723 Search Results for ""ski resort""

• Hi-Fives with Thomas Vincent o Hi-Fives with Thomas Vincent of Hi-Line Films

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    Hi-Fives is a new column that puts the spotlight on badass people and places that are breaking the mold.  We kick things off by interviewing Thomas Vincent, a twenty-three year old passionate skier from Missoula, Montana. We caught up with Vincent at the top of Beartooth Pass, a remote backcountry mecca in Montana, during the Beartooth Summer Sessions a few weeks ago.

     

    Vincent was shooting with Hi-Line Films—a production company based out of Missoula, Montana—for its upcoming release, "the simple side." We happened upon him as he stood drinking a beer and smiling while holding a napkin to his bloodied cheek.  Despite fresh injuries, he graciously answered our questions about Hi-Line Films and what the heck they were doing in Beartooh.

     

    

     

    Give me the run down on yourself, name, age, job?

    My full name is Thomas Caywood Vincent the 5th. Let me look at my passport here, ah yes, I am 23 years of age. My parents introduced me to skiing when I was in kindergarden, so what...I was 5? I've been riding and filming with Hi-Line since the winter of 2011-2012. I'm currently studying digital film at the University of Montana and I often find myself following a bit of a fantasy more often than not. Since there aren't dragons flying around our heads, I put planks on my feet and slay snow ghosts. It's really my way of saying, "hey earth, do better....bitch." It feels good to ski.

     

    Why did you come to Beartooth Pass?

    I actually came here for redemption. Last year we came here at the exact same time of year with with Hi-Line Films. And last year, I found a way to break my jaw, so this year we decided I needed redemption-- I can't end on a bad note! So we came out here and I did what I sought to do, and I feel really, really good about it. This place is phenomenal. You drive up to the top of Beartooth Pass, your buddies drop in, you lap a couple of times, you hoot and holler and go home to your campsite and feel a lot better at the end of the day. It's incredible--it's big line skiing in June. 

     

    What has your experience in Beartooth been like?

    We got here late, super late on Tuesday night at like four in the morning. So we got up a little late and ended getting up to the pass at about noon on Wednesday. We got to Gardner Headwall and literally there is a road that will swing you up to this amazing face with tons of long lines, shoots, and, couloirs.  So we all rallied up and six of us hiked out to the top of our lines.  When we dropped in, we rode out this bulletproof chunder and did the best we could. We basically straight-lined the chutes, rode it out, and powered our quads through it, even if it brought tears to our eyes because it hurt so much to hold. But when you know you are getting filmed, you gotta hold it through. And we did it! 

     

    

     

    What went down on your second day on Beartooth Pass?

    The next day we built a massive jump on top of a cornice that Toy Solider Productions was working on last year. It's down and around from the Garder Headwall. We basically found a nice big cornice to build a jump on, to boost us up and over. We built a nice backcountry step-down. I did a starfish lincoln loop over it, which I was pretty happy with. 

     

    There was actually a carpool of British people at the base and they were ecstatic about it. They said it was the most “brilliant” thing they've ever seen in skiing--so I'm happy about that. Bringing back some old school. I like it. But a few of us were having some problems with speed on the jump. I was fortunate to stomp out some tricks, but some of the other members of the team were having a hard time and not stoked on it, but I really wanted, needed to get my redemption trick out of it. So I decided to try a cork 9 for true redemption, and I brought it to my feet a couple times, but we started seeing lightning and hearing thunder so we decided to call it, and headed back to our campsite. We got pretty rowdy at the campsite, had a raging fire, drank beers, talked about our lines and enjoyed the heck out hanging out. 

     

    Are you still seeking redemption, what happened today?

    This morning I woke up, wasn't sure if I would have the energy to go for that 9, but I got convinced. The Hi-Line crew stoked me up, so I decided to go for it. I hiked up to the jump by myself. We had the Hi-Line filmers posted up on the road, watching and tracking my progress through the telephoto lens. Once the sun peeked out, I went for it. First try, cork 9, to my feet--couldn't hold it. Second time, to my feet--couldn't hold it. Third time, started getting sloppy, cork 9 to my chest. Fourth time--almost broke my jaw again! I felt the ski come up to my jaw again, real tough. I landed the nine, and my ski just got stuck in the chunder and shot up straight into my face. So after that I decided to call it. But we're on top of Beartooth Pass, looking at Garder Headwall, right now, waiting for three of our guys to get on their lines. Ben [Zeimat] is actually setting up camera now. And shit, we're drinking beers, we're chilling, and we're loving it. This is enough for me.

     

    Editor's note, we stop the interview as the remaining three guys needled a tight, steep chute. We hooted, hollered, cheered, and got back to talking. 

     

    

     

    This place is no joke, you guys are gnarly . These lines are legit. So tell me what  other projects have you been apart of?

    I've been working with "The Trimming's" web series. It was produced by two Epic Planks pro riders, and the series has been fairly popular this season. And through that I have been getting a lot of practice. With Hi-Line, they have been primarily focused on backcountry. They really don't touch any resort, so you're going to see a lot of skinning,  a lot of hiking, a lot of effort, a lot disappointment and a lot of excitement in our film.   We're calling the movie, "the simple side" and it will be coming out next fall. 

     

    Who all is in Hi-Line Films?

    Ben Zeimet, is the filmer, director, producer. He is the man behind it all. He will commission additional filmers to get different angles. But yeah, it's been really interesting and an awesome experience working with these guys. Some of the other riders you'll see are T.J. Andrews, you'd be familiar with him from, "Come Find Us," the first Toy Solider Film where he was trying the triple cork, which, actually, was right over there,  right over there on that ledge. [Points to ledge.]  He became a legend in Montana for that. So that guy has been pushing the hell out of me this trip. But let's see, we're also with Sam Arroues, and Garret Umphress. So those three including me are kind of the core team. But we've had a bunch of friends claiming lines and adding to it.

     

    When do you plan to release "the simple side"?

    We'd like to get it into Missoula by mid-October along with premiere season. We're going to tour it around Montana. We might go into a couple different places,  but we know our market niche is in Montana. And we'll definitely have a teaser coming out soon. 

     

    What you guys are doing here is the core essences of shredding..living life, camping, waking up, hiking these huge lines, and getting shit done. It's awesome. 

    Ya, totally!  And tonight, we're going to party in a school bus at our campsite.  It broke down a few days ago en route to Beartooth, but we fixed it up, and tonight we'll be celebrating our successes out here and going for it! 

     

    Check out Thomas and the rest of the Hi-Line guys in the teaser below.

    the simple side. Mid Season Teaser from Hi-Line Films on Vimeo

     

    Riders:

    T.J. Andrews

    Sam Arroues

    Thomas Vincent

    Garrett Umphress

    Joel Anderson

    Brett Bacon

    Danny Arnold

    Luke Morris

    Riley Johnson

    Jake Fagrelius

    and friends

     

    Filming and Editing by:

    Ben Zeimet

     

    Produced By:

    Hi-Line Films and Generation One Media

     

    Photos: Gavin Gibson

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• Ketchup Soup: Vail Buys North Ketchup Soup: Vail Buys North Korea

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    PYONGYANG—Fresh on the heels of Kim Jong Un’s announcement that he is developing a world class ski resort, Vail Resorts has acquired the fledgling ski area and its surrounding base area of North Korea. 

    The move should come as no surprise; Vail Resorts has been moving in and penetrating new markets for quite some time. “North Korea’s gentle rolling terrain fits our consumer profile very well,” says Vail CEO Bob B Houndz. “And besides, all of our yellow Mountain Safety jackets are made there. Where else can you get such totalitarian authority?”

    Houndz reports that North Korea’s unrestricted testing of crowd control measures and customer suppression tactics will help Vail Resorts be the “spearhead of skier safety.” He points out that several new devices are already in the works from “that three-dot thing from Predator” to something called “The Gaper Day Device.” Houndz declined to comment further, but did note that “We are excited about incorporating North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. They definitely provide a competitive advantage in some of our more saturated markets.

    Vail Resorts decided to acquire the entire nation of North Korea for a simple reason, according to Vail Chief Marketing Officer Lynda Karl: “We need the parking.” 

    Vail Resorts plans to use the entire nation as an elaborate weave of low-ceilinged parking structures and Bavarian style villages. This will force North Korea’s local population to park along the South Korean border, but Kim Jong Un is excited about the new industry. “Fuck those guys,” he explains. “If they want to park, they can pay me.” 

    According to Karl, North Korea is the perfect addition to the Vail family because it already has many of the same attractions found at other Vail resorts. “The abandoned industrial buildings strewn throughout the country are very similar to the Detroit area around Boyne. The Ryugyong Hotel fits into the natural landscape just like any of our villages,” Karl offers. “And the best part is that North Korea’s massive infrastructure of propaganda speakers is just perfect for pumping mellow Muzak and advertising throughout Vail’s North Korean experience.”

    Vail Resorts Plans to have the new ski area up and running by this winter. “There’s almost nothing to be done,” says Houndz “The place is already under total lockdown. The streets are empty, but North Korea has plenty of willing laborers capable of erecting a new lift once every fifteen minutes. Ski ya on the slopes!”

     

    ** EDITORS NOTE: Ketchup Soup is TGR’s  new weekly satire column aimed at poking fun at the sports we all love. TGR’s “Ketchup Soup” is a fictionalized, satirical publication. Its content should in no way be interpreted as an actual record of events. These stories are also not intended to be, nor should they be construed as, attempts to predict the future course of any individual or entity, but should be viewed only as parody. TGR’s “Ketchup Soup” is not associated with any other news service. Names used in “TGR’s Ketchup Soup” stories, unless those of public figures or entities, are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or entities is coincidental, unintentional, and accidental. Any event described in TGR’s Ketchup Soup” that actually comes to pass should also be considered coincidental, unintentional, and accidental.

    The moral here is laugh now, but remember, you’re probably next.

     

     

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• Nuclear Ambitions: North Korea Nuclear Ambitions: North Korean Skiing

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    When not threatening the world with nuclear arms or attending basketball games with Dennis Rodman, Kim Jong Un has been busy mapping out plans for a new ski resort in North Korea.

    According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un recently visited the site of the new Masik Pass Skiing Ground. “He learned about progress made in the construction of objects such as skiing gatepost, hotel, skiing apparatuses storehouse, heliport and cableway,” KCNA reported. Unfortunately, the KCNA not only failed to explain what a “skiing gatepost” is, it also failed to find a translator proficient in English.

    

    In addition to constructing the Masik Pass ski resort, the North Korean Army is reponsible for taking copius notes on its creation. Here, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un discusses the new resort, as well as his recent attempts to train for the 2014 slopestyle contest at Sochi. (Image courtesy of the Korean Central News Agency)

    Fearless leader, who "has been doing triples since he was nine," has been working on a number of slopestyle tricks never seen outside of North Korea's borders. He won't comment on what he actually has up his 3/4-length sleeves, but he will say his "Quads are like woah," and his new move the "Fearless Unicorn," is going to send skiing into the nuclear age. We're excited to see the sparks fly.

    With North Korea's new training center, we're expecting to see pint-sized power players in the ski game come piling out of Pyongyang. "We've learned from Mr. Shaun White that the only way to become the best is with private training facilities," says Fearless leader. "We also know we shouldn't pay any attention to the sports we're participating in, just like Mr. White. We're good at that. We've got decades of isolation expeience here in North Korea."

    As for the current crop of American, Canadian, and Scandanavian talent ruling the ski industry? "None of those chumps was ever born under a double rainbow," says Beloved Leader.

    The new “skiing ground” at Masik Pass seems to be an improvement from the skiing North Korea currently offers at Mt. Baeku:

    To learn more about the Masik Pass Skiing Ground and North Korea’s attempts to transform skiing by dropping new technology, follow the jump to CNN.

    If, however, you’d prefer to wade through the poor translations available from the North Korean government, drop into the KCNA's site for coverage of Kim Jung Un's visit to Masik Pass and other happenings in the DPRK.

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• Nuclear Ambitions: Skiing in N Nuclear Ambitions: Skiing in North Korea

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    When not threatening the world with nuclear arms or attending basketball games with Dennis Rodman, Kim Jong Un has been busy mapping out plans for a new ski resort in North Korea.

    According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un recently visited the site of the new Masik Pass Skiing Ground. “He learned about progress made in the construction of objects such as skiing gatepost, hotel, skiing apparatuses storehouse, heliport and cableway,” KCNA reported. Unfortunately, the KCNA not only failed to explain what a “skiing gatepost” is, it also failed to find a translator proficient in English.

    

    In addition to constructing the Masik Pass ski resort, the North Korean Army is reponsible for taking copius notes on its creation. Here, North Korean leader Kim Jung Un discusses the new resort, as well as his recent attempts to train for the 2014 slopestyle contest at Sochi. (Image courtesy of the Korean Central News Agency)

    Luckily, however, the new “skiing ground” at Masik Pass seems to be an improvement from the skiing North Korea currently offers at Mt. Baeku:

    To learn more about the Masik Pass Skiing Ground and North Korea’s attempts to transform skiing by dropping new technology, follow the jump to CNN.

    If, however, you’d prefer to wade through the poor translations available from the North Korean government, drop into the KCNA's site for coverage of Kim Jung Un's visit to Masik Pass and other happenings in the DPRK.

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• Skiing with Kim Jong Un in Nor Skiing with Kim Jong Un in North Korea

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
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• Salvaging a Season Salvaging a Season

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
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    Salvage - Philippi Spring 2013 from Matt Philippi on Vimeo.

    Matt Philippi’s winter was not the powder-filled fantasy he had hoped for. Instead of chairlifts and sled tracks, Philippi faced a worn-out space on the couch and over ten new screws added to his anatomy. After an entire winter of being bitch-slapped by the sport he loves, it would be logical for him to take it easy. But that just wouldn’t be any fun. We caught up with him to find out how he got so mangled, and how he’s already back in action.

     

    TGR: You broke your wrist early in the season, how did that happen?

    Matt Phillipi: It was December 18th and I was just skiing sidecountry in Jackson and got hung up skiing some trees. The next thing I know I’m waking up from a concussion with a broken wrist, and I don’t even know what happened. My radius was shattered and the joint surface in my wrist was mangled. The next night I went in for surgery. That was the last time I do a surgery without a nerve block.

    TGR: That’s rugged. How long were you out for?

    MP: It was a wrist, so I could keep skiing. I took a week-and-a-half off for Christmas.

    By mid January I was hitting it really hard. I couldn’t snowmobile at all so I was resort skiing and doing big skin days. It was an amazing two weeks of skiing. I was really getting to know the resorts well.

    

    TGR: Two weeks only? Then what happened?

    MP: It was January 27th I was just skiing on the backside of Jackson, skiing Little Targhee headed towards Cardiac Ridge. It was the fourth of fifth skin lap of the day, in blower pow, and I hit a submerged stump. I guess I just wasn’t being careful enough, and hit it, compressed my ankle, and tomahawked down the hill. 

    Right away I knew my ankle was at least sprained pretty bad. It was about 2:30 in the afternoon and the only way out was to skin. I ended up doing a 3.5-hour skin back to the tram. There was a lot of screaming and swearing at myself but ultimately I made it out. It was one of the more intense experiences in the backcountry I’ve ever had. It was an awakening to how gnarly things can be back there.

    TGR: So what was wrong?

    MP: I was skinning with my inner anklebone broken completely off. I had to have a screw drilled into it to reattach it to my tibia.

    

    TGR: So you snapped a bone off, and were still able to ski this year?

    MP: I was back on skis by early April. I was out for about two months, which is pretty damn quick. The sprain was more of a pain than the break.

    TGR: So this edit is kind of a comeback. How’d it get done?

    MP: The sled skiing is in a secret zone south of Jackson. KGB productions had been out there working with a couple of people. I saw some Instagrams and wanted to hit them up. They took me there and it was a go. Before then I was sucking it up on the groomers. I went out there and hadn’t hit any airs yet, or anything, but I was able to get a couple of shots. A week later another storm rolled through. And I was able to get some more shots. The zone is rowdy. It’s one of those zones where you nearly run out of gas.

     

    TGR: It looks rowdy, but that line you did in Grand Teton National Park was nuts.

    MP: After that second day, it was getting towards late April, and Eric Daft wanted to go ski a gnarly line off the Grand itself, but they bailed and I got convinced to ski Dartmouth Couloir, which is off the south saddle of the Grand. It’s in between the Grand and the Middle. I Google Earth-ed it, and looked doable. But it was the type of day that should have been broken up. We started at like 4am, got to the line at 2:30pm, dropped, and had to hike out. There were grizzly tracks everywhere and a huge wet-slide that scared us. Check out the story at snowbrains.com

    TGR: Totally seems worth it. So where are you now?

    MP: I had a weird season with broken bones, but I’m stoked to end the season skiing how I wanted to, and all my confidence is back. I know I can push it harder next year and ski bigger lines. I’m looking to give it 110 as usual. It won’t be different than any other years; I’ll just start with a couple more scars.

     

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• Mind's Eye Episode 3 – Daniel Mind's Eye Episode 3 – Daniel Tisi

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    In Season 1 Episode 3 of Sony Action Cam’s web series, Daniel Tisi shreds Jackson Hole Mountain Resort hitting every feature in sight.
    
    Sony's Mind's Eye is 10 episode series of self-edits gives an insider’s look at the team of TGR athletes as they documents their adventures with Sony’s Action Cam.
    
    Music Courtesy of: Jeff Cormack & Play Plus Record
    www.playplusrecord.com
    
    More Mind’s Eye Episodes
    
    Watch TGR Videos

     

    
    
    

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• Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl Amba Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl Ambassador

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    "Sugar Bowl Resort is my favorite ski area because of the terrain, snow and overall experience. The Bowl gets dumped on and is an epic playground stacked with terrain. I love the smooth flowing groomed runs any day, but get drawn to the open trees, bowls, tight lines and gullies. Now as a professional free skier the challenging steeps in Palisades is my training ground for big lines in AK. Fun runs and fresh snow, days after a storm are there so find me and lets go. If not, explore or find a local and you'll be fired up. For determined and dedicated youth in the ski world, the Sugar Bowl Academy (SBA) is dedicated to offering an environment to excel in academics and racing / free skiing. It's an amazing life path where I'm more than willing to pass on my knowledge of the sport since I grew up in a similar system. To top it off the resort staff are super friendly giving it that traditional ski experience charm, an important reason for my loyalty to Sugar Bowl. Come check it out and take a run down Rahlves' Run." Banzai!!! Sugar Bowl Ambassador - Daron Rahlves

     

    15 years on the US Ski Team, 4x Olympian and the most decorated male American Downhill and Super G skier in history. Daron won 12 World Cup races, had 28 World Cup podiums, 7 US National Titles, is the 2001 World Champion in Super G, Silver medal at the 2005 Worlds in DH and Bronze medal in GS. He was the winner of the legendary Hahnenkamm Downhill in 2003 and SG in 2004 along with 7 podium finishes in Kitzbuhel over 5 years. Ski cross became his competition of choice in 2007 and in 2008 Daron took Gold in Skier-X at ESPN's Winter X Games 12 and finished 3rd overall on the Jeep Skiing/48 Straight Tour. Currently he's on the Teton Gravity Research (TGR) team skiing big mountain lines and works closely with his sponsors to develop the best quality equipment and experience for those unforgettable days on snow.

     

    Video by Weston Walker
    http://www.westonwalker.com

     

    Stills Courtesy of Sugar Bowl

    http://www.sugarbowl.com; http://www.facebook.com/sugarbowlresort

     

    Race photo courtesy of Deven Hickingbotham

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• Orage Masters 8 Orage Masters 8

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    On April 6, 2013 The Orage Masters, aka the Anti Comp, now better known as the craziest scene skiing has ever seen crash landed for its 8th event at Sun Valley Resort, Idaho and officially became a thing of legend within the world of ski contests.
    
    8 teams of skiing's elite film crews featuring the likes of Level 1 Productions, 4bi9 Media, Traveling Circus, Step Productions, Inspired Media, The Kids, Toy Soldier Productions and Me Gustan Aviones came costume clad, ready to throw down and eager to claim bragging rights and the $10,000 cold hard cash compliments of Go Pro that come with 1st place.
    
    Level 1 took top honors and the white dinner jackets.
    4bi9 Media claimed second and a trip to Retallack lodge.
    And The Traveling Circus rounded out the top 3 earning a 5 day trip back to the host resort, Sun Valley.
    
    Call outs to Johnny G's subshack for feeding the crews and of course Freeskier Magazine for playing the role of our fantabulous media partner of choice.
    
    www.orage.com
    www.facebook.com/orage

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• Through the Lens: Jason Thomps Through the Lens: Jason Thompson

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:
    Words by Kim Havell and Jason Thompson
    Images by Jason Thompson
    
    
    Upon graduating from Montana State University in 2004, photographer Jason Thompson joined Big Sky’s Ski Patrol and also worked as a mountain guide in Washington and Alaska, steadily building a career in adventure photography. His focus is on creating skiing and climbing imagery that captures the essence of action adventure.
    
    
    With a style that Thompson describes as “raw and unposed”, he strives for simplicity. His images are the product of his lifestyle, telling stories inspired by nature, adventure, and the human experience. At twelve years of age, Thompson decided to pursue photography with an old-school Olympus camera. He took photography classes in high school while shooting action photos of skiing, backpacking, and soccer.
    
    
    
    
    
    Thompson is currently on an expedition to University Peak in Alaska with friend and ski partner, Forrest Coots. When asked about Thompson, Coots shares, “JT has a strong skill set built from years of guiding. He is comfortable climbing and skiing big lines, while also shooting, which allows him to capture that raw-feeling. His images reflect his travels through the mountains via ice climbing and ski mountaineering in iconic locations around the world.” 
    
    
    
    
    The Start—Insights from Jason
    As a kid, I was drawn to the mountains and loved the winter months. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I was exposed to some of the finest mountain terrain in the lower 48. The Olympic Mountains served as my launching point for adventuring as well as capturing the escapades with my camera. The Washington experience extended from childhood through high school. 
    
    
    A high school friend gave me a flyer for Montana State University. That was the first time I realized the power of marketing; there was a skier on the front page of the flyer. I was sold. I had also seen many of Kris Erickson's pictures and read many of Hans Saari's words. It was an easy move to a place where two creative adventurers that I had looked up to had made their home base. In the fall of 1999, I moved to Bozeman, without ever having been there, two days before classes started. Five years later I graduated with a degree in photography. The community in Bozeman welcomed me and it’s been home ever since. 
    
    
    
    
    Breaking Through
    For me, the photography process has more been a series of ups and downs with a continual ebb and flow. There have also been great moments that have provided me with bigger surges. 
    
    
    In 2008, Tyler Jones, Seth Waterfall, and I received a Hans Saari Ski Exploration grant for a trip to Mount Shkhara in the Republic of Georgia, located in the Svaneti Region. I had to plan a major trip from a climbing/skiing perspective as well as from a photography perspective. It was a great learning exercise. The expedition was powerful for the three of us, visiting a place that we knew little about. It left a mark on me in my young photography career.
    
    
    In issue #36 of Alpinist Magazine I had a double page spread. The article, written by Joe Josephson, was about ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon here in Bozeman, Montana. I was humbled and thrilled at this incredible opportunity to be involved.
    
    
    
    
    
    Inspiration
    During my junior year of university, Kris Erickson came in and gave a talk to my photography business class. It was groundbreaking for me. I remember being blown away by the images he was showing, the adventures he had been on, and the people and places he had seen. It was an inspiring forty minutes for me. I remember thinking that, yep, I could do that for work. 
    
    
    Since then I have had a chance to get to know Kris better. The insight he provided that day and since then has motivated me to follow suit in many ways and has helped me to carefully evaluate how I mold and shape my photography and my brand.  I have heard Kris mention so many nuggets of wisdom over the years. When I used to shoot slides, I built myself a light table, made of out of cheap plywood and plexiglass. I would write quotes or ideas that I had heard which inspired me or had caused me to take pause. Some of my favorite nuggets written on that light table were from Kris. I wish I had kept that light table—somewhere during the many moves I lost it.
    
    
    
    
    Safety
    I have always wanted to be a photographer and that has always been my number one goal. But, I tactically decided early on to pursue ski patrolling and guiding in order to give me a solid foundation of management, in particular from a safety standpoint. I heard Will Gadd explain his philosophy and outlook on life as a “positive, negative outlook.” Meaning, the universe is out to kill us. As Will put it, if you get hit with that piece of ice that is your fault. No one else can be blamed for that. He preached personal responsibility. I agree.
    
    
    
    
    
    As a ski patroller at Big Sky Ski Resort, I learned a lot over the years about avalanches and helping others with medical incidents and avalanche mitigation. I also started mountain guiding, spending time in the Alaska Range and on Mt Rainier.
    
    
    
    
    I have a very open dialogue with athletes with whom I am shooting. Safety is number one. Just because there is a camera does not mean that you have to accept a risk that you wouldn't normally take. The industry trend is to make everything look very sexy. Often times the careful calculations are not shown or exposed. That is one of the things I want to bring to the table as a photographer. Showing the process of how the hazard is being evaluated and what steps are being taken in order to minimize “our” exposure to that risk or hazard. 
    
    
    
    
    
    The Creative Process
    The creative visual process has only begun to take shape in the vertical terrain. I think that we have just seen the beginning. As a visual adventure artist I try and pre-visualize how an athlete will ski a certain line or climb a certain line. I use the athlete as my brush stroke on a blank canvas to generate the exclamation point to the already stunning landscape. 
    
    
    Hans Saari stated this idea beautifully: “ The vibrancy of the line means everything. Like a cello, there is no sound until the string is taut. The more you struggle, the tighter the string, the greater the music.” 
    
    
    
    The Business
    With the current status of the industry, it takes creativity to approach the visual side of things and to see things from new angles. If I use a business model that my mentors used previously, chances are that I probably will not last too long in this industry. 
    
    
    The digital age has shifted many things. But, I believe that relationships propel us forward. It’s the human connection. As a viewer of images, you are drawn to the content that captures that soul. One of the quotes that I had written on my plywood light table twelve years ago was from Kris Erickson—“It’s about the relationships.“ 
    
    
    
    
    
    Just like any business that is starting out, a plan of action has to be put into place. Still, taking that first step into the unknown is still probably one of the biggest adventures upon which I have embarked. But just like climbing or skiing a big objective, after the first few pitches your nerves calm down. I have been able to realize that “yeah, I can do this.” It’s something that you have to commit to. It’s a lifestyle. Creative artists pour their lives into doing what makes them passionate. 
    
    
    
    
    Partnerships
    Time spent with friends exploring and adventuring inspires me the most. I've found a greater personal joy in the expedition style shooting versus the one-day shoots. It is a chance to get to know my subjects in greater detail and see more of their personalities shine.
    
    
    
    
    
    There are several folks with whom I really love working:
    
    
    - Ice climber Andres Marin has been a great friend of mine for a very long time. His energy is contagious. Andres has a drive for perfection and professionalism that is very admirable.
    
    
    - Forrest Coots and I met for the first time while in Chile during the fall of 2011 on a ski trip. We meshed right away. I enjoy Forrest's desire to take trips to places that require some thoughtful planning. Forrest and I have sat in our tents during storms and shoot texts back and forth dreaming about trips and different ideas that spark our passions for skiing in the mountains.
    
    
    - Tyler Jones and I met in 2005 while we were guiding for the same company. Tyler has since gone on to finish his AMGA guiding certifications as the youngest American to complete the process. His meticulous attention to detail is somewhat astonishing. Tyler is one of my best friends. From the Republic of Georgia, Montana, Alaska and La Grave, our mountain time has played a huge role in our friendship. I've learned a ton from Tyler in regards to hazard mitigation.
    
    
    - I was recently on a shoot with Conrad Anker. His vision, dedication and outlook on life is inspiring. He would prefer to talk about his new route the “Nutcracker” than talk about his last summit on Everest without oxygen. His psych for climbing is contagious, his energy transcends generations, his talents are inspiring to watch, and his mentorship helps many. Conrad never stops learning and he is a proponent for adaptation. That’s just rad. 
    
    
    
    
    The Future of the Industry
    I believe the future involves a lot of creative collaboration. Sharing ideas and collaborating can be very rewarding. It will most likely evolve and morph on a much larger scale. I know of some climbing projects that are in the works based on wide scale submissions from climbers willing to submit content from a whole season’s worth of footage from one location. So instead of one or even five filmers being involved, there will be fifty contributing work. 
    
    
    
    Career Highlights
    - Every year I make a little more money than the previous year as a photographer.
    
    
    - Having my first image published in a Patagonia catalog and then having them re-license it for a store display in the Seattle store—that was a goal of mine that year and it felt really good to nail it. 
    
    
    - Being awarded the Hans Saari Ski Exploration Grant for a Ski trip to Mt Shkhara in the Republic of Georgia. 
    
    
    - Double page spread in Alpinist Magazine #36
    
    
    - The moment I realized that I actually had an audience that was listening to me and actively following my work. It was a moment that shifted my mindset and challenged me to work even harder. It wasn't just my mom who was looking at my pictures anymore. 
    
    
    - Being asked to give a talk at Montana State University in the same business photography class in which I had heard Kris Erickson give his talk. 
    
    
    - The friends I have made and the many interesting people that I have been fortunate to meet over the years because of photography. 
    
    
    - Being invited on the Cerro Castillo ski trip in Patagonia with Drew Stoecklein, Chuck “The Pit Viper King” Mumford and Forrest Coots to work on and create the short film “Take The Ride.”
    
    
    To view more of Jason's work, drop into http://www.jthompsonphotography.com
    
    
    
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• Stevens Pass: More Snow Than H Stevens Pass: More Snow Than Hype

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    Words and Images by Joey Mara

    The Cascades are loaded with underrated gems—and Stevens Pass is definitely one of them. Not only is the resort peppered with steep terrain, it also enjoys massive storms that make the mountain a freerider’s dream. Only eighty miles from downtown Seattle, Stevens Pass has been slinging lift tickets for seventy-five years. In that time, it’s been responsible for more than a few people calling in sick to sample the latest storm. With ten lifts serving 1,125 acres spread between the mountain’s front and backside, the resort accommodates skiers and riders of all ability levels. Nonetheless, the mountain is best known for its expert terrain.

    

    No one disputes that the snow in the Pacific Northwest is deep, yet its quality is often up for debate. A few locals will come clean, however, and reveal that labels like “cascade concrete” are misnomers designed to keep tourists away. The snow at Stevens is premium—and thanks to receiving over 450 inches of snow annually, there’s plenty of pow to go around. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the mountain to see upwards of 650 inches in a season.  

    

    After a storm, however, the snow at Stevens is typically measured in feet thanks to a unique weather phenomenon known as the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. West of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains split incoming storm tracks, forcing their wind and moisture to divide to the north and south and collide again when they converge at the Cascades. This concentrates precipitation in the vicinity of Stevens Pass. Consequently, storms may hammer the mountain while other resorts in the state receive only a fraction of this snowfall. Needless to say, the storms at Stevens make dreams come true—just come prepared with a snorkel. In December of 2012, for example, a storm dropped 39 inches at the base of Stevens and sixty inches at its summit in just a twenty-four hour period.

    

    Stevens Pass lacks the glamour (and excessive amenities) of a mega resort—and that’s fine with those who call the mountain home. For the courageous, Stevens has plenty of steep lines—perfect for those who like to push limits and occasionally piss their pants. Pillows, chutes, steeps, cliffs, and spines all litter the mountain, while the tree skiing is also world class. It might be worth befriending a local when you come to Stevens, as much of this terrain can be elusive to the uninitiated. To further maximize your time at Stevens, be ready for some serious storm riding. Locals revel in the free refills provided by Steven’s heavy snowfall. The mountain’s night skiing can also add a new dimension to chasing powder. And if you’re fortunate enough to catch a bluebird day, Cowboy and Rooster Ridges provide an ample canvas for laying down creative lines. It should come as no surprise that skiers and riders can explore Stevens season after season and continue to find new zones.

    Stevens Past to Present Celebrating 75 Years! from Joey mara on Vimeo.

    For those prepared to venture outside the access gates, the backcountry at Stevens Pass is the real deal. Due to the high amount of snow and steep terrain, avalanches occur frequently. Adding to the danger, visibility can change rapidly. That being said, a wealth of ridges, back bowls, and peaks can be accessed via the lifts or by touring from the highway or nordic trails. Much of Steven’s backcountry dumps skiers at the highway, enabling them to easily hitch a ride back to the resort.

    

    In addition to its natural terrain, Stevens Pass boasts a solid park. The Top Phlight park crew spends its days prepping dozens of rails and kickers of all sizes. Stevens also has one of the few halfpipes in the state of Washington. Thanks to the diversity of its terrain, the mountain is a breeding ground for well-rounded rippers.

    

    Stevens has remained under the radar thanks, in part, to a lack of accommodations at its base. For those wishing to stay close to the slopes, a variety of rental cabins are available on both sides of the pass. Most visitors, however, stay in or around the town of Leavenworth on the east side of the pass. Located forty-five minutes from Stevens, Leavenworth sports a Bavarian theme and offers plenty of entertainment for those looking to kick back and slip off their boots. During the winter months, the town is lit up with Christmas lights and the streets are packed with Seattleites hoping to escape the city, shop, and enjoy some food and drinks at German pubs. For those looking for no-frills lodging, the small towns of Skykomish and Gold Bar on the Seattle side of the pass offer affordable options.

    

    Stevens will never be a Whistler or an Aspen—and it does not want to be such a resort. And while the scene is mellow, the mountain is not. Needless to say, Stevens has no shortage of challenging terrain—and good company with whom to explore it. The people are friendly and the snow is deep. If you measure your seasons in faceshots and high fives, Stevens might be your soulmate.

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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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• Go Big And Land Soft Go Big And Land Soft

  • From: jacksonhole
  • Description:

    Come out to the Eagle's Rest Terrain Park at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and try out the airbag jump with USAirbag. The airbag will be open Friday March 29-Sunday March 31st.
    
    Watch Jackson Hole Videos

  • 2 months 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!
  • 3 months ago
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• Over 30 Feet of Snow in Jackso Over 30 Feet of Snow in Jackson Hole

  • From: jacksonhole
  • Description:

    Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has seen 29“ of snow this week, bringing our season total over 30 feet. The snow conditions are the best we've seen all season, and from the looks of the forecast it's just going to get better.
    
    Watch Jackson Hole Videos

     

  • 3 months ago
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• 3/18/13 Snowboarding Solitude 3/18/13 Snowboarding Solitude

  • From: calebwood
  • Description:

    My brother and  having a fun icey day at Solitude Ski Resort in Utah.

  • 3 months ago
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• News: The Mountain Collective News: The Mountain Collective Adds Three New Partners For 2013-2014 Ski Season

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    
    The Mountain Collective has added three premier independent ski resorts in North America to its roster of iconic destinations for the 2013-2014 winter season. Mammoth Mountain, Snowbird and Whistler Blackcomb join Alta, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows in this unprecedented collaboration of resorts.
    
    Starting today, a limited number of Mountain Collective passes are on sale at last year’s price. For only $349 USD, The Mountain Collective Pass includes two days of skiing or riding at each of the six destinations (AltaSnowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows and Whistler Blackcomb), plus a 50 percent discount on all additional days with no blackout dates.
    
    In addition, passholders will receive exclusive lodging deals throughout the season. Collectively this pass grants access to 12 mountains with more than 30,000 acres of terrain, 186 lifts and an unmatched reputation for snow quality, quantity and steeps. Passes are available online through an exclusive technology, distribution and marketing partnership with Liftopia.com A limited quantity of passes is now available at this lowest guaranteed price.
    
    “The Mountain Collective successfully captured the imagination of mountain travel enthusiasts looking for variety, flexibility and affordable access to the best independent resorts in the world,” said Christian Knapp, vice president of marketing, Aspen Skiing Company. “Adding these three world-class mountains makes this the ultimate dream pass, and only serves to enhance the value skiers and riders will enjoy from The Mountain Collective.”
    
    The Mountain Collective Pass is available for children (ages 12 and under), under the same terms for just $229. The partnership will also offer a 50 percent discount on lift tickets to premier pass holders at the participating resorts.

    Order your Mountain Collective Pass at Liftopia.com for only $349

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• Whistler Whistler

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:
  • 3 months ago
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• Waterville - Park and Pipe Ope Waterville - Park and Pipe Open Series 2013 - The North Face

  • From: thenorthface
  • Description:

    Highlights from the rail jam and big air competition at The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series at Waterville Valley Resort. Edit by Stept Productions and team athlete Nick Martini.
    
    Music:
    Black Rock Coming Soon
    The Black Eyed Keys
    
    Watch More Videos By The North Face

     

  • 3 months ago
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• Kirkwood Competition Highlight Kirkwood Competition Highlights - Freeride World Tour TV

  • From: freerideworldtour
  • Description:

    Top runs and moments from the tight competition at Kirkwood Mountain Resort for the Swatch Freeride World Tour 2013.
    
    Watch More Freeride World Tour TV Videos Here

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 8
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