208 Search Results for "dropping"

• Parks and Wreck Season 2 Episo Parks and Wreck Season 2 Episode 4 "Super"

  • From: angrysnowboarder
  • Description:

    So we took a week off from dropping our weekly edits. You probably thought we called it quits, moved on, and decided filming the Icecapades would be better, right? Wrong, we knew we had to bring you something that would change the direction of Parks and Wreck for the better. So fire up that ole tube TV with its low def, plug in that Nintendo Entertainment System, and lets get 8 bit with some super memories!

    Riders: Chris Collard, Zach Soderholm, Connor Paulson, Andrew Agar, Tylor Berreth

    Filmed and edited by: Shamus Lahman

    Sponsored by: iON Cameras, Echelon Snowboards, Phunkshun Wear

  • 1 month ago
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• Interview: Ralph Backstrom Interview: Ralph Backstrom

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    Ralph Backtsrom is no stranger to the podium on the Freeride World Tour circuit. The overall title has eluded him till this year when he dropped into the infamous Bac de Rosses face with aggression and not only won the day, but the overall title as well. We caught up with him to get his take on his first ever world championship.
    
    TGR: Ralph, after a few years of near misses, you’re the FWT World Champ. Has that set in yet?  How does it feel?
    
    Ralph Backstrom: It's been a long road of near misses, and yes, it has set in.  I'm super stoked.
    
    TGR: You dropped first and wound up staying on top.  Tell me about your line choice. Also tell us how nerve-wracking  it was to be in the hot seat for the entire competition.
    
    RB: I knew I was going to be dropping first 2-3 days before the comp; just had a really strong feeling.  The only thing was that I thought the skiers were going to be going first.  When we heard that the snowboarders were going to go first, I knew I still had the 1st bib.  It can be a bit nerve wracking going first, but most riders in AK prefer to go first, right?  I had been in Verbier for 5 days or so before the comp and had picked a line out.  After 2 bad line choices/falls in the prior comps, I picked the first line that spoke to me when I saw the face.  Then, the night before the comp, I kept having these micro dreams/thoughts that parts of my line were too tight for the amount of slough that would be moving, and kept having trouble visualizing individual turns.  So I woke up super tired, and the fog didn't help me feel any more awake.  I definitely wasn't in a state to ride a technical line.  I changed my line minutes before I left the judges tent to start hiking to something less technical and less exposed.  It wasn't until I saw my score that I knew how good my run was.  I had flown passed some features I'd planned to hit, so thought I'd be easy to beat.  I definitely dodged some bullets sitting there at the bottom watching the others come down!
    
    TGR: You were in third coming into the finals at Verbier. How did that affect your decision-making when you were picking your line?
    
    RB: I try not to let stuff like overall points get into my head for decision making, so I just tried to pick something I knew I could stomp most of, with some bigger airs that were maybe questionable.
    
    TGR: What was going through your head when you dropped into the Bec?
    
    RB: I was so rushed before we dropped I didn't have time to think at all.  A couple riders and myself were talking to Nicolas Hale-Woods on speaker phone about contingency plans if the fog didn't clear.  It cleared right then, and he said, “forerunner in 2 minutes!”  After he dropped, the starter said, “Ralph Backstrom 2 minutes!  No, 1 minute!”  I even forgot to put on my backpack up there.
    
    TGR: The tour lasts all winter. What do you do to stay on your game when you aren’t competing?
    
    RB: I try to stay in shape, have a good time riding, and stay healthy.
    
    TGR: You’ve had some pretty awesome film segments. What drives you to compete in the Tour?
    
    RB: Competition lines and film lines are pretty similar, and doing either of them is good practice for the other.  I do think comp lines generally tend to be a little more difficult due to conditions, tracks, etc, and are therefore good preparation for filming.  It's a good way to travel the world with cool people too.
    
    TGR: What venue is your favorite one to compete at?
    
    RB: Revelstoke, Mack Daddy Face.
    
    TGR: After finally getting the overall title, are you planning on competing next year?
    
    RB: That's hard to say at this point.  The tour is great, but I think there are still a few things that could use some polishing, and you never know what other opportunities will come up...
    
    TGR: What are you going to do with the rest of your winter?
    
    RB: I'm in Laax right now for the GoPro Snow Camp, heading back to Tahoe in a few days for the Pain McShlonkey, then up to Alaska.

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  • 2 months ago
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• Cherry Picking – Points North Cherry Picking – Points North Heli “Buddy Love”, the Worm Glacier

  • From: kimhavell
  • Description:

    Photo: Grant Kaye
    
    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.
    
    Buddy Love - Cherry Picking No. 2 - Points North Heli
    
    The Worm Glacier is a Points North Heli (PNH) treasure. Sitting at the Southern entrance of the Chugach mountain range just north of Cordova, Alaska, the Worm zone offers a vast number of options off the peaks lining its valley. Terrain ranges from the 3,000ft warm-up run “Guilt Trip” to spines galore. The stand-out, however, is a peak named “Buddy Love” that, according to PNH Chef and tail guide Nathan Stone, “is undoubtedly the brains and beauty of the Worm Glacier. Flying in, if you can make it past the temptations viewed on approach, your eyes become fixated on this lone peak at the head of the valley.”
    
    The prominent peak of Buddy Love is roughly 2800 vertical feet and a consistent 50-degree angle pitch. It is named after one of Cordova's most respected citizens and good friend of PNH, Bud Jansen, AKA “Buddy Love”. A third generation Inuit tribesmen, Bud is a central figure of the land-locked community. PNH photographer and friend Keoki Flagg explains, “Like most who were born and raised in Cordova, Buddy has made his living as a commercial fisherman. This giant of a man has a gentle, easy-going manner and he is engaged and committed to supporting any and all activities that help the community thrive.” Janson also owns the famous “Pro Shop” in Cordova, and the Worm Glacier and many of its runs are named in honor of him.
    
    
    
    When Kent Kreitler put the first descent down Buddy Love it was pre-PNH as well as pre-most heli operations in AK. Kreitler was based off the Maritime Maid boat in Prince William Sound, close to the current Points North base. The first descent was documented in TGR’s film, “Harvest”. The segment opens with Kent charging from the top, airing over a rock outcropping, and then sending it to the bottom effortlessly in about eight turns.
    
    Countless pros and film companies have visited the area over the years and superstar big mountain skier Wendy Fisher calls it the best heli run of her life. Pro snowboarders Mitch Toelder, Flo Orley and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Seth Wescott have also charged multiple routes off its face.
    
    As Guide and Co-Owner, Jessica Sobolowski-Quinn shares, “Buddy Love used to be a peak I often skied with Kevin (Quinn – husband, guide, & co-owner). The landing zone is small and the adrenaline I would feel on the toe-in would stay with me for the first three turns skiing down. It’s exciting! Dropping onto the massive spine is intimidating, but as soon as you’re a quarter of the way down the run appears, the rollover fades away, and you are skiing a beautiful, consistently steep slope to the bottom.”
    
    Sobolowski-Quinn adds, “It was a special moment when one of our guests, KC, skied it. She is a mom of three and in her forties. I was overcome with pride and awe. It's not often you see a lady just ripping the you-know-what out of a line like Buddy Love and doing it just for the sheer joy of doing it.”
    
    Photo: Court Leve
    
    PNH company man Stone describes the run:
    
    “On the west aspect there are fluted spines, top to bottom. The apron is littered with gaping crevasses that catch your eye like an S.O.S distress signal from a pocket mirror. Due to its sun exposure, this aspect is rarely skied. But in the right conditions, it will be what you dream about. 
    
    Panning around to the northwest aspect, Buddy Love proper, is a beautiful A-framed layout. The tip of the peak is rarely landed on by helis as it occasionally can have wind scoured rock formations and a miniscule landing area; so about fifty percent of the landings are in the saddle just below the summit. This is where I set out for the quick climb to the top.
    
    Once on the summit, as I double check my gear, the bass drum in my chest is increasing in velocity and depth. Peering over the tip of my board, the view is peppered rock and small cliffs scattered about the entrance. Beyond that, the only visual is the valley floor 3,000 feet below. Classic AK roll.
    
    There are safe points. But if you are caught in the wrong area, it's taking you top to bottom in a hurry.
    
    
    
    With a consistent 50-degree pitch, I have no problem finding the accelerator in the first turn. From there it offers several routes—my personal favorite being fall line. I work the mountain from right to left. A third of the way down, a distinct rib just calls for turns. Shedding snow forms rivers on both sides of me, and yet more concentrated on either side of the spine. I make a few surf-style turns, whipping the tail while scrubbing speed in the same motion. A smooth lip. Take off!
    
    Airing a small cliff band, I am now in the gut. The belly of the beast. I have two choices at this point: wait out the slough train, or, my choice, hammer down, working left toward the shoulder, letting the snow fall away from me.
    
    Getting to the bottom third, the thought of pointing to the finish line comes to mind. But keeping one step ahead, I lock onto the open seracs and depressions on the left side of the apron. All of the snow I've been avoiding is now catching me and its destination is the danger zone. Smashing the pedal to the floor, I exit right, just before the slough nips at my heels to pull me back fall line. Arms raised, yelling in ecstasy, I realize that I made it. And I rode it how I wanted.”
    
    
    Be safe in the field, shop for all your avalanche saftey gear online at Backcountry.com

    Photos by

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
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• Dropping In: 6 Questions With Dropping In: 6 Questions With Steve Jones On The Co-Lab

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    Teton Gravity Research has been organizing The Co-Lab $100,000 freeskiing video project for years. Since announcing the contest to the public last May, there have been many questions as to how it will work.
    
    We sat down with TGR co-founder Steve Jones to talk about The Co-Lab.

    
    
    1) There is a lot of talk about The Co-Lab $100,000 freeskiing video contest. When the day comes to unveil the videos to the world, what do you hope to see?
    
    Steve Jones: I have been hearing lots of background talk from undiscovered skiers, to pros working on segments.  I think this thing could go any number of ways.  Some guys are working on all park style skiing, some guys on more urban-centric edits, and some guys on more of a freeride type of a vibe.  With the way people have evolved their skiing, I think we will see a lot of diverse edits that include lots of different styles of skiing.  In terms of participants, from what I am hearing about on the street, this $100,000 could go to anyone.
    
    2) What do you think will make a successful edit for The Co-Lab?
    
    Steve Jones: I think some people think they need helicopters and all kinds of hi-tech camera equipment to win.  That is not the case.  I think it will come down to the most innovative riding combined with the most innovative editing.  Creativity, aggressiveness, style, resourcefulness will all play a big part. 
    
    Another cool thing is that if you don't win the grand prize we are going to be announcing some sub-category awards as well.  We are still defining those but things like, “Best foot-powered edit,” “Best Trick,” “Rowdiest Line,” “Most Innovative/Creative” are some of the ideas being thrown around.  These are not final yet, but you get the idea. We are hoping to have a much smaller cash component to award for these sub-categories.  Again, still in the works but hopefully can release some sub-categories soon.
    
    3) If the edits are voted on by the people, how will the voting work? How will you prevent shenanigans?
    
    Steve Jones: The people are only allowed to vote in the top 18 segments.  Then there are three wildcards chosen by an outside panel of industry experts.  Once the public has voted and the final 21 segments are locked, voting is closed to only those final 21 athletes to decide the ultimate winner.
    
    4) What do you hope the final video for The Co-Lab to be?
    
    Steve Jones: The final compilation film will be made up of the top 12 segments.  From what I am hearing in the rumor mill and knowing some of the contestants, the final compilation will be a mix of undiscovered rippers and a variety of some of the industry's top pros.  It's kind of cool because we expect to see guys from different film companies, competition backgrounds, local heroes, etc. mixed together into one final movie of their own personal edits.  This is anyone's chance and it should be a colorful group of people.  I think we are going to see some major surprises.
    
    5) Will there be a movie tour for The Co-Lab movie?
    
    Steve Jones: The Co-Lab will be distributed via iTunes and various other distribution platforms.  We don't own the footage but we do retain the rights to distribute.  There will be a ton of exposure for the people in this movie.  We are considering showing CoLab at some of our bigger movie tour stops, as a lead in to our annual film.  At very least we will be showing the winner's segment at all of the film tour venues as a preview.  We will also distribute to film festivals and probably some TV coverage as well.
    
    6) Do you guys really have $100,000?
    
    Steve Jones: Yes we do, and somebody is going to be very happy.
    
    --------
    
    So, are you in? We want to hear your Co-Lab story. Send us an email to CoLab@tetongravity.com for a chance to be featured on this site.
    
    Use the hash tag #TGRcolab
    
    Go To The Co-Lab Contest Page
    
    Get The Co-Lab Overview
    
    See The Co-Lab Schedule
    
    Read The Official Rules
    
    Read The Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 3 months ago
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• News: Large Snow Storm Slams I News: Large Snow Storm Slams Into Southern Colorado

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    Colorado skiers and riders are heading south in search of pow and finding it big time at the Wolf Creek Ski Area and Silverton Mountain, where winter has returned.
    
    Winter weather slammed the Wolf Creek Ski Area in Southern Colorado dropping 42“ of powder in 4 days. While Silverton Mountain picked up another 48” of fresh snow. 
    
    Southern Colorado seems to be favoring the current La Nina weather patterns especially the Wolf Creek Ski Area which has received 197“ of snow this season. Known for having one of the lowest lift ticket prices in Colorado, great terrain and lack of crowds Wolf Creek is a powder skier or riders dream come true.

     

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  • 3 months ago
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• Tabke, Charlet, Hargin, Dewey Tabke, Charlet, Hargin, Dewey Win FWT Stop No. 3 In Chamonix

  • From: gregfitzsimmons
  • Description:

    The venue for the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face in Chamonix, France.
    
    The third stop of the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face took place in Chamonix, France last weekend. The field of men made the short trip to the French side of the Mont Blanc after the second stop in Courmayeur, Italy, and the female competitors met for the second time this season after competing on “Mac Daddy” in Revelstoke, Canada.
    
    Drew Tabke airs into his line. Photo by D. Daher.
    
    The North Face of the Aiguille Pourrie served as the venue for the comp. From the start gate at 2,400-meters, athletes had a handful of options to lace together a line that fit their style of skiing. A lot of the ski men opted for the ridge run skier’s right out of the start gate. With a big natural air on the ridge and playful hips or techy chutes lower down, the skier’s right side of the venue saw a lot of traffic. Directly falline of the start gate was an exposed and high-consequence zone of pepper, tight skiing, and the biggest air on the venue—that Canadian Laurent Gauthier dropped, found a perfect tranny, put the 50-plus footer to the bolts, and earned a top-ten spot for his efforts. And, if competitor’s ventured a little skier’s left and then fallline from the start gate they got to boost a large entry-air cornice and then have their choice of hips, chutes, and side-airs to play with.
    
    Men's ski podium: 1. Drew Tabke (USA) 91.67 2. Fabio Studer (AUT) 87.00 3. Willie Lindberg (SWE) 84.33. Photo by Jeremy Bernard.
    
    In the end, the winning line was hidden in left side over the venue, and it took Drew Tabke to find it and stomp it. Tabke, now the overall tour leader halfway through the season, linked a creative line from the top entry air via the cornice, finding a lofty natural hip that sent him about 60 feet into a chute, and then capping the run off with a sleepy three on the bottom portion of the venue. Tabke’s creativity and blend of big-mountain charging and trickery was rewarded by the judges with a score of 91.67, the highest score dolled out to any competitor on the day.
    
    In second place, Austrian Fabio Studer opted for the ridge on the skier’s right ridge. Studer put on a clinic stomping a hand-drag 360 off of the large natural air on the ridge then unleashing a cork 720 into an exposed section, and drawing aggressive fallline turns through the gnar. And, in third place, Sweden’s Willie Lindberg took the right-hand approach. Lindberg’s high-speed, full-throttle line included a large air into the lower chute, and then finding a keyhole exit into the Cham chunder fields.
    
    Men’s Snowboard podium: (Top 10) 1. Jonathan Charlet (FRA) 90.33 2. Ralph Backstrom (USA) 88.00 3. Sammy Luebke (USA) 76.33. Photo by Jeremy Bernard.
    
    Jonathan Charlet. Photo by Phillip Field.
    
    Ralph Backstrom in Chamonix. Photo by D. Daher.
    
    On the men’s snowboard side, French rider and 2012 FWT Overall Snowboard Champ Jonathan Charlet took the win in front of his home country’s fans. Charlet blasted two features up top, found pow on a ramp rider’s right, and exited off the ramp with a big air on the bottom. TGR’s own Ralph Backstrom came in second place, landing on the podium again after winning the Revy comp, and earning the overall leader position going into the fourth stop of the season. And, Sammy Luebke snagged the third spot on the podium for men’s snowboard.
    
    Women’s Ski podium: 1. Christine Hargin (SWE) 80.00 2. Nadine Wallner (AUT) 72.33 3. Pia Nic Gunderson (NOR) 70.67. Photo by Jeremy Bernard.
    
    Overall 2012 Champion Christine Hargin, of Ramundberget, Sweden, is putting together a serious bid for a repeat as World Champ after winning in the ski women’s comp in Cham. Hargin’s score of an even 80 was almost eight points higher than runner-up Nadine Wallner, of Austria, who scored a 72.33 to take second. Hargin’s back-to-back wins in Revy and Chamonix were done in similar fashion: strong, fast, athletic, and aggressive. Norway’s Pia Nic Gunderson came in third.
    
    Women’s Snowboard podium: 1. Laura Dewey (USA) 70.00 2. Margot Rozies (FRA) 69.00 3. Aline Bock (GER) 57.33. Photo by Jeremy Bernard.
    
    And, Snowbird’s Laura Dewey battled through a string of bad luck traveling—Dewey arrived in Chamonix less than 24 hours before dropping in to compete on borrowed gear because of lost luggage—to earn the victory in women’s snowboard. French rider Margot Rozies took second, the same result she had in Revy. Rozies’s consistent presence on the podium so far means she’s the current tour leader after two stops. And, in third place was German rider Aline Bock.
    
    After two big-mountain comps on the Italian and French sides of the Month Blanc that were as good as it gets, the FWT says “au revoir” to the Alps. The next stop will be stateside at Kirkwood Mountain Resort and is scheduled to go down February 27 in Kirkwood’s famed Cirque. Drew Tabke and Christine Hargin, Ralph Backstrom and Margot Rozies will be bedecked in the yellow bibs that denote the current overall tour leaders when the action gets going again in Kirkwood.
    
    Stay tuned for more FWT coverage.
    
    Men’s Ski Results (Top 10)
    1. Drew Tabke (USA) 91.67
    2. Fabio Studer (AUT) 87.00
    3. Willie Lindberg (SWE) 84.33
    4. Reine Barkered (SWE) 83.33
    5. Julien Lopez (FRA) 82.67
    6. Oakley White-Allen (USA) 81.00
    7. Jérémie Heitz (SUI) 73.00
    8. Charlie Lyons (NZL) 72.67
    9. Laurent Gauthier (CAN) 71.33
    10. Samuel Anthamatten (SUI) 69.67
    
    Men’s Snowboard Results (Top 10)
    1. Jonathan Charlet (FRA) 90.33
    2. Ralph Backstrom (USA) 88.00
    3. Sammy Luebke (USA) 76.33
    4. Irian Van Helfteren (NED) 71.67
    5. Flo Orley (AUT) 69.67
    6. Emilien Badoux (SUI) 67.33
    7. Ludovic Guillot-Diat (FRA) 66.33)
    8. Tim Carlson (USA) 61.33
    9. Jamie Rizzuto (CAN) 60.33
    10. Xavier de Le Rue (FRA) 42.67
    
    Women’s Ski Results (Top 10)
    1. Christine Hargin (SWE) 80.00
    2. Nadine Wallner (AUT) 72.33
    3. Pia Nic Gunderson (NOR) 70.67
    4. Lorraine Huber (AUT) 69.33
    5. Crystal Wright (USA) 64.00
    6. Anne May Slinning (NOR) 61.33
    7. Ashley Maxfield (USA) 55.00
    8. Jess McMillan (USA) 40.00
    9. Natalie Segal (AUS) 23.67
    10. Jacklyn Paason (USA) 16.67
    
    Women’s Snowboard Results (Top 7)
    1. Laura Dewey (USA) 70.00
    2. Margot Rozies (FRA) 69.00
    3. Aline Bock (GER) 57.33
    4. Casey Lucas (USA) 55.67
    5. Elodie Mouthon (FRA) 53.67
    6. Anouck Mouthon (FRA) 52.00
    7. Iris Lazzareschi (SAU) 38.00
    
    

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  • 4 months ago
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• Under The Orange Glow Of Mount Under The Orange Glow Of Mount Etna

  • From: kimhavell
  • Description:

    Nick Waggoner skins up a volcano in Italy.
    
    Last winter, filmmakers Nick Waggoner and Zac Ramras, photographer Grant Gunderson, and Salomon freeskiers Elyse Saugstad and Kim Havell went to Italy on assignment for Salomon Freeski TV to shred Mount Etna. The episode is soon to drop. In the meantime, read the story below.
    
    The spray of liquid magma burst into the night sky. Mount Etna was erupting, as she does once roughly every two months, and we were skiing under the orange glow of her latest paroxysm.
    
    In early February 2012, a promising Italian snow forecast had us chasing a storm to Sicily, an island on the Mediterranean Sea. While much of the U.S. languished in a dry early winter Europe was being blasted by heavy snowfall and Italy was deep in the weather pattern. With a lofty goal of ski exploration on Sicily’s notorious active volcano, Etna, our team thought it best to aim for winter-like conditions.
    
    With the promise of powder, we booked tickets and landed two short days later in the coastal Sicilian city of Catania. Geographically, Sicily is the soccer ball to Italy’s boot. Assembled at the airport, we had a vague plan of action. On assignment for Salomon Freeski TV, filmmakers Nick Waggoner and Zac Ramras, photographer Grant Gunderson, and Salomon freeskiers Elyse Saugstad and I loaded into a white minivan and drove out of the city and up towards the volcano.

    Reigning above numerous fragile, cozy old towns, Mount Etna basks in a sea breeze that wafts over its small, scattered cones, jagged igneous black-rock ridges, and wide, fluted flanks. Steep, rocky lines run down parts of her face along with miles of more benign terrain to descend. Topping out at almost 11,000 feet, Etna’s high position provides unobstructed views of the coastline, which blend seamlessly into the olive groves and vineyards dotting the landscape.
    
    The quaint Sicilian town of Nicolosi was our home for the next 10 days. From the lower vantage point we admired the mountain, scoped our dream lines, and we waited. Each morning we were greeted with unpredictable weather and the repercussions of an eruption that included turbulent cloud cover, and low visibility for skiing on her relatively blank, high-alpine expanse. Café-bound, we sipped our espressos, snacked on arranchinas (popular rice cones & balls served hot with a variety of inner ingredients) and waited for sunshine and clear windows to explore the vast terrain and the best ski lines on the active volcano.
    
    We quickly realized we had to accept Mount Etna at her best and her worst. She threw out strong winds, thick fog, serpent-like clouds, and serious eruptions. She rumbled, coughed, spit, and spewed volcanic bits, with lava flow and liquid magma sliding down her slopes. We inhaled and skied ash debris but also enjoyed a few short sunny, clear stretches with a steady refresh of white snow from the constant storm cycle.
    
    With slow access via an ancient gondola, creaky chairlifts, and struggling pomas, we got a gradual boost up 740 meters of hillside. Passionate locals joined us in gondola line each morning with their short carving skis and big smiles. Pouring out of the cabins, we warmed-up with the Sicilians on a few of the groomed options at one of Etna’s two ski resorts.
    
    Elyse Saugstad skis Mount Etna.
    
    After sampling the mellow in-bounds terrain, our team headed into the backcountry. Though there is easy access to ski tour and explore the many additional acres of more challenging off-resort offerings, there is absolute solitude. We had any line we chose all to ourselves.
    
    As we ventured across Etna’s broad landscape, we crossed high ridgelines that protected hidden valleys of rocky couloirs, mini-volcano cones, and small amphitheatres with mini-golf-like terrain. Dropping off one sastrugi-ridden ridge to the West, we skied wind-buffed corridors and then toured back up and skied corn back to the resort. Checking out the Volcano cones, we set a hard edge on each icy turn on the windward slopes and then skied packed powder on the leeward. Skiing into the craters was almost always soft as the sun reflected heat into the white belly of their inner bowls. We got a taste of everything.
    
    One evening as the setting sun cast luminous colors over the horizon and the volcano erupted behind us, Nick turned to us and asked, “Should we hike up and get some ski shots next to the lava?”
    
    Elyse and I looked at each other, then looked at Nick, and said, “No, thanks.”
    
    Though there were many cultural highlights we were there to ski. When the visibility was poor up high, due to Etna’s unusually deep snowpack during our visit, we were able to find good alternative options. We ducked into heavily wooded hillsides off the winding road up to the resort. From a skier perspective, the forests needed some pruning, but we found tight alleyways and fun, smooth powder skiing under the protected canopy of the towering trees.
    
    The tempestuous visit was a beautiful and healthy reminder that nature is very, very close. Etna was in charge and we were on her agenda. After ten days of patience, waiting, and unusual skiing adventures on Etna’s flanks, our U.S. team “Magma” was provided with a couple of lessons: don’t book a ticket to Etna for a storm and Sicily is beautiful but Etna can be a tricky beast.
    
    The sunset in Taormina, Italy.

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  • 4 months ago
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• News: ESPN Introduces Music, S News: ESPN Introduces Music, Style and Film To The X Games Aspen 4 Day Weekend

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    If you’re a skier or snowboarder and you haven’t checked off going to see the X Games in Aspen, Colorado from your bucket list your doing it all wrong.  Watching the events from your couch can be nice if your lazy but hiking up the pipe, getting a prime spot and watching the invited athletes sore through the sky is truly amazing. 

    It almost always snows during the X Games, so bring your board or skis and take some runs. Like swag, who doesn’t?  Upon entering the X Games grounds everyone is given a bag full of sponsor freebies and giveaways.

    And to top that off now ESPN is showcasing music, film and art during this years X Games.

    X Games Aspen Kicks Off 2013 Global Expansion with Style, Film and Music
Major Lazer and Calvin Harris to Perform; Kevin Pearce and Green Day Present Their Films 


ESPN, the leading action sports content provider and creator of the X Games, is collaborating with artists, filmmakers and action sports icons to integrate cultural elements into the four days of action sports competition and festivities that is X Games. With relevance to contemporary youth around the world, X Games Aspen launches into 2013 and the six-event global expansion as a transformation from an action sports competition brand into an action sports lifestyle brand that will highlight new locations with enhanced cultural and digital elements around the world.

    X Games: FILM

    Premiering a few days prior at the Sundance Film Festival, HBO’s “The Crash Reel” is a jaw-dropping story of one unforgettable athlete, Kevin Pearce; one eye-popping sport, snowboarding; and one explosive issue, traumatic brain injury. Through 20 years of astounding action and verite footage, “The Crash Reel” chronicles the epic rivalry between Kevin and Shaun White which culminates in a life-changing crash and a comeback story with a difference.  The film is directed by Academy Award nominated Lucy Walker.


    Wednesday, January 23 at 8:15 p.m. - The Wheeler Opera House



    “¡Quatro!” pulls back the curtain and takes fans inside the world of Green Day, from the various spontaneous live performances in select cities across the U.S. to the chronicling of their creative process while conceptualizing and recording their current trilogy of albums: Green Day ¡Uno!, Green Day ¡Dos!, Green Day ¡Tré! ¡Quatro! is directed by Tim Wheeler and produced by Tim Lynch for Farm League X.

 

    Saturday, January 26 at 9:15 p.m. - The Wheeler Opera House.

    X Games: LIFT TICKETS

    
    Discounted lift ticket packages are available for the X Games  - 6 day Aspen/Snowmass lift access+ 6 - $20 dinning vouchers
    

    X Games: MUSIC



    While performances from top artists often have been part of the X Games experience, 2013 marks the debut of a special concert series dedicated to showcasing the best talent in each of the five countries set to host the events this coming year: the U.S., France, Brazil, Spain and Germany. X Games Aspen will launch the X Games: MUSIC series with headliners Calvin Harris and Major Lazer performing on the X Fest Stage and streamed live to XGames.com.

    Calvin Harris – Calvin Harris has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for “Best Dance Recording” for his hit single “Let’s Go” featuring Ne-Yo (Ultra Music) and “Best Short Form Music Video” for “We Found Love” by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris. Both tracks appear on HARRIS’18 MONTHS and these accolades mark his first Grammy nominations ever. Released in late October 2012, 18 MONTHS also includes songs with Kelis (“Bounce”), Example (“We’ll Be Coming Back”) and his smash radio track “Feel So Close,” as well as selections with guest vocals from the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding, Tinie Tempah and Ayah, and collaborations with DJ/producers Nicky Romero and Dillon Francis.

    Major Lazer – Diplo (AKA Wesley Pentz) has risen through the ranks and has asserted himself as one of the most pioneering producers of his time. He is the Grammy nominated founder, owner and head honcho of Mad Decent records, which has not only garnered widespread critical and audience accolades since its inception, but has also deservedly earned a hefty reputation as a vanguard of groundbreaking releases. As Major Lazer, he continues to spearhead the current dancehall revival movement with the upcoming release, Free The Universe, dropping on February 19th, 2013.
 


    
    

    In addition to the venue concerts, X Games: MUSIC will also present four special shows at the Belly Up Aspen.

    Belly Up Aspen


    Bloc Party, Wednesday, January 23 at 8 p.m.


    Tyler the Creator, Friday, January 25 at 7 p.m.

     

    X Fest Stage


    Calvin Harris, Saturday, January 26 at 4:30 p.m.  


    Major Lazer, Sunday, January 27 at 4:15 p.m.

    
    

    X Games: STYLE

 

    Runway Shows – X Games Aspen 2013 will bring what's next in style with two presentations that demonstrate the connection between the action sports lifestyle and fashion. Some brands will be familiar, while others represent a growing trend now mashing up fashion, lifestyle and sports.
 January 23 at 7 p.m. prior to film showing at The Wheeler Opera House
 January 26 at 8 p.m. prior to film showing at The Wheeler Opera House.

     

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• Interview: Hayden Price's Alta Interview: Hayden Price's Alta Life

  • From: brodyleven
  • Description:

    Hayden Price crushing in Alta. Photo by Adam Clark.
    
    Skiing around Alta with Hayden Price is like riding with the best skier you know, your best friend, and the best tour guide ever. Except he’s the guide skiing up to a cliff zone, throwing a huge 180 into pow, and only waiting for you because he wants to watch and give you a high five. You don't actually ski with Hayden at Alta as much as you follow him, graciously. The 26-year-old has had an Alta season pass for 24 seasons. He has a distinct style on skis—seemingly disinterested with passing trends, though invariably on the cutting edge. Hayden was the first skier I remember really watching—like, taking notes and emulating—when I moved to SLC seven years ago. He can't ski Alta without people following him, and you'd be intimidated by that fact if he weren’t the happiest, mellowest, and friendliest icon on the mountain. Everyone knows him and he knows the mountain from behind a set of powder-surfing eyes like none other. He's that popular local shredder at your little hometown hill…except he’s that guy at freaking Alta.
    
    
    
    

    BRODY: Hey dude. Where are you and what's been happening?
    
    HAYDEN: Hey Brody! I have been enjoying a better snow year here in Utah’s Wasatch mountains and am currently packing up my gear to head to Canada on a film trip.
    
    BRODY: Where did you grow up? How often did you ski?
    
    HAYDEN: I grew up at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. I skied mainly on the weekends.
    
    BRODY: Although you were frequently at Alta, your home was actually down Little Cottonwood Canyon’s Highway 210, in Salt Lake City. What differentiates you from a skier who has grown up living right in the Town of Alta?
    
    HAYDEN: Growing up in Salt Lake City was a true blessing. I had the oasis of Alta only a stone’s throw away and yet grew up in a metropolitan city. I believe this kept me open to the diversity that may not otherwise be found if I grew up in the bubble that is Alta. Seriously, it is a different world up there, and you feel it the moment you arrive.  SLC has a great music, art, and food scene that I really enjoy. Variety is the spice of life.
    
    BRODY: Speaking of variety, please describe your ski style and what influences it.
    
    HAYDEN: My style is a cornucopia. I spent years dedicated to the idea that I if I can ski it forward, I should be able to ski it backward. As that motivation evolved, I looked to other sports for inspiration because I felt skiing was a little dried up. I saw the way other action sports were using their apparatuses and wanted to emulate the moves they were doing on my skis. Skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing and mountain biking had a lot to offer my thirst for different skiing. Growing up at Alta, surrounded by loads of “classic” skiers, I strived to differentiate myself from the masses. I skied a whole season of resort riding without poles in hopes of cultivating a unique relationship with my edges and the way my skis flexed. Watching all the possibilities a skater has for doing tricks, I felt there must be more I can do on my skis. I am currently focused on butters, presses, scrapes and strange transitions. If there is snow, I’ll slide on it and find something that makes it interesting to me.
    
    BRODY: You ski huge cliffs, backcountry tours, park, natural jumps, and super deep pow. People don't understand what kind of equipment you use for such an array of pursuits. Do you have an arsenal of gear, or what? What is one piece of gear you couldn't live without?

    Hayden Price dropping into a line. Photo by Brody Leven.

    HAYDEN: I definitely have an arsenal. Skiing is so particular now that I choose my skis specifically for what I’m doing that day. I have a lightweight tech binding setup for long tours and soul pow turns, and multiple sidecountry setups consisting of Marker Dukes or Alpine Trekkers for hitting jumps and drops out of the resort. My inbounds bindings are Rossignol FKS. All of my skis are 110mm under foot or wider, and all have some type of rocker technology. I couldn’t live without my Full Tilt boots.
    
    BRODY: Surface employed your snow-snorkel expertise in designing a new ski. Please explain.
    
    HAYDEN: The Lab001. I look to other sports for inspiration not only for ski sliding techniques but also for the technologies they are using. The new Lab ski has a front-to-back “3 stage rocker” as well as “Deep Dish” technology. This idea comes from our desire to have a really surfy powder ski that has a catch-free feeling.  The “Deep Dish” is a left-to-right convexity on the base of the skis. Essentially, the ski is base-high by a few centimeters.  This really allows the ski to be tossed around at will and opens up the world of trickery in powder snow.
    
    BRODY: Do you film with anyone? Where can people see and follow you (besides as fast as they can at Alta)?
    
    HAYDEN: I filmed with Sweetgrass Productions last year in Nelson, BC. This season I have been focused on working with local [Little Cottonwood Canyon] boys, Dubsatch Collective. We have a great season lined up with some really fun ideas. Stay tuned, as webisodes are dropping frequently on dubsatch.com
    
    BRODY: Why Alta?
    
    HAYDEN: It is the birthplace of powder skiing. The quality and quantity of powder that falls at the end of Little Cottonwood Canyon is unmatched worldwide. You can’t beat the access, the people, and the terrain. Alta and the surrounding areas are pure magic!
    
    BRODY: Your skillset is not only strong but also uniquely diverse, how did it develop?
    
    HAYDEN: I watched my home hill heroes, like Sage, and wanted to do what they were doing while adding my own flavor to the mix. [As a teenager,] I would ride Chip’s Run at Snowbird with all of my snowboard homies, copying the style of tricks they were doing off the cat tracks and gaps. I ran a terrain park at Alta with my friend Jordan for a few years. We always pushed each other to do more creative tricks and to be able to do them in many ways and on different terrain. I am really into climbing and mountaineering, too. Combine the jib aspects and long distance pursuits for fresh snow and you get me, HP.
    
    BRODY: Who do you love to ski with? Do you like everyone following you?
    
    HAYDEN: I love to ski with friends and family. Skiing with any of the Dubsatch crew is always great and I don’t mind anyone following us around. Join in on the fun!
    Regardless of whether he grew up in the Town of Alta or twenty minutes down the road, Hayden is most at home on that mountain. His skillset reaches from one end of skiing’s spectrum to the other while being one of those skiers who you recognize through unique skiing style, not through his outerwear or the bottom half of his face in the liftline. Since that season seven years ago, when I first realized how capable he was in the mountains, I’ve watched Hayden’s mentorships and friendships develop within the Little Cottonwood Canyon ski community. Not only does everyone know HP, but they only have compliments to offer. Forthcoming video parts will finally expose HP to the world, showcasing his talents as not a park skier, backcountry skier or Alta skier, but as a mountain skier.
    
    Hayden Price on cover of Backcountry Magazine.

    Want to ski like Hayden, book your next Alta ski vacation online through http://mountainreservations.com
    

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• Through The Lens Of Tristan Gr Through The Lens Of Tristan Greszko

  • From: kimhavell
  • Description:

    “Through The lens” is a regular column on TetonGravity.com that highlights the work of a photographer in the ski and snowboard industries. The series exists to celebrate the photographers who bring us extraordinary imagery, to get to know who they are, and to understand their process.
    
    Tristan Greszko, a gifted athlete and photographer based in Jackson, Wyo., is known for his creation and adaptation of unique angles in photo and art imagery. Greszko enjoys working in various artistic mediums including alternate photo processes, screen-printing projects, film, and other creative outlets. His work on projects like the Tiny Jackson Hole video in 2011 catapulted him overnight into the public realm. And, as local lore goes, he is one of a handful of skiers to straight-line “Once is Enough,” a serious and steep line in the JHMR backcountry.
    
    Greszko took art classes in high school and later began to develop his photo skills through on-snow work in Vermont. After moving to Jackson in 2006, Tristan co-created the Teton Artlab, developing this multi-purpose, non-profit venue to provide affordable workspace for local artists. The lab maintains a quirky and creative atmosphere in which artists congregate and collaborate.
    
    Keep an eye out: With his distinctive captures and creativity, Greszko explores new ways to share his world of photo and art from a deep well of talent.
    
    
    1. The Start.
    
    In 2005, I moved from Atlanta to Vermont for a job snow reporting at Okemo and was in charge of shooting “Photo of the Day.” I also bought my first camera and shot the now-defunct Vermont Freeskiing Open. The years between 2005 and 2010, I spent almost every waking hour immersing myself in photography, learning, failing a lot, and collecting a few decent images here and there.
    
    In 2010, after 4 years working in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort marketing department, I left my job to devote more time and energy to being a professional photographer. By that spring, I felt I had a strong portfolio and a skill set competent enough to finally, truly call myself a photographer. And now, two years later, I feel like I'm starting to produce some great images. So, I feel like, in many ways, I'm just getting going.
    
    
    2. The Inspiration.
    
    The most obvious choice is my dad, though it comes with a big footnote. The older I get the more I realize how similar we are in so many ways. He had a rare, boundless curiosity about the world, a mischievous sense of adventure, and was obsessive about his interests, which I very clearly inherited. He was a technically perfect, beautiful skier, had a dark sense of humor, tinkered with art and photography, and had a passion for the mountains that bordered on religious fanaticism.
    
    The footnote is that both of my parents died when I was 14. I was just a naive little kid in 9th grade when it happened, so I say all this after many years of reflection, coming to terms with it all, and you know, building up a bit of a mythology about who he was.  It's hard to say if I'd be as driven or independent as I am today if I had a more normal, happy childhood, but his influence is undeniable and I couldn't imagine a better life in spite of it all. 
    
    There are a few industry people that inspire me, too, right now.
    
    Steve Casimiro of Adventure Journal has a wonderfully articulate way with words and images that explain this eternal search and the insatiable lust for adventure that we're all seeking. He does it casually and poetically, and very well.
    
    Curt Morgan of Brain Farm Cinema … Well, there's no one like Curt out there.  We went to the same high school back in New York. He has accomplished some very big things to say the least.
    
    Tahoe photographer Andy Bardon is a good friend of mine who shares a similar aesthetic and work ethic, and is a machine in the mountains. It's been awesome seeing him start to blow up.
    
    
    3. The Future.
    
    I think my goals are pretty simple. I'd like to sustain a lifetime of exploring, adventuring, and being curious about the world, and working really hard and dreaming big. I'd like to think that my work inspires people to live better, and seek out richer, more rewarding experiences too.  Hopefully, I can continue to find amazing people along the way to share the adventure with — finding and keeping interesting, passionate people around me is always an important necessity.  And, as for my dreams, well, I'll just keep those to myself for now. I like it better that way.
    
    I'm at a point where I'm confident, have some momentum, and feel like I can do some big things if I start pushing and putting my work out there.  I like to fly under the radar and evade unnecessary attention but when I think about where I've come from in the past few years — and what I'm capable of now — I'm really excited for the future. I'd like to step up into a much bigger arena and work with bigger clients: The North Faces, Patagonias, Red Bulls and National Geographics of the outdoor/adventure world.
    
    
    4. The Business.
    
    I like this quote by artist Chuck Close:
    
    “The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself. Things occur to you. If you’re sitting around trying to dream up a great art idea, you can sit there a long time before anything happens. But if you just get to work, something will occur to you and something else will occur to you and something else that you reject will push you in another direction. Inspiration is absolutely unnecessary and somehow deceptive. You feel like you need this great idea before you can get down to work, and I find that’s almost never the case.”
    
    The most important thing I've learned is to get out and actually DO what you want to do. It’s important to go out and TAKE it instead of sitting around waffling about it.  If you pursue something long enough, you'll find an audience, and you'll definitely find a way to get by, and probably thrive.  A lot of people think giving it all up and moving to the mountains is crazy but I think the opposite is true. It’s crazy how most people live —working in an anonymous job in an anonymous city.  I work hard to stay afloat but it rarely feels like I'm truly working, at least not in the way it felt before I moved to Jackson.
    
    
    5.  The Source.
    
    I like shooting with the unknowns — the people who you've never heard of and who ski harder than most and keep their mouth shut about it.  Skier Andrew Whiteford and I shot a lot when we moved to Jackson and he's done really well for himself. Good friend and ripper AJ Puccia has been another favorite athlete. There are a few other shots of people you've probably never heard of that are some of my favorite photos ever. These are all athletes that can do anything you ask, happy to shoot, look good while doing it, and are super humble at the same time.
    
    I crave frequent change, stimulation, and novelty. Lately, I've been shooting a lot of random personal projects like some short videos of this summer's crazy wild fires (in Big Piney, WY and Jackson) and photos of the Northern Lights that were going off in Jackson in the early fall. I've also been road tripping all over the West for the past two years shooting a whole range of weird, amazing locations. And, I just completed an exciting Teton aerial shoot that I've wanted to do forever.
    
    
    6. The Industry.
    
    Remote control/drone platforms are definitely next in line to blow up big time.  Where the military goes, so goes civilian technology. I bought a Cinestar 8 multi-rotor helicopter this past spring. It's already allowed me to shoot some stunning photos and video, but I'm basically still operating with training wheels. When it all comes together, the cinematography and unique perspectives are really stunning.
    
    
    7. Career Highlights.
    
    -Construction of the JH Tram - I have thousands of shots of every step of building the new JH tram over the two-year construction period.  No idea what I'll ever do with them but it's awesome to have been the sole photographer on such a piece of history that's so close to the community.
    
    -Tiny Jackson Hole - I spent a ton of time, 400-plus hours making that video and the response blew me away.  It was a labor of love for sure and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
    
    -Alpinist Spread - Alpinist 33 featured the Grand Teton as that issue's mountain profile. One of my favorite shots ever run was a double-page spread on the opening page of the article, Grand Teton: A Map of the Wild by Renny Jackson.  Given the Grand's influence on American alpinism, it was an honor to be in such legendary company.
    
    -JH Tram Heli Shoot, 2009 - We did a sunrise shoot of the new tram with Corey Gavitt of TGR. It was my first time shooting out the door of a helicopter, with patrollers throwing bombs below us, patrollers dropping into Corbet's, and the new Tram in perfect morning light.
     
    -TGR/Erik Roner ski-BASE of Cajun Couloir - Erik Roner is an amazing guy and completely nuts. So, seeing him ski base Cajun while perched up above in the old tram was a really special thing though the anxious anticipation beforehand was really intense.
    
    -Aerials in Indian Creek - the first time I shot climbing with the “Octokopter “- also completely terrifying flying the helicopter off the top of a giant boulder and trying to ease up next to a climber 80 feet off the deck but overall it was a great success and learning experience. It took me another three months before my first epic crash!
    
    
    To follow Tristan:
    
    http://www.tristangreszko.com
    http://instagram.com/tgreszko
    http://blog.tetonartlab.com

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• dropping in dropping in

  • From: danceswithtrees
  • Description:
  • 5 months ago
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• High Sierra Backcountry Season High Sierra Backcountry Season Opener

  • From: sethlightcap
  • Description:

    
    
    Story and Photos by Seth Lightcap
    
    The rumors had started to trickle in the previous week. “Crest looking solid. Maybe Negatives?,” said one text message from a Mammoth bro. “Still thin but could be good high, real high,” said another message.
    
    These were the magic words we had been waiting for. Finally our frantic calls to friends living in Mammoth, Calif. asking, “How’s the coverage? Can we ski in the backcountry yet?!” were met with a response other than, “ Ummm...Bring your climbing gear! Perfect bouldering weather in Bishop!”
    
    Snow has been stacking up in the Northern Sierra and the Tahoe Basin since late October but the early season storms didn’t hit the High Sierra peaks near Mammoth Mountain quite as hard. Back to back storms the first week of December changed all that, or at least helped the effort. The couloirs and aprons dropping off the crest got creamed enough to start looking tempting anyway.
    
    A glimmer of hope that we might slay alpine pow lines while our backyard peaks in Tahoe suffered through a nasty melt/freeze cycle was all it took to round-up the posse. Alpenglow Sport’s Jeff Dostie, Brennan Lagasse, Toby Schwindt, Allison Lightcap and I rallied down HWY 395 and went to have a look around near Mammoth in early December.
    
    This Eastern Sierra season opener trip turned out to offer the complete package - good weather, stable snow, sweet alpine pow shots and the distinct feeling that we weren’t in Tahoe anymore. Conditions weren’t epic everywhere and the coverage was still thin at best, but one thing was certain, it was definitely worthy of leaving the climbing shoes at home.
    
    
    One day we toured out of the recently closed June Mountain. It was an odd feeling being the only two cars in the parking lot on a sunny Saturday. The lower lodge was barren of any signs of life. It looked like no one had lifted a finger at the place since last spring. Starwood Capital Group, the owner of Mammoth Mountain and June, is obviously sticking to their plan to keep June closed this winter. Starwood’s tentative plans are to re-open the mountain next season. We weren’t sure if we were allowed to start hiking from within the resort boundaries but we saw no signs suggesting otherwise. There were also a few sled tracks on top of the first bench for those with braaa-p lapping on the mind.
    
    
    We toured way back beyond June Mountain’s boundaries and punched a staircase up a chute to the crest. Damn it felt good to get back in the bootpack.
    
    
    Yet again, Mammoth Mountain proves to be the snow magnet of the High Sierra. Mammoth’s upper mountain is caked with snow, seemingly more than any other peak in the region.
    
    
    Though it had rained to the top in Tahoe two days previous, the summits near Mammoth were spared the deluge. At 10,000 feet we found drifted panels of boot-top winter pow and a fair bit of wind buff snow. Jeff Dostie lapped it up in between long looks at Mono and June Lakes.
    
    
    Rippable passageways through the craggy Sierra granite are starting to fill in. Brennan Lagasse carved up this surf gully.
    
    
    We chased the sun as we best could but it’s warmth was fleeting. Coverage was way better on northern aspects which kept us hiking and riding cold north faces. Allison Lightcap broke out into the sun topping out for another lap.
    
    
    If you want to shred in the High Sierra you gotta love wind buff. This mission was no exception. Brennan Lagasse ripped into this tasty textured panel of the chalky stuff.
    
    
    I wish I could say the Sierra snowpack down by Mammoth was super fat. Sad but true, it was not. There are some sweet alpine lines that were ready to ride but a vast majority of the peaks needed more snow to be fully in-season. Toby Schwindt carved into a rock field soon after this shot.
    
    
    But where the snow was deep enough...Jeff Dostie found some High Sierra bliss opening it up down this alpine face.
    
    
    Slashing deep pow in the High Sierra is always extremely satisfying. Between the effort it takes to get there and the unfortunate reality that wind or warm temps often strip away the snow with a quickness, you gotta cherish every blower turn you can get in the Sierra. Brennan Lagasse made this turn count.
    
    
    It’s a distant second to shredding pow yourself but watching your buddy whoop it up takes home the silver everytime. Dostie and Lagasse approve a Toby turn with a hearty pole whack.

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• News: Kaitlyn Farrington Steal News: Kaitlyn Farrington Steals The 2012 Women's Snowboard Superpipe Title

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    The Dew Tour iON Mountain Championships at Breckenridge, Colorado received a ton snowfall throughout the day Saturday, and to no surprise the Women’s Snowboard Superpipe Final went off without a hitch!

    For the first time in superpipe history, the Dew Tour introduced a new camera angle to best showcase the amplitude and style of the riders with a cable camera strung down the center of the pipe showing the runs from drop to final stomp.

    The format for the women’s final in the pipe was very similar to the semi-final with each rider taking two runs and only the best score counting toward the win.

    Considering in the past three years Kelly Clark has rode away with five stop victories and three consecutive Dew Cups, all eyes were on the Vermont native to ride with style and throw her well recognized 1080.

    However, today would be a day of upsets as dropped into her first run and nailed every wall to score an 85.00, while Kelly took a back seat on one wall causing her to put all the pressure on her final run.

    Then, Farrington, hungry for the win, took her second run to new heights and upped her score t a 90.00. As Clark dropped in for her final run, she was airing higher than any other woman in the pipe, but on her second to last trick took another back seat and slipped out leaving it to Farrington.

    Farrington’s best run included a backside 900, a frontside 900, a backside 540, an alley-oop 540, a straight air and a frontside 720.

    “I was practing well, so I knew I had the tricks and the run that I wanted to do – I wasn’t too nervous going in,” said a confident Farrington speaking to her mindset prior to dropping in. “The pipe at Breckenridge is so good! It couldn’t be better.”

    Queralt Castellet and Maddy Schaffrick rounded out the podium in second and third, respectively.

    Results

    1^st Place – Kaitlyn Farrington 90.00

    2^nd Place – Queralt Castellet 80.00

    3^rd Place – Maddy Schaffrick 71.75

    4^th Place – Torah Bright 66.00

    5^th Place – Kelly Clark 44.75

    6^th Place – Elena Hight 39.50

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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
    
    

  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
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• dropping

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• #instahashtagmagramstormski201 #instahashtagmagramstormski2012 Headed Right For Us!

  • From: gregfitzsimmons
  • Description:

    Many are saying Tahoe and the rest of the West is about to get pummeled with snow. Naysayers predict rain. #whatever #itson #7feetbitches !!
    
    Social media platforms, blogs, and websites are a-buzz, and the chatter in dive bars from Tahoe City to Santa Cruz has been incessant about the series of storms barreling down on the Sierra Nevada. While professional meteorologists—and a few amateur radar watchers—were talking about this four-storm system weeks ago, the general public has just recently become privy to the news: Tahoe is about to get buried!
    
    Over beers in Northern California’s dives and on headlines throughout the area, naysayers and sandbaggers are predicting rain. But those that know know that the first storm of the season—being dubbed “JW” by Kirkwood’s marketing guru Coop Cooper—signifies the actual beginning of winter in Tahoe.
    
    “Everyone in Tahoe keeps saying ‘wet’ because the newspapers keep writing that,” says Bryan Allegretto, the mastermind behind Tahoe’s preeminent weather website TahoeWeatherDiscussion.com — which will soon be joining forces with OpenSnow to create the dream resource for skiers and riders by skiers and riders. “That’s why I keep saying on my site, ‘don’t give in to this media trap.’ Some of the best and most fun days of riding in Tahoe are when the snow level is at like 7,500 feet. Most of these ski resorts — like Squaw who has a ton of lifts up high — have chairlifts that start at like 8,200 feet and go up from there. Everyone looks out their window downtown at lake level, around 6,000 feet, and sees rain and says, ‘It’s wet, I’m not going skiing.’ Meanwhile, up top some of us are skiing powder all by ourselves.”

    A series of four consecutive storms over a five to six day window are forecasted for the Tahoe region. The first system rolled through yesterday dropping anywhere from 6 to 8 inches. The next storm moves in Thursday night and will settle over Tahoe into Friday night. And, the biggest storm rolls in Saturday and into Sunday, with the possibility of precipitation lingering into Monday.
    
    “I’ve been telling people that we’re looking at a 7,000-foot snow level through Friday with a couple feet of snow and more on Saturday,” says Allegretto. “You have anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 feet of vertical on these mountains that is going to get 3 to 7 feet of snow!”

    The good news for pow-starved skiers not located in the Sierra Nevada or Pacific Northwest — which looks to be getting hammered, too—is that these strong storms will be traveling east toward the Tetons and Rockies.
    
    “The strongest piece of the main west-coast storm will head east on Sunday night and Monday,” writes the prescient weather resource OpenSnow, “and should bring decent snow to many Colorado mountains, primarily from Aspen north to I-70 and the Wyoming border.”
    
    So, be patient and brace yourself for the unavoidable onslaught of blower Instagram pics and ubiquitous hashtags from Tahoe and the PNW that will be clogging your feeds this weekend. This beast of a storm is headed your way soon enough.
    
    Check back early next week for a recap from Tahoe. Until then, be safe, think cold, positive thoughts, and share your early season storm photos with us on Twitter and Instagram (@TetonGravity) by using the hashtag: #StormWatch. We’re eager to see those pow pics.

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
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• Skiing Hurricane Sandy: 24 Hou Skiing Hurricane Sandy: 24 Hours Of Appalachian Powder

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    By Andrew Orowitz and Dalton Harben
    
    Photos by Dalton Harben
    
    It’s no secret that the mid-Atlantic region is home to some of the highest elevation peaks east of the Mississippi.  But as backcountry skiers based in the Northern Greens, the thought of skiing south of the Mason-Dixon line had never really been a high priority. That all changed when Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the eastern seaboard – and set up the high plateaus of West Virginia with some of the best early-season powder conditions in the country.
    
    The monster hurricane-Nor’easter hybrid was still ravaging the New York and New Jersey coastline when seasoned storm chaser and owner of Worth Skis, Dalton Harben, called me to explain why it was crucial that we get in his truck and drive south to ski 3-plus feet of snow in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, immediately. He sent over photos of buried cars and untracked tree lines to back up his powdery claims. The wintery images became etched in my mind. Dalton also mentioned something about product testing for Worth and the overwhelming desire to ski powder. That it was some sort of sickness. I laughed it off.
    
    
    Even if it was 45 degrees and raining in Vermont, it was completely ridiculous to even consider driving 24 hours for 24 hours of human-powered storm of skiing in the mid-Atlantic Appalachians. Or was it?
    
    Almost instinctively, negotiations were made with loved ones, personal days were requested of bosses, and skins, long underwear and goggles made their way into backpacks. Our unlikely Snovember adventure was actually coming together. At around 9 p.m., we began our 12-hour journey through the Halloween night to ski hillbilly powder upon arrival in the morning. What had started as a joke the day before had suddenly become very real. With the Tundra fully-loaded, we hightailed it out of VT and down the New York Thruway to meet our friend and fellow storm chaser, Matt Cote, at the Kingston, New York Park & Ride.
    
    
    Reports of icy roads, widespread power outages and gas shortages continued to stream in from the Canaan Valley. But as far as we were concerned, it was ski season, we were storm chasing and all was right in the world. Buoyed by yet another cup of coffee, the morning light and the thought of skiing powder after the endless off-season, Matt C. took over the driving near the West Virginia border and the truck began it’s steady ascent to an elevation of around 3,000 feet.

    
    Arriving at the Cannan Valley Resort bleary-eyed and nearly delirious, we were greeted by an officer who took one look at us and said, “I hate snow. Hate it.” Moving right along, we signed up for $10/night rooms that included breakfast, lunch and dinner, but no heat. Seemed fair.
    
    

    We hurried along to our first objective: the White Grass Touring Center, just a few miles down the road from our accommodations. Right away, Chip, the ski area’s beloved and bearded manager, invited us into the rustic base lodge to warm up by the woodstove and get ready for the ski. From the “donations only today” note on the ticket booth window, to the dogs and kids running around, to the timeless feel of the well-worn hut, it was clear that what White Grass lacked in vertical, it completely made up for with a pure, unadulterated love of skiing.

    

    Maintaining a unique yet familiar mountain vibe, White Grass attracts a certain type of BC skier, one that longs for the serenity of an untracked glade and the company of a few close friends. After just a few minutes in the lodge, White Grass had already left an impression on us.  A former Vermont resident himself, Chipper (as he is affectionately known,) explained that to him, the Canaan Valley represents “Vermont South.” Sharing a love of mountains, a laid-back lifestyle and a passion for skiing, it’s easy to see why. He was eager to get out on the local terrain and the fresh snow, and after all night driving in the truck, we were all more than ready to finally get out on the skin track. After a few quick laps, our group of nearly a dozen broke off into smaller groups and began exploring the various tree lines, backcountry huts and open meadows.

    
    Deprived of sleep and with a few thousand feet of vertical under our belts, one way or another, we all made it back to the White Grass base area. While the region was still without power, we warmed ourselves from the inside with a jar of moonshine that was making the rounds. Before long we got word from Chip that we had been “evacuated” from our hotel. Luck had been on our side up to this point, and I wondered to myself whether the three of us would be sleeping in the back of the Tundra instead of our well-appointed hotel room. When we arrived back at the front desk we were informed that due to the heavy moisture content of the snow, they were concerned the hotel roof could collapse. Fortunately, they moved our group to a 4-bedroom cabin complete with a fireplace (for the same $10 a night fee.) I guess this is what they mean by southern hospitality.

    

    After stoking up the fire to try to warm up our cabin, we were treated to an all-you-could eat dinner of pork loin, roasted potatoes, chicken soup, salad, rolls and cake back at the hotel. Sitting around in the dark with a bunch of friends, skiers who were a long way from home, we shared stories and made a plan for the next day of skiing before heading back to the cabin to for an early night.
    
    

    First thing in the morning, we grabbed a quick breakfast back at the hotel before heading over to check out another ski area just down the road called Timberline. The clouds and snow of the day before had lifted and we could finally get a feel for the lay of the land. Right away we could see that Timberline had a better pitch and more vertical than White Grass. Right away, Jon S. who was visiting from Massachusetts, set a very efficient skin track up to the Summit. After a few laps, Dalton, Matt and I knew our Snovember West Virginia ski adventure was coming to end. We had a 12-hour drive ahead of us. The skiing, snow quality and location had far exceeded our expectations – but more than anything, we were comforted by the familiar feeling of sliding around on snow, with good friends (both new and old), and knowing that Winter was just beginning. The ride home was exactly what you would expect. Long, dark and at times painful. We’re used to it. We made it back home to Vermont around midnight to find that snowing was once again falling in the Green Mountains. Thinking back, it would have been easier to exercise a little patience and to wait for the snow to come to us, but where’s the adventure in that? We all agreed we would do it again in a heartbeat.
    
    
    Click Here For More Photos From This Trip

    Click Here For More On Worth Skis

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  • 6 months ago
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• Dropping in to Hurricane Sandy Dropping in to Hurricane Sandy

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:
    Dropping in to Hurricane Sandy
  • 6 months ago
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• Game On: Tahoe Goes Off In Oct Game On: Tahoe Goes Off In October

  • From: sethlightcap
  • Description:

    72 hours into winter, Allison Lightcap slashes a deep drift on Donner Summit.
    
    Story and Photos by Seth Lightcap
    
    More than a few Lake Tahoe folk got the lights turned out on their summer lifestyle last week. After a mild fall with very little rain, Old Man Winter flipped the switch with authority. A potent storm blew into the Sierra on October 21 and dumped nearly four feet of snow on the crest over the next three days. There was no window of tacky singletrack for the mountain bikes and motos this year. Tahoe went from dusty, powdery trails to straight-up pow turns in 24 hours!
    
    It’s not the first time the Sierra ski season has opened with an overnight pummeling, but the last week of October 2012 will go down as something special. The combination of immediate coverage and cold pow made for unbelievably good skiing conditions within a day of the first flakes falling. But don’t take my word for it. I know seeing is believing. Here’s a gallery of shots from last week celebrating the epic start to winter in the Sierra:
    
    The storm track favored North Tahoe. Donner Summit and the neighboring peaks of Sugar Bowl ski resort got especially creamed. 
    
    Earning your turns is the only option if you want to shred the Sierra crest in October. Squaw Valley opened one base level chairlift for four hours on Thursday and Boreal did the same Friday to Sunday, but no upper mountain lifts have cracked in California yet. Allison Lightcap started her season on her splitboard.
    
    The storm came in gusty on Sunday but the winds died Monday night. Tuesday and Wednesday it snowed steadily. Terrain at 8,000 feet was left with a couple feet of cream atop a couple feet of dense windpack - a perfect insta-base.
    
    Moss Halladay lights up a turn testing the depths of a loaded gully dropping off the crest.
    
    Allison Lightcap threads a line into one of the ‘Sisters’ chutes at Sugar Bowl.

    You can bet Sugar Bowl ambassador Daron Rahlves has been out charging laps around his home turf.

    Even speed racer Rahlves has kept his turns relatively mellow. Despite the thick blanket of fresh snow, lurking rocks still abound.
    
    Ryland Bell left his home in Alaska just in time. He drove into Tahoe and wallowed into waist deep snow the next day.
    
    Field of fall foliage turned field of dreams for Ryland Bell.
    
    Matt Clark barrels into the white room while the storm was still pounding.
    
    All of the Tahoe Basin got some snow but only select areas got enough to safely ski. Brennan Lagasse swam through a shark tank skiing this pitch.
    
    These first tours were the perfect shakedown to remind you what you forgot about backcountry skiing over the summer. Brennan Lagasse won’t leave home without his skin wax next mission. 

    From a mild fall to dead winter overnight - Chris Galvin lives the Tahoe dream tearing into an October pow turn.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
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• Choose Your Own Adventure by P Choose Your Own Adventure by Powderwhore Productions

  • From: powderwhores
  • Description:

    Powderwhore Productions, a backcountry ski film company based in Utah, is proud to announce its eighth annual ski movie, called “Choose Your Adventure.” The film will premiere at Brewvies in Salt Lake City on September 26th 2012. Followed by a 50 city TOUR through ski towns throughout North America.

    This movie is such a mixed bag of characters, exotic locations and action that we wanted to get that point across with the title. You really can’t guess what’s coming next in this film, like the Choose Your Own Adventure book series we enjoyed growing up. We’re exploring an abandoned mining town in the Arctic, dropping cliffs with Hugo Harrison in British Columbia, plunging into the Antarctic Sea in speedos, blasting through deep powder, catching up with crusty locals in the Wasatch and more.
    Our interest lies in finding people with real stories and ski objectives. We wanted to tag along and capture their actions and motivation for heading into the mountains, creating more of an authentic experience. We traveled light and moved fast to avoid interfering with the actual adventures as they unfolded.

    Despite the underwhelming winter of 2011-12, in which snowfall reached near record lows and unstable avalanche conditions,the Powderwhores were able to make the most of the conditions at home and abroad, with trips to Cerro Castillo, Chile; La Grave, France; the Antarctic Peninsula; Svalbard, Norway; Mount Foraker, Alaska; British Columbia, Canada, and the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.

    The film features an array of characters from salty backcountry veterans to some of the top skiers and snowboarders, including Chris Davenport, Jake Sakson, Andrew McLean, Seth Wescott, Dylan Freed, Noah Howell, Matt Reardon, Drew Stoecklein, Forrest Coots, Ian Provo, Neil Provo, Chuck Mumford, Darrell Finlayson, Bob Athey, PY Leblanc, Jason Thompson,Todd Stuart and Hugo Harrison.

    In the end, this is a feature-length ski film that celebrates exotic locations, wild adventures, and the dedicated personalities writing their own stories in snow.

  • 8 months ago
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