Nov. 19th 2009
Teton Village, Wyoming
Teton Gravity Research announces the release of BCA Avalanche Rescue Series.
TGR is proud to release the BCA Avalanche Rescue Series for the new TGR Snow Lab. The level 1 series will release weekly in the TGR Snow Lab. The seven lesson seres will take you through the basics of avalanche awareness and rescue practices. the series consists of the following lessons:
Lesson 1- The importance of training
Lesson 2 - The Five Red Flags
Lesson 3 - Organizing the rescue
Lesson 4- The signal search
Lesson 5-: The coarse search
Lesson 6- Fine search and pinpointing
Lesson 7- Shoveling and first aid
A level 2 series will follow with the following lessons:
Level 2 BCA Beacon Rescue Series -Lesson 1-Advanced Beacon searching
Level 2 BCA Beacon Rescue Series –Lesson 2- Probing
Level 2 BCA Beacon Rescue Series – Lesson 3 -Strategic shoveling
There is a ten part Avalanche Awareness series currently in the TGR Snow Lab. View the series here.
Jeremy Jones develops innovative, new board line with emphasis on freeriding
Squaw Valley, CA (November 19, 2009) – Jonaven Moore will take on the steeps and deeps this winter with Jones Snowboards. The legendary Canadian snowboarder has been at the forefront of all-mountain riding for over 15 years, but continues to progress big mountain snowboarding from his home in British Columbia to the jagged peaks of Alaska. Jones Snowboards is thrilled to have Moore’s expertise in developing and pushing the limits of the boards, which will arrive in stores fall 2010.
“Jonaven is not only one of my favorite people to go into the mountains with, but also a rider that pushes my riding. He’s an obvious match for Jones,” says Jeremy Jones, Owner of Jones Snowboards. “To have his high level of riding representing the brand and his invaluable insight in designing the boards is an incredible honor.”
Jones Snowboards will introduce four models in the brand’s inaugural season. Moore will be instrumental in helping to design and extensively testing the brand’s preeminent all-mountain, powder and split boards. A start in the freestyle world at age 10 with halfpipe and boardercross wins is still evident today in Standard, Absinthe and Teton Gravity Research films where Moore’s style seamlessly fuses freestyle with big mountain terrain.
“Most freeride snowboards are either way too heavy to truly perform or are so light-duty that I need to bring replacements for them on a trip,” says Jonaven Moore. “Jeremy has drive and skill like few other people, so being invited to join a team that would focus on building boards for the mountains is a no-brainer. It’s an amazing opportunity to design both a solid board with Jones and a high-performance split-version.”
For the last few years, Moore, like Jones, has spent more and more time hiking around on his own steam in the mountains. This winter Moore is focusing almost all of his time on snow for the filming of “Deeper.” He’ll be travelling deep into British Columbia’s backcountry between Squamish and Whistler on the west end, and Revelstoke and the Rockies to the east. Jones boards will be tested extensively by the team in Alaska this spring.
With prototypes already in production, Jones Snowboards will make their first appearance at SIA and ISPO in January 2010. Expect worldwide distribution starting in the 2010-2011 winter season. Learn more about Jones Snowboards at jonessnowboards.com. Preview “Deeper” now at TetonGravity.com/deeper
PHOTO CREDIT: Kelly Schovanek. Looks like its high time for solid, new freeride board (see below) - Jonaven joins Jones
November 19th, 2009
Whistler, Bristish Columbia
With 11 days left in the month, the prior November snow record will be “blown out of the snow” with the forecast calling for another 65-95cm (26-37 inches) to fall by Monday
Whistler Blackcomb has officially surpassed the previous record of snow in the month of November with 418cm (165 inches) of snow falling as of Thursday, November 19. The previous record, set in 2006, was 416cm (164 inches). The snowfall record dates back to 1979.
“This is an unprecedented start to the season,” says Anton Horvath, Whistler Mountain weather forecaster. “The excitement of locals and guests alike is palpable, and the timing of this record breaking event happening this year as we prepare to be a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is just icing on the cake. Whistler Blackcomb is well known for the copious amount of snow it receives on an annual basis. The fact that we’re only 87cm (34 inches) from reaching the half way point of our annual average snowfall, shows how incredible the start of this season really is.” The annual average snowfall at Whistler Blackcomb is just over 10 metres or 33 feet.
With 11 days left in November, there is plenty more snow on the way. The Environment Canada Alpine Forecast is calling for 50- 75cm (20-30 inches) of snow in the next 24 hours and the long-range outlook is also calling for more snow throughout the weekend, with a possible 65-95cm (26-37 inches) by Monday.
Check out the TGR Snowlab for all your snow alerts and resort updates
1215 PM PST WED NOV 18 2009
AVALANCHE WARNING
OLYMPICS-
WEST SLOPES WASHINGTON CASCADES AND PASSES-
...AVALANCHE WARNING WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY...
A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM SHOULD MOVE TO BC AND A STRONG FRONT
SHOULD REACH THE NORTHWEST WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THIS SHOULD CAUSE VERY
STRONG CREST LEVEL WINDS AND INCREASING SNOW WITH A WARMING TREND
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN THE OLYMPICS AND NORTH CASCADES.
THIS SHOULD CAUSE AVALANCHE CONDITIONS TO DEVELOP WEDNESDAY NIGHT
ESPECIALLY IN THE OLYMPICS AND NORTH CASCADES BUT IN THE REST OF THE
CASCADES AS WELL.
ANOTHER STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM SHOULD MOVE TO VANCOUVER ISLAND
ALONG THE STALLED FRONT ON THURSDAY. THIS SHOULD BRING RENEWED VERY
STRONG CREST LEVEL WINDS AND INCREASING SNOW OR RAIN WITH FURTHER
WARMING.
THIS SHOULD CAUSE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF AVALANCHE CONDITIONS ON
THURSDAY. AS A RESULT BACK COUNTRY TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED NEAR
AVALANCHE TERRAIN IN THE OLYMPICS AND CASCADES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT
AND THURSDAY.
THIS STATEMENT WILL BE UPDATED AS CONDITIONS WARRANT. PLEASE VISIT
WWW.NWAC.US FOR DETAILS.
BACKCOUNTRY TRAVELERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ELEVATION AND
GEOGRAPHIC DISTINCTIONS ARE APPROXIMATE AND THAT A TRANSITION
ZONE BETWEEN DANGERS EXISTS. REMEMBER THERE ARE AVALANCHE SAFE
AREAS IN THE MOUNTAINS DURING ALL LEVELS OF AVALANCHE DANGER.
CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN YOUR AREA OF INTEREST FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION.
For snow reports, news and avalanche alerts check out the TGR Snow Lab
November 17, 2009
Skykomish, Washington
Stevens pass gets slammed with 24" in 48 hours. Lifts will open on Thursday. The moutain preps for opening and locals shred fresh powder.
Pacific Northwest riders have been chomping at the bit to get a piece of Stevens Pass this season, and Mother Nature has obliged. Stevens Pass, tucked away in the heart of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, announced their opening date of Thursday, November 19th.
For the past few weeks, Stevens has been dodging the rain and quickly building up a nice snowpack. All the while, a steady stream of diehard locals has been hoofing it to catch pow turns and pillow lines. But now it’s nearly time to enjoy the creature comforts of hitching a chair ride up to the best stashes. Stevens plans to open most of the front side of the resort on Thursday, including the Top Phlight terrain park with a variety of features.
Everyone loves a pre-Thanksgiving season opener, and the thought of this Thursday at Stevens has got everyone stoked. For more info check out www.stevenspass.com.
All photos by: Julian B. Tracy
November 12, 2009 Mt. Baker opened up with a 67" base and over 7 feet of new snow in the past week. This isn't the first time a storm has slammed the PNW and taken hippies and dogs alike by surprise. 3 years ago we had "Snow-vember" and everybody in the industry flocked to Baker to ski early season pow and get major film segments on lock down. Living in Bellingham for the past 6 years has given me the oppurtunity to never miss out on these early season storm cycles. Going from railing fireroads and single track on my bike to launching pillows and cliffs and skiing neck deep pow has never been a hard transition. Year after year we wait, some years more, some less but it always comes in right on time. When it starts snowing it's on, and if you aren't ready, or not here you don't get it.
In the spirit of Mt. Baker this past Opening day was "the best opening day ever!", quoted one local. Another, "best day in 20 years", "Biggest, deepest snowpack in the history of Mt. Baker." And it is only November 12. As we pulled into the parking lot at 7:00 AM the sun was rising over Mt. Shuksan and it was a bluebird pow day, the lifts were blanketed in 24" in the last 48. Being really, really early never hurts, earning us first chair ahead of the crowds.
"We had to do a lot of scrambling, opening day with a mid-season snow-pack. We sort of got caught with our pants down." This coming from Aaron Wilson pro patroller for the past 7 years. "It is pretty unreal, it's never happened before."
From my end patrol had things dialed from proper rope lines to checking beacons at backcountry gates. I have always appreciated the hard work Baker patrol does, without them we wouldn't be able to ski half of the terrain that we do on a daily basis. Early morning control work, long days, and a commitement to being wet they always come through with powder grins as they "test slopes" and "ski cut" areas.
In classic opening day fashion I lost everyone I was riding with and spun laps on my favorite lines. I hooked up with Eli Lee and Paul Kimbrough to put down the first lines on the "Beast" area. As ski friends go, there doesnt have to be much in common, you don't even have to talk, actions speak the loudest. Pounds, High fives, and hugs were given as we proceded to stop thinking, start living again and start skiing. A good friend proclaimed at the end of the day "Happy Winter!" and I joined him in celebrating with a beer and a smile, it's back!
November 17th, 2009
The grand prize package includes a five-day trip for one winner and three friends, complete with airfare, lodging, guided backcountry cat skiing adventures, lift tickets, custom Pyramid K2 snowboard, technical outerwear from Mountain Hardwear, and more!
All you need to do is enter your name and email on the contest site here!
GEAR UP FOR PYRAMID’S ULTIMATE WINTER STEEP & DEEP ADVENTURE
Promotion Offers Chance to Win “Backcountry Getaway in Tahoe” Plus Gear
SEATTLE – October 30, 2009 – Pyramid Breweries, brewers of the gold medal award winning Pyramid Haywire® Hefeweizen, seasonal winter warmer Snow Cap®, and the 2008 Brewery of the Year , announces a brand new steep and deep winter sweepstakes offering an epic backcountry ski experience at Squaw Valley USA.
Those dedicated to quenching their thirst for life can log-on to PyramidBrew.com/Backcountry and enter to win an all-expenses paid trip for four on a “Winter Backcountry Getaway in Tahoe”. The grand prize package includes a five-day trip for one winner and three friends, complete with airfare, lodging, guided backcountry cat skiing adventures, lift tickets, custom Pyramid K2 snowboard, technical outerwear from Mountain Hardwear, and more!
Additional prizes include a custom Pyramid K2 snowboard for each of five second place winners, and Pyramid branded Mountain Hardwear soft shells for twenty-five third place winners.
The picturesque location and optimal mix of adventure and high performance gear positions the “Win a Winter Backcountry Getaway in Tahoe” sweepstakes as the ultimate cold weather excursion worth sharing with friends. This promotion follows the success of Pyramid’s summer sweepstakes which awarded four lucky grand prize winners a Slickrock Mountain Bike Expedition in Moab, UT along with a high-performance mountain bike and adventure gear. Evidenced by over 5,000 entries from all across the country, both programs celebrate the energy and activity enjoyed by the communities where Pyramid brews, lives, and plays everyday.
Pyramid has teamed up with several respected promotional partners, including: Pacific Crest Snowcats – Tahoe’s only snowcat-assisted backcountry skiing and snowboarding service; Squaw Valley USA – one of the world's premier destination resorts; the Resort at Squaw Creek – accommodations rivaling the magnificence of the alpine setting; K2 – world renowned products for the sports enthusiast; Mountain Hardwear – the most innovative and technical outdoor gear available.
The sweepstakes launches November 1 through themed displays at select Pyramid retailers, where consumers will be directed to enter online at PyramidBrew.com/Backcountry. The program will run through December 31 and winners will be announced mid-January.
About Pyramid Brewing Co.
Pyramid Brewing Co. is a leading brewer of specialty, full-flavored beers produced under the Pyramid family of ales and lagers. Pyramid beers continue to be honored by beer drinkers and judges, earning the most craft beer medals in the last decade at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Since its beginning, Pyramid beers have received 22 medals at the GABF. The brewery has also been awarded seven medals in international competition at the World Beer Cup.
With breweries in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and Berkeley, CA, the Company owns Alehouses at all three locations as well as two additional Pyramid Alehouses in Walnut Creek and Sacramento, CA.
The boat is rolling through the Drake Passage.... We just left yesterday and all I can say about that trip is that this place is like something never seen before. We've had it amazingly good, we've had at least a little bit of sun everyday and most of all discovered this surprisingly powerful place.
The variety of the terrain, the snow quality and the challenges we've been going for have made this trip really special. It's been once again a pleasure to have Jeremy as a partner as we really enjoyed sharing our skills in these intense moments.
I won't say more for the moment but these pics will give you a rough idea of our trip.
photos:playmakercommunication.com
**Jeremy Jones skins towards a big Antarctica face.**
**Jeremy at the base of Antarctica madness. There is so many cool options here.**
**Jeremy on some serious Antarctica steeps.**
**Xavier De Le Rue in Antarctica Paradise.**
**Jeremy surveys a sweet line and is ready to drop in.**
**This couloir is no stairway to heaven.**
**Sea Lions in Antarctica.**
**Antarctica Paradise**
Fall is always an interesting time of year when you live for the winter. It is a time of transition. Fishing ends for me in mid October so my girlfriend and I pack our things and head south. It's something like 3300 miles from Haines, Alaska to Lake Tahoe, California, and with some stops to visit friends it took us 10 days. The drive is incredibly long, but it is also incredibly beautiful. We saw Moose, Cariboo, bison, coyotes, foxes and in years past even a few lynx. Vast forrests and an amazing hot springs 1000 miles from anywhere make the northern part of the drive not only bearable, but maybe even enjoyable.
After a week in the car it gets a bit old, especially travelling with a cat. Sleeping in the driver and passenger seats on the side of the road is also rough. That's why it's great to get back into the US. Seeing friends helps beak up the monotony of driving day in and day out. Being able to lie down on a flat non moving surface is such a luxury at that point. So we bounce down the west coast visiting friends and enjoying weather that is similar to a southeast Alaskan summer.
Reaching Tahoe meant the end of a long journey, and the beginning of a house hunt. It took three days to find a place we liked and another couple days to move in and get settled. Since then it's been a mix of hiking, frisbee golf, off-roading and rock-climbing.
That was until yesterday when Seth Lightcap told me he thought there was a spot holding. Strapping in for the first run of the year felt great, even though the conditions weren't. It was anywhere from 2-6 inches of dust on an old icy remnant of crust, but it sure was fun. We rode four laps and I even had a face shot. it was a good day.
For all those who want to read a bit more about me. I posted an interview done by Ari Marcopoulos. Check it out at my other blog at www.winterstick.com. Hope you enjoy it.
TB
November 14, 2009
WHISTLER, BC
Winter is ON at Whistler Blackcomb as die-hards flock to the slopes for early opening
Opening day in a ski resort generates more excitement than any other day of the year, and in Whistler Village this morning that was no exception. Keeners started lining up yesterday afternoon to get the first gondola up, and by 7:30am this morning, the lineup stretched throughout the Village. With 122 centimetres (48 inches) of snow falling in just over week, and an opening day that was bumped up by 12 days, the excitement was warranted.
“Oh man, it’s so good to be up here,” says Matty Richard, pro Whistler skier. “It's the best way to start a season, so much snow. It's good to see everyone is so pumped to be up here, couldn't be better!”
And Whistler Blackcomb’s own web editor Brad Meraly, who rode 185 days last season, claims this opening day was “absolutely amazing, with Christmas-like conditions and lots of dry, cool powder! Everyone had huge smiles; it was my best opening ever on Whistler.”
Lifts started turning a little earlier than planned to get everyone up on the slopes as quickly as possible. “The anticipation in the lineup, and the sheer glee on peoples’ faces as they charged out of the gondola was awesome,” says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Our operations team, in cooperation with Mother Nature, has done an incredible job getting things open earlier than planned. We will continue to work to open up terrain and lifts as operations and weather allows.”
For those still waiting to get their passes, EDGE Cards are available at early bird pricing until November 23, offering skiing/riding from as low as $58.40 per day on a 10-day EDGE Card. One-day, three-day and five-day cards are also available. And this Sunday, November 15 is the last day to book a vacation package (lift and lodging) at the early booking rates of up to 39% off – guaranteed to be the lowest price of the season.
“Certainly this is an exciting year for all of Whistler as we prepare to host the world during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” continues Rempel. “Whistler Blackcomb’s terrain remains 90% open throughout the Games, the new Sea to Sky Highway is now complete, and the resort is at its prime ready to open our doors to the world. With some great deals on packages throughout the winter, and slopes that are expected to be quieter than usual, there is no better year to come visit us.”
Story and photos: US Ski Team
LEVI, Finland (Nov. 14) – It didn't take long for double World Champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) to find her way back to the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup podium as the two-time overall winner finished second to friend and reigning World Cup slalom champion Maria Riesch of Germany Saturday.
Lindsey Vonn crushes the slope in Levi to finish second. (Photo by Alain Grosclaude/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)
"I really love Levi, this hill reminds me so much of racing back in Buck Hill," said Vonn, who finished 3rd in the World Cup slalom standings last season in addition to capturing World Cup titles in downhill and super G. "It would have been nice to get the win again, but I had a big mistake at the bottom and Maria had a really good run so it's tough to say if I would have beat her without that mistake."
Near the bottom of the course Vonn boot-topped a gate and was nearly knocked off course, yet made a stunning recovery and maintained her composure to finish a mere .08 behind Riesch.
"Lindsey hasn't missed a beat, she's pretty incredible," said U.S. Ski Team women's technical Head Coach Trevor Wagner. "But the win was there for sure. She was nuking the second run and just had a number of tiny mistakes that added up. Still what she's doing right now in slalom is awesome."
Universal Sports will broadcast the race at 10 a.m. ET on its 24-hour TV network and on-demand streaming is available later Saturday at www.UniversalSports.com.
It was her second consecutive trip to the Levi podium after notching her first World Cup slalom victory on the Levi Black course just one year ago. Finnish favorite and Soelden giant slalom winner Tanja Poutianen rounded out the top three.
Lindsey Vonn celebrates taking second during the World Cup Women's Slalom in Levi, Finland. (Photo by Alain Grosclaude/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)
"This gives me awesome confidence going into the Aspen Winternational in a few weeks," said Vonn, who finished 4th in the Aspen slalom last season. "My slalom skis are feeling really good and until you race you don't really have a measure for how you're doing against the other girls so I'm pretty happy to be on the podium.
"I'm headed back to Vail now too get in some more slalom and GS training before Aspen. It's so cool t have that slope as a resource and I know the whole team has been and will be using it to prepare for the Colorado races. It's really evident after today that the training I was able to get in Vail was really valuable."
Hailey Duke (Boise, ID) and Kaylin Richardson (Edina, MN) added to the strong U.S. Ski Team showing in biting 15 degree cold finishing 21st and 23rd respectively. Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) nearly joined the American points party after finishing 16th in the opening leg before being disqualified for missing the sixth gate.
"The U.S. Ski Team is skiing so well," added Vonn. I'm so proud of what Kaylin, Hailey and Sarah did today and Resi and Sterling have been working so hard. This is a really strong technical team and I think we're going to show that in Aspen."
At just over 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Levi is dark much of the day with a small window of light falling between the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. locally making a lighted second run an absolute necessity. Yet the lights reflection off the frozen air particles created for tricky visibility.
"Sarah would have been in there too, but she blew right by that gate on the top," added Wagner. "We looked at the tape a couple of times and she definitely missed it, but through the entire midsection of the course, she had some of the best skiing out there."
The results backed up Wagner's thoughts that the Team has been training very well and is poised to make a surge in SL and GS. Duke had been in contention much of last season in slalom scoring points in five races, including a career best 8th in Semmering, Austria, but it was Richardson's first World Cup technical points since the 2007 Aspen Winternational.
"Hailey did a great job. She was skiing with a sore ankle and battled through that really well and we saw great skiing out of Kaylin. It's never easy to rally into the flip from that far back in the start order and both she and Sarah did it."
Schleper and Richardson started the race wearing bibs 58 and 70. Stiegler, who turned 24 today, missed the top 30 after the first run along with Sterling Grant (Amery, WI). It was only the second World Cup race for Stiegler since a Dec. 2007 injury.
"The skiing is there for Resi. She's been training well and knows she's capable of a lot better, but this is only her second World Cup in two years. It's a progression," Wagner said.
The Team now flies immediately to Colorado for a training block prior to the Aspen Winternational set for Thanksgiving Weekend in Aspen, CO. The annual Rocky Mountain stop is the only women's World Cup race in America for the Vancouver Bound U.S. Ski Team prior to the February Olympics.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 AUDI FIS ALPINE WORLD CUP
Levi, Finland – Nov. 14, 2009
Women's Slalom
1. Maria Riesch, Germany, 1.48.71
2. Lindsey Vonn, Vail, CO, 1:48.79
3. Tanja Poutianen, Finland, 1:49.87
4. Susanne Riesch, Germany, 1:50.04
5. Michaela Kirchgasser, Austria, 1:50.32
-
21. Hailey Duke, Boise, ID, 1:52.30
23. Kaylin Richardson, Edina, MN, 1:52.31
-
Did not qualify for a second run
Resi Stiegler, Jackson Hole, WY; Sterling Grant, Amery, WI
-
Disqualified
Sarah Schleper, Vail, CO
# # #
For complete results:
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/610.html?sector=AL&raceid=59012
Lindsey Vonn celebrates in the finish after finishing second in Levi. (Photo by Alain Grosclaude/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)
ISHPEMING, MI (Nov. 6) – Paralympic champions Chris Waddell and Sarah Will highlight a group of eight athletes and sport builders named for induction to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. They are joined by adaptive skiing pioneer Jack Benedick, legendary big mountain skier Doug Coombs, noted industry writer and instructor Stu Campbell, veteran ski jumping champion Ansten Samuelstuen, the father of southern skiing Sepp Kober and longtime U.S. Ski Team press officer and journalist Paul Robbins.
The late Doug Coombs may be the most recognizable skier in this year’s class for his appearances in many ski films in the 1990’s. A former ski racer from Montana State University, he is regarded by many as the most important skier of his generation in popularizing adventure skiing. He and his wife, Emily, started the first heliskiing operation in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. He held steep skiing camps in Switzerland, France and Greenland. The complete expert skier, he won the first two World Extreme Skiing Championships. Although his skills far surpassed those of most of the people he guided, he had a capacity to make every skier who came into contact with him believe they could try bigger challenges. He died while attempting to rescue a friend in a skiing accident in 2006.
From the Bozeman Chronicle
PHOTO BY WADE McKOY/FOCUSPRODUCTIONS.COM Doug Coombs skis to a first-place finish in the first World Extreme Skiing Championships held in Valdez, Alaska in this 1991 photograph. Outdoors Magazine once called Coombs “the best skier in the world.” A master of steep skiing, he helped pioneer the sport of adventure skiing.
He won the first two World Extreme Skiing Championships, won the national Powder 8s three times and was a stuntman in Hollywood movies, even skiing a frozen waterfall for the film “Aspen Extreme.”
He died in April 2006 at age 48 while trying to rescue a friend during a skiing accident in France.
“The life of Doug Coombs reads like the resume of five people, but he lived his life simply and with deep joy and great energy,” according to a biographical sketch posted on the Marmot Web site. “He lived to be in the mountains and ... once said in an interview, ‘The mountains are my religion.’ He went to this church often and taught those around him to be respectful and humble in the mountains.”
Coombs was on the MSU ski team in the late 1970s and earned a reputation for making the most difficult terrain look easy. He was “incredibly precise and sure-footed,” Tom Jungst, who hiked the Ridge at Bridger Bowl with Coombs in those days, told the Chronicle when Coombs died.
Bozeman Photographer Lonnie Ball shot Coombs skiing several times and later recalled an extreme-skiing contest at Bridger where Coombs jumped a cliff, smacked into a tree and “slithered down.”
“He kept skiing and won the event,” Ball told the Chronicle in 2006.
Coombs also had a reputation for being a bit of a cheapskate. He often slept in the back of his Volkswagen van. At one point, he refused to pay $35 a month for a room in a downtown apartment building where other members of the MSU ski team were living. Instead, he found a Bozeman homeowner to rent him a screened-in porch for about half the price, simply bundling up on cold winter nights.
“There are just so many stories,” Jungst said.
The man called the “Clark Kent of skiing” also listened to the Grateful Dead and had a reputation as a friendly, approachable guy.
“Doug always had a boyish enthusiasm that drew you to him like a magnet,” Rusty Squire of Bozeman, Coombs’ former MSU teammate and friend, told the Chronicle in 2006.
After four years racing on the Montana State University ski team, Coombs graduated with a geology degree and moved to Jackson, Wyo., where he worked as a geologist in the summer and a ski technician in the winters, Coombs wrote in an autobiographical piece posted on the Doug Coombs Steep Skiing Camps Web site.
He and his wife, Emily, later moved to Valdez, Alaska, where they started the first heli-skiing operation in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains.
“He pioneered more heli lines in Alaska than anyone in history,” Squire said.
Coombs went on to ski in Kyrgystan and Antarctica and held steep-skiing camps in Switzerland, France and Greenland, eventually falling in love with the Alps and moving to France.
“Although his skills far surpassed those of most of the people he guided, he had a capacity to make every skier who came into contact with him believe they could try bigger challenges,” the Hall of Fame, based in Michigan, said in announcing his induction.
Coombs is one of eight skiers in the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame’s 2009 class of inductees. The induction will take place during a ceremony in Colorado in April.
Additional Skiers include:
The late Stu Campbell lived in Stowe, VT and was a writer, instructor and resort executive who impacted millions of American skiers over a career that spanned five decades. He was the author of six books on ski instruction, served as an equipment consultant to several manufacturers, raced and coached racers and provided television commentary. For thirty years he was the instructional editor for SKI Magazine and was recognized, prior to his death in 2008, by the Vermont Ski Museum with its Paul Robbins Award for ski journalism.
The late Paul Robbins spent three decades as a ski journalist and a U.S. Ski Team press officer. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of skiing and ski racers of every discipline that he willingly shared with anyone who asked. Ski jumper Jeff Hastings wrote: “His breath filled the sails of the athletes he covered.” Remembered by all who knew him as the man with the Scottish tam, Robbins died suddenly in 2008. The Paul Robbins Award for ski journalism is presented annually by the Vermont Ski Museum, as well as the Paul Robbins Outstanding Athlete Award by the North American Snowsport Journalists Association.
"Paul Robbins left a lasting impact on ski racing," said Marolt. "His wit, charm and beret were Paul's trademark. But his vast knowledge and tireless work ethic were instrumental in telling our U.S. Ski Team story for three decades."
Sepp Kober (Hot Springs, VA) is known as the "Father of Southern Skiing." After immigrating to the United States and instructing at Stowe, he was the first ski instructor at the first southern ski area to open a rope tow, Weiss Knob, in 1958. From then he worked to prove that skiing could exist south of the Mason Dixon Line. Today the Southeastern Ski Areas Association, which he founded, consists of 20 ski areas serving four to five million skiers annually and is considered the largest feeder of skiers to the mountain resorts in the west. He led the Southeast in as a charter member of the National Ski Areas Association.
Ansten Samuelstuen (Louisville, CO) first arrived in the United States in 1951 and set a hill record for distance of 316 feet at Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs that stood for 12 years. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1954 he successfully won three national titles in ski jumping, (1957, 1961 and 1962) and held four North American titles (1954, 1955,1957 and 1964). He competed for the United States on two Olympic teams and was the top U.S. jumper with a seventh place finish at the 1960 Olympic Games in Squaw Valley.
The induction of the Class of 2009 will take place in Colorado on April 9, 2010. They will also be honored in September by ceremonies in Ishpeming, the home of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.
Nominations for Honored Membership in the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame are received throughout the year from across the country. A Selection Committee under the chairmanship of Paul Bousquet (Woodstock, VT) reviews all nominations. Successful nominations are placed on a ballot that in 2009 was voted on by a panel of 100 electors. This year’s class brings the number of Honored Members to 368.
Since 1956, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame has provided highly respected, national and perpetual recognition of athletes competing in skiing and snowboarding and of the builders of those sports who have made the highest level of national and/or international achievement and contribution to those sports.
Words:
It’s a standard now really, thanks to the great work of the local crew — but for the 5th year in a row we set up for a Sold Out show at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Fran.
The evening began with the earlier, family friendly show, nearly filling the house. Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and Erik Roner were hanging out, signing posters for the kids and mingling with the crowd. The groms ran around with signed posters with ear to ear grins after they got to meet the athletes, and then watch them on the big screen.
The second show, fans poured in, and again were greeted by the athletes crushing the poster signage. Not to our surprise - but within 10 minutes the bar line was 6 lines and 12 people deep at each line, only 40 minutes left until the show so they were getting their orders in!
TGR co-founder and cinematographer Steve Jones roamed the crowd and the stage, meeting the huge San Fran fan base. Not to mention long time TGR cinematographer, Matty Herriger, graced the Palace crowd with his silent presence, fedora in place.
Gear was thrown out by Roner and Sage by the box load. A Rossi Jeremy Jones model snowboard, Dynastar skis and Rossi S7’s were all given away through the grand entry forms that give people the chance to win the ever elusive AK Heli trip.
When all was said and done, 1400+ fans filled the Palace of the Arts, and all left stoked to dial in their gear for their trips coming up this season.
The “Final Final” took the crew to the next level with the after party making the Travel Lodge feel like the Ritz.
Thanks to Jennifer Morrison, Marni Morrison, their Volunteers, The Sports Basement, Lombardi Sports, Sierra at Tahoe, Snowbomb and Red Creek Wine - we enjoyed the full San Francisco treat!
**Stokage with Sage Cattabriga-Alosa in San Fran!**
**Erik Roner signs some posters...**
**...And then the posters get licked. San Fran fans are AWESOME!**
**The house was packed at the Palace of Fine Arts - totally sold out!**
**Everyone was stoked for the giveaways!**
**Erik Roner, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and Steve Jones pumping up the crowd with the raffle.**
**Licking posters leads to Dynastars!!! Have fun this winter!**
November 11th, 2009
Mt. Baker, Washington
Mt Baker Ski Resort opens today with 24 inches of new snow in 48 hours. Baker reports 72 inch base. Deep Tree Well Warning in effect.
photo from www.mtbaker.us
IT'S OPENING DAY! Mt. Baker has received a huge amount of snow in the past week to make one of the deepest bases we've ever had this time of year. And the forecast looks great through Saturday, with freezing levels expected to drop to around 1,500 feet and possibly a foot of new snow to fall on Friday. It could be one of the best opening days in years!
We will be in full operation out of both base areas today and Friday from 9:00 - 3:30 with all chairlifts running, but will still have midweek rates in effect ($39.50 adult ticket, includes tax!) Due to the huge amount of snow we've received in the last few days, there will most likely be a delayed opening on Pan Dome this morning to allow significant avalanche control work to be done.
DEEP SNOW WARNING:
Mt. Baker has received over 80 inches of snow in 7 days, so we are issuing a deep snow and tree well alert. RIDE WITH A PARTNER and be aware that the snow is very soft and very deep off the groomed runs. For more information on deep snow and tree well safety, go to: www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TO OPEN 12 DAYS EARLY THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Dust off your gear; the mountains have been hammered with snow over the past week and more is in the forecast
WHISTLER, BC, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 – The words ‘opening day’ and ‘early,’ much like peanut butter and jelly, always go together so well, which is why Whistler Blackcomb is very pleased to announce that Whistler Mountain will open 12 days early, this Saturday, November 14. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 26.
Mother Nature has certainly been kind with a minimum of 70-100 centimeters of snow accumulating over the past seven days. And, with the cold front moving across the south Coastal Mountains, forecasts indicate another 65 centimeters of snow could fall by opening day. Combine that with the power of an arsenal of over 160 snow guns, and this early season is off to a very white start.
“With all the excitement about the new snow and early opening rumors being spread throughout Whistler Village, among our online communities, and within our mountain staff, this Saturday morning will no doubt be epic,” says Doug MacFarlane, mountain operations manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Our mountain operations, grooming and snowmaking teams have all been working incredibly hard this week to ensure that we have the best possible snow conditions for not only opening day, but for all season long. We’ve got a lot of work to do between now and Saturday, but we’re up for it, and stoked!”
On Saturday, skiers and riders will be able to head up Whistler Mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola, with Big Red Express, Emerald Express, and Franz’s Chair all open. Guests should note, however, that early season conditions do apply and caution should be exercised at all times with the terrain available best-suited for intermediate to advanced riders and skiers. In addition to that, guests should observe all mountain signage and stay within the operational boundary, which will be marked with “Temporary Boundary” signs during the early season. Whistler Mountain’s hours of operation will be from 8:30am to 3pm daily.
Lift tickets will be available for the early season price of $59 CAD; however, for guests living in Canada or Washington State, consider picking up an EDGE Card, which guarantees the lowest rates on lift tickets all season long. EDGE Cards come loaded with 1, 3, 5, or 10 days of lift access, are valid all season long and are still available at early bird pricing until November 23. For accommodation packages, look no further than our early booking deal, which ends this Sunday, November 15. Book early and save up to 39 per cent on lift ticket and accommodation packages throughout the season, and receive the Best Price Guarantee. If a similar package is offered during the season at a better rate, we will cover the difference.
“There really is no shortage of things to be excited about as we embark on the biggest and best season yet,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “We’re opening early, the snow is falling, and we’re realizing our five decade-long dream of being the Official Alpine Skiing Venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Plus, our mountains are going to be 90 per cent open during the Olympics, and 100 per cent open before, and afterwards, giving skiers and riders plenty of powdery options to choose from.”
Guest Relations in Whistler Village will be open Wednesday/Thursday from 10am to 6pm, Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations will also open Friday through Sunday to assist in processing season passes and EDGE Cards. G1 Gondola Rentals (in the Gondola Building), the Salomon Store and the Westin will be open for rentals from 8am Saturday and Sunday. Tuning and storage will be available. Check www.whistlerblackcomb.com for all details.
November 11th, 2010
Tignes, France
First ever Winter X Games Europe to take place at Tignes Ski Resort in France in March 2010
ESPN, CANAL + Events and Tignes Ski & Snowboard Resort will launch the first Winter X Games Europe March 10-12, 2010. The event will be the first Winter X Games held outside the United States. The event will bring together ESPN's world class X Games franchise with France’s leading pay TV broadcaster and local expertise of Tignes. A definitive list of the world's top winter action sports athletes will be invited to France to compete for medals and prize money. There will be eight different competitions over three days, including Ski and Snowboard SuperPipe and Slopestyle for men and women as well as a Snowmobile demonstration.
photo: ESPN
CANAL + Events CEO, Jean Louis Dutaret said, “We are delighted to work with ESPN and the X Games team to bring the Winter X Games to Europe. CANAL + Events and ESPN events team will draw on all their experience to ensure this is the biggest and best winter sports event in Europe in 2010. As for soccer, rugby and many sports, CANAL + Group will consider X Games as a global project, including TV, Internet and mobile. In a Winter Olympic year, and only a few weeks after athletes have competed in Vancouver, fans in Europe will again be able to watch the top names in the world compete head to head.”
”Nothing could be more justified than Tignes as the host resort of the first Winter X Games Europe. Tignes, the sportiest European ski resort, is always at the forefront of action and freestyle winter sports,” said Tignes Ski & Snowboard Resort Manager, Sebastien Merignargues.
photo: ESPN
Rick Alessandri, ESPN Senior Vice President and Managing Director, X Games Franchise said, “Working with CANAL + and Tignes, and drawing on more than 10 years experience of running the Winter X Games in the United States, we are excited to bring winter action sports fans in Europe the best action sports event they will see in 2010. This first event outside the U.S. reflects the continued global growth of the X Games franchise as well as the progression of action sports in Europe.”
CANAL + Networks (CANAL +, CANAL + SPORT, Sport +) will show the Winter X Games in France and French-speaking territories (Caribbean, French speaking Africa) live (or on-delay) so that those unable to come to Tignes will be able to see the event. ESPN will be responsible for all distribution outside of France.
November 11th, 2009
Teton Village, Wyoming
As winter hits early, Teton Gravity Research Launches the TGR Snow Lab, the ultimate resource for snow information and news.
Teton Gravity Research is proud to announce the launch of the TGR Snow Lab on tetongravity.com. The Snow Lab is presented in partnership with The North Face and provides skiers and snowboarders with weather information, snow reports, resort news, snow safety/avalanche training videos, avalanche news and discussions and more.
“We wanted to create a place where people can go to get all the information they could ever want on snow, weather, resorts and backcountry training,” said Chris Dunn, TGR’s Director of New Media.
The TGR Snow Lab is populated with avalanche training videos including the Recco Avalanche Awareness Series, which is a great overview for backcountry travelers. A new weekly series with advanced avalanche rescue techniques will begin roll out on Thursday. Additional backcountry resources include avalanche discussion forums, snow safety blogs, and avalanche incident reports. “This is a great resource and gathering spot for like minded backcountry users who want to know what it going on in the snow universe,” says TGR’s Todd Jones.
Detailed worldwide weather maps and forecasts, resort cams, and snow reports will provide the user with a place to go to get real time information on the conditions at every resort worldwide. The site also keeps users up to date with resort news and deals on an ongoing basis. Resorts can also directly populate the site via resort profiles and get their updates featured on the Snow Lab. Join now to contribute.
This Press Release and the photos are cleared for any use in any media.
Press Releases can be sent to press@tetongravity.com.
Advertising inquiries: advertise@tetongravity.com
November 11, 2009
Denver, Colorado
Jeremy Bloom retires from skiing. Bloom was preparing for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Bloom also played in the NFL. Bloom had 26 World Cup Podiums.
Jeremy Bloom, one of the most decorated freestyle skiers in United States history and a two sport athlete who also played in the National Football League, today announced his official retirement from competitive skiing. Bloom was preparing to compete in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, but has decided to forgo training and competition to concentrate on his broadcasting, business and philanthropy endeavors fulltime. "I am eternally grateful to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for the success that I have obtained in my sports career," Bloom said. "Without this group of people, whose wings I have stood on, I would never have enjoyed the athletic privileges and successes that I dreamed of as a young boy. The passion that I once had for sports has naturally transitioned into my new ventures. I feel like I’m twelve years old again, dreaming and climbing new mountains. And, I hope that many will join me in these pursuits." "Since he burst onto the scene as a U.S. Ski Team athlete as a teen, Jeremy Bloom has always had the ability to perform as a world class athlete and to capitalize in building public enthusiasm for his sport," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt. "He showed he was best in the world, winning a World Championship and two season-long World Cup titles. He will continue that success in his business and sports-casting career and we look forward to working with him to tell the story of our sport." Despite competing in only four full seasons at the World Cup level, Bloom became one of the most decorated freestyle skiers in U.S. history racking up 26 World Cup podiums, 11 World Cup wins, two overall World Cup titles, and a World Championship gold medal. A two time Olympian (2002 & 2006) he holds the world record for most consecutive World Cup wins in a single season with six (2005). He was also a standout wide receiver and punt returner for the University of Colorado football team, playing only two seasons before the NCAA ruled him ineligible to compete on the collegiate level because of endorsement contracts he had signed as a professional skier. In 2006, following the Torino Olympics, Bloom was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, and played four seasons with Philadelphia and the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring due to injury. "I had the unique opportunity to start coaching Jeremy when he was ten years old. He had great skills and focus at even that age and through the years it was great to see him rise to the top of his sport," said Moguls Head Coach Scott Rawles. "It was amazing to watch him excel at both football and skiing during his time at the University of Colorado and it was great to be part of his streak of six World Cup victories in a row during the 2005 World Cup season. I fully expect Jeremy to continue his success at all of his next ventures and am proud to call him a friend." Bloom will now devote all his efforts on the next stage of his life, focusing the majority of his time to his foundation that enriches the lives of low-income seniors. "My work with the Wish of a Lifetime Foundation over the past year and a half has completely changed my perspective on my life. For so many years, I have been focused on personal accomplishments. My journey into granting wishes to low-income aging adults has been as gratifying as anything I have ever accomplished. I am proud of my foundations work and I am thrilled that I will be able to spend more time working to expand our efforts in creating a cultural shift in the way we all look at aging in this country." Bloom also plans to increase his broadcasting assignments with ESPN (he has done color commentary on college football for ESPN360 this fall) and on analyst duties for skiing and winter sports-related events. Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime (JBWL) was founded in early 2008 and is a Colorado-based 501 (C) (3) foundation, which enriches the lives of low-income aging adults. Bloom started the organization in honor of his grandmother, Donna Wheeler, who lives in Keystone and still works fulltime at the age of 84. The foundation contributes to an American cultural change that honors and celebrates the lives of aging Americans. For the rest of the story visit www.WishOfaLifetime.org
November 11th, 2009
Antarctica
It's been two days since we've left Ushuaia. We still haven't reach the peninsula and I've spent most of my time lying in bed to avoid the sea sickness. I've puked a bunch of times.... but the sea seems to be getting better as we are approaching South Georgia Island. It’s quite unreal the atmosphere there is, crossing the famous Drake passage, (worse crossing in the world) surrounded by these massive waves. We've seen a few whales already, the crew is really excited despite the long journey. we stopped over at Trinity Island, which is loaded with peaks and first descents. We got out to strectch our legs, whcih was well needed. Can't wait to see what's on the other side...!
Check out the previous entry from the trip.
**There is so much ice in the Drake Passage. The visuals are unrivaled. Crazy Mountains everywhere.**
**Xavier and Jeremy playing around on a steep snowfield.**
**The ice and peaks come straight out of the ocean. Jeremy Jones prepares himself for the steeps.**
**The land of Ice and Snow. It is mind blowing.**
**The view from Jeremy and Xavier's room. Dream lines are everywhere.**