 days, roughly 12-14 hours a day.”[image]From design to welding, here Basich transforms his truck into the ultimate mountain rig.The finished product is a completely redesigned Dodge truck with an insulated, carpeted, rear sleeping area complete with lighting. On the roof is the snowmobile ramp with a hydraulic backend that lifts up for more room in the sleeping quarters. The front seats spin around so you can sit comfortably facing the rear of the vehicle. It’s not just for winter, either. In the summer, you can take the canvas off to enjoy the cool summer breeze.When you live three miles from the nearest plowed road in Tahoe, you need a different kind of vehicle to access your mountain home. Four years ago, he replaced his first snowcat with a full resort groomer that he calls the “best thing he’s ever bought in his life.” With the amount of torque and power, now he can build roads, access new terrain and build his own features worthy of a backcountry freestyle contest. [image]“I haven’t touched a shovel since I bought it.” Neither would we.“I needed something to get up and down with,” said Mike Basich.  “Now I’m using it for a lot of different things. In the spring when there’s still snow, I use it go get dead standing trees, haul them down and mill the wood in my sawmill to help build my cabin and other projects.”In the winter, the snowcat allows for him to build challenging and rewarding freestyle riding to his backcountry playground. In the beginning JP Martin taught him park building techniques of how to push and pack snow to make it last longer. Now he can hop in, build a 16-foot wide corduroy takeoff into bottomless powder and session it for hours. “It’s not like you spend half a day building a kicker that gets tracked out and it’s done,” said Mike Basich. “It doesn’t end there. My snowcat lets you keep going with the freedom of fresh lines, building stuff and waiting for it to snow.”[image]Transforming backcountry access from sleds to SUV’s.Despite not having much of a sled selection, Basich makes use of what he’s got at Area 241. His mid-1990s air-cooled 380 Ski Doo has been something he really values for handling a variety of conditions from mud to snow throughout the seasons. He’s even snowmobiled over to Sugarbowl Ski Resort in the middle of winter. On the property are two other sleds that are newer that belong to friends and family who frequent the property.When his mom decided to get rid of her old SUV, it wasn’t put to waste just yet. Mike created his own homemade, true snowmobile lug tracks that could be driven in mud, snow, and pavement with the SUV. It lasted a year as a passenger vehicle for the drive to Area 241. In its final days it powered a towrope on the property before heading to the junkyard.With a fair share of challenges and inventions, Basich continues to build on his endeavors with toys that can handle the snow. It won’t be long before he’s riding the steepest lines in AK with his truck parked at the bottom awaiting him.For more, visit www.241-usa.com area 241, mike basich, snowboarding, tahoe, truck nonadult false Mikey Basich's Big Boy Toys At Area 241 text blog area 241,mike basich,snowboarding,tahoe,truck 410 0 0.0 http://live.tetongravity.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=38450153&as=75233 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/75233/photos/PHOTO_18172591_75233_38450153_ap_160X120.jpg false United States CA Area 241 0 0 6187131 38450153 Member 1935 http://live.tetongravity.com/_Dont-Forget-To-Drink-Water/blog/5929383/75233.html Drink water. It’s such an absurdly simple concept but it seems to have been forgotten in a world of action-packed, adrenaline seeking athletes who crack open an energy drink before dropping a cliff or at the end of their contest run. In this day and age, you are more likely to see your favorite athlete drinking caffeine, sugar and taurine than hydrating themselves with a glass of water. However pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox didn’t want to be sucked into an over caffeinated lifestyle and created a company to bring attention back to drinking water. It all began in 2011 when Smith and Fox noticed the abundance of energy drink influence in snowboarding. Instead of focusing on the negative, they wanted to do something more positive to spread the word and began to write “drink water” on their snowboards. “We don’t sell water. We just drink it.” said Austin Smith. Thanks to word of mouth and influential snowboard friends, the Drink Water message began to leak out. [image]Pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox spreading the Drink Water message. It started with T-shirts, stickers and hoodies with a simple logo above a simple saying, Drink Water. The word kept spreading like wildfire so Bryan Fox and Austin Smith brought in Bryan’s brother, Stephen Fox, to hold down the fort while they traveled around the world for powder. Since then they’ve added other products like coaches jackets and pin packs to help spread the message. Each item they sell is packed by hand with a handwritten note and help gives back to sustainable water systems. “The response has been beyond encouraging.” said Manager Partner Stephen Fox. “From people telling their friends, to kids saving lunch money to order a sticker and pin pack off our website, to folks spreading the word on the digital social networks, to people all over the globe emailing us or placing orders, to Terje putting a sticker on his board before his winning run at the Baker Banked Slalom, to global brands reaching out with support and collaboration ideas, we're honored to be part of what feels like a worldwide community statement.” [image]A simple idea and message to spread the word. Drink Water. What once began has a two-man idea has grown to include other recognizable faces in snowboarding to help spread the statement and support the cause. Snowboarders Louif Paradis, Jake Olson-Elm, Josh Dirksen, Curtis Ciszek, Jake Kuzyk, Scott Blum, Blair Habenicht, Keegan Valaika, and Scotty Wittlake. In addition to snowboarding, athletes from skateboarding and surfing have taken notice to help spread the word. In addition, anyone who shares the same idea of drinking water is considered part of the movement and helps promote the idea of a healthier living. Not only is drinking water good for your health, but when you buy a Drink Water product, you help spread the cause and give back to the world. Drink Water donates 10 percent of profits to Water.org, an organization that helps communities design and construct their own sustainable water supply systems. [image]Support a good cause. 10 percent of profits go to water.org to help improve sustainable water supply systems. “We chose to support Water.org for a few reasons. Globally, nearly a billion people lack access to clean drinking water,” said Stephen Fox. “Water.org is drilling wells to solve this challenge, and then, crucially, creating cooperative ownership for each well so that the local community members own the access to the water, rather than warlords, thugs, or corrupt governments. If you are interested, learn more about the global water crisis at water.org.” After a year of making a statement, Fox and Smith continue to do their part to help promote a healthier lifestyle and have received positive responses for their work. For the future, Fox explains “we’re hoping to affect the way people think about liquid consumption.” It certainly sounds like this simple message might just be enough to remind us all that hydration and health matter more. Drink water. It’s such an absurdly simple concept but it seems to have been forgotten in a world of action-packed, adrenaline seeking athletes who crack open an energy drink before dropping a cliff or at the end of their contest run. In this day and age, you are more likely to see your favorite athlete drinking caffeine, sugar and taurine than hydrating themselves with a glass of water. However pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox didn’t want to be sucked into an over caffeinated lifestyle and created a company to bring attention back to drinking water. It all began in 2011 when Smith and Fox noticed the abundance of energy drink influence in snowboarding. Instead of focusing on the negative, they wanted to do something more positive to spread the word and began to write “drink water” on their snowboards. “We don’t sell water. We just drink it.” said Austin Smith. Thanks to word of mouth and influential snowboard friends, the Drink Water message began to leak out. [image]Pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox spreading the Drink Water message. It started with T-shirts, stickers and hoodies with a simple logo above a simple saying, Drink Water. The word kept spreading like wildfire so Bryan Fox and Austin Smith brought in Bryan’s brother, Stephen Fox, to hold down the fort while they traveled around the world for powder. Since then they’ve added other products like coaches jackets and pin packs to help spread the message. Each item they sell is packed by hand with a handwritten note and help gives back to sustainable water systems. “The response has been beyond encouraging.” said Manager Partner Stephen Fox. “From people telling their friends, to kids saving lunch money to order a sticker and pin pack off our website, to folks spreading the word on the digital social networks, to people all over the globe emailing us or placing orders, to Terje putting a sticker on his board before his winning run at the Baker Banked Slalom, to global brands reaching out with support and collaboration ideas, we're honored to be part of what feels like a worldwide community statement.” [image]A simple idea and message to spread the word. Drink Water. What once began has a two-man idea has grown to include other recognizable faces in snowboarding to help spread the statement and support the cause. Snowboarders Louif Paradis, Jake Olson-Elm, Josh Dirksen, Curtis Ciszek, Jake Kuzyk, Scott Blum, Blair Habenicht, Keegan Valaika, and Scotty Wittlake. In addition to snowboarding, athletes from skateboarding and surfing have taken notice to help spread the word. In addition, anyone who shares the same idea of drinking water is considered part of the movement and helps promote the idea of a healthier living. Not only is drinking water good for your health, but when you buy a Drink Water product, you help spread the cause and give back to the world. Drink Water donates 10 percent of profits to Water.org, an organization that helps communities design and construct their own sustainable water supply systems. [image]Support a good cause. 10 percent of profits go to water.org to help improve sustainable water supply systems. “We chose to support Water.org for a few reasons. Globally, nearly a billion people lack access to clean drinking water,” said Stephen Fox. “Water.org is drilling wells to solve this challenge, and then, crucially, creating cooperative ownership for each well so that the local community members own the access to the water, rather than warlords, thugs, or corrupt governments. If you are interested, learn more about the global water crisis at water.org.” After a year of making a statement, Fox and Smith continue to do their part to help promote a healthier lifestyle and have received positive responses for their work. For the future, Fox explains “we’re hoping to affect the way people think about liquid consumption.” It certainly sounds like this simple message might just be enough to remind us all that hydration and health matter more. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:39:27 GMT http://live.tetongravity.com/_Dont-Forget-To-Drink-Water/blog/5929383/75233.html shayjohnson 2012-04-02T17:30:43Z Teton Gravity Research Drink water. It’s such an absurdly simple concept but it seems to have been forgotten in a world of action-packed, adrenaline seeking athletes who crack open an energy drink before dropping a cliff or at the end of their contest run. In this day and age, you are more likely to see your favorite athlete drinking caffeine, sugar and taurine than hydrating themselves with a glass of water. However pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox didn’t want to be sucked into an over caffeinated lifestyle and created a company to bring attention back to drinking water. It all began in 2011 when Smith and Fox noticed the abundance of energy drink influence in snowboarding. Instead of focusing on the negative, they wanted to do something more positive to spread the word and began to write “drink water” on their snowboards. “We don’t sell water. We just drink it.” said Austin Smith. Thanks to word of mouth and influential snowboard friends, the Drink Water message began to leak out. [image]Pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox spreading the Drink Water message. It started with T-shirts, stickers and hoodies with a simple logo above a simple saying, Drink Water. The word kept spreading like wildfire so Bryan Fox and Austin Smith brought in Bryan’s brother, Stephen Fox, to hold down the fort while they traveled around the world for powder. Since then they’ve added other products like coaches jackets and pin packs to help spread the message. Each item they sell is packed by hand with a handwritten note and help gives back to sustainable water systems. “The response has been beyond encouraging.” said Manager Partner Stephen Fox. “From people telling their friends, to kids saving lunch money to order a sticker and pin pack off our website, to folks spreading the word on the digital social networks, to people all over the globe emailing us or placing orders, to Terje putting a sticker on his board before his winning run at the Baker Banked Slalom, to global brands reaching out with support and collaboration ideas, we're honored to be part of what feels like a worldwide community statement.” [image]A simple idea and message to spread the word. Drink Water. What once began has a two-man idea has grown to include other recognizable faces in snowboarding to help spread the statement and support the cause. Snowboarders Louif Paradis, Jake Olson-Elm, Josh Dirksen, Curtis Ciszek, Jake Kuzyk, Scott Blum, Blair Habenicht, Keegan Valaika, and Scotty Wittlake. In addition to snowboarding, athletes from skateboarding and surfing have taken notice to help spread the word. In addition, anyone who shares the same idea of drinking water is considered part of the movement and helps promote the idea of a healthier living. Not only is drinking water good for your health, but when you buy a Drink Water product, you help spread the cause and give back to the world. Drink Water donates 10 percent of profits to Water.org, an organization that helps communities design and construct their own sustainable water supply systems. [image]Support a good cause. 10 percent of profits go to water.org to help improve sustainable water supply systems. “We chose to support Water.org for a few reasons. Globally, nearly a billion people lack access to clean drinking water,” said Stephen Fox. “Water.org is drilling wells to solve this challenge, and then, crucially, creating cooperative ownership for each well so that the local community members own the access to the water, rather than warlords, thugs, or corrupt governments. If you are interested, learn more about the global water crisis at water.org.” After a year of making a statement, Fox and Smith continue to do their part to help promote a healthier lifestyle and have received positive responses for their work. For the future, Fox explains “we’re hoping to affect the way people think about liquid consumption.” It certainly sounds like this simple message might just be enough to remind us all that hydration and health matter more. austin smith, bryan fox, drink, drink water, energy drinks, josh dirksen, snowboard, snowboarding, water nonadult false Don’t Forget To Drink Water text blog austin smith,bryan fox,drink,drink water,energy drinks,josh dirksen,snowboard,snowboarding,water 441 0 0.0 http://live.tetongravity.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=38450153&as=75233 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/75233/photos/PHOTO_18172591_75233_38450153_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 5929383 38450153 Member 1935 http://live.tetongravity.com/_A-Quest-For-Powder-With-Eagle-Pass-Heliskiing/blog/5869381/75233.html You've probably seen ski and snowboard films where the athletes get dropped off at the top of a mountain via helicopter and start their descents into a world of white fluffy powder engulfing them. But have you experienced it yourself? Felt your heartbeat race as the heli drops you off in swirling snow and leaves you at the top of a slope in the remote backcountry? It's a dream for many of us to have life changing powder turns but you don't have to be pro to make your dreams come true.Just outside of Revelstoke, British Columbia, lies the Monashee Mountain range that collects an abundance of deep dry mountain snowfall perfect for any devoted skier or snowboarder. With over 270,000 acres of playground in the BC wilderness, Eagle Pass Heliskiing delivers a choice of runs that include open bowls, perfect trees and plenty of natural features from pillows to cliffs to the easiest rollers.[image]It's not a bad view to be in the middle of the BC wilderness with the Eagle Pass A-Star Helicopter coming in for a landing to take you to the next powder run. Photo by Shay Johnson.Whether it's a half-day of four runs or a full-day with eight runs, the backcountry calls your name and a guide prepares you for the terrain you'll conquer. For safety and consistency, Eagle Pass Heliskiing supplies each guest with backcountry gear (beacon, shovel, probe) in a BCA Airbag Float 18 pack. A quick safety and equipment discussion starts the day before you even load the heli.On the day we went out, Mother Nature teased us with stormy weather in the morning. Rather than calling it a day, the guides and pilots at Eagle Pass Heliskiing watched the weather and moved locations for the afternoon so we could make it on to the snow. [image]Nothing beats sitting in a helicopter wondering which line you'll be taking down the mountain. It's like being a kid in a candy shop, except we're adults with a field of powder and trees. Photo by Shay Johnson.Each time the heli landed in the snow at the top of the run, there was a sigh of relief and the onslaught of excitement. The first runs were easy so you could get your powder feet back under you and the guide could see the skills of the guests. Gradually they built up to steeper and harder terrain. Since an avalanche warning was in effect, we stayed in the trees to get our powder turns. The guide Greg Franson, made sure to set the rules for staying safe, stay to the left, stay to the right, follow his line. A great guide is a communicator and a safe guest is someone who listens. [image]Lift off in the backcountry! Keep your hands close, your head tucked in and get ready for the wind rush! Photo by Shay Johnson."Having never been heli-skiing, I wasn't sure what to expect going out in the middle of a huge storm with a special avalanche warning issued for the weekend.  Despite the conditions they were finally able to get us up into the mountains and get us down some fantastic burnouts, cutblocks and steep pillow lines," Calgary skier Josh Miller said.  "Landing high up on a ridge we were able to scope out a fraction of the huge amount of terrain that awaits during times of higher stability — and after checking out the full size of their tenure it's safe to say I'll be back."[image]Luck was on the horizon for Josh Miller from Calgary. He was the winner of an Eagle Pass Heli-skiing trip for his first heli experience. Photo by Shay Johnson.For many of us, it was the first time in a heli and a chance to really feed the addiction. The deep dry snow was no joke and the door to the white room was open the whole run down. It was difficult to keep your mouth closed when you couldn't stop laughing and smiling at the powder beneath each turn. Beneath me was the Jones Hovercraft, a board designed by Jeremy Jones to ride the powder and deliver powder sprays with the slightest turn. It was effortless, it carved and it kept me afloat in some deep powder spots. [image]It's not very often the camera gets handed off on a powder day but Josh Miller sacrificed a couple turns to get a shot of Shay Johnson getting a powder slash in the backdrop of the burnt trees. Photo by Josh Miller.There are those moments of skiing and snowboarding that change your life, some can be for the better and some can be for the worse. Hopefully we’ll continue to seek out powder days that end with the better, continue to laugh and smile at those powder moments and play like little kids in a field of powder. You've probably seen ski and snowboard films where the athletes get dropped off at the top of a mountain via helicopter and start their descents into a world of white fluffy powder engulfing them. But have you experienced it yourself? Felt your heartbeat race as the heli drops you off in swirling snow and leaves you at the top of a slope in the remote backcountry? It's a dream for many of us to have life changing powder turns but you don't have to be pro to make your dreams come true.Just outside of Revelstoke, British Columbia, lies the Monashee Mountain range that collects an abundance of deep dry mountain snowfall perfect for any devoted skier or snowboarder. With over 270,000 acres of playground in the BC wilderness, Eagle Pass Heliskiing delivers a choice of runs that include open bowls, perfect trees and plenty of natural features from pillows to cliffs to the easiest rollers.[image]It's not a bad view to be in the middle of the BC wilderness with the Eagle Pass A-Star Helicopter coming in for a landing to take you to the next powder run. Photo by Shay Johnson.Whether it's a half-day of four runs or a full-day with eight runs, the backcountry calls your name and a guide prepares you for the terrain you'll conquer. For safety and consistency, Eagle Pass Heliskiing supplies each guest with backcountry gear (beacon, shovel, probe) in a BCA Airbag Float 18 pack. A quick safety and equipment discussion starts the day before you even load the heli.On the day we went out, Mother Nature teased us with stormy weather in the morning. Rather than calling it a day, the guides and pilots at Eagle Pass Heliskiing watched the weather and moved locations for the afternoon so we could make it on to the snow. [image]Nothing beats sitting in a helicopter wondering which line you'll be taking down the mountain. It's like being a kid in a candy shop, except we're adults with a field of powder and trees. Photo by Shay Johnson.Each time the heli landed in the snow at the top of the run, there was a sigh of relief and the onslaught of excitement. The first runs were easy so you could get your powder feet back under you and the guide could see the skills of the guests. Gradually they built up to steeper and harder terrain. Since an avalanche warning was in effect, we stayed in the trees to get our powder turns. The guide Greg Franson, made sure to set the rules for staying safe, stay to the left, stay to the right, follow his line. A great guide is a communicator and a safe guest is someone who listens. [image]Lift off in the backcountry! Keep your hands close, your head tucked in and get ready for the wind rush! Photo by Shay Johnson."Having never been heli-skiing, I wasn't sure what to expect going out in the middle of a huge storm with a special avalanche warning issued for the weekend.  Despite the conditions they were finally able to get us up into the mountains and get us down some fantastic burnouts, cutblocks and steep pillow lines," Calgary skier Josh Miller said.  "Landing high up on a ridge we were able to scope out a fraction of the huge amount of terrain that awaits during times of higher stability — and after checking out the full size of their tenure it's safe to say I'll be back."[image]Luck was on the horizon for Josh Miller from Calgary. He was the winner of an Eagle Pass Heli-skiing trip for his first heli experience. Photo by Shay Johnson.For many of us, it was the first time in a heli and a chance to really feed the addiction. The deep dry snow was no joke and the door to the white room was open the whole run down. It was difficult to keep your mouth closed when you couldn't stop laughing and smiling at the powder beneath each turn. Beneath me was the Jones Hovercraft, a board designed by Jeremy Jones to ride the powder and deliver powder sprays with the slightest turn. It was effortless, it carved and it kept me afloat in some deep powder spots. [image]It's not very often the camera gets handed off on a powder day but Josh Miller sacrificed a couple turns to get a shot of Shay Johnson getting a powder slash in the backdrop of the burnt trees. Photo by Josh Miller.There are those moments of skiing and snowboarding that change your life, some can be for the better and some can be for the worse. Hopefully we’ll continue to seek out powder days that end with the better, continue to laugh and smile at those powder moments and play like little kids in a field of powder. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:09:05 GMT http://live.tetongravity.com/_A-Quest-For-Powder-With-Eagle-Pass-Heliskiing/blog/5869381/75233.html shayjohnson 2012-03-16T23:09:05Z Teton Gravity Research You've probably seen ski and snowboard films where the athletes get dropped off at the top of a mountain via helicopter and start their descents into a world of white fluffy powder engulfing them. But have you experienced it yourself? Felt your heartbeat race as the heli drops you off in swirling snow and leaves you at the top of a slope in the remote backcountry? It's a dream for many of us to have life changing powder turns but you don't have to be pro to make your dreams come true.Just outside of Revelstoke, British Columbia, lies the Monashee Mountain range that collects an abundance of deep dry mountain snowfall perfect for any devoted skier or snowboarder. With over 270,000 acres of playground in the BC wilderness, Eagle Pass Heliskiing delivers a choice of runs that include open bowls, perfect trees and plenty of natural features from pillows to cliffs to the easiest rollers.[image]It's not a bad view to be in the middle of the BC wilderness with the Eagle Pass A-Star Helicopter coming in for a landing to take you to the next powder run. Photo by Shay Johnson.Whether it's a half-day of four runs or a full-day with eight runs, the backcountry calls your name and a guide prepares you for the terrain you'll conquer. For safety and consistency, Eagle Pass Heliskiing supplies each guest with backcountry gear (beacon, shovel, probe) in a BCA Airbag Float 18 pack. A quick safety and equipment discussion starts the day before you even load the heli.On the day we went out, Mother Nature teased us with stormy weather in the morning. Rather than calling it a day, the guides and pilots at Eagle Pass Heliskiing watched the weather and moved locations for the afternoon so we could make it on to the snow. [image]Nothing beats sitting in a helicopter wondering which line you'll be taking down the mountain. It's like being a kid in a candy shop, except we're adults with a field of powder and trees. Photo by Shay Johnson.Each time the heli landed in the snow at the top of the run, there was a sigh of relief and the onslaught of excitement. The first runs were easy so you could get your powder feet back under you and the guide could see the skills of the guests. Gradually they built up to steeper and harder terrain. Since an avalanche warning was in effect, we stayed in the trees to get our powder turns. The guide Greg Franson, made sure to set the rules for staying safe, stay to the left, stay to the right, follow his line. A great guide is a communicator and a safe guest is someone who listens. [image]Lift off in the backcountry! Keep your hands close, your head tucked in and get ready for the wind rush! Photo by Shay Johnson."Having never been heli-skiing, I wasn't sure what to expect going out in the middle of a huge storm with a special avalanche warning issued for the weekend.  Despite the conditions they were finally able to get us up into the mountains and get us down some fantastic burnouts, cutblocks and steep pillow lines," Calgary skier Josh Miller said.  "Landing high up on a ridge we were able to scope out a fraction of the huge amount of terrain that awaits during times of higher stability — and after checking out the full size of their tenure it's safe to say I'll be back."[image]Luck was on the horizon for Josh Miller from Calgary. He was the winner of an Eagle Pass Heli-skiing trip for his first heli experience. Photo by Shay Johnson.For many of us, it was the first time in a heli and a chance to really feed the addiction. The deep dry snow was no joke and the door to the white room was open the whole run down. It was difficult to keep your mouth closed when you couldn't stop laughing and smiling at the powder beneath each turn. Beneath me was the Jones Hovercraft, a board designed by Jeremy Jones to ride the powder and deliver powder sprays with the slightest turn. It was effortless, it carved and it kept me afloat in some deep powder spots. [image]It's not very often the camera gets handed off on a powder day but Josh Miller sacrificed a couple turns to get a shot of Shay Johnson getting a powder slash in the backdrop of the burnt trees. Photo by Josh Miller.There are those moments of skiing and snowboarding that change your life, some can be for the better and some can be for the worse. Hopefully we’ll continue to seek out powder days that end with the better, continue to laugh and smile at those powder moments and play like little kids in a field of powder. bc, british columbia, canada, eagle pass heli skiing nonadult false A Quest For Powder With Eagle Pass Heliskiing text blog bc,british columbia,canada,eagle pass heli skiing 206 0 0.0 http://live.tetongravity.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=38450153&as=75233 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/75233/photos/PHOTO_18172591_75233_38450153_ap_160X120.jpg false Canada BC Eagle Pass Heliskiing 0 0 5869381 38450153 Member 1935 http://live.tetongravity.com/_New-Snowboard-Binding-Era-Is-Now/blog/5834821/75233.html When it comes to snowboard binding technology, companies always try to reinvent the wheel, but not much has changed over the past couple years other than bells and whistles. Thanks to pro snowboarder JF Pelchat, that’s about to change in 2013 with the launch of NOW bindings. Influenced by the movements of a skateboard truck and designed around a pivot point, the NOW IPO changes what’s possible.“The NOW binding acts as an independent hanger, which allows for a slight movement from toe to heel. Regular bindings will flex and lose most of the energy in the baseplate-disc area,” NOW inventor JF Pelchat said. “The NOW binding bypasses the baseplate and discs through the kingpin (pivot point) and transfers the energy right onto your edges.” [image]The NOW IPO binding debuted January at the Snowsport Industries America trade show in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Shay Johnson. NOW launches with only one model, the IPO, to mark a new beginning of energy transfer and response. The binding isn’t designed for any specific rider in mind but it can change responsiveness by changing the density of the bushings on the hanger. The harder the bushing, the more responsive the ride. The IPO will be sold with soft, medium and hard bushings so the rider can adjust and play with the density settings. Instead of being too technical for the average consumer, JF made it easy with a binding that’s fully adjustable and easy to mount to any board on the market. “The process started in my garage six years ago. I had an idea, I built a working prototype, rode it and made some changes. I had people start riding them — friends and pros, then I did more changes. When I felt I had something good, I went after financing — the hard part, joined with Nidecker and filed for a Patent Cooperation Treaty,” Pelchat said. “I then hired Alex Warburton for his knowledge and experience dealing with Chinese Factories. We worked on a binding design, made a prototype, scrapped it and went back to the original design, which is today’s IPO model. We’re now in the final stages of fine tuning everything and will launch production in March.”NOW is already harnessing the power of big name pro snowboarders with a team that includes Devun Walsh, big mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones, and the YES snowboard team. Wondering how it works? Get the full explanation in this NOW video.For the first time in years riders have new technology to look forward to with NOW bindings. The end result is a smoother, more comfortable binding that is designed to turn a snowboard while using less energy and having more response. Riders have already demoed the bindings on the slopes and giving feedback on the NOW Facebook page. “By far the best binding I have ever ridden. Seamless edging, unmatched heel hold, and light as a feather,” fan of NOW Matt Garcia said. “I can’t wait till I can call a pair my own.”The response has been welcoming for NOW, they’ve already taken home awards from ISPO for “Overall Winner Action Segment” and from Transworld Business for “Must See Product of 2012.”[image]Pro Snowboarders aren’t just pretty faces and fun tricks anymore, they’re now making their mark on snowboarding product designs. JF Pelchat and DCP at the NOW binding booth at the Mt Baker Banked Slalom. Photo by Shay Johnson.NOW has big plans in store for delivering a binding design that keeps the industry questioning what is possible. “We want to be known as a brand that brought innovative and relevant technology to the sport while keeping it fun,” Pelchat said. “The master plan is to grow the brand steadily and nicely and introduce a product that serves a purpose and enhance the riding experience. I also want to support athletes that believe in NOW and want to be part of it for the right reasons.”Only time will tell if this is the new era of binding technology and NOW leading the charge. If anything, 2013 is the year to reinvigorate snowboard bindings. When it comes to snowboard binding technology, companies always try to reinvent the wheel, but not much has changed over the past couple years other than bells and whistles. Thanks to pro snowboarder JF Pelchat, that’s about to change in 2013 with the launch of NOW bindings. Influenced by the movements of a skateboard truck and designed around a pivot point, the NOW IPO changes what’s possible.“The NOW binding acts as an independent hanger, which allows for a slight movement from toe to heel. Regular bindings will flex and lose most of the energy in the baseplate-disc area,” NOW inventor JF Pelchat said. “The NOW binding bypasses the baseplate and discs through the kingpin (pivot point) and transfers the energy right onto your edges.” [image]The NOW IPO binding debuted January at the Snowsport Industries America trade show in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Shay Johnson. NOW launches with only one model, the IPO, to mark a new beginning of energy transfer and response. The binding isn’t designed for any specific rider in mind but it can change responsiveness by changing the density of the bushings on the hanger. The harder the bushing, the more responsive the ride. The IPO will be sold with soft, medium and hard bushings so the rider can adjust and play with the density settings. Instead of being too technical for the average consumer, JF made it easy with a binding that’s fully adjustable and easy to mount to any board on the market. “The process started in my garage six years ago. I had an idea, I built a working prototype, rode it and made some changes. I had people start riding them — friends and pros, then I did more changes. When I felt I had something good, I went after financing — the hard part, joined with Nidecker and filed for a Patent Cooperation Treaty,” Pelchat said. “I then hired Alex Warburton for his knowledge and experience dealing with Chinese Factories. We worked on a binding design, made a prototype, scrapped it and went back to the original design, which is today’s IPO model. We’re now in the final stages of fine tuning everything and will launch production in March.”NOW is already harnessing the power of big name pro snowboarders with a team that includes Devun Walsh, big mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones, and the YES snowboard team. Wondering how it works? Get the full explanation in this NOW video.For the first time in years riders have new technology to look forward to with NOW bindings. The end result is a smoother, more comfortable binding that is designed to turn a snowboard while using less energy and having more response. Riders have already demoed the bindings on the slopes and giving feedback on the NOW Facebook page. “By far the best binding I have ever ridden. Seamless edging, unmatched heel hold, and light as a feather,” fan of NOW Matt Garcia said. “I can’t wait till I can call a pair my own.”The response has been welcoming for NOW, they’ve already taken home awards from ISPO for “Overall Winner Action Segment” and from Transworld Business for “Must See Product of 2012.”[image]Pro Snowboarders aren’t just pretty faces and fun tricks anymore, they’re now making their mark on snowboarding product designs. JF Pelchat and DCP at the NOW binding booth at the Mt Baker Banked Slalom. Photo by Shay Johnson.NOW has big plans in store for delivering a binding design that keeps the industry questioning what is possible. “We want to be known as a brand that brought innovative and relevant technology to the sport while keeping it fun,” Pelchat said. “The master plan is to grow the brand steadily and nicely and introduce a product that serves a purpose and enhance the riding experience. I also want to support athletes that believe in NOW and want to be part of it for the right reasons.”Only time will tell if this is the new era of binding technology and NOW leading the charge. If anything, 2013 is the year to reinvigorate snowboard bindings. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:53:50 GMT http://live.tetongravity.com/_New-Snowboard-Binding-Era-Is-Now/blog/5834821/75233.html shayjohnson 2012-03-05T20:53:50Z Teton Gravity Research When it comes to snowboard binding technology, companies always try to reinvent the wheel, but not much has changed over the past couple years other than bells and whistles. Thanks to pro snowboarder JF Pelchat, that’s about to change in 2013 with the launch of NOW bindings. Influenced by the movements of a skateboard truck and designed around a pivot point, the NOW IPO changes what’s possible.“The NOW binding acts as an independent hanger, which allows for a slight movement from toe to heel. Regular bindings will flex and lose most of the energy in the baseplate-disc area,” NOW inventor JF Pelchat said. “The NOW binding bypasses the baseplate and discs through the kingpin (pivot point) and transfers the energy right onto your edges.” [image]The NOW IPO binding debuted January at the Snowsport Industries America trade show in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Shay Johnson. NOW launches with only one model, the IPO, to mark a new beginning of energy transfer and response. The binding isn’t designed for any specific rider in mind but it can change responsiveness by changing the density of the bushings on the hanger. The harder the bushing, the more responsive the ride. The IPO will be sold with soft, medium and hard bushings so the rider can adjust and play with the density settings. Instead of being too technical for the average consumer, JF made it easy with a binding that’s fully adjustable and easy to mount to any board on the market. “The process started in my garage six years ago. I had an idea, I built a working prototype, rode it and made some changes. I had people start riding them — friends and pros, then I did more changes. When I felt I had something good, I went after financing — the hard part, joined with Nidecker and filed for a Patent Cooperation Treaty,” Pelchat said. “I then hired Alex Warburton for his knowledge and experience dealing with Chinese Factories. We worked on a binding design, made a prototype, scrapped it and went back to the original design, which is today’s IPO model. We’re now in the final stages of fine tuning everything and will launch production in March.”NOW is already harnessing the power of big name pro snowboarders with a team that includes Devun Walsh, big mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones, and the YES snowboard team. Wondering how it works? Get the full explanation in this NOW video.For the first time in years riders have new technology to look forward to with NOW bindings. The end result is a smoother, more comfortable binding that is designed to turn a snowboard while using less energy and having more response. Riders have already demoed the bindings on the slopes and giving feedback on the NOW Facebook page. “By far the best binding I have ever ridden. Seamless edging, unmatched heel hold, and light as a feather,” fan of NOW Matt Garcia said. “I can’t wait till I can call a pair my own.”The response has been welcoming for NOW, they’ve already taken home awards from ISPO for “Overall Winner Action Segment” and from Transworld Business for “Must See Product of 2012.”[image]Pro Snowboarders aren’t just pretty faces and fun tricks anymore, they’re now making their mark on snowboarding product designs. JF Pelchat and DCP at the NOW binding booth at the Mt Baker Banked Slalom. Photo by Shay Johnson.NOW has big plans in store for delivering a binding design that keeps the industry questioning what is possible. “We want to be known as a brand that brought innovative and relevant technology to the sport while keeping it fun,” Pelchat said. “The master plan is to grow the brand steadily and nicely and introduce a product that serves a purpose and enhance the riding experience. I also want to support athletes that believe in NOW and want to be part of it for the right reasons.”Only time will tell if this is the new era of binding technology and NOW leading the charge. If anything, 2013 is the year to reinvigorate snowboard bindings. dcp, jf pelchat, now bindings, now ipo, snowboard bindings nonadult false New Snowboard Binding Era Is Now text blog dcp,jf pelchat,now bindings,now ipo,snowboard bindings 340 0 0.0 http://live.tetongravity.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=38450153&as=75233 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/75233/photos/PHOTO_18172591_75233_38450153_ap_160X120.jpg false United States 0 0 5834821 38450153 Member 1935 http://live.tetongravity.com/_Red-Bull-Third-Shift-Event-Goes-Off-At-Snoqualmie/blog/5793603/75233.html Sometimes the next progression of freestyle events means thinking a little less like a snowboarder or skier and a little more like Evel Knievel. That was the grand scheme for the first-ever Red Bull Third Shift that took place at the Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington on Saturday, February 18. The hard working park crew with the help of carpenters, electricians and cat drivers constructed a town square at the top of the Summit Central Terrain Park complete with a jump that gapped a snow bar (that you could buy drinks at) with jibs and wall rides on the side of the building. The end result was 30 of the best northwest freestyle skiers and snowboarders hashing it out in a jam format for a $1500 cash prize.  [image]“Unfortunately, due to the snow tonight, we’re not going to jump buildings," Snoqualmie park director Joe Pope said. "But we’re riding the fronts of the buildings.” Rider Tommy Gonzales didn’t get the message and made sure to jump buildings.Of course, Mother Nature had different plans in store and delivered up to two feet of snow on the mountain. “The fact that we’ve got two feet of snow in a day and it kinda messed with our event a little — just look at the crowd, it hasn’t dampened their spirits,” Snoqualmie park director Joe Pope said. “Buildings are one thing, the sport is the most important part. And there’s two things that reaffirm that: everyone hitting these features in a variety of ways and the people who came out to support them hitting the features. That’s what it’s all about.” [image]It’s a frickin' blizzard. The highway was closed and the event was packed with people in the bar, on the fence, and on the lifts watching riders throw down.Despite the blizzard of snow coming down on the event, the Third Shift garnered some insane tricks. Maybe it was the two-story rail or the wallride, but athletes had no problem pushing the limits and their bag of tricks to the features. It’s a good thing they have youthful ambition and legs of steel, the kids often went “fat to flat” as described by a skier in the crowd.[image]Can’t get a drink from the bar? Take a look out the window and catch the action. “I can’t believe all this snow, everyone’s been working so hard to get this setup. It’s a bummer we couldn’t get the jump going but the jib setup should be fun. It’s all about having a good time so I think we’re going to succeed in that” said Joey Van Der Meer, who took home first place for the skiers.[image]Joey Van Der Meer got some pow shots earlier in the day and rail jam shots at night with his first place finish.There’s one thing you can say about people in Washington, they are dedicated to the cause. Despite the abundant snowfall coming down, the crowd cheered the riders from the sidelines. What was meant to be a one-hour rail jam, crossed into two hours with riders still hiking and calling their drops. [image]A two story backflip? No problem for the snowboard winner Stefan Krum.What happens when you channel through the middle of a jump, build a snow bar and offer up Red Bull? A feisty bar packed full of people drinking Nollies and Shifties while peering through windows to catch the action (or heckle them in true western style). [image]The coolest bar in town during the Red Bull Third Shift was the one built inside the jump.In the end, it came down to the riders to determine the winners. Joe Pope wrangled up the riders, got the results and took to the bar at the base of the mountain to announce the winners of the $1500 cash prize. 2012 Red Bull Third Shift ResultsSki Winners1. Joey Van Der Meer2. Anders Fonelias3. Jason AaronsSnowboard Winners1. Stefan Krumm2. Austin Hironaka3. Tie between Kevin Fischer and Aaron CardwellBest TrickKeith ForsythLike to jib, shop for you next street board or pair of skis at Backcountry.com Sometimes the next progression of freestyle events means thinking a little less like a snowboarder or skier and a little more like Evel Knievel. That was the grand scheme for the first-ever Red Bull Third Shift that took place at the Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington on Saturday, February 18. The hard working park crew with the help of carpenters, electricians and cat drivers constructed a town square at the top of the Summit Central Terrain Park complete with a jump that gapped a snow bar (that you could buy drinks at) with jibs and wall rides on the side of the building. The end result was 30 of the best northwest freestyle skiers and snowboarders hashing it out in a jam format for a $1500 cash prize.  [image]“Unfortunately, due to the snow tonight, we’re not going to jump buildings," Snoqualmie park director Joe Pope said. "But we’re riding the fronts of the buildings.” Rider Tommy Gonzales didn’t get the message and made sure to jump buildings.Of course, Mother Nature had different plans in store and delivered up to two feet of snow on the mountain. “The fact that we’ve got two feet of snow in a day and it kinda messed with our event a little — just look at the crowd, it hasn’t dampened their spirits,” Snoqualmie park director Joe Pope said. “Buildings are one thing, the sport is the most important part. And there’s two things that reaffirm that: everyone hitting these features in a variety of ways and the people who came out to support them hitting the features. That’s what it’s all about.” [image]It’s a frickin' blizzard. The highway was closed and the event was packed with people in the bar, on the fence, and on the lifts watching riders throw down.Despite the blizzard of snow coming down on the event, the Third Shift garnered some insane tricks. Maybe it was the two-story rail or the wallride, but athletes had no problem pushing the limits and their bag of tricks to the features. It’s a good thing they have youthful ambition and legs of steel, the kids often went “fat to flat” as described by a skier in the crowd.[image]Can’t get a drink from the bar? Take a look out the window and catch the action. “I can’t believe all this snow, everyone’s been working so hard to get this setup. It’s a bummer we couldn’t get the jump going but the jib setup should be fun. It’s all about having a good time so I think we’re going to succeed in that” said Joey Van Der Meer, who took home first place for the skiers.[image]Joey Van Der Meer got some pow shots earlier in the day and rail jam shots at night with his first place finish.There’s one thing you can say about people in Washington, they are dedicated to the cause. Despite the abundant snowfall coming down, the crowd cheered the riders from the sidelines. What was meant to be a one-hour rail jam, crossed into two hours with riders still hiking and calling their drops. [image]A two story backflip? No problem for the snowboard winner Stefan Krum.What happens when you channel through the middle of a jump, build a snow bar and offer up Red Bull? A feisty bar packed full of people drinking Nollies and Shifties while peering through windows to catch the action (or heckle them in true western style). [image]The coolest bar in town during the Red Bull Third Shift was the one built inside the jump.In the end, it came down to the riders to determine the winners. Joe Pope wrangled up the riders, got the results and took to the bar at the base of the mountain to announce the winners of the $1500 cash prize. 2012 Red Bull Third Shift ResultsSki Winners1. Joey Van Der Meer2. Anders Fonelias3. Jason AaronsSnowboard Winners1. Stefan Krumm2. Austin Hironaka3. Tie between Kevin Fischer and Aaron CardwellBest TrickKeith ForsythLike to jib, shop for you next street board or pair of skis at Backcountry.com Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:37:01 GMT http://live.tetongravity.com/_Red-Bull-Third-Shift-Event-Goes-Off-At-Snoqualmie/blog/5793603/75233.html shayjohnson 2012-02-20T21:21:24Z Teton Gravity Research Sometimes the next progression of freestyle events means thinking a little less like a snowboarder or skier and a little more like Evel Knievel. That was the grand scheme for the first-ever Red Bull Third Shift that took place at the Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington on Saturday, February 18. The hard working park crew with the help of carpenters, electricians and cat drivers constructed a town square at the top of the Summit Central Terrain Park complete with a jump that gapped a snow bar (that you could buy drinks at) with jibs and wall rides on the side of the building. The end result was 30 of the best northwest freestyle skiers and snowboarders hashing it out in a jam format for a $1500 cash prize.  [image]“Unfortunately, due to the snow tonight, we’re not going to jump buildings," Snoqualmie park director Joe Pope said. "But we’re riding the fronts of the buildings.” Rider Tommy Gonzales didn’t get the message and made sure to jump buildings.Of course, Mother Nature had different plans in store and delivered up to two feet of snow on the mountain. “The fact that we’ve got two feet of snow in a day and it kinda messed with our event a little — just look at the crowd, it hasn’t dampened their spirits,” Snoqualmie park director Joe Pope said. “Buildings are one thing, the sport is the most important part. And there’s two things that reaffirm that: everyone hitting these features in a variety of ways and the people who came out to support them hitting the features. That’s what it’s all about.” [image]It’s a frickin' blizzard. The highway was closed and the event was packed with people in the bar, on the fence, and on the lifts watching riders throw down.Despite the blizzard of snow coming down on the event, the Third Shift garnered some insane tricks. Maybe it was the two-story rail or the wallride, but athletes had no problem pushing the limits and their bag of tricks to the features. It’s a good thing they have youthful ambition and legs of steel, the kids often went “fat to flat” as described by a skier in the crowd.[image]Can’t get a drink from the bar? Take a look out the window and catch the action. “I can’t believe all this snow, everyone’s been working so hard to get this setup. It’s a bummer we couldn’t get the jump going but the jib setup should be fun. It’s all about having a good time so I think we’re going to succeed in that” said Joey Van Der Meer, who took home first place for the skiers.[image]Joey Van Der Meer got some pow shots earlier in the day and rail jam shots at night with his first place finish.There’s one thing you can say about people in Washington, they are dedicated to the cause. Despite the abundant snowfall coming down, the crowd cheered the riders from the sidelines. What was meant to be a one-hour rail jam, crossed into two hours with riders still hiking and calling their drops. [image]A two story backflip? No problem for the snowboard winner Stefan Krum.What happens when you channel through the middle of a jump, build a snow bar and offer up Red Bull? A feisty bar packed full of people drinking Nollies and Shifties while peering through windows to catch the action (or heckle them in true western style). [image]The coolest bar in town during the Red Bull Third Shift was the one built inside the jump.In the end, it came down to the riders to determine the winners. Joe Pope wrangled up the riders, got the results and took to the bar at the base of the mountain to announce the winners of the $1500 cash prize. 2012 Red Bull Third Shift ResultsSki Winners1. Joey Van Der Meer2. Anders Fonelias3. Jason AaronsSnowboard Winners1. Stefan Krumm2. Austin Hironaka3. Tie between Kevin Fischer and Aaron CardwellBest TrickKeith ForsythLike to jib, shop for you next street board or pair of skis at Backcountry.com red bull third shift, snoqualmie, third shift nonadult false Red Bull Third Shift Event Goes Off At Snoqualmie text blog red bull third shift,snoqualmie,third shift 461 0 0.0 http://live.tetongravity.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=38450153&as=75233 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/75233/photos/PHOTO_18172591_75233_38450153_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WA Snoqualmie 0 0 5793603 38450153 Member 1935