123 Search Results for ""south america""
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Go: North Cascade Heli Go: North Cascade Heli
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
North Cascade Heli from Joey mara on Vimeo.
Words And Video By Joseph Mara
In a cut-off corner of north-central Washington State, a little known heli-skiing operation has been flying under the radar for nearly thirty years. North Cascade Heli (NCH), located in the town of Mazama, operates in a 300,000 acre permit area just south of North Cascades National Park. Pioneered by Harris Sanford in the early 80’s and then named Liberty Bell Alpine Tours, the outfit is now run by owners and guides Paul Butler and Ken Brooks. Their multifaceted operation now offers several different experiences ranging from a single heli-day (seven guaranteed runs or money back) and private flight time charters, all the way to extended guided touring trips at their two-story backcountry yurt. Planning a longer trip is recommended because weather conditions in the North Cascades vary drastically from day to day. The operating season is short, only seventy days from mid-January through March. Space fills up quickly so plan months in advance if you can.
NCH offers a wide variety of terrain for all ability levels. Their longest run is 3,800 vertical feet, touring through high alpine peaks, glades, and trees. Bowls, couloirs, and slide paths are also on the menu. Snow? Yeah, they have plenty of that. The Cascades receive huge deposits of white gold every year and boast some impressive totals, including the single season world record snowfall of 1,140 inches held by Mt. Baker, situated just west of the helicopter permit area. The Cascades are the most glaciated mountains in the lower forty eight and are one of the few mountain ranges in North America with active volcanoes, including Mt. Rainier rising to over 14,000 feet. This makes the Cascades one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the world, and there is no better way to experience them than by helicopter.
You will be in good hands at NCH with some of the most experienced guides in the business. Pilot Seamus O’Daimhin, a Vietnam Veteran who flies for logging and fire-fighting operations in the summer, has eyes in the back of his head. You will buzz low over mountain peaks and watch the bottom drop out as you cross ridges between runs. With such a large permit area and a max elevation of 9,000 feet, NCH can always find the good snow, even after a big warm up. conditions. If you get lucky, your guide just might take you to Stair Step, and Seamus will drop you off on a tiny mountain peak landing that may test your faith in him.
The typical one day trip begins in the heli-barn at 7:30 AM with a review of the day’s schedule and backcountry safety protocol, followed by weigh-ins and outfitting of all guests with the necessary safety equipment. Afterwards, a short review of proper beacon, shovel, and probe use takes place outside. Once everyone has completed the safety training, the pilot will go over the dos and don’ts of riding on board the A-Star B2 helicopter. Around 9:00 AM, up to three groups of four guests each will take turns loading the bird and flying out to their first run. Seven runs with lunch provided is a typical day, and additional runs can be purchased on the spot with time and weather permitting. Expect to arrive back at the heli-barn by mid-afternoon with a huge grin and a hankering for cold beer (BYOB). If you will be enjoying an extended stay with NCH, you will be shuttled to the Barron Yurt to begin your multi-day backcountry tour. The touring packages can often include an extra “heli-bump” or two.
NCH’s location in Mazama is why it’s one of Washington’s best-kept secrets. Mazama is relatively isolated during winter months due to the closure of the west side of the North Cascades Highway. The Washington State Department of Transportation cannot maintain the road because of the massive amounts of snowfall. Most guests come from the Seattle area and make the four and a half hour drive around. Lodging can be found in Mazama at the Freestone Inn, or The Rolling Huts if you are looking for a more rustic experience (outhouses and no sink). Nearby Winthrop is a charming old western town which is well worth a stop for lodging, hot air balloons, the oldest legal saloon in Washington State, city girls on vacation, or the rusty old cowhands and their classic cars. Make sure to check out Kelly’s restaurant at The Rolling Huts outside of town for the best Irish food around, not to mention Steve’s signature cocktails which may or may not include real absinthe (ask for the “Aviation”). For anglers, this is prime steelhead country as well. The nearby Methow River offers excellent fishing and the latter half of NCH’s operating season coincides with the start of the fishing season. The cross-country skiing is also world class possibly more popular here than alpine skiing (if you happen to know someone who is into that). This seldom seen corner of the country is more than worth a visit. Combine the skiing, the natural beauty of the North Cascades, the uniqueness of Mazama and Winthrop, and NCH’s nearly three decades of heli-operation experience and you might just leave with a new annual tradition.
- Blog post
- 4 weeks ago
- Views: 139
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Video: Gigi Ruf, Nicolas Mulle Video: Gigi Ruf, Nicolas Muller And Danny Kass Shred Valle Nevado, Chile
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
What better way to celebrate the launch of Nike Snowboarding in South America than with a little heli-boarding in Valle Nevado? Gigi Ruf, Nicolas Muller and Danny Kass head south to meet up with local boy Manuel Diaz and slash some powder. Set your drool meter to 11.
Music: “Wake Up Drill II” by Grails
Nike Snowboarding gear is on sale from Backcountry.com at 20% Off - Blog post
- 3 months ago
- Views: 129
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News: Valle Nevado, Chile, Lau News: Valle Nevado, Chile, Launches Early Bird Deals For Up To 35% Off
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
If I was a betting man I would put my money on South America having an outstanding snow season. To entice those looking for an endless winter Valle Nevado Ski Resort is offering an Early Bird Package for skiers and riders looking to save big, up to 35% off.
Valle Nevado, Chile, January 2013 — Valle Nevado Ski Resort today launches outstanding Early Bird Promo Offers for North American and UK skiers and snowboarders when booking a package before March 15, 2013. The discounts translate into substantial savings with Valle Nevado packages that include lodging, lift tickets, half board, and après ski. Every skier and snowboarder yearning to make 2013 the year they live the South American ski/ride adventure should not wait to book, as space is limited for discounted stays.
Valle Nevado is South America's premier ski resort, offering access to more than 7,000 acres of terrain located high in the breathtaking Andes, just 90 minutes from Santiago. The resort is self-contained, with 3 hotels for all price levels, gourmet and casual dining, shopping, a spa/fitness center, and the continent's most modern lift system, including a new gondola and day visitor service area for 2013. South America's best heli-skiing is here at Valle Nevado, too, with up to 5,000 vertical fee in one run. The resort is open from June 28 to late September, or “summer skiing” for residents of the northern hemisphere. Blue skies, uncrowded slopes, spectacular views, and a warm, friendly atmosphere are the hallmark of a Valle Nevado vacation.
Valle Nevado has also launched its new Facebook page in English for international travelers interested in receiving news about Valle Nevado, and information about discounts, events, contests, and more. “Like” Valle Nevado English at: http://www.facebook.com/ValleNevadoEnglish
EARLY-BIRD PROMOTIONAL DEAL
Save 35% on stays of a minimum of 3 nights during the dates:
• June 28 - July 5
• July 5 - 12
• Sept. 20 – 27
Save 25% on stays of 7 nights during the dates:
• July 12 - 19
• September 13 – 20
•
Save 20% on stays of a minimum of 3 nights during the dates:
• August 2 -16 (Hotel Tres Puntas only)
• August 16 - September 13 - Blog post
- 4 months ago
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Muyu Juntas'qa - S3 E03 - The Muyu Juntas'qa - S3 E03 - The FullCircle Project
- From: matthewphilippi
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Description:
Muyu Juntas'qa is the Quechuan word for “FullCircle”. Quechua is the language of the people of Amaru and a language that has been handed down from the time of the Inca.
This is the final episode from the 2012 community service and skiing adventure. The FullCircle crew wraps up their time in Peru with the adobe brick making process and then say goodbye to their new friends. From there, they head to Chile in search of that elusive Andean powder... and hit it just right with a storm that dumps a meter of pow onto the crew.
Watch More Episodes Of The FullCircle Project - 5 months ago
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Leo T Returns To Shred The Sh* Leo T Returns To Shred The Sh*t Out Of South America
- From: line_skis
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Description:
French Mountain Command Leo Taillefer turned heads with the edit from his first time ripping Las Lenas. This time he's back to make the Southern Hemisphere his bitch again in Argentina.
Click Here To Watch More LINE Videos
- 7 months ago
- Views: 10
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News: Team America And Team Eu News: Team America And Team Europe Tie In Swatch Skiers Cup Big Mountain Comp
- From: media-75233
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Description:
Santiago, Chile — The Swatch Skiers Cup got off to an incredible start Saturday, Sept. 1 with the Big Mountain competition, held on a spectacular, remote mountain near Valle Nevado, Chile. The competitors boarded helicopters at dawn in Farellones and ascended to the venue — a 4000 meter peak with a highly featured south face covered in high quality, dry Andean powder. After a short inspection, the head-to-head battles got underway in the suspenseful match-play format that makes the Swatch Skiers Cup unique. After the 16 competitors each took their two runs, the score between Team Europe and Team America was tied, 8- 8.
After the first heat, Team Europe held a solid 5-3 lead. Europe looked especially strong throughout the event, with impressive performances from Markus Eder, captain Sverre Liliequist, and a jaw-dropping run from Sam Smoothy.
“I was pretty knackered after the first run so I decided to go for something with less turns and more air. It was pretty simple but something that I could just charge,” Smoothy said.
Team Americas suffered another setback as Chris Benchetler, sustaining a shoulder injury during run one, was forced to sit out the second run. But as the second heat progressed, Team America rallied behind the leadership and rock-solid skiing of their captain, Cody Townsend, and staged an impressive comeback. Chopo Diaz ended up skiing twice in round two, replacing Benchetler.
Chopo Diaz in the starting gate. Photo: Bernard Jeremy.
“Chopo was the Team Americas MVP by far, stepping up when Chris couldn't ski his second run. Doing two runs in one heat, at this altitude, with this long, difficult run is amazing!” Townsend said.
The teams traded points back and forth until the very end, and when the final competitor crossed the finish line it was all tied up at 8 - 8.
“This tight race after Big Mountain day is perfect, its exciting to see the close battles run after run. Plus it gives our team a ton of motivation for Backcountry Slopestyle day.” Sverre Liliequist said.
The action is only half over. The Backcountry Slopestyle day will be Friday, Sept 7 and the winning team there will be the one to hoist the Swatch Skiers Cup trophy.
The neck and neck competition between these two elite teams looks to continue to the very last run, so stay tuned, and don't miss a single match of this incredible event.
See more Big Mountain photos here.
- Blog post
- 8 months ago
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Video: One Run In Las Lenas: C Video: One Run In Las Lenas: Centinelas
- From: SamPetri
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Description:
Well, these guys are back charging in Las Lenas again. Jordi Tenas, Txema Trull and Adria Millan dropped a bunch of POV edits from South America last year around this time. Now they’re back crushing the same lines, albeit with what looks like a thinner snowpack. These three are pretty damn good at making point of view videos and that is because they are actually good at skiing and editing. Keep it up! - Blog post
- 9 months ago
- Views: 154
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Epic Sturgis: 5 Athletes, 16 H Epic Sturgis: 5 Athletes, 16 Harleys, Dozens Of GoPros, 1 Hell Of A Ride
- From: ericseymour
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Description:
The author, Eric Seymour, rides a Harley Davidson Softtail Blackline toward Mount Rainier and, ultimately, to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Words by Eric Seymour.
Photos courtesy Harley Davidson and GoPro.
Passing a semi-truck, 100 miles from Sturgis, South Dakota, our 16 motorcycles were in a tight-staggered formation drafting one another at less than one car length. I looked down at my speedometer and the gauge read 120 mph. I was surprised at my speed. The Harley I was riding was ready to pull ahead even faster. Everyone always says, “it’s the journey, not the destination,” but pulling into the motorcycle rally, I thought it might be the destination in this circumstance.
TGR, GoPro and Harley Davidson rally through Mount Rainier National Park with five elite extreme sports athletes.
Teton Gravity Research was invited to cover an epic 1,500-mile motorcycle journey from Seattle, Washington, to Sturgis, South Dakota, sponsored by Harley Davidson and GoPro. The trip was in celebration of Harley Davidson’s 110th anniversary. Joining Max Kuszaj, one of the voices of the Freeskiing World Tour, and four other elite GoPro athletes including three-time X Games gold medalist BMX rider Chad Kagy, kayak freestyle champion and Olympian Eric Jackson, mountain bike film star Aaron Chase, and four-time world mountain bike champion Brian Lopes.
Starting in our hotel parking lot in Seattle, we began getting outfitted with our leathers and checking out our Harley motorcycles. We had 16 big, badass motorcycles that showcased the 2012 line.
I was anxious as I sat in the hotel parking lot getting ready to begin the ride. The mission encompassed riding 1,466 miles, 29 hours of saddle time, and four days to travel from Seattle to Sturgis. Could I ride a Harley? Could I ride this many miles? Was I crazy to embark on this journey with only dirt biking and commuting in Jackson, Wyoming, on a 650cc duel sport as my experience? All doubts vanished as I twisted the throttle on the1500cc Blackline in Mount Rainier National Park, heard the bike roar, and felt the bike accelerate. Riding the Harley was easy. The bikes are big, but they have a low center of gravity and a predictable clutch that instills confidence. I knew I was going to experience the trip of a lifetime.
Entering the Lochsa River Corridor.
The organizers of the journey planned a phenomenal route that took us through national parks, along river drainages, over mountain passes, and the majority of the ride was on two-lane twisty highways. I cannot think of a better way to see the country. Riding by bison in Yellowstone National Park made me feel so small and at the same time very alive. My highlight of the trip was riding over Beartooth Pass in Montana. The road is magnificent with tight turns that zig and zag for a perceived eternity. Huge drop-offs exist on the edge of the road. I was able to release my aggressive nature as I pushed the Harley Sportster in and out of curves with speed and a determination to go faster. At the end of the day, feeling a release of endorphins, I was content knowing that I am going to be a motorcycle rider for life.
Max Kuszaj of the Freeskiing World Tour loves to ride.
Riding a motorcycle gives a person a sense of freedom that is very comparable to skiing. The wind is in your face and accelerating through a corner feels like railing a turn.
“The nicest thing about motorcycles is that it allows me to clear my mind and get on the road,” Max Kuszaj said. “A lot of my ski friends are now getting Harleys. It’s great to get on the road, clear your mind and just ride.”
Before heading to South America to go skiing, Max has another 2500-mile motorcycle ride planned out with his buddies. Max really likes motorcycles.
Riding through a wheat field as the sun sets in Idaho.
Getting to Big Sky, Montana. 
Trading our Harleys for downhill mountain bikes at Big Sky.
Four-time world mountain bike champion Brian Lopes sending at Big Sky.
Wind in the face never felt so good. Riding the Sporster Seventy-Two.
The team goes for an early morning bridge jump into the Gallatin River in Montana. 
Where the buffalo roam: Yellowstone National Park.
Riding out of Cooke City, Montana.
Beartooth Pass. The highlight of my trip.
Sunset on Beartooth Pass. Life never felt so good.
Riding into the sun on Beartooth PassArriving at Sturgis, I was amazed at the pure magnitude of the festival with over 600,000 bikers the town was packed. We had arrived at the motorcycle version of Burning Man, a biker’s Shangri La. Zip lining over a massive crowd with Journey playing “Don’t Stop Believing,” and bikers revving their loud pipes, I felt like I had entered a new world.
“Sturgis is wild,” Max Kuszaj said, “I was not mentally prepared for the madness and the amount of people that are here. It’s something that you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. It’s the best people watching that I have ever seen in my life.”
For me, Sturgis is about seeing the culture and history that has encompassed Harley Davidson for so many years. I appreciated all walks of life. There is a new breed of Harley rider that is young, fit, and wants to ride. As fun as Sturgis was, it was not my highlight of the trip. The winding roads, amazing sunsets, and freedom felt on the bike were my Shangri La. It still is the journey not the destination.
Welcome to Sturgis.
The streets are lined with bikes in Sturgis, South Dakota.
X Games gold medalist Chad Kagy and pro mountain bike freerider, Aaron Chase check out the bikes in Sturgis.
Shotgun!
Don’t stop believing. Journey rocks the house at Sturgis. 
Get on the road and enjoy the ride.
"The top of the pinnacle is a Harley. It’s the American horse, the American legend.” - Max Kuszaj. - Blog post
- 9 months ago
- Views: 601
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News: Skiing And Snowboarding News: Skiing And Snowboarding See Unified World Tour For 2013, Dates Announced
- From: media-75233
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Description:
Lausanne, Switzerland / Salt Lake City, USA – Event organizers of Swatch Freeride World Tour, Freeskiing World Tour, and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding announced this week a merger that will combine all three tours under one unified, global, five-star championship series. The new six-stop world tour, named the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, will include freeride skiing and snowboarding at each stop.
Confirmed tour locations include Revelstoke, Canada, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France, Kirkwood, USA, Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal, Austria, and one more stop still to be confirmed, before the World Tour finals in Verbier, Switzerland.
"The union of the three tours is a major step in the sports' growth," said Nicolas Hale-Woods, Freeride World Tour Managing Director Europe. "Not only at the Freeride World Tour level, but also at the qualifying level, with events happening in New Zealand, North and South America, and Europe, all counting toward one unique Freeride World Qualifier ranking, enabling riders from all active areas to qualify for the next season's Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face."
"Big mountain freeriding has a long and rich history with incredibly talented athletes around the world," said Adam Comey, Mountain Sports International President and Freeride World Tour Managing Director Americas. "Now, with two great brands in Swatch and The North Face, and two dedicated organizations in Europe and North America coming together for one mission and one tour, the next chapter of freeride skiing and snowboarding is very bright."
For 2013, start lists will feature qualified athletes from all three of the 2012 tours, as well as from qualifier events (four-star events), along with a limited number of wild card entries from both continents.
"The merger of the two ski tours is a great step for our sport," said 2012 Swatch Freeride World Tour Champion Reine Barkered of Sweden. "It will add even more recognition around the world. For me, as a rider, I'm looking forward to an even more exciting season with a lot of new faces."
American skier Drew Tabke, a long-time competitor and podium leader on both tours, agrees: "Beyond the details of judging, rankings, and format, I'm most excited to see the two tours' top riders compete against one another. The best event last year was the combined event at Revelstoke. This event represented the ideal outcome of this merger of the two tours: A legitimate representation of the world's best riders competing at a world-class venue."
American snowboarder Ralph Backstrom, a title contender on both tours, says, "I couldn't be more stoked to hear that the The North Face Masters and FWT will be combined for next season. I look forward to seeing some more North Americans at the European stops, some more Euros in North America, and an increased talent pool."
In addition to the five-star Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, there will be around 40 qualifier events (FWQ) around the world, ranging from one to four-stars, for up-and-coming athletes to earn a spot on the next year's FWT. First stops of the four-star FWQ will be in New Zealand and in Chile in August 2012. Riders will score points in two separate rankings, a five-star FWT ranking and a one to four-star FWQ ranking.
The North Face, a long-time supporter of big mountain skiing and snowboarding, the Freeskiing World Tour, and founder of The North Face Masters of Snowboarding, has joined on as presenting sponsor to the new, merged Freeride World Tour.
"The North Face is excited to be a partner in this next generation of freeride competition. Athletes like Ingrid Backstrom and Dana Flahr were able to foster and showcase their talents in this competitive forum and we're looking forward to the expansion of this arena across multiple sports," said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing at The North Face. "We take pride in the role our pioneering athletes and innovative products have in both the history and future of action sports. This collaboration signifies our commitment to the continual evolution of freeriding and its athletes."
"It is a great pride to welcome The North Face as presenting partner of Swatch Freeride World Tour. The fit between the two brands is just perfect," said Nicolas Hale-Woods, Freeride World Tour Managing Director Europe.
Along with the addition of The North Face for 2013, long time partner of Freeride World Tour, Swatch is back as title sponsor for the second year, making it possible for a tour of this size to continue to thrive and evolve.
"As a long-term supporter of freeride skiing and snowboarding we're very happy to see the merger of the top European and North American events into the Swatch Freeride World Tour by the North Face. There's nothing more exciting and inspiring than to see top athletes performing at their best, and the six big-mountain venues on the new world tour are spectacular sites for all-out competition at the highest level. We can't wait! [for the season to start]" said Marco Vaccari, Head of Marketing International Swatch Ltd.
Freeride World Tour also welcomes a new FWT supplier: PrimaLoft, key actor of the winter sports industry in terms of comfort and security.
Competition Calendar For Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face 2013:
1. Revelstoke
Dates: 7 - 12 January; Location: Revelstoke (Canada)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard2. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Dates: 26 January - 1 February; Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard
3. Kirkwood
Dates: 27 February - 3 March; Location: Kirkwood (USA)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard4. Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal
Dates: 9 - 15 March; Location: Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal (Austria)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard5. Europe - Location To Be Confirmed
6. Verbier Xtreme
Dates: 23 - 31 March; Location: Verbier (Switzerland)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and SnowboardChoose From Men Or Women Below To Download The Pre-qualified, Invited Athlete List:
- Blog post
- 10 months ago
- Views: 313
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Leo T Returns - To Shred the S Leo T Returns - To Shred the Sh*t Out of South America
- From: line_skis
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Description:
French Mountain Command Leo Taillefer turned heads with the edit from his first time ripping Las Lenas (see here: http://youtu.be/LdrKRVXCWPM ). This time he's back to make the Southern Hemisphere his bitch again in Argentina.
- 10 months ago
- Views: 19
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Video: Mountaineering In Alask Video: Mountaineering In Alaska - Brothers On The Run Episode 5
- From: adambroderick
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Description:
John and Eric Jackson keep saying they're going on a road trip to South America, but every time they check in they're still in Alaska. Can you blame them? The snow is just so damn good. In episode 5 of Brothers On The Run, the boys head deep into the Alaska Range to go "jib-mountaineering" and John earns some good stoke on his first real summit. Pat Moore was also there and got to experience an AK-line in a chute full of freshies. To wrap up another sweet adventure, the crew spent the first hours of their last day out destroying a beautiful booter. That's a lot of firsts. In the next episode, they will have finally gotten on the road and progressed to Baldface Lodge, British Columbia, and then on to California to rendezvous with Jeremy Jones. Will they ever make it to the southern hemi? Tune in next time for another update.
Click Here To Watch Episode 4 'Surfing In Alaska With Ian Walsh' - Blog post
- 11 months ago
- Views: 160
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News: Nike iF3 International F News: Nike iF3 International Freeski Film Festival Returns To Montreal On Sept. 12
- From: media-75233
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Description:
The ski season officially kicks off Sept. 12 with the sixth annual International Freeski Film Festival, co-presented by The North Face, Salomon and Oberson. iF3 brings you the best freeski films from across the globe and unites the whole community for five days of movies, art, concerts and activities.
This year iF3 is moving to the heart of Montreal's cultural district, the Quartier des Spectacles. Returning for another year are signature events such as The North Face Outdoor Screening, the Oberson Autograph Session which will compliment new venues such as the iF3 Outdoor Village and the Monument National‚ the new location for iF3‚ and daily movie screenings. This year iF3 will be giving special props to the ladies of our sport by hosting an all-female movie screening and autograph session, both in memory of the late Sarah Burke.
The Ultimate Celebration of Skiing
From on-piste to backcountry to urban meccas, festival attendees have been joining their ski heroes on trips around the world since its inception in 2007. Dubbed the 'Cannes Film Festival of the Ski World' by ESPN Media, iF3 brings professional and amateur producers together to showcase their films and give the public a glimpse into what their season had in store. A multidimensional offering of activities, iF3 draws a diverse crowd of music and visual art lovers, outdoor and travel enthusiasts, and, of course, aspiring pros, current all-star athletes, and future Olympians.
Spectacular Cinematography
The festival also rewards film producers and athletes for their hard work, dedication and creativity. From all four corners of the world, production teams and skiers constantly push the limits of the sport and bring the public to places that few have ever laid eyes upon. Last year the festival welcomed members of the newly announced Canadian Olympic slopestyle and halfpipe teams, along with freeski legends such as Kaya Turski, Sean Pettit, Phil Casabon, JP Auclair, Mike Douglas and Tanner Hall‚ just to name a few.
A few of the many iF3 Movie Awards that were given out in 2011:
iF3 Best Film presented by SBC Skier: Poor Boyz Productions, The Grand Bizarre‚ USA
iF3 Best Amateur Film presented by Jay Peak: NSF Productions, Frozen Yogurt, CAN (QC)
iF3 Best European Film: Field Productions, Being There, NOR
Uniting the Freeski Community
"At the outset of iF3, the goal was to create a film festival dedicated to videos showcasing freeskiing, and to export ski culture on many levels. The initiative comes from the need to combine all the elements of freeski culture in one place, says iF3 President Felix Rioux. "Today, no medium better embodies the freeskiing spirit as filmmaking, and this is what iF3 is all about. It is the largest gathering of independent filmmakers, athletes, and festival-goers, bringing together personalities from over 20 different countries. Each year we receive submissions from professional and amateur producers from around the world and aim to represent the infinite angles of the freeski movement; the new school of skiing."
iF3 is Truly International
Great news for those of you in South America this summer! We have teamed up with the Sony 'Eye of the Condor 2' to bring you one night of iF3 action on August 3rd in Santiago, Chile. Returning for the third consecutive year is iF3 Europe, taking place September 28th-30th in Annecy, France.This year there are three submission categories at iF3: Amateur, Professional, and Web & New Media.
Submissions are currently open, and you can find all the necessary submission information at:
Twitter.com/IF3
Facebook.com/IF3festival
- Blog post
- 11 months ago
- Views: 180
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Interview: Angel Collinson On Interview: Angel Collinson On Filming With TGR In Alaska
- From: brigidmander
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Description:
Angel Collinson hangs out at the Northern Chugach Mountains while filming with Teton Gravity Research for its newest movie, The Dream Factory. Photo by Adam Clark.
Angel Collinson has been on the rise ever since she came on the big-mountain ski scene a few years ago. At 21 years old, she has won the Freeskiing World Tour in 2010, 2011 and came in second overall this past season. The industry has taken note, including the Teton Gravity Research production team. This year, TGR took Angel up to the biggest venue of all – Alaska – to film for our newest movie, The Dream Factory.
We caught up with her to find out how it was to shred with skiers she grew up admiring, what she has planned for women’s freeskiing, and why she may forgo a ski trip to South America to bang nails at home in Utah.
On the opportunity to film with TGR in Alaska:
I got the call from TGR this January asking if I'd like to film with them. I was already committed to a full season of big mountain competitions, but filming with TGR has always been a dream of mine and I wanted to make both agendas work. The first trip was with Erik Roner up to Haines, Alaska. It was cool to have a small group, and Erik was really great with tips and advice to help me feel more comfortable in the new situation of heli-skiing and filming. Because of my busy comp schedule, I could only be up there for a week. I still learned a lot.
On Alaska, round II:
The other trip I took with TGR was up in the Northern Chugach, flying out of the Knik River Lodge, with Dana [Flahr], Seth [Morrison] and Sage [Cattabriga-Alosa]. By the time Dana and I got up there in mid-April, a lot of the snow was good, [but] it wasn't good enough to be filmable. It has to be almost perfect. It was frustrating, and we didn't ski that gnarly of lines. That being said, we still got to ski some sick lines, and the last day we were up there were the biggest lines we had skied yet.
On showing up ready to charge on a new stage:
My racing background has laid out a really good foundation for strong technique, so when I'm on top of something gnarly, I'm excited and confident, ready to fire it up.
Looking at all the [AK] terrain, I thought to myself: "I know I can ski that, and ski it fast and well too, if the conditions were right," and knowing that definitely made me recognize where I've come to in my skiing, looking up at huge lines knowing they are definitely within my ability. I feel like I have been training my whole life for Alaska lines.
Angel Collinson rips a line in Alaska's Northern Chugach Mountains. Photo by Adam Clark.
On stepping it up to the next level:
I am going to transition into other travel and film projects [instead of competition]. It's hard to improve your skiing when you are traveling and competing all the time — you don't have a lot of training time. I can't wait to actually have time to improve, and my focus is on working on tricks and bigger airs. Once I feel like I can confidently throws tricks off of most cliffs and consistently stomp big airs, I might do a comp here and there — those are the things that I want to bring into the competition field.
On moving out of the parents house:
Well, my brother John and I are still living in Little Cottonwood Canyon with the fam, spending every day building a house as a family at the mouth of Little Cottonwood. Our goal is to have the house done by the fall, and then John and I will move in together. I can't wait to share a house with just him. He's always been my best bud and favorite person to ski with.
Yesterday I was taking down ski posters and magazine cutouts from the room I lived in since I was little, and there were all these pics of Sage, Seth, and Dana. It was crazy to be like, I was looking at these pics when I was 10 years old and getting fired up, and now I just got done with an AK trip filming with them! A dream come true.
On appreciating - and accomplishing - life:
While it's cool to have a lot of distinguished accomplishments, if you didn't have fun while doing them, to me they are not as meaningful. And on the flipside, maybe you didn't really accomplish anything but look back on the time period and it brings warmth to your heart and you feel like you are really ALIVE. To me, that's a success, and something to be proud of — to look back at accomplishments, or lack of, and say, "Yeah. I'm doing it! I'm living, I'm happy, and I appreciate everything I got." To come out of a season feeling like that is what I'm the proudest of. - Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Skiing South America: Just Go Skiing South America: Just Go
- From: ryandunfee
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Description:
Andres Labbozzetta boosts in the Cerro Catedral trees. Photo by Ryan Dunfee.It’s that time of year again. It’s when we watch the local snowpack fade away, taking with it the memories of the season. Lucky kids start flocking to glacier camps at Mount Hood and Whistler. And webcams start showing evidence of the beginning of the South American ski season, causing the unsatisfied among us to begin researching credit cards with airmiles rewards and to start looking at our calendars and bank accounts. It’s a scenario I’ve found myself summer after summer, and with some good luck, was one I was finally able to act on. At random, on a surf check at a frozen New Hampshire beach, I met the owners of what was then South America Snow Sessions, and within three days had a sales job and my sights set on Argentina.
An unhealthy amount of exuberance led me to believe I could ski every single month of that year despite being based out of New England, and come June I found myself at the base of Tuckerman’s Ravine with a broken ankle, grimacing in pain at the bottom of the last landing strip of snow in the pouring rain. I still made the trip to our backcountry ski camp in Bariloche, Argentina, but the ankle boot never came off during that first trip, and I was left manning the office and watching the flakes pile up outside.
The year after that and after some internal troubles, a new company under the name of SASS Global Travel was formed, I found myself running all the marketing, and most importantly, I was back on the plane down south with two healthy ankles and a long hit list. The skiing at Cerro Catedral, our home base, was everything I’d dreamed about. Perfectly spaced trees with nary a track, even by mid-afternoon, allowed for fall-line GS turns and mountain bike lines over and off of fallen trees. Alpine bowls accessed from a quick hike that kept most of the locals and all the Brazilians at bay offered easy access to as much powder and as many drops as you wanted. One day we spent eight hours skiing and traversing the entire Van Titter valley behind the resort. We saw a total of three other people. And the partying, women, and red meat are reasons to go in and of themselves.
The Bariloche backcountry. Photo by Ryan Dunfee.
But this year, in a move that will seem apocryphal to any of you, I turned down a free trip back to Argentina. I could be looking forward to another season of unreal terrain with amazing friends and life-changing experiences, but I chose not to go. As that dream had been realized, my mind turned to focus on the next life goal, which is to use what talents I have to advance the cause of environmental and social sustainability, whatever that means. I told myself that I could go on as many South American adventures as I wanted to, but they wouldn’t get me much closer to realizing a more fundamental, life-long goal I knew I’d need to satisfy to be truly happy with my life.
But YOU SHOULD GO. Whether it’s with SGT, which I recommend, or not, the South American skiing experience is like no other. It’s short. It’s punchy and can go from shit, to good, to great, to shit, faster than you can order a Quilmes. You cannot see a storm on the horizon for a week, but get fresh tracks everyday thanks to the Andes’ steady winds. It can snow every three days for a month. You can be grinning staring at all the blower out of the gondola window, and then saying your last prayers as gale-force winds blow your thirty-year-old pod with a partly open door sideways. It can snow four feet at the base, and the local government might only have one snowplow. You can shred pow all day, and then walk into a Reef bikini contest at the base area with free Coronas. You will feel like a true explorer like you’ve never felt on snow, as you’ll very likely be the only ones hiking off the trail with a backcountry kit. Or powder skis. Above all, it will in no way resemble any other experience you’ve had on snow.
I’ve had my amazing experiences and memories in South America that will last a lifetime, and I don’t doubt I’ll be back for more at some point down the road. But for both of our sakes, please go south this summer. Just go. You can thank me in the fall.
You could be shredding here in a couple of months. La Laguna, Cerro Catedral, Argentina. Photo by Ryan Dunfee. - Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Andres Labbozzetta boosts in t Andres Labbozzetta boosts in the Cerro Catedral trees by Ryan Dunfee
- From: ryandunfee
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Description:Andres Labbozzetta boosts in the Cerro Catedral trees by Ryan Dunfee
- 1 year ago
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Video: Ian Walsh And Travis Ri Video: Ian Walsh And Travis Rice Shred With The Jacksons In Brothers On The Run Ep. 2
- From: SamPetri
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Description:
Damn, this web series is shaping up to be all time. The concept of the show is to follow brothers John Jackson and Eric Jackson as they go on an epic snowboarding road trip from Alaska to the tip of South America. In episode 1 they got ready for their trip and went fishing with Travis Rice. In episode 2, the brothers still haven’t gotten on the road and actually go in the opposite direction of South America when they fly to the Tordrillo Mountains to go heli-skiing for four days with Rice and surfer Ian Walsh. Will they ever get on the road? Who cares?! Here, the crew scores an epic four-day window of powder slaying and Walsh rides the run of his life. Why would they ever leave?
Click Here To Watch Episode 1 - Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Noteworthy: 10 Skiers On The R Noteworthy: 10 Skiers On The Rise
- From: gregfitzsimmons
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Description:
Had this story been written a year ago you might have seen names like Nick Goepper, Carston Oliver, Eliel Hindert, Aidan Sheahan, Logan Pehota, Leo Ahrens, and Johnny Collinson on the list. All of these guys were known at their home mountains for being full-tilt skiers, but burst onto the scene over the last 12 months with insane contest results, video segments, and photo spreads.
If I were a betting man, the following 10 skiers are the ones that I would put money on. With solid on-snow techniques and even better on-shoulder heads, odds are we’ll be talking about this crew in the near future. So, rather than making you wait, we decided to tell you about them now. Here are 10 relatively unknown shredders — six guys, four girls, in no particular order — to take note of.
Mat Jackson slashes a powder turn in the Tahoe backcountry. Photo by Josh Anderson. The Guys:
1. Mat Jackson
Home Mountain: Squaw Valley
Age: 25
Sponsors: Völkl, Marker, The North Face, Smith Optics and Helmets
Twitter: @mat1TJackson
This Squaw Valley local originally reigns from Crystal Mountain, Washington. As a grom, Jackson banged plastic with the local racing program and tried to keep up with the Backstrom clan — Ingrid, Arne, and Ralph — that were a few years older than he.
At 25, Mat Jackson is older than most of the names that follow, but his consistent skiing and patience with the industry are two attributes that are starting to pay off.
“We love Mat,” says Völkl/Marker Team Manager Chris Adams . “You’ve got to wait your turn and Mat’s waited for his opportunities while skiing great all of the time. His skiing is fairly technical, big-mountain while still having the backcountry jib thing happening.”
“I definitely think that there’s a process to the ski industry that you have to embrace and be a part of,” says Mat Jackson. “I always wanted my skiing to speak for itself, for my skiing to be the vessel that took me places. My patience has paid off a ton, because I’ve had a lot of amazing opportunities come along and it’s awesome to be a part of that. I went to Japan in January filming with TwoPlank Productions. We had 10 days of perfect snow. The movie will drop this coming fall.”
Colston VB spins off a cliff in British Columbia. Photo by Dave Heath.
2. Colston VB
Home Mountain: Red Mountain Resort and Whistler Blackcomb
Age: 20
Sponsors: Salomon
When the “godfather of freeskiing” vouches for someone we need to listen, and Mike Douglas only had good things to say about Colston VB.
“Colston’s a good skier and a good kid,” says Douglas. “He’s super keen and has a good attitude. I think that if he keeps on skiing and pounding he’s going to do well… He’s a confident skier and Colston is always skiing with a smile on his face — which is the best part.”
Having grown up skiing Red Mountain in British Columbia, Colston VB is now residing in Whistler. Whether he’s sled skiing in the Whistler backcountry, working in front of a camera lens, or freeskiing with his crew, Colston’s style and creativity are undeniable.
“This season I got to really push myself and ski the biggest high-alpine lines, hit the biggest drops, and do the biggest tricks I ever have,” says Colston. “Filming video is a high priority for me right now, because I like how you have to keep it together and be on-point the entire time, not just for one frame.”Gerorge Rodney's 2011-'12 season edit.
3. George Rodney
Home Mountain: Aspen and Alta/Snowbird
Age: 19
Sponsors: Völkl, Marker, Dalbello, Smith, Obermeyer
George Rodney found a home on the podium this year during the Junior Freeskiing Tour en route to winning the overall tour championship. Finishing on the podium at three of the four stops this season, Rodney will immediately be a contender on the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour as he transitions from the junior circuit to the main event this summer in South America.
“George took that super solid fundamental background with racing and translated it to big-mountain terrain,” says Völkl’s Chris Adams. “He’s a big kid, he skis on the Gotama 198 — which is a big, big stick — and he charges big-mountain stuff.”
Headed to Salt Lake City to pursue an engineering degree at “the U,” a change of venue isn’t new to Rodney. “If the ski industry could have the equivalent of an ‘army brat,’ George would be one,” says Adams. “His mom has worked in the ski industry forever and George has learned first-hand how it all works by watching his mom.”
“My mom is an awesome person to help out with everything — from my skiing to school,” says Rodney. “I grew up ski racing in Aspen, and then moved down to Summit County and competed there. After finding out about the Winter Sports School in Park City I transferred there for my junior and senior years. My mom got a job at Obermeyer, so I moved back to Aspen with her after graduating and now I’m headed to Utah.”
Jake Teuton's 2011-'12 season edit.
4. Jake Teuton
Home Mountain: Revelstoke
Age: 16
Sponsors: Fortitude Skis, Strafe Outerwear, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Marker Bindings, Smith Optics, and Planks Clothing
Twitter: @jrteuton
Revelstoke Mountain Resort Pro team rider Jake Teuton makes the most of the incredible surroundings he gets to call home; spinning hot laps on the mountain, building backcountry booters to session with friends, and using his local knowledge to snag some of the most eye-popping photos that have come out of Revy in the last season.
The young gun put together an insane season of skiing, mixing burly lines and massive natural airs with crazy tricks off of man-made features (Teuton added a few dub tricks to his arsenal this year).
“The highlight from last season would probably be sending the 60-footer, skiing deep powder, or spring park laps with friends,” says Teuton. “I definitely want to do a few competitions next year, but I’m mainly going to focus on filming and travelling as much as I can. Hopefully, I’ll get to see more of BC, ski more places, and get into the backcountry more.”
5. Grant Howard
Home Mountain: Alta/Snowbird
Age: 15
Sponsors: Salomon, Gordini, Lightpole Clothing
In 2011, Grant Howard absolutely dominated the 12–14 age group of the Junior Freeskiing World Tour with a couple of first place finishes and the overall title. In 2012, the 15-year-old bumped up to compete in the 15–18 age class, and Howard didn’t miss a beat. Skiing against guys a few years older than he, Howard finished as the overall runner-up (behind George Rodney).
“This kid lives and breathes skiing,” says Rob Greener, Head Coach of the AltaBird Freeride team. “[Grant’s] father, Sam Howard, was named top 100 skiers by Powder Magazine 10 years ago; so skiing is in his DNA.”
“Grant is a natural athlete, and his approach to the mountain is very creative,” continues Greener. “Overall, Grant at age 15 is one of the most talented athletes I have worked with in Little Cottonwood Canyon.”
What’s on-tap for next year? Aside from getting a driver’s license, Grant Howard has his sights set on the overall Junior Freeskiing Tour Championship.
Matt Evans stands on the Junior Freeskiing World Tour podium. Photo by Billy Swan / JFT.
6. Matt Evans
Home Mountain: Crested Butte
Age: 16
Sponsors: Smith Optics and Helmets, Tecnica/Blizzard, Colorado Freeskier, and Trew Outerwear
Matt Evans has been riding the tails of his older brother Randy's and the rest of the core CB local crew’s skis for years, and everyone in Crested Butte knows about the young grom that charges. Recently, however, people outside of Crested Butte started to notice.
“This season was super awesome,” says the 16-year-old Evans. “I got sponsored by Blizzard/Tecnica, and my best result was 3rd. I am hoping to go to South America this summer, and next year I am going to compete in every Junior Freeskiing Tour competition.”
“Matt's name started to come up a lot this [season]. Ben Wheeler was the first to tell me about how this kid impressed everyone so much at the Squaw stop of the Junior Freeskiing Tour,” remembers Tecnica/Blizzard Team Manager Frank Shine. “The buzz wasn't just about Matt’s skiing, though. I kept hearing about his attitude, big smile, and good-times approach. At Snowbird he brought it all: high speed turns, spins off cliffs, and backflips. Then, he dove face-first into a pile of snow in the finish corral of the venue to get a laugh from his friends."Tatum Monod's double backflip video.
The Girls:
1. Tatum Monod
Home Mountain: “Banff will always be my home, but right now I'm based out of Whistler.”
Age: 20
Sponsors: Monod Sports, Rossignol, Orage, Soul Poles, Smith, Icebreaker, and The Soze Group
Twitter: @TatumMonod
“Like a lot of athletes her age, what stands out most about Tatum right now is her drive and genuine enthusiasm for skiing, and that's always nice to see!” says ski legend JP Auclair. “On top of that she has a good attitude and a great smile. If she stays hungry and humble, we're going to hear lots more about Tatum in the years to come.”
The first time I saw Tatum Monod ski was in 2011 at Revelstoke for the Canadian Freeskiing Championships. The event was Tatum’s first ever big-mountain competition. Her line choice, aggressive approach, and rock-solid bellied her inexperience, and stood out to everyone watching. The Subaru Freeskiing World Tour judges noticed, too, because Tatum finished on the podium.
This season ended up being another huge one for the 20-year-old from Banff. Among other things, Tatum stomped a double backflip that had lots of people talking and asking, “Who is that?”
“I'm stoked to say that last season was my best season yet,” says Monod. “My highlights were my first ever first descent in Bella Coola, shooting with Robin O'Neil and an amazing group of women in Revelstoke, and, to top it all off, an unforgettable trip to Retallack with Orage where I threw my first ever double backflip.”
Emilia Wint slides a rail while competing in the Dew Tour.
2. Emilia Wint
Home Mountain: Breckenridge
Age: 17
Sponsors: Breckenridge, Volkl, Marker, US Freeskiing
It was a busy season for Emilia Wint, who skis at Breckenridge when she’s not traveling to compete in Slopestyle events.
“When I’m in Breck I ski with a team called Hawks Freeride, run by Chris Hawks (1999 X Games Champion). I also ski with Anna Segal and Kerrie Herman a lot,” says Emilia Wint.
Wint seems destined to follow in the footsteps of the company she keeps at Breckenridge: The Breckenridge shredder logged some serious time atop the Slopestyle podiums in 2012. Third overall on the Dew Tour, Champion at the Aspen Open, third at the US Freeskiing Grand Prix in Mammoth, and second at WSI in Whistler. The highlight, however, of Wint’s incredible season was when she was named to the US Freeskiing Team.
“She’s hardly under the radar because she had a bit of a breakout season, but 17-year-old park ripper Emila Wint is definitely one to watch,” says Chris Adams from Volkl and Marker. “She skis with a style that not a lot of women park skiers have. We think she’ll take women’s park skiing to a whole new level.”
With a high school graduation ceremony coming up soon and the Olympics on the horizon, Emilia Wint’s future is bright.
3. Perry Martin
Home Mountain: Alta/Snowbird
Age: 18
Sponsors: Blizzard/Tecnica
Twitter: @Pearemartin
Alta and Snowbird seem to have been a factory that specializes in churning out cool, smart, ripping female skiers recently. Rachael Burks and Angel Collinson are two examples, and on their coattails is 18-year-old Perry Martin.
“Perry is an incredible athlete; she is a powerful, fast, and graceful skier,” says AltaBird FreeRide Head Coach Rob Greener. “Her technique has allowed her to dominate the IFSA Junior Freeskiing Series.”
Perry did absolutely dominate the tour, too, winning two stops on the tour and taking third on the other two while amassing a 100+ gap between the runner-up.
“Perry is really a smart young women, who is sensible and pragmatic. Her hard work both on and off the hill is what sets her apart from her peers,” says Tecnica/Blizzard Team Manager Frank Shine. “What I love about Perry's skiing is that she’s aggressive and drives straight down the fall line. When you see Perry ski, she is not going to waste any time showing why she is the JFT overall champion. The girls on the Freeskiing World Tour better be ready for a new batch of ladies to arrive and shake things up on the big kid tour—Perry is going be knocking on that door first.”
Yuki Tsubota slides a rail. Photo by Nadia Samer. 4. Yuki Tsubota
Home Mountain: Whistler
Age: 18
Sponsors: 4Frnt, The North Face, Skull Candy, Giro, Zett, TMC Freeriderz Pro Shop
Twitter: @yuki_tsubota
“Yuki’s getting better all the time, and she’s a cool girl,” says Mike Douglas about the 18-year-old Whistler native Yuki Tsubtoa. “I’ve been watching her for a long time and she’s been working her way up through the freestyle program at Blackcomb. She has a good chance of making it to the Olympics and she’s super fun to watch.”
With three consecutive slopestyle wins on The Canadian Shield Tour, Tsubota dominated the pro women’s field and earned the overall title. Then, a third place finish (behind Anna Segal and Emilia Wint who finished in first and second, respectively) at WSI/AFP World Championships during the TELUS Ski & Snowboard Festival in her hometown of Whistler, BC thrust Yuki into the big-time.
“When we first were introduced to Yuki we thought her jumping was what stood out from everyone,” says Toben Sutherland, Head Coach of the Canadian Slopestyle Team. “But, at WSI this year one of the rail features was pretty burly, a lot of the guys were even talking about how gnarly it was. Yuki had no problem going 450-on which was pretty impressive for anyone to do, let alone a young girl from Whistler that no one had heard of yet.”
“I think in one word what sticks out about Yuki’s skiing is her determination. She skis pretty hard and if she takes a hit she won’t back down. The Olympic Games are 20 months out and it’s definitely not too late for Yuki. Hopefully, we can roll into the games with her and hopefully she’ll be in the finals and on the podium in Russia.” - Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Parker White Interview Parker White Interview
- From: ryandunfee
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Description:
Parker in his second home, Mammoth’s Unbound park. Mammoth Mountain photo.TGR: How has your general program changed since your breakout segment with Level 1 this year?
Parker: I got a sled and a truck. So I have been shredding a lot more backcountry, but other than that nothing's really changed.
TGR: How did Josh Berman ever let you spend an entire season filming in an all black outfit?
Parker: Haha, good question. Berman likes really bright colors; I don't. He wasn't too into the idea of that, but I ride for Tomahawk and Tomahawk only makes black outerwear. It worked more times than not, though. It doesn't make you invisible - just darker.
TGR: What have you been filming and where with Level 1 this year? What has been the most successful trip and why?
Parker: Started out in Interior B.C., kind of around Revelstoke. Then went to Europe for three weeks. Then I went to Anchorage to hit rails ironically. Now I am back up in B.C., only in Pemberton this time. I am confused as to how to judge the success of a trip but I had a bad ass time in Europe. It's a different planet, we had some real crazy adventures over there.
Chris Logan, Wiley Miller, and Parker White build a cheesewedge in Champery, Switzerland. Tim Lloyd/Level 1 photo.TGR: Are you over competing at this stage in your career?
Parker: No, not really. You won't see me at X Games or a Dew Tour, but I got invited down to South America for Skiers Cup this fall, which I am real excited about. I was planning on going to Red Bull Linecatcher this year too, but it got canceled. And I don't know what day it is, but in a week or so I am going to Tahoe to Compete in Trains. It's a really cool park event held by our homie Roy Tuscany and his High Fives Foundation, with a barbeque, music, wings, and beer. If you're in Tahoe on April 14th, come hang out at Alpine Meadows, it’s gonna be fun.
TGR: Jimbo Morgan, ski legend and your TM at Electric, Skullcandy, and Tomahawk, seems to have really taken you under his wing. Can you explain how you guys met and how your relationship evolved? How did he explain his interest in you at first?
Parker: Paddy Kaye introduced me and Dahrkness (Chris Logan) to Jimbo when we were 14 & 15 at the Vermont Open. I said what up to him and he watched me shred a couple runs and then before my second run he gave me a pair of Electric's to wear. Ever since then it’s been gravy. He's always looked out for me and helped me out a ton over the years. He is one crazy mother funker and a good friend.
TGR: On a related note, what is the deal with Tomahawk outerwear? They seem to be the first ski company to have totally embraced the murdered-out black color scheme.
Parker: Tomahawk is a company who makes gear for anybody to wear. It's not a ski brand or a snowboard brand or anything specific. It's just rad clothes to wear in the streets or on the hill. And yeah, Tomahawk came out all black. It was a way for us to translate our mindset into the product and stand out from other companies who took on the whole "skittle" trend that's become so unfortunately popular.
TGR: Before your After Dark segment, you rued the fact that all anyone thought you did was huge front flip double tip grabs. But your Level 1 segment only had one, ironically as the ender. When was the last time you did one in front of the cameras, or at all?
Parker: Funny you ask, I did one today.
Parker White accepting his award for Male Breakthrough Performance at the 2012 Powder Awards for his opening segment in Level 1’s “After Dark.” GrindMedia Events photo.TGR: Your After Dark segment was a mix between park, with that super-lazy, almost lethargically smooth style, and some big, fast, heavy lines that you skied at speed without hesitation. Where the hell did you learn to ski mountains like that growing up in Vermont?
Parker: Bromley, Vermont, with the Montage crew, and with my buddy Kooter Brown (RIP).
TGR: Who was your favorite skier to watch growing up?
Parker: Directly I liked watching Brian Knowles ski, he had a real gangster style. Still does. Indirectly, I always thought Candide was the best. Still do.
TGR: You seem to be among a growing cadre of Level 1 skiers who do a pretty even split between the park and the backcountry. What part of you gets motivated to shred park and which part of you gets pumped to ski powder?
Parker: I believe my brain is responsible for both decisions.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Video: Rooted - The Full Circl Video: Rooted - The Full Circle Project In Peru Episode 3
- From: media-75233
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Description:
In the final episode from The FullCircle Project's experience in Peru, the crew plants apple trees in Maras, Peru. They say goodbye to the people of Maras, and then head south to experience the Andes through another medium: their skis.
Click Here To Read A story About The FullCircle Project And To Watch Episodes 1 And 2
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Matt Philippi Helps Maras, Per Matt Philippi Helps Maras, Peru, With The FullCircle Project
- From: ryandunfee
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Description:
After their inaugural ski and service trip to Concepción, Chile in 2010 to help with disaster relief following the country’s devastating earthquake, The FullCircle Project crew, consisting of athletes Matt Philippi, Jack Tolan and Taylor Felton, cinematographer Aidan Haley, Project Director Caleb Braley, and photographer Michael Brown, headed back to South America. This time their service efforts led them to the small indigenous community of Maras, Peru high in the Andes to help replant trees for an apple orchard. We caught up with Matt Philippi after the release of their second film this past week.
Tetongravity.com: You guys were doing work in Chile before to help after the earthquake. How did you decide to switch locations to Peru, how did you find and identify the project, and what was the journey like getting there?
Matt Philippi: They Chile project was made possible via personal connection I had made in the region on a couple of ski trips. After the first FullCircle Project, I met Caleb Braley, who is now FCP’s Service Project Director. Caleb has been working in South and Central America for many years on different service projects. He had the connections to make the Peru project a reality... and he is lining up the Ecuador project for this upcoming year.
TGR: How were you guys received by the people? Given how tight and small the communities are, were there any issues with gaining the people’s trust, and what did they think your intentions were?
Philippi: In Peru, we were warmly welcomed and the community was awesome toward us during our stay. We were working long days in the field and the community was aware of the effort were putting in. I believe that was a factor that played into people trusting us.
Matt Philippi and Jack Tolan get to work.
TGR: What were that people’s impressions of skiing and relation to the mountains that you can see in the background? What were the mountains for them and did that change your feelings about what they mean to you?
Philippi: The mountaintops are very spiritual places for the people of Maras, and for other communities with indigenous ancestry. Their spiritual belief system is based around Apus, which are spiritual deities that reside on the tops of mountains. The Apus hold the snowpack and glaciers, and then release the waters down to the people in order to grow crops and live. During the blessing ceremony of the orchard we planted, the locals gave thanks to each mountaintop that surrounded us, in hope that the Apus would release their water down to the people.
That belief system definitely resonated with the FCP whole crew. As skiers and snowboarders, the tops of mountains are very special places for us. We strive to get to the tops, but we also have a strong respect for the tops these peaks, as they mountains (or the Apus) can kill you in an instant.
TGR: Being a skier from a Western country and rolling around all these poorer places in South America can really give you a drastic perspective on how privileged we are to do what we do. Did you get that same impression and have you ever gotten a negative response from any locals about your intentions or your lifestyle?
Philippi: I think that, in general, travelling and learning about our world gives one a perspective otherwise unobtainable without leaving home. These projects deepened my understanding of just how lucky I am. Travelling to Chile and seeing the destruction from the tsunami and quake helped me realize how fragile life can be and how powerful Mother Nature really is. We are truly at her mercy. And then seeing how selfless the Chilean people can be in their efforts to give back and help was inspiring.
From the people of Maras, Peru, I was able to witness the legacy of Spanish colonialism. The town of Maras is mostly of indigenous ancestry, Native American, and they have really been on their own, without the support of the central government. These people have been fighting for decades to get property rights to their land, fighting for rights to the salt mine on their land, fighting for support on an aqueduct to keep the fields alive (and therefore the town as well). The people of Maras have come such an incredible long way in the last 50 years, since the end of the hacienda system to today… it is inspiring, and it makes the problems that I face in my day to day seem silly and therefore much easier to overcome.
We have never really had a negative response from the people who took the time to speak with us, in Chile or Peru. People across the globe can tell when your intentions are good and your vibe is positive.
The Full Cricle Crew in Maras, Peru.TGR: Why was Maras mostly deforested? What is the hope of the region and people for these fruit trees?
Philippi: Much of the forest that was in the region has been used for construction, wood burning, and other basic needs. The issue is that there isn’t the funding to plant more trees to replace the ones being used.
Just 5 years ago, the town of Maras finished an aqueduct that was 30 years in the making. The town making a huge effort to replace the trees used over the years. Having trees in the ground helps keep the quality of the soil up, prevents erosion, and produces food that the town can both eat and sell at market.TGR: What did you guys get done, who’d you work with, and what did you take away from that project?
Philippi: We planted around 600 trees, they were mostly apple trees, but the border of the orchard was lined with Pine trees to help protect the orchard from dust and the gnarly climate.
TGR: Skiing in South America is a wild experience. The terrain is incredible, yet in most places you (the foreigner) have more gear, skill, and experience than the locals. It’s a very different experience than going to a place like Europe where a strong ski culture exists. What do you feel like you’ve gained, personally and in your skiing, from going down south?
Philippi: Skiing in South America is an awesome experience. The mountains are beautiful, different, rocky, and usually the snowpack is quite stable (knock on wood). Trying to film a ski segment, however, is quite a challenge. They simply don’t have the consistency of snow that we enjoy in Jackson, Wyoming. The mountains are mostly above tree level and the snow is exposed to a harsh climate.
I have learned to be creative in the mountains and to make the most of what is available. In Chile in 2010, we had a really deep base, but no fresh snow, so we built a ton of jumps and utilized terrain park-like transitions. In Argentina, in 2011, we had a tiny base (2 feet deep), we were dodging rocks (and hitting rocks). We looked up to the tops of the mountains to find chutes and patches of mountain that were filled in enough to ski. But both segments came out fine in the end. All we had to do was be in the mountains everyday working our asses off.
Taylor Felton finds some snow in South America.TGR: In Solitaire, the Sweetgrass crew focused a lot on the difficulties, the hateful wind, the changing conditions, the logistic difficulties of skiing in South America. They gave you this strong feeling of always fighting uphill and the desperation and struggle that is uniquely part of the South American ski experience. Have you felt the same way about your time skiing there?
Philippi: I touched on this in the above question. Yes, while you are trying to film a segment it is a challenge. But, what is important to us at The FullCircle Project, is being thankful and stoked to be in the mountains. At the completion of our volunteer project, we find ourselves incredibly happy to be skiing these amazing mountains and having shared our experience with inspiring people who call the Andes home. Snow conditions really aren’t that big of deal after witnessing the struggles of those less fortunate than you. - Blog post
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