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Beartooth Beartooth

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1 day ago
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Whistler Blackcomb--The Wonder Whistler Blackcomb--The Wonder Of An Alpine Summer

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Millions of years in the making, and you're just in time. From ancient peaks with their spectacular views and plethora of alpine hiking trails to the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Whistler Blackcomb takes summer to another level.

The Wonder of an alpine summer is your window into summer at Whistler Blackcomb. Discover the wonders at whistlerblackcomb.com
2 weeks ago
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Angeli VanLannen in "LymeLight Angeli VanLannen in "LymeLight"

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2 weeks ago
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Oskar BASE Jumping Oskar BASE Jumping

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Little Oskar takes a leap
1 month ago
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Dash Longe Creature Edit Dash Longe Creature Edit

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Roky Erickson, the artisit performing here in a re-edit from Dash Longe's part in The Dream Factory, spent years in asylums for the criminally insane. At one point he even asserted that he was posessed by an alien.

What does that have to do with Dash? Well, as far as we know, Dash has never been criminaly insane. That's not saying his skiing isn't.

Edited by Matt Philippi.
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Rahlves' Banzai Tour Finishes Rahlves' Banzai Tour Finishes Strong

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

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

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

2013 Sugar Bowl Silver Belt Banzai Top Finishers Included:

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

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

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

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

2013 RBT Overall Top Finishers Included:

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

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

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

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

2013 RBT total prize purse winnings:

Men Ski

•Johnny Bochenek$14,200

•Kyle Coxon $9,500

•Jesse Maddex$3,900

•John Lange$2,600

Men Snowboard

•Chelone Miller$8,150

•Lucas Dehmlow$2,900

•Adam DeVargas$2,150

Women Ski

•Shannon Rahlves$6,750

•Shelly Robertson$2,000

•Hannah Jermstad$1,000

Women Snowboard

•Casey Lucas$2,550

•Macy Price$1,100

•Iris Lazzareschi$750

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

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

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(Washington, D.C.) - Warning that “winter is in trouble,” 75 Olympic medalists and other winter sports athletes – including White House “Champion of Change” awardee and pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones – are sending a letter to President Obama today urging the President to take action on climate and clean energy.

The representatives of the global snow sports community signing the letter include X Games champions and World Champion snowboarders, alpine/Nordic skiers and professional climbers, including:

• Olympic gold and silver medalist Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA)

• Olympic silver medalist and four-time X Games gold medalist Gretchen Bleiler (Aspen, CO)

• 10-time Big Mountain Rider of the Year Jeremy Jones (Truckee, CA)

• Olympic silver medalist, three-time World champion, seven-time X Games champion Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton, VT)

• Two-time Olympian and six-time X Games gold medalist Nate Holland (Truckee, CA)

• Olympic gold & silver medalist, six-time X Games medalist, six-time World Cup champion Hannah Teter (Belmont, VT)

• 2010 Olympian, Nordic skier Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, AK)

• Five-time winner Powder Magazine’s Best Female Performer Ingrid Backstrom (Seattle, WA)

• Two-time World Freeskiing champion Chris Davenport (Aspen, CO)

• Two-time World Freeeskiing champion, Kit Deslauriers (Jackson, WY)

• 2013 World champion, X Games medalist Arielle Gold (Steamboat Springs, CO)

For a full list of signers, go to protectourwinters.org/athleteletter.

“Without a doubt, winter is in trouble,” the letter states. “… at risk are the economies of tourist-dependent states where winter tourism generates $12.2 billion in revenue annually, supports 212,000 jobs and $7 billion in salaries. Those are the jobs and businesses owned by our friends and families, generators of billions in federal and state income.”

Jones is being honored on April 11 at a White House ceremony along with other “Champions of Change,” in recognition of “ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world.”

Jones is being recognized for his contribution to raising awareness about the impact of climate change on the winter sports industry by creating Protect Our Winters (POW), a foundation established in 2007 to unite and mobilize the global winter sports community against climate change.

“This nomination is an absolute honor for me and the work we're doing at POW. But it's now my responsibility to take this recognition and help secure a place in the climate discussions in Washington. The letter that's been enthusiastically signed by so many amazing athletes is a strong showing of solidarity from the leaders in snow sports on climate action, so together, we have to keep that momentum going,” Jones said.

The letter to the president references a December 2012 report published by Protect Our Winters and the Natural Resources Defense Council highlighting the economic impact of inconsistent winters on the U.S. snow sports community and tourism-dependent states. (See protectourwinters.org/climate_report/.)

The athletes’ letter calls on Obama to follow through on the promise he made in the State of the Union address to fight climate change. He can do so by using executive authority currently available to reduce carbon pollution emitted by America’s power plants, the largest source of carbon pollution worsening climate change, and by rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline, which would add millions of tons of new carbon pollution to the atmosphere.

“Mr. President, it’s time to force our transition to clean energy, and we need your leadership,” the letter states. “…on behalf of 23 million of us who love winter and depend on it for our economic livelihoods, please take the action on climate change you have promised.”

The full text of the letter follows:

Dear President Obama,

During the recent State of the Union address, you urged Congress to “get together, pursue a bipartisan market-based solution to climate change...but if Congress won't act soon to protect future generations, I will.“

As professional athletes, representing a community of 23 million winter sports enthusiasts, we’re witnessing climate change first-hand. Last year was the warmest year on record, and once again, we’re currently experiencing another winter season of inconsistent snow and questionable extremes. Without a doubt, winter is in trouble.

And with this lack of consistent snow, at risk are the economies of tourist-dependent states where winter tourism generates $12.2 billion in revenue annually, supports 212,000 jobs and $7 billion in salaries. Those are the jobs and businesses owned by our friends and families, generators of billions in federal and state income.

The good news is that because we know this warming is human-caused, we can do something about it and it can be done, now, from limiting carbon pollution from our nation's dirty power plants to rejecting the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.

First, it is time to tackle pollution from the biggest emitters in the United States: power plants. We’re asking for you to issue standards under the Clean Air Act that cut carbon pollution from America’s aging power plant fleet - at least 25 percent by 2020, while boosting energy efficiency and shifting to clean energy sources. Power plants are our largest source of carbon pollution. Cleaning them up will create tens of thousands of clean energy jobs, meet the pollution targets set for the country, and restore U.S. international leadership.

Furthermore, we urge you to reject dirty fuels like tar sands. Specifically, reject the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, which is not in our national interest because it would unlock vast amounts of additional carbon that we can’t afford to burn, extend our dangerous addiction to fossil fuels, endanger health and safety, and put critical water resources at risk.

Mr. President, it’s time to force our transition to clean energy, these are the first big steps and we need your leadership.

Again, on behalf of 23 million of us who love winter and depend on it for our economic livelihoods, please take the action on climate change you have promised.

Thank you.
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Chaos Ensues at the Orage Mast Chaos Ensues at the Orage Masters

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A heap of burlap bags and pink lawn flamingos lay smoldering, Ronald McDonald is on all fours vomiting, and a what appears to be a gang of bikers is grabbing every girl they can lay their hands on and carrying them away.

No, it’s not the set of a post apocalyptic horror movie, it’s the eighth edition of the Orage Masters. After a two-year hiatus from the freeskiing scene, and on the eve of freeskiing’s Olympic debut, the Orage Masters is a gasoline-soaked breath of fresh air. The competiton brought together eight film crews, pitted them head to head in a single elimination format, and let the other teams determine who won each match up.

Instead of scoring on trick difficulty, amplitude, style, and speed, teams were judged on overall impression, antics, and fun. Or something like that. At one point the Level 1 team got a perfect ten score that was reduced for egg-throwing antics from the night before. There weren’t any appeals to the International Olympic Committee though, just loud cheers from the crowd.

The day started with theatrical skiing antics from Traveling Circus, Toy Soldier Productions, Inspired Media’s, 4bi9 Media, Level 1, Stept Productions, The Kids, and a wild card crew named Me Gustan Aviones.

Skiing prowess weighed in just as heavily as antics while competing however, as teams like The Kids—short Sean Pettit due to an injury—made it to the semi-finals thanks to big moves and gasoline. They were ejected after being warned not to light anything else on fire. Their response, as well as the crowds was a big “F-You!” The Masters isn’t winning, but having fun.

And fun was had. When finals came around the entire scene was in full party mode. Level 1 and 4bi9 each dropped more doubles than an In-N-Out over a 20-minute jam session that was complete with a party going on right in the middle of the course. Whiskey flowed like beer flowed like wine. The landing of the final jump was littered with costume parts. Ronald couldn’t stop puking. Little John Strenio tossed a triple back flip through the middle of it all and helped seal the win for team Level 1.

The awards ceremony was short lived, and all the oversized victory checks wound up on fire. Who needs pageantry when there is a party going on in the parking lot?

Events like the Orage Masters are important. Freeskiing has reached a level of competitiveness, professionalism, and maturity that warrants Olympic recognition, but at the end of the day, it’s only skiing. Mike Nick and Orage brought that to our fullest attention at this year’s Masters. Sure skiing might get cast into the mainstream public eye next year in Sochi, but for those of us who are lucky enough to know skiing already, this is a firm reminder of why we keep doing it. You know, fun with friends, the freedom of the mountains, and of gallons and gallons of gasoline. Right?
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News: Backcountry.com Signs TG News: Backcountry.com Signs TGR Athlete Ian McIntosh To Pro Team

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Canadian pro freeskier Ian McIntosh is a hard-charging specimen of brute strength, raw talent, and pure style. Today, Backcountry.com, online specialty retailer of premium outdoor gear, welcomes McIntosh to their 34-member Pro Team. No slouch to slashing turns on steep powder faces, electrifying crowds at comps, or bringing his A-game for the camera, McIntosh joins an elite athlete roster that includes some of the most talented professionals in skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

“We are super excited about having Ian join our program,” said Jonny Atencio, Sports Marketing Manager at Backcountry.com. “I've known Ian since he was competing on the Freeride Tour – the guy is a beast. His ability to seek out and ski unique lines is uncanny. We look forward to Ian's contributions to our community, as he will be providing product reviews, answering questions, and uploading photos and video to the Backcountry.com site.”

Growing up in the Kootenays in interior British Columbia, Canada, McIntosh has had skis strapped to his feet since he was two-years-old. As part of a family that was crazy about skiing – his grandfather is still an instructor at age 85 – McIntosh honed his love for speed and technique as a ski racer during his early years. But, as he got older, the big mountains were calling McIntosh’s name – which prompted a move to Whistler in 2004.

“Having an avid skiing family, it was natural for me to gain a huge love for the mountains,” said McIntosh. “I was ski touring with my family from age 10. But, my love for powder quickly overtook my love for racing and I found myself completely addicted to skiing and over the years became a successful ski bum. Many things helped me hone my skills over the years from racing to the Freeski Tour, but I attribute everything to those early years as a kid where my passion for the mountains was born.”
After a few years on the freeride comp circuit, where he took second-place overall on the Freeski World Tour in 2004 and won the North American crown the same year, McIntosh was invited to shoot with leading ski-film company Teton Gravity Research (TGR) – a dream of his. This opportunity opened the door to McIntosh’s ski career as he has become a leading athlete in not only TGR’s annual ski films, but many others including Warren Miller and Red Bull productions. In 2007, McIntosh won the Powder Magazine Awards “Breakthrough Performance” honor.

“My skiing today is evolving as I become more and more focused on going places where not many have ever been and skiing mountains and lines that have never been ridden,” said McIntosh. “Bigger challenges and bigger rewards are waiting. Joining Backcountry.com is super exciting for me because I think that I embody the backcountry spirit as strong as most.”
Consisting of some of the most experienced and respected athletes in the world, Backcountry.com’s Pro Team members are ambassadors – and affiliates – for the site. Through adding product reviews, updating their personal profile pages, and sharing news across their social media channels, Backcountry.com athletes are an extension of the brand helping connect and engage customers and the Backcountry.com community.

For more about Backcountry.com
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Ian McIntosh Ian McIntosh

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Ian McIntosh signs with backcountry.com
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Ian McIntosh Ian McIntosh

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Ian McIntosh signs with backcountry.com
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Getting Rad at the Pain McSchl Getting Rad at the Pain McSchlonkey

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Words and Photos By Seth Lightcap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese Downhill (Men)

1. Ryland Mauck-Duff

2. Ben Paciotti

3. Nicolas Anderson

Chinese Downhill (Women)

1. Amie Engerbretson

2. Shawna Anzures

3. Jackie Paaso

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

From: TetonGravityResearch
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Hailing from Bozeman, Montana, The Bridger Brigade’s Axel Peterson has been hard at work filming an edit for The Co-Lab. He and his crew have been hard at work skiing film worthy lines with speed and aggression for quite a while now and he thinks it’s his time to shine. TGR caught up with him on his attempt at $100,000 and The Co-Lab glory.

TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH: What motivated you, besides the $100k, to enter The Co-Lab?

Axel Peterson: I have been creating ski edits for four years now at a somewhat underground level, and I thought this competition would be a good way to get our name out there and see how we stack up against everyone else.

TGR: What do you think the most important aspect is, in a winning edit? (Music, Athlete, Location..etc.)

AP: I think all play an important role in creating a quality and unique edit. Number one will be the athlete, not the 'Name', but rather the level of skiing. A nice mix of burly lines and stomped tricks will make for the most enjoyable edit to watch. Also, a mix of terrain such as pillows, gnarly lines, couloirs, natural features, etc. will be an important aspect for a winning edit. I'm a big fan of using lesser known music rather than mainstream songs for an edit. Personally, I love edits where I hear a song I've never heard. A good song will be important in setting the mood, pace, and overall feel of the edit.

TGR: What’s the biggest obstacle you came across in creating your edit?

AP: So far, the biggest obstacle has been timing. On numerous occasions we have been hiking perfect pow lines in the sun, and by the time we reach the top it is socked in and puking snow. So just getting unlucky with weather, and also me forgetting my memory cards for my camera (haha) have been the only issues that have cost us a few good shots.

TGR: Who are you most excited to see enter the Contest?

AP: Of course I'm stoked to see what the 'top dogs' come up with, but mostly I'm excited to see what the lesser know filmers and athletes create. It's awesome when an unknown team blows everyone's mind. It is going to be a high level of competition, and I can't wait to see every edit that is entered!

TGR: Who are you working with on the edit?

AP:I've been skiing every day this season with Randy Evans. It's been super fun filming with Randy this year and watching him push himself. He has really stepped it up this winter by stomping some technical lines and sweet tricks. We already have a few quality shots in the bag so far, and we will be working hard through the end of May to produce an edit that hopefully stacks up with the other entries. Randy just won the 'Ticket to Tailgate' competition, so we are heading to AK next week to stack some more shots! I have also been filming a lot this season with Steve Popovich. I know he is planning on submitting an edit, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with.
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TGR Acquires World's Most Adva TGR Acquires World's Most Advanced Gyro-Stabilized Camera Platform

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Teton Gravity Research Aerial Reel - The Bay Area in 4K from Teton Gravity Research on Vimeo.

(Teton Village, Wyo.) - Award-winning action sports production company and lifestyle brand Teton Gravity Research (TGR) has become the first to acquire the new Gyro-Stabilized Systems (GSS) C520 system, the most advanced five-axis gyro-stabilized camera platform in the world. GSS, which specializes in the development of leading-edge camera systems and other custom stabilization technologies, has awarded TGR a number of exclusive benefits that position TGR as the premier carrier of this platform.

The GSS C520 is the first fully upgradable and interchangeable portable gyro-stabilized system, able to accommodate a range of existing cameras like the RED Epic and Sony F55 that shoot at 4K resolution, as well as future advancements in camera technology. The portable platform allows TGR to capture stunning, Ultra HD cinema, about four times the resolution of regular 1080p HD. Widely predicted to become the new worldwide standard for HD programming, 4K footage approaches the limits of what the human eye can process. The Cineflex Elite, the current leading gyro-stabilized camera system, maxes out at 2K (just above 1080p).

“In terms of technological adoption, this may be the most significant step TGR has ever taken,” proclaims Steve Jones, TGR co-founder. “We’re able to mount the GSS system on helicopters, automobiles, boats, planes, and all sorts of other vehicles to shoot the most stable, crisp, clear aerial/motion shots ever captured. In the near future, people will come to expect their content in 4K, and TGR will lead this Ultra HD movement through our feature films, television series, and commercial work.“

“The GSS C520 is the most highly sophisticated 4K digital cinema system in the world,” adds Todd Jones, TGR co-founder. “This platform has the potential to redefine aerial cinematography at the highest levels of filmed entertainment and reshape the way we see motion pictures.”

“We’re longtime fans of TGR’s athlete-driven productions in some of the world’s wildest environments, so they are a logical launch partner for us,” says Jason Fountaine, GSS Managing Director. “It’s taken us almost two years of development to bring this system to market, and TGR will have the first chance to show everyone what’s possible. We can’t wait to see what’s created with it.”
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Filming for TGR's HIGHER Begin Filming for TGR's HIGHER Begins

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On Monday, March 18th, after a two-day approach and five years of scouting, Jeremy Jones dropped in on the Grand Teton in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, kicking off the final leg of a snowboard odyssey that has captivated the world since the premiere of TGR’s Deeper.

Joined by legendary snowboarder Brian Iguchi, and Exum mountain guides Zahan Billimora and Brendan O’Neill, Jones descended the Grand’s Otterbody face, a high hanging snowfield with hundreds of

feet of exposure below it. A massive storm cycle yielded 27 inches of new snow only a few days before the descent, making the line a very touch-and-go operation.

Just getting to the line was a massive effort. “We broke it up over two days, It’s about 5,000 feet to where we camped on the lower saddle. We spent a day getting to that point.” Says Jeremy Jones. “The next morning it took about five hours for the last 2,100 feet.”

Most of the route was hazardous, not just because of the exposure, but because of the new snow as well. “It was really questionable whether the snow bonded to the previous melt/freeze cycle,” says TGR’s Steve Jones who was onsite directing the shoot. “They went up Sunday night with the notion just to look at it on Monday. The whole decent is a no fall zone. If anything were to slough or slide, it’s game over.”

Conditions were stable and the group made the descent, but not without a few incredibly tense moments. At one point, Jones, Iguchi, and Billamora had all made an initial repel onto the Otterbody face while O’Neill skied toward them and triggered a large amount of slough. The three below were sheltered as the snow passed over them, but there was no way to tell that from the camera angles.

“It was pretty emotional in the sense that at a point I wasn’t sure if I was going to watch my brother and two friends get sloughed off the mountain,” says Steve Jones. “From our perspective it looked like the slough was bearing down on them. It was a really tense moment for everyone.”

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The tension didn’t end there. When the group arrived at a mandatory 400-foot rappel, there was so much snow accumulation that the anchor was nowhere to be found. Instead of using a set anchor, they had to make a new one. Testing out a new anchor with a 400-foot drop isn’t exactly ideal.

These trials are typical for a descent in Grand Teton National Park according to Jeremy Jones. “I’ve tried to have the Tetons in my last two films,” says Jeremy Jones. “[They] are a tricky range, and probably the toughest place that we’ve tried to shoot in the last five years. Two of the last five years I’ve wrote it off right from the get go.”

Jones says that Grand Teton National Park was one of his main motivations for going to terrain that was only accessed by foot. “I was running out of terrain, but I realized that there is so much terrain in the park.”

When asked where Higher will take him next, Jones’s reply echoed his never-ending sense of adventure. “Higher is an evolution of everything I’ve done in snowboarding. Where that shakes out, I don’t know. We’ll know in a couple of years when it’s done.”
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News: TGR Snowboarder Jeremy J News: TGR Snowboarder Jeremy Jones Stars On New Coors Light Commercial

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News: Erik Roner Graphic T-Shi News: Erik Roner Graphic T-Shirt Now Available At TGR Online Shop

From: TetonGravityResearch
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Erik Roners’s limited edition graphic T-Shirt is now available exclusively at the TGR Online Shop. Every tee purchased will submit the customer into a drawing to win a pair of Full Tilt 1st Chair Boots and Scott Package. Only 100 of these t-shirts are available for sale, each individually packaged in a hand numbered bands, so that you know you are getting a one-of-a-kind shirt. Erik’s choice combination of 50% combed ring spun organic cotton and 50% post-consumer recycled polyester gives this shirt a very comfortable, relaxed fit and an eco-friendly vibe. Sales will end April 12th at 5 p.m. MST. Erik will announce the winner of the Full Tilt 1st Chair boots and Scott package personally on April 16th in a “Live from the Field” video posted on www.tetongravity.com.

This t-shirt is the second of four 2013 TGR Athlete Signature T-Shirts, which are designed in conjunction with the athletes to create a product that reflects their individual style. Keep an eye on the TGR Online Shop for news on our next tee created by Jeremy Jones, which will be on sale next month!

Visit our Athlete Signature T-Shirt page for more information.

Click here to buy your Erik Roner Signature T-Shirt Now!
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