"valle nevado" - Teton Gravity Research -

Video: Gigi Ruf, Nicolas Mulle Video: Gigi Ruf, Nicolas Muller And Danny Kass Shred Valle Nevado, Chile

From: TetonGravityResearch
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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
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4 months ago
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News: Valle Nevado, Chile, Lau News: Valle Nevado, Chile, Launches Early Bird Deals For Up To 35% Off

From: TetonGravityResearch
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
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5 months ago
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Valle Nevado Valle Nevado

From: TetonGravityResearch
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Valle Nevado, Chile
5 months ago
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News: Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 T News: Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 Teams Announced

From: TetonGravityResearch
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Top Big Mountain and Slopestyle athletes confirmed for the event's third edition.

Zermatt, Switzerland - After two groundbreaking editions of the Swatch Skiers Cup in Valle Nevado, Chile, the event comes to Europe for the first time this February. The riders that will collectively make up Team Europe and Team Americas this year were announced this week. Elite skiers from Big Mountain (freeride) and Slopestyle (freestyle) disciplines have confirmed their attendance for this one-of-a-kind showdown between continents.

Captain Cody Townsend (USA) leads defending champions Team Americas. His team is stacked with new faces such as masterful, multi-talented backcountry riders Rory Bushfield (USA), Charley Ager (USA), and Josh Daiek (USA). On the other side, Kaj Zackrisson (SWE) takes the captain's seat for Team Europe. Zackrisson's team benefits from the experience of returning Swatch Skiers Cup riders like Markus Eder (ITA), Paddy Graham (UK), Richard Permin (FRA), and Sverre Liliequist (SWE). Other big names are Nicolas Vuignier (SUI) and Fabio Studer (AUT) who will also attend the event. Each captain knows the other's strengths and weakness well, as both Zackrisson and Townsend ski together on the elite SWATCH Proteam.

Yet despite the intense level of competition, the event ultimately serves to promote camaraderie between riders of different backgrounds. Event co-founder Zackrisson explains: “To see after two editions how stoked and how much fun everyone has during the event is just amazing. Our main goal is to create an event that brings together like-minded people from all over the world and just have a blast laughing and competing in the same time.”

Watch Zermatt's presentation by Swatch Proteam member Samuel Anthamatten:

Enormous early-season snowfall already blankets the mountains of host resort Zermatt, Switzerland, promising favorable riding conditions when the big show comes to town on February 10-15. Zermatt has over 350 km of pistes, 29 4,000 m peaks in the immediate vicinity, and the world's most technologically advanced ski center,making it the perfect arena for the sport's best riders to show their abilities.

Seven of eight riders are to be announced immediately, with the captains keeping their eighth and final riders a secret until a later date. With Townsend's and Zackrisson's teams nearly complete, the captains have less than one month to contemplate their winning strategy. The teams are as follows:

Team Americas

Cody Townsend, Captain (USA)
KC Deane (USA)
Rory Bushfield (CAN)
Charley Ager (CAN)
Josh Daiek (USA)
Logan Imlach (USA)
Timy Dutton (USA)
Rider 8 TBC

Team Europe

Kaj Zackrisson, Captain (SWE)
Sverre Liliequist (SWE)
Markus Eder (ITA)
Richard Permin (FRA)
Nicolas Vuignier (CH)
Paddy Graham (UK)
Fabio Studer (AUT)
Rider 8 TBC
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5 months ago
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The Dirty Needle - Cherry Pick The Dirty Needle - Cherry Picking The Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

From: kimhavell
Description:

Remote, bold, and mostly unknown, some of the dream, big mountain lines lie deep in Alaska's mountains and are accessible only by helicopter. Over the season, we will cherry pick the modern gems of ski descents from one of the greatest places on the planet for big mountain powder skiing: Alaska, The Dream Factory. It will be a display of mind-blowing, inspiring, and intense moments as we ask the heli-guides and owners to cherry pick a run from each of their permit areas. This is a look into what is possible by some of the best operators in the world and their talented guides, clients and athletes.

The Dirty Needle - Cherry Picking No. 1 - Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Words by Kim Havell
Photos by Greg Harms

In February 2012, deep in the Tordrillos of western Alaska, guides Greg Harms, Mike Overcast, and Lel Tone set up clients for the run of a lifetime. The group was based out of the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge (TML) and the clients were ex-pro snowboarders from the Czech Republic. With a private heli, stable conditions, filled-in bergschrunds, and strong riders, it was the window of opportunity to drop into some big first descents.

The team was lined up with one of the best periods of operation in Alaska in the last 10 years. Over the week, the crew managed an astounding 118 heli-drops as they worked into more aggressive terrain in deliberate progression.

When the crew reached a target area of possibility, 20 miles from the lodge, it got named, “The Czech Palace.” Some of the biggest lines yet discovered in the Tordrillo range are in the Palace, dropping off of near 10,000-foot peaks with roughly 4,800-foot couloirs. Nearby also sits the “Priority One” sector, with a stack of 3,500-foot spine walls, as seen in a few big mountain ski films.

Harms, an heli-guide with 18 years of experience, had spotted The Czech Palace five years back, taken some photos, and was waiting patiently for the right time. Joining TML when it opened for winter operations eight years ago, Harms was invited in by Overcast to help map out and establish descents in TML’s 1.2 million acres of permit area. Harms personally recorded 20 first descents in 2012 in Alaska, in addition to another 20 guiding near Valle Nevado, Chile.

“The Dirty Needle” is the most distinct and dramatic run within The Czech Palace with huge relief and incredible views. Besides the natural flow of the line, the views from the top include hanging ice off the steep sides of nearby peaks, including Mt. Gerdine. There is also spectacular rock color and formations unique to the area. David Horváth, 43, of the Czech group, was the first rider down the line. He had tears of joy at the bottom.

”The Palace is filled with gold and red granite that has a stunning contrast to the white, cold powder." Overcast said, "There was a line for everyone down different couloirs, with mind-blowing gendarmes, into the common basin below. Everyone got their own first descent.”

TML has put in for additional permits to extend their operating areas. First descents for clients will be the norm for the next twenty years. There is much to explore in the Tordrillos; it is the Wild West of Alaska.

Find Out More About The Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Compare Heli-Skiing Operations
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6 months ago
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News: Swatch Skiers Cup Heads News: Swatch Skiers Cup Heads To Zermatt February 2013

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

Lausanne, Switzerland - For two consecutive years the riders of Team Europe and Team Americas fought for glory in the SWATCH SKIERS CUP held in the snowy arena of Valle Nevado, Chile. After losing the inaugural 2011 edition, Team Americas battled back in September 2012 to even the score at 1 - 1, adding more intensity to the rivalry of this cutting-edge event. This winter, the tie will be broken when the SWATCH SKIERS CUP comes to the Northern hemisphere for the first time, in Switzerland, with the teams set to meet in Zermatt, Switzerland on February 10-15.

The unique event combines two disciplines — Big Mountain and freestyle-focused Backcountry Slopestyle — and a head-to-head matchplay formula to create one of the most entertaining spectacles on snow.

For this, the 2013 edition, Team Americas will be captained by none other than Squaw Valley, USA local and SWATCH Proteam Cody Townsend. Matching strategic wits and ski talent against Townsend will be Team Europe captain and event co-founder Kaj Zackrisson from Sweden. Time is running out for the two captains to fill the remaining seven spots on their teams. Look for the full teams to be announced on December 15.

Stay up to date with event announcements and news at www.swatchskierscup.com.
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7 months ago
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The Meltdown South - Chile - A The Meltdown South - Chile - Armada Skis

From: armadaskis108111
Description:

Mike Hornbeck, Ben Moxham, Brady Perron, and Corey Stanton bring you the second installment of the Meltdown Series, “Meltdown South” a short film shot this past July and August in Valle Nevado and Termas de Chilan, Chile. Traveling alongside Evolve Chile, watch as the crew explores the sidecountry of Nevados de Chilan, skate the streets of Santiago, and ride the parks of Valle Nevado and El Colorado. Aside from all of the action, Meltdown South paints a picture of the beautiful culture and rich history of Chile, through its people and its places both metropolitan and far off the grid.

You will not see a short movie about Chile quite like this. This is the Meltdown South.

Created, Filmed, and Edited by:
Corey Stanton
Brady Perron
Mike Hornbeck
Ben Moxham

Filmed on Location:
Termas de Chilan
Roca Negra Lodge
Valle Nevado
Barrio Bellavista, Santiago
Vina Del Mar

“For the folks, by us folks”

armadaskis.com
evolvechile.com

Watch More Armada Videos Here
8 months ago
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News: All 2013 Qualified Rider News: All 2013 Qualified Riders Confirmed For Swatch Freeride World Tour By The North Face

From: SamPetri
Description:

Get ready for an epic season: The world’s best big-mountain riders to compete in the new unified world tour

Lausanne, Switzerland / Salt Lake City, USA - A host of new faces join the leading skiers and snowboarders from past season, as the Swatch Freeride World Tour By The North Face goes into its first season as a globally unified series. The new tour will combine top riders and most champions of last winter’s Swatch Freeride World Tour, Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding. The line-up will additionally include strong talent emerging from the Freeride World Qualifiers as well as some hotly contended wild cards.

The For Swatch Freeride World Tour By The North Face 2013 will kick off at Revelstoke, Canada, January 7, 2013, and then move on to the first European stops at Courmayeur-Mont-Blanc, Italy, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. After the following events at Kirkwood, California, and Fieberbrunn PillerseeTal, Austria, the qualified riders will prepare for the finals at Verbier, Switzerland.

This season will be a season of firsts for the FWT, with new riders, a new unified calendar and a brand new partnership with ABS, who will be the tour’s official air bag system supplier.

“Security is key for FWT, so it’s essential to partner with the leading manufacturer in that field,” Freeride World Tour General Manager Europe Nicolas Hale-Woods said.

The FWT TwinBag pack with zip-on partner Dakine. For more information about ABS® click here

The top 12 male skiers from the Freeride World Tour 2012 and Freeskiing World Tour 2012 are automatically qualified. For female skiers, the top five from the Freeride World Tour 2012 and the top three from the Freeskiing World Tour 2012 are eligible to compete. The line-up includes skiers like 2012 Freeride World Tour champion Reine Barkered (SWE), 2012 Freeskiing World Tour champion Josh Daiek (USA), two-time Freeride World Tour champion Aurélien Ducroz (FRA), 2011 Freeskiing World Tour champion Drew Tabke (USA), as well as 2012 Freeride World Tour champion Christine Hargin (SWE) and two-time Freeskiing World Tour champion Angel Collinson (USA).

Some tour spots have also been reserved for wild cards. There are two types of wild cards – those given to riders committed to follow the whole tour and local organizer wild cards given to riders for a single event. In skiing, one of the wild cards was given to Markus Eder (ITA) who recently shone at the Swatch Skiers Cup at Valle Nevado, Chile.

In the Snowboard division, the top six male riders from the Freeride World Tour 2012 and top four male riders from the Masters of Snowboarding 2012 as well as the top three females from the Freeride World Tour 2012 and the Masters of Snowboarding 2012 are automatically qualified. Confirmed snowboarders include 2012 Freeride World Tour champion Jonathan Charlet (FRA), 2012 Masters of Snowboarding champion Sammy Luebke (USA), three-time Freeride World Tour champion Xavier de Le Rue (FRA) from the Swatch Proteam, as well as Ralph Backstrom (USA), Flo Orley (AUT), and 2012 Masters of Snowboarding champion Shannan Yates (USA).

In addition, several riders in all categories qualified through the Freeride World Qualifiers 2012. Talents who now have the opportunity to prove themselves in the Swatch Freeride World Tour By The North Face 2013 include skiers Wille Lindberg (SWE), Léo Slemett (FRA), and Pia Nic Gundersen (NOR) as well as snowboarders Ludovic Guillot-Diat (FRA), Joel Rouge (SUI), and French sisters Margot and Elodie Mouthon (FRA).

Read what some of the athletes have to say:

Drew Tabke (USA), 2nd Freeride World Tour 2012 Ski Men: “I've competed in the sport for nearly a decade and 2013 looks to be the most exciting year yet. I am so stoked the merger between the two tours is finally going down because it means we’ll finally see the best skiers from around the world at the same events. I expect the level of riding at the Freeride World Tour this year to be at the highest it’s ever been because of the incredible athlete roster. I can’t wait to see what countries and riders are dominant this year. I personally have my money on Team America.”

Sam Smoothy (NZL), 4th Freeride World Tour 2012 Ski Men: “FWT 2013 is going to be one hell of a show, with all the new riders from the FWQ and the Freeskiing World Tour full claiming rights. We have amazing venues and an incredible amount of talented riders so it’s going to be redonkulous. To have one true world tour and one true world champion is an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait to have a crack at taking home the title.”

Xavier de Le Rue (FRA), triple Freeride World Tour winner Snowboard Men: “I'm really happy to see The North Face getting on board of the Freeride World Tourfor the next few years. I'm sure that along with Swatch and the reunification of both tours, the FWT will reach a well-deserved next level. On a personal level, filming will keep me a bit too busy to follow the whole tour, but I'll be excited to come and ride three of the events of the tour.”

Christine Hargin (SWE), 2012 Freeride World Tour champion:“Although the best riders from the American tour also participated in previous years, I think a united tour means tougher competition in the races, and a higher level of riding will be required to win. The tour will get better status worldwide. I'm looking forward to see all the skiers that qualified. I think the level will be higher than ever on the tour. I'm also looking forward to ski in Canada and Revelstoke where I couldn’t join in last year, and to re-visit the other ski resorts where we will compete.”

SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR BY THE NORTH FACE 2013
Competition Calendar

1. Swatch Freeride World Tour Revelstoke 2013 by The North Face
Dates: 7 January; Location: Revelstoke (CAN)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard

2. Swatch Freeride World Tour Courmayeur-Mont-Blanc 2013 by The North Face
Dates: 19 January; Location: Courmayeur-Mont-Blanc (ITA)
Disciplines: Men's Ski and Snowboard

3. Swatch Freeride World Tour Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 2013 by The North Face
Dates: 26 January; Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (FRA)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard

4. Swatch Freeride World Tour Kirkwood 2013 by The North Face
Dates: 27 February; Location: Kirkwood (USA)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard

5. Swatch Freeride World Tour Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal 2013 by The North Face
Dates: 9 March; Location: Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal (AUT)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard

6. Swatch Verbier Xtreme 2013 by The North Face
Dates: 23 March; Location: Verbier (SUI)
Disciplines: Men's and Women's Ski and Snowboard
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News: Team Americas Wins 2012 News: Team Americas Wins 2012 Swatch Skiers Cup

From: media-75233
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With a final score of 10 - 9, Team Americas takes the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy from defending champions Team Europe. More exciting news also comes out of the day, as organizers proudly announce a 3rd edition of the event to be held in Zermatt, Switzerland for February 2013.

Valle Nevado, September 7, 2012 - Due to unsafe snow conditions on today's intended Backcountry Slopestyle course, athletes and organizers took a last minute decision to change plans and hold a tiebreak-style match with only three riders from each team on a higher venue with better snow conditions. After the uncertainty and suspense of the final day, and due to amazing performances from its chosen riders, Team Americas emerged victorious, winning the 2nd edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP.

Cody Townsend (USA)    1 – 0     Mathieu Imbert (FRA)
Chopo Diaz (CHILI)      0 – 1     Marcus Eder (ITA)
KC Deane (USA)            1 – 0     Paddy Graham (UK)

Changing the format of the event at the last minute was an extremely difficult decision for organizers and athletes alike. The variety of riding that both the Big Mountain and Backcountry Slopestyle heats offer is a trademark of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP, and everyone involved was wary of losing out on the freestyle component of this progressive event. However, thanks to the quick action of the organizers, and incredible riding by the athletes, the event was able to showcase cutting-edge riding in a high-mountain venue behind Valle Nevado ski area.

Each team had to choose only three riders to compete in the tie-break.

“I chose my guys based on a combination of their motivation and enthusiasm in the moment and their abilities as creative freestyle skiers, because what I want is to push the level of riding at the event. If we would have won today we would have won with style,” commented event co-founder and Team Europe captain Sverre Liliequist.

Event judge Mark Abma also had praise for the riding of Team Europe.

“Markus Eder's run was amazing, spinning 360s in both directions and incorporating a rodeo 540 and a rodeo 720, all off of the natural terrain found on this backup venue,” said Abma.

In the end, however, Team Europe couldn't stop the charge of Team Americas. With the score tied after the first two matches, it was up to KC Deane (USA) and Paddy Graham (UK). Paddy was building an impressive run, but took a hard impact on the landing of one of his airs, putting his knees to his chin, bringing his run to an end. Deane dropped in with a huge backflip at the top of the face and finished the run in impressive style, thus winning the tiebreaker and the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy for his team.

The conclusion of the second edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP is also a victory for the event itself. Organizers are proud to announce today that the next edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP will be held in Zermatt, Switzerland in front of the legendary Matterhorn from the 9th through the 16th of Februrary, 2013.

The event born in the minds of Sverre Liliequist and Kaj Zackrisson is here to stay. Swatch Proteam member Kaj Zackrisson comments: “This is a dream come true! We are very excited to announce that we will meet next February in Zermatt. We knew from the beginning we had a super fun event concept, and this has let us attract the best skiers in the world. Get ready for more!”

Freeride World Tour standout and mountain guide Samuel Anthamatten responded enthusiastically to the news that the event is coming to his home town.

“Zermatt is proud to host the 2013 edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP. The playground we have here is endless — surrounded by the highest mountains in the Alps, Zermatt offers challenging venues and a spectacular panorama. The local community will live the event with passion and we are looking forward to welcoming riders and guests for an amazing time!”

The two team captains for the next edition have already been confirmed. Cody Townsend (USA) will lead Team Americas and Kaj Zackrisson (SWE) will be in the driver's seat of Team Europe. Until they meet in the shadow of the Matterhorn, Team Americas will proudly guard the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy, their names now engraved on this piece of ski history.
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9 months ago
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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
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.
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9 months ago
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Swatch Skiers Cup Chile Swatch Skiers Cup Chile

From: TetonGravityResearch
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10 months ago
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Swatch Skiers Cup Swatch Skiers Cup

From: TetonGravityResearch
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10 months ago
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News: Swatch Skiers Cup Return News: Swatch Skiers Cup Returns To Valle Nevado September 1-9, 2012

From: TetonGravityResearch

Description:

Santiago, Chile – This September 1-9 the Swatch Skiers Cup will return to Valle Nevado, Chile, for a great battle between Team Americas and defending champions Team Europe. After a successful inaugural edition in 2011, 16 of the best skiers in the world will once again face off on the snow-clad peaks of the Chilean Andes. With exciting new riders on each team plus returning favorites, the stage is set for another historic competition!

The Swatch Skiers Cup is a unique team-format competition with eight riders each comprising Team Europe and Team Americas. During the two days of competition riders battle it out in one-on-one heats with the best run gaining a point for their team. When the event comes to a close, the team with the most points wins, and the trophy will go to the winning continent until the battle is reignited next year.

"Last year's Swatch Skiers Cup was really exciting - every match was closely-fought. This year [we] will do everything we can to defend our victory and keep the trophy in our hands," claimed Team Europe captain and Swatch Proteam member Sverre Liliequist of Sweden.

Two epic days make up the event. For the Big Mountain freeride day the athletes are taken to a peak deep in the wild interior of the Andes where they'll lay down lines that have never before been ridden. The Backcountry Slopestyle competition goes down in the accessible off-piste terrain of Valle Nevado where the riders will showcase their best freestyle skills on a series of jumps designed and built by legendary terrain park shaper, David Ny.

Thanks to its creative format, the Swatch Skiers Cup showcases skiing's progression across a broad range of styles. "The [Swatch] Skiers Cup is a great example of how skiers from different backgrounds can get together with a common passion for skiing and create a great event," said Team Americas captain Mark Abma.

With an elite roster of athletes, a nine-day weather window, and the support of Swatch and Valle Nevado, the event has explosive potential. "The Swatch Skiers Cup has everything we love about action sports - the thrill of an all-out competition, the audacity to challenge nature, and the courage to push personal performance to the limits," said Marco Vaccari, Head of Marketing International Swatch.

Which team will hoist the trophy this year? Tune into www.swatchskierscup.com for up-to-date event info and coverage.

Check out the amazing riders’ list both team captains managed to pull out:

http://www.swatchskierscup.com/teams.html

Photo via swatchskierscup.com

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10 months ago
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Video: Killer Conditions For O Video: Killer Conditions For Opening Day At Valle Nevado, Chile

From: adambroderick
Description:

Chile's Valle Nevado Ski Resort opened last weekend with powder conditions and empty slopes. According to resort employee Jose Varela, anyone still in the Northern Hemisphere is out of their mind. My Spanish is a bit rusty, but I'm pretty sure he's saying, "Dude! I was mobbing through the most epic powder this morning! I was all, 'Face shot! 180-nose butter to fakie!' Then I went for a hand-plant in bonk-town and just sank in up to my chin. Probably because I was on the phone with my mom, but I still got buku GNAR points. It was awesome! Just me and the homies at Valle Nevado."

Well, now you've heard it straight from the horse's mouth. Winter is in full-swing south of the equator. What are you waiting for?

Click Here To Read About Heli-Skiing In Chile
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1 year ago
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Valle Nevado Hosts Image Quest Valle Nevado Hosts Image Quest Photo Camp This September

From: media-75233
Description:

Designed for enthusiastic amateurs as well as budding professionals, Valle Nevado’s Image Quest, presented by Lan Airlines, is a unique opportunity to explore and expand photography skills and styles while savoring a spectacular ski experience deep in the heart of the magnificent Andes Mountains. With a 3-to-1 student-to-instructor relationship, participants are given the rare chance to learn from some the best ski, travel and outdoor photographers working today, including Nils Schlebusch, Grant Gunderson and Tom Winter, while enjoying the unparalleled terrain, views, snow, and friendly ambiance of Valle Nevado.

The event takes place from September 7-14. Participants will enter a series of their best photos to compete to win, in a series of categories, a free Valle Nevado visit in 2013, and other prizes. They will also get the opportunity to show their best shots as part of a slideshow for all guests at Valle Nevado at the end of the week. Select images of participants will also be uploaded to Valle Nevado’s site for further exposure.

As a special offer, participants who fly on Lan Airlines roundtrip from the US or Canada to Chile save 20% off a Valle Nevado package stay that includes lodging, lift tickets and half board. The offer is good for the Hotel Puerta del Sol only, with rates beginning at $1,215 for 7 nights / 8 days.

PARTICIPATION IN THE WEEKLONG SEMINAR IMAGE QUEST COSTS $500.

About the photographer instructors:

From fashion shoots in Las Vegas to interiors in New York to editorial projects for Ski Magazine, you name it and Nils Schlebusch has shot it. Schlebusch’s high fashion photography is complemented by work for many of the world’s best travel magazines, including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, Town and Country and more. His commercial clients include Hewlett-Packard, Scotland Tourism Board and Keiko.

Grant Gunderson exploded into the photography scene with hauntingly beautiful images of skiing the Pacific Northwest. Today, he’s considered one of the ski industry’s most dedicated photographers. Grant has shot for every major snow sports and outdoor publication worldwide including ESPN, Outside, FHM, Powder, Aka Skidor, Fri Flyt, Skiing and others. In addition to his editorial and commercial photography, he is also the photography editor of The Ski Journal.

With more than 20 years experience as an editor, writer and photographer, Tom Winter is an expert on visual storytelling. One of the most published ski writers of his generation, Tom has launched magazines, developed communication strategies for brands, organized world-class events, led expeditions and yes, taken a few photos. A three-time recipient of the Howard Hirsch Award for snow sports photography and a social media communications expert, Tom currently runs a media relations consultancy in addition to his editorial and commercial work.

To receive more information or sign up for Image Quest, contact: Aileen Winter at aileenwinter@rocketmail.com, or call 303-437-0061.

For more information about Valle Nevado or to make a reservation, email reservas@vallenevado.com, or call 1-800-660-0554.
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News: Kye Peterson, Ashley Max News: Kye Peterson, Ashley Maxfield 1st After Day 1 Of Freeskiing World Tour In Revelstoke

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Revelstoke, Britsh Columbia – Day One of the Swatch Freeskiing and Freeride World Tour went off Friday on Revelstoke’s “North Bowl” with great success. The level of skiing and athleticism displayed was high, with athletes battling for the few spots in Sunday’s finals.

Already a freeskiing legend at the young age of 21, Kye Peterson of Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada, topped the Men’s field by taking full advantage of the terrain “North Bowl” has to offer. Kye successfully skied off a big double-staged cliff up top, and then skied fast and aggressively through the open bowl. To gain maximum style and creativity points, he landed two huge 360s at the bottom, impressing fans and judges alike. Sitting in second place, with his playful, fluid, stylish skiing, is Subaru Freeskiing World Tour 2011 Champion and The North Face athlete, Drew Tabke, with a score of 39.17. Completing out the top three Men’s finishers was Oakley White Allen of Snowbird, Utah, scoring 37.50. Out of the 50 Men’s skiers, 25 men will advance to the heli-accessed Day 2 Finals on “Mac Daddy”, a remote location in the Revelstoke backcountry.

The stacked women’s field was very competitive, with only 3 points separating the top ten female competitors. Ashley Maxfield of Alta, Utah, skied the most technical line of the day for the women, wowing the crowd and surprising even herself. “I went bigger than I thought, but as soon as I landed on the second pillow I knew I had it” said Maxfield who scored 33.50. Two- tenths of a point behind Maxfield sits the third place finisher of the 2011 Canadian Freeskiing Championships and Revelstoke local, Nicole Derksen with a score of 33.30. Rounding out the top three Women’s Day 1 competitors is the 2011 Freeskiing World Tour Overall Champion and The North Face athlete, Angel Collinson with a score of 32.90.

“The level of skiing today was even higher than anticipated,” remarked Event Director Bryan Barlow. “Conditions were perfect. Soft landings and good snow allowed competitors to ski lines that have rarely or never been skied before.”

The 2012 Swatch Freeride and Freeskiing World Tour at Revelstoke Mountain Resort continues Saturday with snowboarders from The Swatch Freeride World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding, competing on Mac Face for a one-run final. The Final Day, Day 2, of the Swatch Freeskiing and Freeride World Tour is currently scheduled for Sunday, January 8.

Saturday Jan 7: Snowboarding

Sunday Jan 8: Day 2 Skiing Finals

Day 1 results below:

Swatch Freeskiing and Freeride World Tour
Revelstoke Mountain Resort – Day 1 – North Bowl
Friday, January 06, 2012

Results

Ladies     Result     Name     Bib     Home Mountain     Country     Day 1 Score
    1     Ashley Maxfield     14     Jay Peak / Alta     USA     33.50
    2     Nicole Derksen     19     Revelstoke     CAN     33.30
    3     Angel Collinson     12     Snowbird     USA     32.90
    4     Jess McMillan     3     Jackson Hole     USA     32.87
    5     Crystal Wright     9     Jackson Hole     USA     32.73
    5     Tatum Monod     1     Whistler     CAN     32.73
    7     Louise Lintilhac     5     Stowe     USA     32.30
    8     Sarah Martinais     16         FRA     31.77
    9     Pia Widmesser     4         GER     31.70
    10     Alexis Dupont     20     Snowbird     USA     31.67
Cut-Off
    11     Jacqui Edgerly     15     Aspen Snowmass     USA     30.40
    12     Janina Kuzma     8     Cardrona     NZL     30.27
    13     Sonja Lercher     6     Blackcomb     CAN     29.27
    14     Jaclyn Paaso     2     Squaw Valley     USA     27.40
    15     Lorraine Huber     13     Arlberg     AUT     19.00
    16     Leah Evans     11     Red Mountain     CAN     17.63
    16     Lauren Goss     18     Revelstoke     USA     17.63
    18     Eva Walkner     17     Dachstein     AUT     17.07
    19     Crystal-Rose Lee     10     Whistler     CAN     15.00
    20     Gillian McKercher     7     Sunshine Village     CAN     12.00

Gents     Start     Name     Bib     Home Mountain     Country     Day 1 Score
    1     Kye Petersen     46     Blackcomb     CAN     41.93
    2     Drew Tabke     32     Valle Nevado     USA     39.17
    3     Oakley White Allen     56     Snowbird     USA     37.50
    4     Benjamin Ogilvie     59     Fernie Alpine Resort     CAN     37.10
    5     Cliff Bennett     30     Audobon     USA     36.90
    6     Richard Small     67     Fernie Alpine Resort     CAN     36.83
    7     Carter McMillan     31     Lake Louise     CAN     36.70
    8     Sebastian Hannemann     25     Hochfingen     GER     36.60
    9     Rylan Kappler     68     Revelstoke     CAN     35.67
    10     Sean Cochrane     62     Revelstoke     CAN     35.17
    11     Mat Jackson     48     Squaw Valley     USA     35.10
    12     Josh Daiek     38     Kirkwood     USA     34.97
    12     Jake Sakson     60     Aspen Snowmass     USA     34.97
    14     Sean Collin     69     Squaw Valley     USA     34.57
    15     Samuel Anlhamatten     24     Zermatt     SWI     34.33
    15     Jeremy Prevost     55     Meribel     FRA     34.33
    17     Nicolas Salencon     43     Bariloche     ARG     34.30
    18     Kevin Guri     65     Les Menuiry / 3 Valley     FRA     34.07
    18     Bjorn Heregger     39     St. Anton     AUT     34.07
    20     Aurelien Ducroz     26     Chamonix     FRA     33.67
    21     Adrien Coirier     50     Tignes     FRA     33.63
    22     Christian Boucher     58     Whistler     CAN     33.20
    23     CJ Wright     42     Craigieburn Valley     NZL     33.10
    24     Dylan Crossman     64     Mad River Glen     USA     33.00
    25     Julien Lopez     54     Tarentaise     FRA     32.87
Cut-Off
    26     Guerlain Chicherit     63     Tignes     FRA     32.67
    27     Blake Clarkson     33     Snowmass     USA     32.50
    28     Ben Paciotti     21     Crystal Mountain     USA     32.07
    29     Tom Leitner     27     Hochfella     GER     31.50
    29     Patrick Westfeldt     57     Aspen Snowmass     USA     31.50
    31     Mathieu Mati Imbert     35     Vars La Foret Clanche     FRA     29.67
    32     Erik Sunnerheim     49     Are     SWE     27.97
    33     Tom Runcie     61     Crested Butte     USA     27.80
    34     Christian Reichenberger     28         GER     26.33
    35     Connery Lundin     47     Squaw Valley     USA     25.67
    36     Jason Jones     41     Adanac Ski Hill     CAN     20.67
    37     Willie Rocket Schneider     22     Alpine Meadows     USA     17.33
    38     Matty Richard     44     Whistler / Blackcomb     CAN     16.67
    39     Stefan Hausl     36     Arlberg     AUT     16.33
    40     Caleb Mullen     51     Schweitzer     USA     15.70
    41     Richard Amacker     23     Nendaz     SWI     15.40
    42     Luke Nelson     34     Fernie Alpine Resort     CAN     14.97
    43     Reine Barkered     40     Are     SWE     14.67
    44     Henrik Windstedt     45     Are     MCO     14.17
    45     Conor Pelton     29     Crystal Mountain     USA     DNF
    46     Neil Williman     37     Temple Basin     NZL     DNF
    47     Sam Smoothy     52     Treble Cone     NZL     DNF
    48     Caleb Brown     53     Fernie Alpine Resort     CAN     DNS
    49     Kevin O’Meara     66     Squaw Valley     USA     DNF
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Story: Heli-skiing In Chile At Story: Heli-skiing In Chile At Valle Nevado

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September 21, 2011

By Brigid Mander

The more skiers flock to South America in the summer, the more the search for powder and adventure requires creativity. If you find yourself vying for fresh lines with every skier in the western hemisphere, it’s time to change the game. South America is stacked with ski areas. But Chile’s Valle Nevado has the added benefit of relatively cheap helicopter skiing.

Going on a recommendation from pro skier Chopo Diaz, we decided to check it out and discovered the resort has quietly been running a heliski service where skiers can buy — starting at $210 a run — a never to be forgotten run in the central Andean cordillera, west of the resort.

A chance to fly and ski deeper in the Andes for a couple hundred bucks should not be passed up — it’s not a bad deal to fly around the most massive untouched terrain you have ever seen and point at things and see if the guide agrees.

Valle Nevado runs a fairly casual operation: You can make a reservation by simply sauntering into the heli-skiing office. Next thing you know, you’ll be in a chopper with three friends and a guide, like Claudio Iglesias, a ripping skier who has guided in Chile, Switzerland and Alaska. After a brief helicopter safety and beacon testing session, the next question is: “So what do you want to ski?”

Finding something big, fun and powdery was not a problem — like a 1300-meter drop in absolute hero snow, complete with droppable features and steep sections — or request a drop on top of one of the endless huge couloirs in the terrain Valle Nevado serves.

To top it all off, after the mind-boggling flight back over the ridges the pilot drops you right on the lift-served slopes. From here, you can: keep going until you max out your credit card (tempting!), go get beers and soak up your new rockstar aura, or head straight to the easily accessed big lines in the resort’s sidecountry for some earn your turns action. And replacing your couple hundred bucks with fun like that will never be regretted.

How to make it happen:

Since you could easily kill a week touring big, interesting lines near the resort, it’s a good idea to stay a few days. A relatively quick trip from Santiago, the first obstacle you’ll hit is that there is no public transit. This is due to the gnarly, nauseating and terrifying road up to the resorts — busses can’t make it. So you and your crew can hire a cab, or a private transfer — probably best for a group with lots of gear. Or, you can hitch from the bottom of the road with the locals and day skiers from Santiago.

Transfer info: Mountain Taxi or Santiago Adventures.

The only actual town up high is Farrellones, a cool little village just below the Valle Nevado base area. Here, you can find departamentos to rent, hostels, or just go to the bar and try to make friends with the local ski bums-whatever your style. At Valle Nevado itself , the closest base area to the action, the best option is the Hotel Tres Puntas, which if you are with a crew and you hit it up in late August through September, is a pretty good deal, meals included. For more, visit the Valle Nevado website.
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