473 Search Results for "tahoe"

• Everyday Struggle With Pete Ku Everyday Struggle With Pete Kukesh

  • From: line_skis
  • Description:

    Managed to get some pow few and far between but wicked fun nonetheless. Here's an edit of our backcountry travels and conquests in and around the lake tahoe basin. Hope you enjoy. - Pete K
    
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  • 1 week ago
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• Rahlves' Banzai Tour Finishes Rahlves' Banzai Tour Finishes Strong

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

     

    Truckee, Calif. (March 12, 2013) –Throughout the past two months, skiers, snowboarders and spectators alike have descended upon the Tahoe area to compete in and watch the rowdiest race in the Sierra. Rahlves’ Banzai Tour brought in tough competition from across the country to four renown Lake Tahoe resorts for the ultimate test of ski and riding skills.  The tour also entertained guests with quintessential pre and après ski parties, exciting results, and photo finishes.  

    Starting at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, athletes were challenged by “The Wall,” which proved to be one of the most challenging races to date, as competitors had to drop into an intimidating 20 ft. vertical wall right out of the gate. For the second tour stop hosted at Alpine Meadows, athletes were tested with fast and rough terrain, while spectators were entertained with the closest and most dramatic photo finish in Banzai history. With warm spring-like weather on the first day of the Squaw Valley tour stop, and formidable conditions on Sunday, Squaw tested the resilience of Rahlves’ Banzai Tour, as well as the dedication of tour participants. However, with fresh snow in the forecast, Rahlves’ Banzai Tour rallied for the final tour stop at Sugar Bowl Resort, home of the original Silver Belt Banzai.  

    The Sugar Bowl Final and Super Final concluded the tour in true Banzai style, complete with strong competition paired with music, barbecue, libations and the beloved Banzai atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition. Banzai veterans Johnny Bochenek, Kyle Coxon and John Lange took the top spots for men’s skiing during the Silver Belt, which also qualified Lange as the final athlete to compete in the Super Final. Men’s snowboarded Chelone Miller raced to first in the Silver Belt, while women’s snowboarder Kiana Putman and women’s skier Shannon Rahlves both secured the top spot in their respective categories. The men’s Super Final provided drama and a $5,000 paycheck to Salt Lake City skier Kyle Coxon. “The Sugar Bowl final and Super Final were awesome,” said Daron Rahlves. “It was a beautiful day, fans lined the course and the athletes delivered a great show. I wanted to be skiing in the Super Final, but instead was an excited fan like the rest watching and stoked for Kyle Coxon taking home the 5 grand. I will be back in the Super Final next year so those boys better start training now ha, ha.  I’m so grateful to my wife and kids for the endless support, all the sponsors, the fans and athletes for making this year’s tour the best yet. ”

     

    2013 Sugar Bowl Silver Belt Banzai Top Finishers Included:

    • Men Ski    1st Johnny Bochenek; 2nd Kyle Coxon;          3rd John Lange

    • Men Snowboard    1st Chelone Miller;     2nd Sylvain Duclos;     3rd Lucas Dehmlow 

    • Women Ski            1st Shannon Rahlves;  2nd Shelly Robertson; 3rd Hannah Jermstad

    • Women Snowboard    1st Kiana Putman;       2nd Macy Price;           3rd Carrie Hall

     

    2013 RBT Overall Top Finishers Included:

    • Men Ski          1st Johnny Bochenek;  2nd Kyle Coxon;         3rd John Lange

    • Men Snowboard  1st Chelone Miller;      2nd Lucas Dehmlow;  3rd Adam DeVargas

    • Women Ski        1st Shannon Rahlves;  2nd Shelly Robertson; 3rd Hannah Jermstad, 

    • Women Snowboard    1st Casey Lucas;          2nd Macy Price;          3rd Anna Weber

     

    2013 RBT total prize purse winnings:

     

    Men Ski

    •Johnny Bochenek$14,200

    •Kyle Coxon  $9,500

    •Jesse Maddex$3,900

    •John Lange$2,600

     

    Men Snowboard

    •Chelone Miller$8,150

    •Lucas Dehmlow$2,900

    •Adam DeVargas$2,150

     

    Women Ski

    •Shannon Rahlves$6,750

    •Shelly Robertson$2,000

    •Hannah Jermstad$1,000

     

    Women Snowboard

    •Casey Lucas$2,550

    •Macy Price$1,100

    •Iris Lazzareschi$750

     

    For those who are curious about the tour’s name, Banzai is a Japanese term expressed as an exuberant cheer meaning, “Long Life!” or “Hurray!”  An apt name for a high-spirited downhill ski and snowboard competition, the Silver Belt Race first took place in the 1940s at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and was re-introduced with the head-to-head action by Daron Rahlves and Sugar Bowl in 2009. The race continued with one event for another year, and then Rahlves decided to take the show on the road, officially launching Rahlves’ Banzai Tour and expanding to stops at four of Lake Tahoe's premier resorts.

    The Rahlves Banzai tour is presented by Bank of The West. The Rahlves Banzai Tour is also supported by sponsors such as Red Bull, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Contour, CEP “intelligent sportswear”, North Lake Tahoe Chamber/VCB/Resort Association, Spyder, Atomic, Start Haus Ski Shop, Wend Wax, COAL, SVE/BOSE, The Bar Effect, World Cup Supply, Jagermeister, Snow Fest, Sports Insurance, Technical Equipment Cleaners, Resort at Squaw Creek, ZINKA, 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio, Tahoe TV, POWDER Mag, High Fives Foundation and CRUX Events, thereby creating an alluring $80,000 prize purse. For more information, to check out previous race results, videos and to register, visit www.rahlvesbanzai.com. For up-to-the-minute news, “Like” The Rahlves’ Banzai Tour on Facebook and follow @RahlvesBanzai on Twitter & download the free Official Banzai App on your smart phone at banzai.genzplay.com

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  • 1 month ago
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• Tanner Hall Invitational - The Tanner Hall Invitational - The Triumph Edit

  • From: armadaskis108111
  • Description:

    Highlights from the Armada team at the first ever Tanner Hall Invitational. Thank you Tanner Hall for putting on such an epic event and Sierra at Tahoe for building such a great feature.
    
    Song: Mr. Dibbs- Mountains
    
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  • 1 month ago
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• Getting Rad at the Pain McSchl Getting Rad at the Pain McSchlonkey

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    

     

    Words and Photos By Seth Lightcap

    What does it take to win the most important ski contest in the history of the world? Superman strength might help, but a mean drunken daffy and seriously fast fruit boot skills are what take home the hardware at the PMS!

    Sunny skies and bottomless whiskey bottles delivered exactly such debaucherous short-ski talents at the 3rd Annual Pain McShlonkey Classic this past weekend. Squaw Valley went off as hundreds of contestants, hecklers and Saucer Boy fans gathered to honor the life and legend of Shane McConkey at the annual celebration.

     

    The radness kicked off Friday night at the over-the-top Shane McConkey Foundation Gala Ball. The silent auction at the Gala raised over $64,000. Foundation director Sherry McConkey was floored by the support and thrilled the foundation could continue to dream big with donation plans that support local environmental education, Make-A-Wish and other R.A.D moves (Random Awesome Deeds).

     

    

     

    “My dream is to build a grow dome at Truckee Elementary called the ‘Saucer’ that will teach children environmental and science education while they grow the food they’ll eat in the cafeteria,” said Sherry. “Make-A-Wish is true to Shane’s heart so we hope to make three kids wishes come true plus support the Truckee Pumptrack Project, Human Society and Tahoe Wildlife Society.”

    But lest you think the PMS was all purple rainbows and cuddly puppy moments, the true battle royale commenced bright and early Saturday morning with the Chinese Downhill.

     

    

     

    A chiseled collection of the best skiers in the world donned short-skis for a winner takes all race down KT-22. Man-eating moguls and sloppy skiers stood in racer’s paths to win the coveted Golden Saucer.

    Squaw Valley local Amie Engerbretson took the Golden Saucer for the ladies. Outta towner Ryland Mauck-Duff blew away all the dudes and grabbed it for the men.

    Chinese Downhill (Men)

    1. Ryland Mauck-Duff

    2. Ben Paciotti

    3. Nicolas Anderson

    Chinese Downhill (Women)

    1. Amie Engerbretson

    2. Shawna Anzures

    3. Jackie Paaso

     

    

     

    Can you feel the love for the crazy fun of skiing right here? No doubt Saucer Boy was smiling.

     

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  • 1 month ago
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• Tyler Rantz 7 Yrs Old Tyler Rantz 7 Yrs Old

  • From: seeknpow
  • Description:
    Rider: Tyler Rantz Filmed By: Tim Rantz/ POV Tyler Rantz Tyler out having fun at Homewood on a few of his days off from shredding with his team of Mighty Mite rippers at Squaw. We have not had too much time to shoot but watch out for next month edit, hopefully we get some pow!
  • 2 months ago
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• Interview: Ralph Backstrom Interview: Ralph Backstrom

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    Ralph Backtsrom is no stranger to the podium on the Freeride World Tour circuit. The overall title has eluded him till this year when he dropped into the infamous Bac de Rosses face with aggression and not only won the day, but the overall title as well. We caught up with him to get his take on his first ever world championship.
    
    TGR: Ralph, after a few years of near misses, you’re the FWT World Champ. Has that set in yet?  How does it feel?
    
    Ralph Backstrom: It's been a long road of near misses, and yes, it has set in.  I'm super stoked.
    
    TGR: You dropped first and wound up staying on top.  Tell me about your line choice. Also tell us how nerve-wracking  it was to be in the hot seat for the entire competition.
    
    RB: I knew I was going to be dropping first 2-3 days before the comp; just had a really strong feeling.  The only thing was that I thought the skiers were going to be going first.  When we heard that the snowboarders were going to go first, I knew I still had the 1st bib.  It can be a bit nerve wracking going first, but most riders in AK prefer to go first, right?  I had been in Verbier for 5 days or so before the comp and had picked a line out.  After 2 bad line choices/falls in the prior comps, I picked the first line that spoke to me when I saw the face.  Then, the night before the comp, I kept having these micro dreams/thoughts that parts of my line were too tight for the amount of slough that would be moving, and kept having trouble visualizing individual turns.  So I woke up super tired, and the fog didn't help me feel any more awake.  I definitely wasn't in a state to ride a technical line.  I changed my line minutes before I left the judges tent to start hiking to something less technical and less exposed.  It wasn't until I saw my score that I knew how good my run was.  I had flown passed some features I'd planned to hit, so thought I'd be easy to beat.  I definitely dodged some bullets sitting there at the bottom watching the others come down!
    
    TGR: You were in third coming into the finals at Verbier. How did that affect your decision-making when you were picking your line?
    
    RB: I try not to let stuff like overall points get into my head for decision making, so I just tried to pick something I knew I could stomp most of, with some bigger airs that were maybe questionable.
    
    TGR: What was going through your head when you dropped into the Bec?
    
    RB: I was so rushed before we dropped I didn't have time to think at all.  A couple riders and myself were talking to Nicolas Hale-Woods on speaker phone about contingency plans if the fog didn't clear.  It cleared right then, and he said, “forerunner in 2 minutes!”  After he dropped, the starter said, “Ralph Backstrom 2 minutes!  No, 1 minute!”  I even forgot to put on my backpack up there.
    
    TGR: The tour lasts all winter. What do you do to stay on your game when you aren’t competing?
    
    RB: I try to stay in shape, have a good time riding, and stay healthy.
    
    TGR: You’ve had some pretty awesome film segments. What drives you to compete in the Tour?
    
    RB: Competition lines and film lines are pretty similar, and doing either of them is good practice for the other.  I do think comp lines generally tend to be a little more difficult due to conditions, tracks, etc, and are therefore good preparation for filming.  It's a good way to travel the world with cool people too.
    
    TGR: What venue is your favorite one to compete at?
    
    RB: Revelstoke, Mack Daddy Face.
    
    TGR: After finally getting the overall title, are you planning on competing next year?
    
    RB: That's hard to say at this point.  The tour is great, but I think there are still a few things that could use some polishing, and you never know what other opportunities will come up...
    
    TGR: What are you going to do with the rest of your winter?
    
    RB: I'm in Laax right now for the GoPro Snow Camp, heading back to Tahoe in a few days for the Pain McShlonkey, then up to Alaska.

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  • 2 months ago
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• Everyday Struggle - The Strugg Everyday Struggle - The Struggle Continues - Line Skis

  • From: line_skis
  • Description:

    The struggle continues in Tahoe. Rent, car payments, snowmobile payments, highest gas prices in the country, mediocre jobs, girlfriends, injuries, landing tricks, avoiding slednecks, and a lack of snow. These are just a few of the daily obstacles ski bums face in the Tahoe area. Regardless of their hardships the LINE crew managed to get a few shots this early season. The following took place during the months of Dec, Jan, and beginning of February. Not to worry plenty more struggle to come.
    
    Riders: Peter Kukesh, Andrew Putnam, Nick Baron
    
    Watch LINE Videos

     

  • 2 months ago
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• Surf The Earth Episode 2 - Arb Surf The Earth Episode 2 - Arbor Collective

  • From: arborcollective
  • Description:

    Surfing the earth is about getting barreled and having as much fun with your friends as u possibly can. It's a never ending search for the ever changing white wave. Join Curtis Woodman, Kevin Jones and Sammy Luebke as they get barreled in episode 2.
    
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  • 2 months ago
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• 5 Awesome Apres Skiing Bars in 5 Awesome Apres Skiing Bars in North America

  • From: kenholden
  • Description:

    
    No day on the slopes is complete without a little after-party. Apres skiing is by no means a new concept, but it’s something that can turn even the worst conditions into an epic day. Every now and again, we’ll come across gems, some hidden and some not-so-hidden, that were simply meant to complete your trip to a specific resort.
    
    Homewood Resort - Big Blue View
    Sometimes, simplicity does it best. This small resort on the west side of Lake Tahoe offers one of the finest views in California and Nevada. New to the resort is the Big Blue View bar. Head up the Madden Chair on the northern portion of the resort, and look for the bright blue chairs and listen for the reggae beats. It might not be the greatest spot when the snow is dumping, but it’s going to be perfect for the blue bird and spring snow days. As most visitors will claim, the view overlooking Lake Tahoe from the Big Blue View is probably the best one of any Tahoe resort.
    
    
    
    Mammoth Lakes – Clocktower Cellar Pub
    Whiskey and skiing go together like peanut butter and jelly. While it’s not the easiest venue to find among the vast Mammoth Lakes village, it’s worth taking the time to look for it. The Clocktower Cellar Pub is a small basement bar, a far cry from the usual large restaurants and nightclubs that surround the world-famous ski resort. What attracts us to this specific bar is the exhaustive list of more than 100 whiskies from around the world. A few samplings and you’ll love the feel of this smaller bar, complete with a juke box for your après skiing entertainment. Make sure to ask the bartender about their personal favorites, you might get a taste of a secret stash not available on the menu.
    
    
    
    Mont Tremblant – Microbrasserie La Diable
    For the microbrew lover, good beer is hard to come by. As ski resorts grow and streamline their operations, the microbrew always seems to take a backseat. Fortunately, for the lovers of the Tremblant Ski Resort, you’ll never have to worry about that with the Microbrewery La Diable. Whether you’re just grabbing an après ski beer, or want the 20-minute tour, free samples of each beer are readily available. They usually have six or seven beers readily on tap for your eclectic pleasure, and the lounge-style jazz music makes it one of the most relaxing joints in the area.
    
    Still look at Apres ski when your vacation is over?  Check out this amazing Apres Ski wall art from Amazon.com
    
    
    
    Vail, Colorado – Garfinkel’s Restaurant & Bar
    When you’re done on these epic slopes, head down the Eagle Bahn Gondola and into the Lionshead to find Garfinkel’s. Trust us, you can’t miss it. This bar and restaurant is enormous, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. This place isn’t for the quiet-time après skiing, but for those who want to party well into the evening. With more than 20 different bottles and drafts, a full lineup of signature cocktails, and a menu spread that’s sure to please any palette, there are no bad days here. If you’re in the area, their New Year’s Eve party is one of the finest of any ski resort in North America.
    
    
     
    Killington, Vermont – McGrath’s Irish Pub
    For the lovers of Guiness out there, perhaps your ski priorities should be on the bars in the area. While the Wobbly Bar in Killington always seems to take the mainstream cake, the Irish lovers out there should detour to McGrath’s Irish Pub. This small Irish joint takes pride in serving Guiness the way it was meant to be…perfect. The owner is always out and about making sure that everyone is enjoying their selection from one of the best Irish menus on the east coast. In the summertime, McGrath’s only gets better. The parking lot is also a lot for some of the best trailheads, making it the perfect place to start and end your visit to Killington.
    
    Plenty of skiing and riding left in the season, in fact March is the best time to Apre and shred pow.  Save big when you book your lift tickets online through Liftopia.com

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  • 2 months ago
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• The Cirque - Go Pro Course Pre The Cirque - Go Pro Course Preview

  • From: freerideworldtour
  • Description:

    Local Kirkwood snowboarder Casey Lucas and Tahoe area skier Sean Collin give a sneak peak of her home mountain and The Cirque competition venue.
    
    Watch More Freeride World Tour TV Videos

     

  • 3 months ago
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• News: Gibson Guitars Partners News: Gibson Guitars Partners With Volkl Skis To Benefit High Fives Foundation

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    
    (Truckee, Calif.) – A one of a kind handmade Gibson Classic Custom Les Paul guitar has been produced and painted with the top sheet graphic of the 2013 Volkl Shiro ski by the artisans at Gibson Guitar in Nashville, TN. This unique guitar will be sold via an eBay auction, which began today, February 14, 2013 at 12:01am (PST) and ends on February 24, 2013 at 12:01am (PST) with proceeds benefitting the High Fives Foundation.
    
    In conjunction with its shift to more “rocker” skis within its line, Volkl has once again partnered with Gibson Guitars and is again offering up a custom Les Paul guitar.   
    
    Bidding on the guitar (valued at $7,500) opened on February 14, 2013 at 12:01am (PST). For a chance at winning the guitar and supporting the High Fives Foundation, point your browser to www.gibsonguitar.highfivesfoundation.org The auction will close on the night of the Squaw Valley Prom (Sunday, February 24) at 12:01 Supporters will have the option to “Buy it NOW” for $10,000.   
    
    “The collaboration with Gibson is a natural for Volkl,” said Director of Promotions Chris Adams. “Skiing and music go hand and hand – and it’s a great way to highlight our ELP ‘rocker’ technology.” Adams also said “Volkl couldn’t be more proud of the work that the High Fives Foundation is doing. We’re honored to support their work by teaming with them on this auction.”
    
    The guitar is a Les Paul model that was manufactured at Gibson USA in Nashville, TN and highlights the graphics of Volkl’s popular ‘Shiro’ ski, a popular big mountain model featuring their ‘ELP’ rocker technology, through a one of kind custom hand-painted top sheet.
    
    To date, the High Fives Foundation has assisted 37 athletes from 10 states in eight respective funding categories which include: living expenses, insurance, travel, health, healing network, adaptive equipment, winter equipment, programs and stoke (positive energy, outlook and attitude).
    
    Volkl Skis Athlete and independent recording artist, Matt Reardon has cut a track in conjunction with the auction. To listen to the “Can I Get a High 5” by Matt Reardon (with Jelly Bread), learn more about the High Fives Foundation and to place a bid on the Gibson Classic Custom Les Paul - Shiro guitar please visit www.gibsonguitar.highfivesfoundation.org.

    Support TGR and shop for Volkl products through Backcountry.com

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  • 3 months ago
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• Masters of Snowboarding Squaw Masters of Snowboarding Squaw Valley Highlights 2013 - The North Face

  • From: thenorthface
  • Description:

    The 4-star competition of The North Face Masters of Snowboarding presented by PrimaLoft was a pleasure for spectators with dynamic and creative lines abound in spring break weather. Ruari MacFarlane out of Mount Olympus, New Zealand and Squaw Valley local Iris Lazzareschi were crowned Masters Champions of a highly competitive field consisting of 16 females and 53 men.
    
    Athletes Featured: Rosemarie Daiek, Christopher Galvin, Marissa Krawczak, Casey Lucas, Colin Boyd, Moss Halladay, Hans Mindich, Ryan Hudson, Sammy Luebke, Irish Lazzareschi and Ruari McFarlane.
    
    Music credit: “What you know” by Hot Noize
    
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  • 3 months ago
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• Masters of Snowboarding On The Masters of Snowboarding On The Steeps Of Tahoe - The North Face

  • From: thenorthface
  • Description:

    The North Face Masters of Snowboarding chose Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe, California as its home for the 2013 season. Athletes discuss the importance of this event and its role in the new Freeride World Qualifier system.
    
    Athletes Featured: Sammy Luebke, Christopher Galvin, Roman Kristl, Rosemarie Daiek, Ryan Hudson, Andrew Irwin, Ralph Backstrom, Colin Boyd
    
    Music Credit: Nature of the Beast by Fate Flight Destiny (via Audio Socket)
    
    Watch More Videos By The North Face

     

  • 3 months ago
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• Video: How To Do Squaw Valley Video: How To Do Squaw Valley - Roner Vision

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    Tour Lake Tahoe, California's Squaw Valley Ski Resort with Erik Roner — a true Squaw loc'.
    
    Erik reflects on his early days B.A.S.E jumping with Shane McConkey and shows off some of his favorite stashes from over the years. Roner keeps it mellow skiing on the groomers, probably a good idea coming back from a shattered femur last winter. That doesn't deter him from snowboard heckling, poler bear club antics, and supervising little Oskar Roner's first indoor skydive!
    
    Save on Squaw Valley Lift Tickets at Liftopia.com

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  • 3 months ago
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• Inside The Jib Factory Inside The Jib Factory

  • From: sethlightcap
  • Description:

    
    
    X Games terrain park builders Snow Park Technologies to star in reality TV show on National Geographic Channel.
    
    Story and Photos By Seth Lightcap
    
    Reality TV has shown us dirty jobs, dangerous jobs and of course, ‘only in Nevada’ jobs (see Cathouse). But for once, you’re late night channel surfing is about to drop you into the boots of a talented crew doing a really freakin’ cool job.
    
    Ever wonder what it takes to build an X Games halfpipe or design a super-human sized slopestyle feature? You’re about to find out as the exploits of Snow Park Technologies, the rockstar terrain park builders tasked with creating the X Games courses and signature resort terrain parks at Sun Valley, Northstar and Vail, will be featured in a reality TV show on the National Geographic Channel. The eight-episode series, called ‘Mountain Movers’, will air in late-spring 2013.
    
    Snow Park Technologies (SPT) was founded on the sunny So-Cal slopes of Snow Summit Resort in 1997 by then Snow Summit terrain park director Chris ‘Gunny’ Gunnarson. Gunnarson’s offshoot terrain park consulting business has since grown to become the world’s foremost designer and builder of resort terrain parks, competition courses and signature park features. SPT is known for it’s exacting logistical expertise and innovative production abilities having built every Winter X Games course there’s ever been, as well as next-level park features like the cubed halfpipe that SPT created for Red Bull and Simon Dumont at Squaw Valley in 2011.
    
    The talents of SPT’s crew of cat drivers and jib builders attracted the attention of NatGeo Channel who are currently filming SPT’s operations as they criss-cross the globe building halfpipes and terrain parks. The show will offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at SPT’s unique construction efforts, said Gunnarson.
    
    “‘Mountain Movers’ will tell the story about the design and construction efforts that go into the work we do at SPT, and the different conditions and environments we deal with along the way,” said Gunnarson. “The idea is that each episode will follow one project from start to finish — from initial design and planning through the execution of the project on site.”
    
    
    
    Armed with a no-nonsense, get-it-done-right attitude, Gunnarson will take a lead role in the TV series as the show chronicles the SPT president’s moves leading the company.
    
    
    
    
    
    Beyond strictly on-snow, on-location scenes, Mountain Movers will showcase SPT’s new Jib Factory, a cavernous office/production facility in Verdi, Nevada where they design terrain park layouts and build the rails and wallrides. SPT’s drive to bang out on-time construction, delivery and installation of such features will be a focal point of the show. This massive 40x30 foot wallride (the biggest SPT has ever built) was constructed early-January in the Jib Factory for the 2013 Winter-X Snowboard Street course.
    
    
    
    
    
    Snow Park Technologies’ lead fabricator Tyrone Coyne is arguably the king of terrain park rail and jib building. Coyne built the world’s first “fun box” (a slide-able park feature with lexan plastic on top of it) when he was working at Snow Summit Resort in the late ’90s and has been designing and crafting signature terrain park features for SPT ever since. With a masterful eye for jib design and a steady hand with a welding torch, Coyne is the shop supervisor of SPT’s Jib Factory. Get ready for some heavy metal moments as the NatGeo cameras capture Coyne in action building monster features.
    
    
    
    Laying down corduroy in a snowcat may not sound that riveting, but sculpting jumps and halfpipes should present some interesting angles on some serious cat-time. SPT Project Manager, Corley Howard (shown here), and the legendary halfpipe cutter and SPT Business Director Frank Wells will be two of the cat drivers featured.
    
    
    
    “The weapon of choice is the Prinoth Bison X,” said Howard, talking about the best snowcat for building terrain parks. The Italian-made Bison X is a terrain park-specific snowcat equipped with special features that allows them to push snow more efficiently than a standard grooming cat that’s designed to go faster up and down ski runs. SPT has its own custom-wrapped Bison X that will star in the TV show and snowcat snafus will be a likely source of tension in the story line.
    
    
    
    
    
    SPT uses a software program called Google Sketch-Up to create 3D renderings of what a terrain park feature will look like on the mountain before it’s built. These drawings allow SPT to precisely present its suggested park layouts to resort and event management. The dimensions of the drawings can be used to determine the amount of steel needed to build a rail or the water volume needed to make enough snow to build a jump or halfpipe. These drawings depict a new jump line at SPT partner resort Alpine Meadows.
    
    
    
    
    
    Nobody builds bigger, badder jibs than SPT. Inside the Jib Factory, SPT fabricators Sean Picard and Erik Jakobsen prepare a couple gargantuan rails for primetime. Two of these rail segments came together to form the ‘Bat-wing’ rail featured in the 2013 Winter X slopestyle course.
    
    Look out for more info on ‘Mountain Movers’ including scheduled air dates at snowparktech.com.

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  • 3 months ago
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• Masters of Snowboarding 2013 T Masters of Snowboarding 2013 Teaser - The North Face

  • From: thenorthface
  • Description:

    The North Face Masters of Snowboarding presented by PrimaLoft will take place February 14-17, 2013 at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe, California. The event will feature top big mountain snowboard competitors battling for The North Face Masters of Snowboarding champion title, $15,000 in prize money and a chance to advance to the 2014 SWATCH Freeride World Tour by The North Face.
    
    Watch More Videos By The North Face

     

  • 3 months ago
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• News: Sierra-at-Tahoe's Burton News: Sierra-at-Tahoe's Burton Star Wars Experience

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    Combine kids, Burton Snowboards and Star Wars and your guaranteed lots of fun as is the case at Sierra At Tahoe ski resorts new Burton Star Wars Experience. Looking for something to do with the kids on the next big pow day, full day packages includes: lesson, equipment, lunch, snacks, indoor-outdoor games and activities for only $145.00.
    
    The Force is strong at Sierra for Younglings and Padawans this winter in Yoda's Riglet Park at Wild Moutain Children's Center. The Burton Star Wars Experience uses the beloved intergalactic saga to help children ages 3-6 make their first snowboard turns using Burton's innovative Riglet Reel Technology. This singular on-mountain experience filled with visuals from the Star Wars galaxy combines Burton's industry-leading technology with Jedi Master Yoda's teaching methods - movement, navigation and control.
    
    Younglings and Padawans will learn using the ways of the Force through interactive drop in nodes showcasing custom-made wood carvings of R2-D2, C-3P0, Chewbacca and more. Availability is limited and may sell out on a daily basis; reservations are strongly recommended. Please call 530.543.3150.

     

    Sierra At Tahoe has received over 25 feet of snow this winter, sitting on 2,000 skiable acres with easy backcountry access, one of the top rated snowboard parks in the country and a 2.5 mile long beginners ski run makes this the perfect family destination. TGR Readers Save 35% on Sierra-at-Tahoe lift tickets currently on SALE.
    

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  • 4 months ago
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• How Electronics Interfere With How Electronics Interfere With Avalanche Transceivers

  • From: brennanlagasse
  • Description:

    The International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) is held every two years in a major mountain region of the world. It is regarded by snow science professionals as a top conference, bringing researchers and practitioners together to report on experiments, exchange theory and share their experiences in the field to better understand the science of snow.
    
    This past fall, ISSW took place in Anchorage, Alaska, where John Barkhausen, a student at Alaska Pacific University, discussed his findings after organizing a field study to test the theory of electrical interference and avalanche transceivers. The topic has been discussed in many snowcentric circles across the globe for several years. However, a recent YouTube video posted by Stuart Pitches is arguably what has brought the topic into the households of a majority of everyday snow folks.
    
    

    
    
    The video clearly shows that when a GoPro camera is on and in close proximity to a searching avalanche transceiver it can cause interference. The GoPro can facilitate false signal readings, which ultimately may negatively impact the searchers attempt to locate a buried avalanche victim. With so many people using GoPro’s and other helmet cameras while also utilizing avalanche transceivers in the field, it’s obvious there are reasons for concern. The range of interference has been identified as variable depending on model, but the bottom line is that these cameras do influence the working mechanics of avalanche transceivers.
    
    What John Barkhausen discussed at ISSW was not solely related to helmet cameras, but electronics as a whole. Not only are skiers and riders who employ the use of avalanche transceivers increasingly using helmet cameras, they also tend to carry radios, cell phones, GPS devices, other types of cameras or an iPod. Simplistically, the answer to if electronics influence transceiver function is yes. However, the real question is to what degree? Even if helmet cameras were deemed unsafe for use do to the manner that they influence avalanche transceiver function, many backcountry experts support to use of cell phones in the field, as they can provide a necessary point of contact to initiate rescue efforts.
    
    At ISSW Barkhausen placed several electronic devices including a RFID tag (Alyeska lift ticket), Spot emergency locator, cell phone, iPod, radio, digital camera, and GPS unit in the near vicinity of a searching avalanche transceiver to measure the effects. He tested for how the transceiver would be influenced in terms of a searching pattern as well as its receiving range. He used three different transceivers including a Pieps DSP, Barryvox Pulse, and BCA Tracker DTS.
    
    Ultimately, Barkhausen found that none of these electronic devices produced negative impacts on a transmitting beacon. That was big news, as some outfits had initially thought the use of, say, a GoPro or even having a digital camera in ones pack might throw off the ability of a transceiver to function as it’s been designed. He also found that no particular brand of transceiver was more or less affected than the other. 
    
    However, Barkhausen did find that within a range of 17 inches, electronic devices will alter the ability for a transceiver to search for a signal properly. Above 17 inches, interference is minimal, but within that distance, problems are persistent. This is also evident in the video shared by Pitches. The safest way to insure you will not alter your transceiver’s ability to function properly when in search mode is to do what you are taught in an Avi I course — keep your transceiver at arm’s length when in search mode. That way, you should be at least 17 inches away from any electronic interference. The International Commission on Alpine Rescue is reportedly considering that the 17 inches be replaced by about 2 feet (24 inches) for all electronics to ensure a safe distance is met by all users. It’s also important to think about turning your electronic devices off entirely when in avalanche terrain.
    
    As you can see in Picthes video, when your avalanche transceiver is being altered by electrical interference, you will either see erratic numbers or false triggers on your display window and/or overall range will be lost. You might also get false distance readings as well as wrong directions to follow when attempting to search. Even if you don’t have a purely analog transceiver, you will still get so much interference that instead of improper numbers and directions the beeps you are supposed to listen to and follow while searching will be filled with static and thus rendered inaudible.
    
    Clearly, more study is needed to be able to provide full conclusive data regarding different brands and products that represent the most risk for users. According to Barkhausen’s work, iPod’s and GPS units seem to create the most interference of all the electronic devices, although from Picthes video GoPro’s don’t seem to be too far off in terms of potential negative impacts. I’m sure more study and conversation on the subject will be forth coming in the weeks/months ahead so we can all better understand the issue as a whole.
    
    Barkhausen is scheduled to follow up this years presentation at the 2014 ISSW in Banff, Canada, but in the meantime, take home points in the now are to make sure you always perform a transceiver search at arm’s length. If you’re on a snowmobile, get off it to perform a search, so as to not allow any electronics (spark plugs) or noise to influence your search. Also, think about turning your electronic devices off and stowing them away from you transceiver when you are spending time in avalanche terrain.
    
    Read More Here

    Shop for Avalanche beacons while supporting TGR. 10% of each sales goes back to out site from http://backcountry.com

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  • 4 months ago
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• Tahoe Sees First Avalanche Dea Tahoe Sees First Avalanche Deaths Of 2012-13 Season

  • From: jeremybenson
  • Description:

    A large avalanche crown is seen in the Tahoe backcountry on Dec. 27, 2012. In late Decemeber, as the area saw new snow, it also saw many avalanches, including two that caused fatalities at Alpine Meadows and Donner Ski Ranch.
    
    Sunday, Dec. 23, was yet another stormy powder day in a string of many at Squaw Valley, Calif. Ski patrol and mountain operations teams had been doing battle with harsh weather and copious snowfall for days on end. Midway through the morning they managed to open the KT-22 chair to the public. Shortly after opening, a powerful avalanche was triggered above The Fingers, directly beneath the chairlift. The avalanche swept up one skier, a 39-year-old female, and was so powerful that chunks of the avalanching snow deflected up in the air, knocking a 16-year-old male skier from the chairlift and into the avalanche. Both skiers were conscious, and neither completely buried in the slide. The woman was treated and released from the medical clinic, and the young man was taken to the local hospital to be treated for a shoulder injury. This post-control inbounds avalanche was an unfortunate accident, but the outcome could certainly have been much worse.
    
    Earlier in December, the Tahoe region experienced above-average temperatures, resulting in rain that created a distinct crust layer in our snowpack. Since then, faceted snow crystals developed both above and below this crust creating some especially weak layers. Significant amounts of new snow piled up above these persistent weak layers resulting in an uncharacteristically unpredictable snowpack for the area. With an advisory rating of “considerable,” a 3 on a scale of 1-5 (low, moderate, considerable, high, extreme), the Sierra Avalanche Center’s advisory for the days before Christmas said, “Overall the data indicates a snowpack teetering on the edge of failure.”
    
    The following day, Dec. 24, 2012, broke clear and cold in Tahoe. The blue skies were a welcome respite from the relentless storm that dropped 4-6 feet in four days on the west side of the lake. The holiday crowds were out in force at resorts around the region, eager to ski all the new powder, and I was among them. I went to Alpine Meadows that morning, the “considerable” avalanche danger rating, recent large avalanches, and persistent weak layers in our snowpack kept me from venturing into the backcountry. Summit chair opened shortly after 9 a.m. as patrol finished avalanche control on the front side of the mountain. For my first run I headed out to Art’s Knob, my friends and I shocked to find a 4 foot crown on the convex roll at the top and large cracks in the snow stretching in both directions along the ridge. The entirety of the storm snow had slid down to the rain crust, one of many large intentional avalanches at the resort that day.
    
    About an hour later, the distinct blue and white colored Care Flight helicopter flew overhead toward the Sherwood chairlift. I thought it odd due to the fact that Sherwood wasn’t open, nor had it been yet this season. I hoped they were doing some sort of training exercise, not realizing that patrol was doing avalanche control work back there at the time. Later that day, I was saddened to hear the news that Bill Foster, a 28-year veteran of the Alpine Meadows Patrol, was caught in an avalanche while doing control work.
    
    According to a press release from Amelia Richmond, the Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows public relations representative, “The avalanche was triggered by an explosive charge that had been thrown by a senior member of the ski patrol team. The patrol team members were positioned in an area that was, based on historical experience, believed to have been a protected area. The charge triggered the avalanche, which broke much higher and wider on the slope than previously observed in past snow safety missions.” With nearly 3 decades of experience on the Alpine Meadows patrol, Foster had routinely performed avalanche mitigation work in this area. “The patroller was found within one minute and uncovered within eight minutes from the time of the avalanche,” wrote Richmond, “After uncovering the buried patroller, members of the ski patrol team immediately began CPR.” Foster was flown via Care Flight Helicopter to Renown Hospital in Reno where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
    
    The site of the in-bounds avalanche at Donner Ski Ranch.
    
    That same day at Donner Ski Ranch, a small ski area at the top of Highway 40 on Donner Summit, an avalanche occurred around 9:30 a.m. According to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a man around noon on Monday saying that a member of his group was overdue and was feared to have been caught in an avalanche that occurred sometime around 9:30 a.m. The search was assisted by neighboring ski resorts and a body was found in the debris, buried under 2-3 feet of snow, nearly five hours after the slide happened. Truckee resident, 49-year-old Steven “Rocker” Anderson was snowboarding that morning when he was caught up in the inbounds slide. According to reports, Anderson had just moved back to the area and was enjoying his first day snowboarding for the season.
    
    Since that tragic day last week, the Tahoe region has received roughly two more feet of snow, burying our weak layers in as much as 7 to 8 feet of snow. As our snow depth increases, triggering avalanches on our persistent weak layers is becoming less and less likely, but remains far from impossible. Any avalanches that propagate along the facets by the buried rain crust are likely to be massive and catastrophic. Our typical “more stable than most” snowpack is clearly different than usual, and it takes some getting used to. Our current weak layers and recent events have reminded me that there is no room for error or complacency when it comes to avalanche safety. Skiing is the best thing in the world, but it’s not worth dying for. Have a happy and safe New Year.

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  • 5 months ago
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• Avalanche at Donner Ski Ranch Avalanche at Donner Ski Ranch

  • From: jeremybenson
  • Description:
    Avalanche at Donner Ski Ranch
  • 5 months ago
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