74 Search Results for "judge"

• News: Team Europe Leads Swatch News: Team Europe Leads Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 After Big Mountain Competition

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    
    Zermatt, Switzerland -​ After the first day of competition at the SWATCH SKIERS CUP, Team Europe emerged with a commanding 11 – 5 lead over Team Americas, with Sunday’s Big Mountain event held on a heli-accessed face high in the peaks above Zermatt, Switzerland.
    
    The 2012-2013 winter has been full of snow in this part of the Alps, and deep, fresh snow coated the impressive venue. Organizers have just confirmed that the second day of competition will be held on Thursday, February 14, at Breitboden (Zermatt ski area) at 9 a.m. for the Backcountry slopestyle. Contest is accessible for the public from the slopes.
     
    “The venue we have for Backcountry Slopestyle is ideal – really good terrain for a variety of jumps and the incredible backdrop of Zermatt,” said head jump shaper and event judge Julien Regnier.
    
    
     
    
    Big mountain contest recap:
    
    The competitors had two runs each, one on each half of the venue. The conditions resulted in descents not typically seen in big mountain freeride competitions. The snow was so deep some competitors struggled to find enough speed to hit features and jumps as planned.
     
    Standout runs came from riders who took a higher speed, less technical approach, like Chamonix local Sam Favret. His runs had few airs – instead he shredded the snow spines and walls at full bore.
    
    “I’m influenced by snowboarding and skating, and I was really inspired by today’s venue to bring that surf style to the big mountain,” said Favret.
     
    Other highlights included Team America’s Tim Dutton nearly landing a huge double backflip, coming up the slightest bit short for the landing. Sverre Liliequist triggered a small windslab avalanche near the end of his run yet went on to stomp a backflip off his final air, skiing away with the slide at the tails of his skis.
    
    “I haven’t done a backflip since the first SKIERS CUP in Chile in 2011,” laughed Liliequist, “that felt so good!”

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  • 3 months ago
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• News: Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 K News: Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 Kicks Off February 10

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    
    Zermatt, Switzerland — The wait is over — the SWATCH SKIERS CUP kicks off this Sunday in Zermatt, Switzerland!
     
    The eighth and final riders for each team have just been announced. Team Americas captain Cody Townsend picked Squaw Valley, USA local Greg Lindsey. Team Europe captain Kaj Zackrisson chose recent winner of the Red Bull Linecatcher event and Chamonix local Sam Favret.
     
    The event crew promises a top notch show. Julien Regnier is the master jump shaper for the Backcountry Slopestyle discipline, and will also judge the event along with Ben Murphy and Mike Rogge. Zermatt local, Freeride World Tour standout, and SWATCH Proteam rider Samuel Anthamatten is the event's head guide. He'll be responsible for selecting venues, managing safety, and getting the riders to the best snow and terrain that Zermatt has to offer.
     
    Watch the fun and rivalry unfold at swatchskierscup.com
    
    

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  • 3 months ago
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• News: Noah Morrison and Yuki T News: Noah Morrison and Yuki Tsubota Win At The North Face PPOS

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    The second stop of the 2013 The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series slopestyle competition concluded today under sunny skies and spring-like conditions at Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada.
    
    Noah Morrison of Vernon, B.C. and The North Face team athlete Yuki Tsubota of Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. took top honors in the competition at Whistler’s perfectly manicured Nintendo Park. Competition will continue Thursday, Jan. 17 with the halfpipe competition in the Blackcomb Global Super Pipe. Fans from around the world can follow the action live via webcast available on http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/exploration/skiing-and-snowboarding/.
    
    “We witnessed the future of slopestyle skiing today in Whistler,” said The North Face Park and Pipe Open Head Judge Mike Atkinson. “It is evident park skiing is continuing to progress. Our winners today (Morrison and Tsubota) are relative newcomers but were able to lay down runs that would challenge the best in the world.”
    
    Noah Morrison started his winning run with a 270-on forward-out on the down rail, to a smooth left-side double cork 1080 mute grab, to forward-on misty 450 off the hockey stick rail, and capped off his run with a switch right-side double cork 900 Japan followed by a left-side double cork 1260 tail grab on the jumps. The performance earned him the top score of 91.4 and a last chance invitation to join Winter X Games 17 in Aspen.
    
    Following Morrison on the podium, James Campbell earned an 89.6 and 15-year-old U.S. Freeskiing Rookie Team member Willie Borm stole the third place seat with an 87.0.
    
    Leading the women’s park results Yuki Tsubota launched into her run with a forward-on, forward-off of the down rail, a flawless left-side cork 720 mute, to a straight on tail grab off the hockey stick rail, and then finished her run with a flawless right side 360 mute grab and a left-side 900 tail grab on the jumps. The judges awarded her with a winning score of 90.4.
    
    Rounding out the women’s podium Jamie Crane-Mauzy scored an 81.0. Mauzy’s performance was also enough to earn her a last chance invitation to join the upcoming Winter X Games 17 in Aspen as Tsubota is already on the X Games roster. U.S. Freeskiing Rookies Team member Alexi Micinski grasped third place with a score of 79.2.
    
    “The contest today couldn’t have gone better. The weather was perfect, the level of skiing was mind-blowing and open events are one of the biggest gems in our sport,” remarked NewSchoolers.com Editor Jeff Schmuck. “Much respect to The North Face for putting this series together for the athletes, who all took advantage of the opportunity and skied incredibly well.”
    
    The North Face Park and Pipe Open 2013 park competition at Whistler Blackcomb will be broadcast Feb. 7, 2013 (time TBD) on the CBS Sports Network.

    Click Here For Park Final Results
    
    
    

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  • 4 months ago
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• Swatch Freeride World Tour Jud Swatch Freeride World Tour Judging Overview - The North Face

  • From: thenorthface
  • Description:

    How does judging work at the Swatch Freeride World Tour? Head judge Berti Denerlaud explains the five criteria used in judging and how each rider can score points for their own specialty.
    
    Watch More Videos By The North Face

     

  • 4 months ago
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• The Weak 4 By Ian Compton The Weak 4 By Ian Compton

  • From: line_skis
  • Description:

    It's Tuesday once again...This Weak was filled with glorious times @ Killington for a little ice coast Shred with Dan and then getting to judge Rails to Riches. Good friend and bearded man Lyle Brooks took ahold of the camera while I judged the event. I wish I had more ski footage for you all, so as a result I will give away an Orage flannel Jacket/Axe snowpant along with a very limited addition Weak Hoodie. All you got to do is tell me why you enjoy watching the Weak...Good luck and see you all next Tuesday for the results. - Ian Compton
    
    Watch More Line Videos

     

  • 5 months ago
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• News: Mike Riddle, Maddie Bowm News: Mike Riddle, Maddie Bowman Crowned Champions At Copper

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    
    Copper Mountain, CO - The first stop of the 2013 The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series (PPOS) concluded Sunday in chilly temperatures with variable light conditions at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Over $10,000 in prize money and swag was awarded to the top finishers including The North Face athletes Mike Riddle, of Whistler, BC, and Maddie Bowman, of South Lake Tahoe, CA, who both took first place.
    
    On Saturday, 62 male and 23 female athletes from around the globe including the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Russia and more skied in a highly competitive qualifier day. The men were divided into three heats with the top four scores in each heat moving on to the finals as well as the next top four male scores. A total of 16 men advanced to Sunday’s final round. Twelve women also progressed to the finals, vying to win the first Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) U.S. event of the season.
    
    Men’s champion Mike Riddle started off his winning run with a left-side double cork 1260 mute grab. He then executed a clean right-side 900 tail grab moving into a left-side 900 opposite Japan grab. An alley-oop flat spin 360 bow-and-arrow-grab led to his final trick, a switch left-side 900 mute grab. The run earned Riddle a high score of 90.
    
    “The PPOS Finals at Copper Mountain went down amazingly well with athletes competing at a top level for any standard,” said PPOS Head Judge Steele Spence with AFP. “This open series format is so important for up-and-coming freeskiers to have the opportunity to compete alongside the pros. In addition, athletes at Copper were able to earn both FIS and AFP points.”
    
    Rounding out the men’s podium in second place was Peter Crook of the British Virgin Islands scoring an 86.4. Finally, U.S. Freeskiing Rookie Team athlete Aaron Blunck out of Crested Butte, Colorado took the third place spot with a score of 84.6.
    
    U.S Freeskiing team member Maddie Bowman placed herself on top of the women’s podium with a run consisting of a straight-air tail grab, a left-side 900, a right-side 540, a left-side 540 mute grab, a right-side 720 and capped off her first place run with a smooth switch left-side 540 scoring a 85.8.
    
    Anais Caradeaux of France took second place with an 81.4 followed by Angeli VanLaanen, former World Cup Superpipe Champion out of Salt Lake City, UT, who scored an 80.8.
    
    A one-hour broadcast of The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series event at Copper Mountain will air on the CBS Sports Network Dec. 23, 2012 at 1pm EST and again on Dec. 25 (time TBD).

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  • 5 months ago
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• News: The North Face Park and News: The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series Announces 2013 Schedule

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    Athlete Registration Opens Thursday, November 8, 2012, 10 AM MST
    
    SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – As the first traces of snow dust North American mountain peaks, freeskiing athletes everywhere are revving up for another exciting winter competition season. Falling in line with the anticipation of a great winter, The North Face announced venues for The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series (PPOS), including Copper Mountain, CO (Dec. 8-9); Whistler Blackcomb, BC (Jan. 14-17); Waterville Valley, NH (Feb. 23) and Northstar California Resort, CA (March 8-10).
    
    “This year’s events are perfectly scheduled to provide prime advancement opportunities for athletes ready to take their freeskiing career to the next level,” said Barb Hamblett PPOS Event Director with Mountain Sports International, Inc. (MSI). “Spectators can expect to see exciting top level competition at all four PPOS stops this season.”
    
    All four PPOS events are part of the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) competition schedule. The Copper Mountain and Northstar California Resort stops will both be International Ski Federation (FIS) sanctioned NORAM CUP events with athletes earning FIS points. Athlete registration for all four PPOS stops will open Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at 10 a.m. MST.
    
    “FIS is excited to be able to integrate The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series events in Copper Mountain, CO and Northstar, CA into the 2012-13 FIS Freestyle NORAM CUP,” said Konrad X Rotermund FIS Freestyle Continental Cup Coordinator-Americas. “These events will provide a great opportunity for athletes to get their needed FIS points to be part of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games qualification process and/or earn the opportunity to be the NORAM CUP Champion. Recognizing schedules are very full in North America, it is great to be able to cooperate with the already established PPOS events to give the athletes multiple avenues to meet their competitive goals in a single event.”
    
    Founded in 2010, The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series (PPOS) features slopestyle and halfpipe skiing competitions with $55,000 in total prize value up for grabs. As one of the only open-format event series, amateurs have the opportunity to compete alongside top pros.
    
    “The North Face is excited to bring yet another season of freeskiing competition opportunities to athletes, both professional and amateur, across North America,” said The North Face Director of Sports Marketing Katie Ramage. “The progression of the sport of freeskiing is important to us, and this competition format is another way for us to support that movement.”
    
    Slopestyle skiing takes place in a venue comprised of man-made features such as rails, boxes and jumps contained on a single slope. Halfpipe skiing takes place in a halfpipe similar to those used for halfpipe snowboarding. Skiers accelerate through the pipe to gain increased height jumping out of the halfpipe while simultaneously executing challenging grabs, spins, flips and other maneuvers. Skiers string together a series of aerials from the halfpipe in a single run. Judging is based on overall impression, including content, difficulty of run, style and use of park or pipe. Both slopestyle and halfpipe skiing will make their Olympic debut in 2014 at the Sochi, Russia Winter Games. The PPOS will work in conjunction with the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) on competition judging with Steele Spence serving as head judge for the series.
    
    “The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series is very important for North American freeskiing athletes,” said Steele Spence, PPOS series head judge. “The series is a stepping stone for athletes hoping to progress to the top level of competition. The events are very well organized with a full panel of AFP certified judges and courses at world-class resorts.”
    
    2012-13 PPOS Series Schedule
    
    Copper Mountain, Colorado (FIS Event) - December 8-9, 2012
    
    Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia - January 14-17,2013
    
    Waterville Valley, New Hampshire - February 23, 2013
    
    Northstar California Resort, California (FIS Event) - March 8-10, 2013
    
    For athlete or registration information visit www.thenorthfaceppos.com or contact Julia Jimmerson MSI athlete relations manager at jjimmerson@mtsports.com or (801) 349-4616.

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  • 7 months ago
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• Interview: Tempting Fear With Interview: Tempting Fear With Andreas Fransson And Mike Douglas

  • From: kimhavell
  • Description:

    It is a human condition to seek adventure and challenge. The temptation to test both possibilities and limits is strong in some — Swedish ski-mountaineer Andreas Fransson pursues this temptation.
    
    On Friday, Oct, 5, at the Adventure Film Festival in Boulder, Colo., Mike Douglas and the team at Switchback Entertainment will premiere a film that traces an astounding few years of global ski adventures in Fransson’s life — “Tempting Fear.” It will show at film festivals worldwide and will release online as part of Season 6 of Salomon Freeski TV in 2013.
    
    Fransson is from the north of Sweden and grew up skiing in the Finnish mountains as well as in Riksgränsen, on the border with Norway at the extreme north of Sweden. From the age of 14 he quit other sports to focus completely on skiing. Finishing school, he did back-to-back seasons in Riksgränsen, the Alps, and Mount Hotham, Australia, earning a living by teaching and guiding skiing. But, it was through the exploration of the Norwegian mountains that he found his passion for steep and wild lines. The next obvious step for him was to move to Chamonix.
    
    I spoke with Douglas, who is in Whistler, Canada, getting films ready for the ski season as well as with Fransson, who is ticking off a few impressive first descents around the magical towers of Patagonia, a region generally known as an alpinist mecca.
    
    Andreas Fransson and Mike Douglas. Photo courtesy Switchback Entertainment.
    
    Part 1: Interview with Mike Douglas
    
    Teton Gravity Research: You dealt with heavy and serious subject matter in a sport that tempts more than just fear- did it scare you making this film?
    
    Mike Douglas: Well, luckily for me, Bjarne Sahlen did all the heavy lifting. He was out there filming Andreas in all the crazy spots, so physically, I had the easy job.  After 'The Freedom Chair', I wanted to do something different. I find Andreas' story and thoughts intriguing. Early on I asked myself if this was the type of project I wanted to take on. The decision wasn't easy. I've lost a lot of friends this year and this film provokes the question of whether or not it's all worth it. It's a question I find myself often asking.
    
    TGR: Why did you feel it was important to tell this story? Why did you decide to do this?
    
    MD: Andreas couldn't be further away from the stereotypical American view of what an 'extreme skier' is. He's calm, thoughtful, intelligent and doing things that nobody else is. I met him after he joined the Salomon team last winter.  At that point we were looking at doing a 5 minute episode of Salomon Freeski TV about him. After reading his blog, I realized that he shared so much insight and information that it would be impossible to do his story justice in a short format.
     
    TGR: What was it like working with Andreas? Did you walk away with a better understanding or respect (or not) of ski mountaineering?
    
    MD: Andreas has been great to work with. He completely put his trust in me. I have full respect for the person he is and what he does, but I don't necessarily agree with all his opinions. After watching the film over and over, I am not really sure what I think. I share a lot of his opinions, but at the same time I think we have different views of risk.
    
    As a filmmaker, I'm just looking for interesting stories. I find the world of alpinism and ski mountaineering interesting and sometimes harsh.  It makes me laugh how uptight people are about the details of how a climb or descent was done. There are people out there who refuse to give Andreas credit for his first descent of the south face of Denali because he had to down climb some sections to stay alive. The nice thing about Andreas is that he doesn't let the haters get to him. He's very comfortable with who he is and what he does.
    
    TGR: What do you admire most about Andreas?
    
    MD: He's a really nice guy! While we were working on the film he came to stay with my family for a week in Whistler.  My wife was impressed with how great of a house-guest he was. She'd have no problem if he wanted to move in with us [haha]. Aside from that, it's his intellect. He's a very smart guy.

    Andreas Fransson. Photo courtesy Switchback Entertainment.
    
    Part 2: Interview with Andreas Fransson
    
    TGR: Did skiing the South Face of Denali put you on the map? And, was it a turning point or a stepping stone?

    Andreas Fransson: On who’s map? I guess it did in the media, but I had done far more difficult things in Chamonix before I went to Alaska to do something I felt that with my experience I could and should pull off. But of course once I had done this better-known line, things got easier with sponsors and the media.  The funny thing is I had no idea of the impact it would have – I just wanted to ski this line.

    TGR: How do you make decisions about risk and routes?
    
    AF: I think it is a very open dialogue in the game of mountain decisions. It usually comes down to how much you want something and how much risk you are willing to take. Then you get to put your values on top of that. Whatever you do other people will judge you. I simply want to do things I define as fun that will give me something, maybe wisdom, in return and at the same time stay alive. There is no law book in the mountains, and one has to meet reality at every instant.
    
    TGR: How did you feel making this film? What do you hope audiences get out of this? Why were you willing to share your journal entries?
    
    AF: It was fun. I learned so much and I got to work with really talented people like Mike and Bjarne. It gave me a medium through which to share my thoughts with others. I made the decision to be open a few years back and I don’t think it would make sense to say no to doing so with an even bigger audience. I hope that people will enjoy listening. I don’t claim to say anything wise or with value in any other sense than it’s fun to ponder the mysteries of life and existence.
    
    TGR: What are your hopes and your future in pushing the limits of skiing?
    
    AF: I can’t promise anyone I will push anything. That’s one of the reasons why I keep quiet about my objectives. I simply don’t know what I will do next year or how my life will change. I feel steep skiing is a very intuitive thing to do. If the mountains, the weather and I are ready at the same moment then something fun can be done, but there might be periods when the combination of these three do not match.
    
    TGR: What is the significance of temptation and risk to you? What scares you?
    
    AF: I don’t fear death, but sometimes I fear not being able to realize the dreams I have. The temptation is to realize dreams before one is ready – the risk is we won’t get the perfection in the match.
    
    TGR: How do you set your mark for risk versus reward?
    
    AF: My gut feeling does it for me. If something feels worth it, I’ll do it. If it doesn’t, I’ll back off!
    
    TGR: How do you decide on your next projects? What are your parameters?
    
    AF: First of all I don’t like to talk about specific projects, but I think there has to be a general challenge involved. It can be difficult, have a rare beauty, be remote, or involve a physical or psychological challenge – any of these can turn on my inspiration.
    
    TGR: What was it like to work on a film of your life as a skier to date? Does it feel like a risk?
    
    AF: It’s great in many ways. And, now I can leave that behind me. The risk I see is that I get to talk more and more about skiing and have less and less time to actually do things. But I think it is part of my journey. First I have to have something to later be able to renounce it. It’s easy talking about renouncing things that are not your reality.
    
    TGR: You are currently doing some exciting descents in Patagonia. Tell us more.
    
    AF: We have two weeks left here. I got help from my friend Colin Haley, who knows this area well. He pointed out the Whillans ramp for me and said it would be one of the greatest ski descents to do in the world. [Note: Fransson did the first descent of this last week.] Once we are here we assess objectives and then go and try to do them. It’s really hard though. No one has ever tried to do the things we are looking at and there is no information. There are really long approaches. But that’s part of the game rules which makes it all much more interesting and fun.
    
    TGR: Tell us about a few of the other things going on that help balance your expeditions.
    
    AF: Yes, I have much to juggle, but I like challenges. I have a wonderful girlfriend with whom I want to spend time. I am working a lot for my sponsors, doing the Swedish mountain guide program, and I’m a ski editor for Epictv.com. I also try to run and climb, and I do yoga every day.
    
    TGR: What do you admire most about Douglas in getting to know him on this project?
    
    AF: Professionalism, creativity, the importance of detail and storytelling - it all comes from Mike so you could definitely say I admire him for that. Also, I’m very impressed with how nice, kind and generous of a person he is.

    

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  • 7 months ago
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• News: Team Americas Wins 2012 News: Team Americas Wins 2012 Swatch Skiers Cup

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    With a final score of 10 - 9, Team Americas takes the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy from defending champions Team Europe. More exciting news also comes out of the day, as organizers proudly announce a 3rd edition of the event to be held in Zermatt, Switzerland for February 2013.
     
    Valle Nevado, September 7, 2012 - Due to unsafe snow conditions on today's intended Backcountry Slopestyle course, athletes and organizers took a last minute decision to change plans and hold a tiebreak-style match with only three riders from each team on a higher venue with better snow conditions. After the uncertainty and suspense of the final day, and due to amazing performances from its chosen riders, Team Americas emerged victorious, winning the 2nd edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP.
     
    Cody Townsend (USA)    1 – 0     Mathieu Imbert (FRA)
    Chopo Diaz (CHILI)      0 – 1     Marcus Eder (ITA)
    KC Deane (USA)            1 – 0     Paddy Graham (UK)
     
    Changing the format of the event at the last minute was an extremely difficult decision for organizers and athletes alike. The variety of riding that both the Big Mountain and Backcountry Slopestyle heats offer is a trademark of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP, and everyone involved was wary of losing out on the freestyle component of this progressive event. However, thanks to the quick action of the organizers, and incredible riding by the athletes, the event was able to showcase cutting-edge riding in a high-mountain venue behind Valle Nevado ski area.
    
    Each team had to choose only three riders to compete in the tie-break.
    
    “I chose my guys based on a combination of their motivation and enthusiasm in the moment and their abilities as creative freestyle skiers, because what I want is to push the level of riding at the event. If we would have won today we would have won with style,” commented event co-founder and Team Europe captain Sverre Liliequist.
     
    Event judge Mark Abma also had praise for the riding of Team Europe.
    
    “Markus Eder's run was amazing, spinning 360s in both directions and incorporating a rodeo 540 and a rodeo 720, all off of the natural terrain found on this backup venue,” said Abma.
     
    In the end, however, Team Europe couldn't stop the charge of Team Americas. With the score tied after the first two matches, it was up to KC Deane (USA) and Paddy Graham (UK). Paddy was building an impressive run, but took a hard impact on the landing of one of his airs, putting his knees to his chin, bringing his run to an end. Deane dropped in with a huge backflip at the top of the face and finished the run in impressive style, thus winning the tiebreaker and the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy for his team.
     
    The conclusion of the second edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP is also a victory for the event itself. Organizers are proud to announce today that the next edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP will be held in Zermatt, Switzerland in front of the legendary Matterhorn from the 9th through the 16th of Februrary, 2013.
     
    The event born in the minds of Sverre Liliequist and Kaj Zackrisson is here to stay. Swatch Proteam member Kaj Zackrisson comments: “This is a dream come true! We are very excited to announce that we will meet next February in Zermatt. We knew from the beginning we had a super fun event concept, and this has let us attract the best skiers in the world. Get ready for more!”
     
    Freeride World Tour standout and mountain guide Samuel Anthamatten responded enthusiastically to the news that the event is coming to his home town.

    “Zermatt is proud to host the 2013 edition of the SWATCH SKIERS CUP. The playground we have here is endless — surrounded by the highest mountains in the Alps, Zermatt offers challenging venues and a spectacular panorama. The local community will live the event with passion and we are looking forward to welcoming riders and guests for an amazing time!”
    
    The two team captains for the next edition have already been confirmed. Cody Townsend (USA) will lead Team Americas and Kaj Zackrisson (SWE) will be in the driver's seat of Team Europe. Until they meet in the shadow of the Matterhorn, Team Americas will proudly guard the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy, their names now engraved on this piece of ski history.

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  • 8 months ago
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• News: Torin Yater-Wallace, Dev News: Torin Yater-Wallace, Devin Logan Win FIS Freestyle Ski Halfpipe World Cup

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    
    
    Cardrona, New Zealand – The world's top ranked freestyle skiers battled it out under picture-perfect blue skies at Cardrona Alpine Resort yesterday where Torin Yater-Wallace and Devin Logan, both from the USA, won the men and women's FIS Freestyle Ski Halfpipe World Cup titles.

    A talented men's field of 36 freestyle skiers competed in the qualifying heat for the top 12 spots. With two runs per round, best run counting, Thomas Krief of Fance, Torin Yater-Wallace of the USA, and Antti-Jussi Kemppainen of Finland, took the top three spots. Twenty-seven women lined up for the qualifier with Devin Logan of the USA scoring the highest.

    Torin Yater-Wallace came out on top in the end with a huge second run. He was awarded 93 points and took the lead from Thomas Krief who finished in second place with 90 points. Benoit Valentin of France placed third overall with 84.2 points.

    Yater-Wallace's winning run was made up of a double cork 1260 mute grab, an alleyoop flat spin 540, a 900 tail grab, a 1080 tail grab and a switch 900 mute grab. Head judge Spence Steele said the judges were impressed with the execution and amplitude of the winning run. "The pipe skiing was phenomenal today. The top skiers were very impressive for the first competition of the qualifying season," he said.

    The women's final produced some big spins and tail grabs. Current Overall AFP World Champion Devin Logan lived up to expectations taking out first place with a score of 83.0, despite not landing her first run. It was second and third for Japanese skiers Manami Mitsuboshi, with 80.0 points, and Ayana Onozuka, with 78.6 points.

    "The weather and conditions were amazing today. I had a great qualifying round and really felt the pressure for my second final's run. The Japanese girls were really pushing me. I was lucky today – it's a good start to the season," said Logan.

    Janina Kuzma, from Wanaka, was the only New Zealand female to go through to the women's finals in 12th place. A gutsy second final's run that scored 76.6 points put her in fourth place overall. Jossi Wells finished 7th overall scoring 76.6 on his first run and not landing his second run.

    For the first time, freestyle ski athletes' competition points will count towards gaining an Olympic spot. The International Olympic Committee announced in April that men's and women's halfpipe skiing will be an Olympic sport at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

    The action continues on Friday and Saturday, August 25-26, with the FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup also at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

     Final Results:

    1 – Yater-Wallace Torin, USA, 93.0

    2 – Krief Thomas, France, 90.0

    3 – Valentin Benoit, France, 84.0

    4 – Kemppainen Antti-Jussi, Finland, 81.0

    5 – Allen Christian, USA, 78.0

    6 – Wood Walter, USA, 76.0

    7 – Wells Josiah, New Zealand, 71.0

    8 – Tsuda Kentaro, Japan, 68.0

    9 – Lergen Yannic, Switzerland, 56.0

    10 – Pollet-Villard Joffrey, France, 41.0

     

    Photo via freestyle.usskiteam.com

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• News: Winners Announced At 201 News: Winners Announced At 2012 World Heli Challenge Showcase Awards And Shootout

  • From: media-75233
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    The Canon Shot. Photo by Mark Von Roy.

    
    Lake Wanaka, New Zealand  – Skier Jacqui Edgerly, from the USA, and Snowboarder Will Jackways, from New Zealand, took center stage at the World Heli Challenge ION Showcase Awards on August 16. They were named the X Factor Awardees for World Heli Challenge 2012, as another successful World Heli Challenge came to an end. In a first for the World Heli Challenge, skiers and snowboarders competed together for the top spots with only one male and one female taking the honors.

    Jacqui and Will were chosen based on their overall aggressive performance and not necessarily on points earned during the competition. 

    “Jaqui took the prize for her determination and amazing line choice, and pushing her limits,” said head ski judge Dion Newport. "Showing why she was invited to the World Heli Challenge by skiing a line on the extreme day that had a lot of exposure and risk. Not landing her run put her back in second position but her amazing show for the cameras and viewers earned her the XFactor Award.”

    “Will stood out during both days of competition,” said head snowboard judge, Mike Hygemann.  “He had an amazing first run in the freestyle day where he showed great control and use of terrain pulling off 360 spins, a tail grab air, a method air and an indy…an excellent run from the kiwi.  The extreme day saw him taking a very challenging line which he executed with aggression and style.”

    Narrowly missing the top spots were snowboarder Abby Lockhart, New Zealand, and skiers Natalie Segal from Australia and Markus Eder from Italy.

     

     Best Freestyle Day Shot. Photo by Miles Holden.

    The Winners

    The finale to the evening was the announcement of the 2012 World Heli Challenge champions.  The athletes were able to share their winning runs on screen to a packed house in the Lake Wanaka Centre.

    Individual winners from each day’s competition are as follows:

    Freestyle Day

    Snowboard Women

    1st place - Abby Lockhart

    2nd place - Ratty Sheidow

    3rd place - Jett Elkins

    Snowboard Men  

    1st place - Will Jackways

    2nd place - Shin Biyajima

    3rd place - J.J. Thomas

    Ski Women

    1st place – Natalie Segal

    2nd place – Jacqui Edgerly

    3rd place - Victoria Beattie

    Ski Men  

    1st place – Markus Eder

    2nd place – Sam Smoothy

    3rd place – Nick Devore

    
    Extreme Day

    Snowboard Women

    1st place – Abby Lockhart

    2nd place – Ratty Sheidow

    3rd place – Jett Elkins

    Snowboard Men

    1st place - Will Jackways

    2nd place - Shin Biyajima

    3rd place - Antti Autti

    Ski Women

    1st place – Natalie Segal

    2nd place – Jacqui Edgerly 

    3rd place - Victoria Beattie

    Ski Men

    1st place – Neil Williman

    2nd place – Markus Eder 

    3rd place – Nick Devore

    Overall

    The best all around skiers and snowboarders were chosen for their performance over the two days of competition, Extreme Day and Freestyle Day. 

    Top Three Female Skiers

    1. Natalie Segal 

    2. Jacqui Edgerly 

    3. Victoria Beattie 

    Top Three Male Skiers

    1. Marcus Eder

    2. Sam Smoothy

    3. Nick Devore

    Top Three Female Snowboarders

    1.  Abby Lockhart

    2.  Ratty Sheidow

    3.  Jett Elkins

    Top Three Male Snowboarders

    1.  Will Jackways

    2.  Shin Biyajima

    3.  Antti Autti

    Event organizers continued with the innovative online judging format, drawing on the experience of internationally regarded judges from around the world to review each run and analyze in detail when deciding this year's winners.

    Dion Newport and Mike Hygemann were the onsite ski and snowboard judges and were able to consult with the “virtual” judges about the days' conditions and any other specifics that may not have been discerned from the videos.

    In addition to competitor awards for best performances on the snow, the best images and cinematography captured throughout the two-week event in the Canon Shootout were also screened and announced to the packed Wanaka Centre audience and to a global audience via live webcast.

     Best Extreme Day Shot. Photo by Antony Hansen. 

    CINEMATOGRAPHY

    The outstanding cinematography showcase commenced with a five-minute overview of the two weeks of the 2012 World Heli Challenge produced by the talented Harro Art Production team lead by Trinity Ludlow. 

    The audience was treated to five mind-blowing five-minute mini documentaries. It wasn’t an easy decision for the judges as each film captured the spirit of the two-weeks of heli-accessed skiing and snowboarding and all of the off-snow adventures from a different perspective.

    “Each and every film transported the audience inside the unique experience that is the World Heli Challenge,” said event founder Tony Harrington.
    
    Winners were as follows with a $1,000 cash prize in each category:

    The Canon Shootout Best Documentary - Tomohiro Fujji

    Best Carlton Dry content placement - Tomohiro Fujii

    Best Extreme Sequence - Mic Simpson

    Best Freestyle Sequence - Mic Simpson

    Best ION POV Use - Sean Balmer

    
    PHOTOGRAPHY

    Seven top photographers vying for this year’s Canon Shootout photography awards created over 25,000 images, capturing the action and the lifestyle of the event, which will be viewed around the world.  Each photographer submitted one image from each category to be judged.
    
    Winners were as follows with a $1,000 cash prize in each category:

    Best Extreme Day Shot – Antony Hansen

    Best Freestyle Day Shot – Miles Holden

    Best Carlton Dry Branded Shot – Mitch Stubbs

    Best Exide Batteries Heli Branded Shot – Tess Carney

    The Canon Shot – Mark Von Roy

    
    All photos entered in the competition are featured in a gallery on the World Heli Challenge website and can be viewed on the World Heli Challenge facebook page.

    Click Here To Visit The World Heli Challenge 

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• News: Sunshine And Powder For News: Sunshine And Powder For 2012 World Heli Challenge

  • From: media-75233
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    Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Top skiers and boarders from around the world were treated to a perfect window of fresh powder, sunshine and epic Southern Alps terrain for the 2012 World Heli Challenge competition days held this past week.  Snowboarding legend Antti Autti, from Finland but who’s snowboarded the world over said, "This is some of the best terrain I’ve ridden in a very, very long time."

    With the two competition days of the 2012 World Heli Challenge in the bag, it’s now up to a handful of the world’s top judges to determine the winners.  Event organizers are continuing with the innovative online judging format that draws on the experience of internationally regarded judges from around the world to review each run and analyze in detail before deciding who this year’s winners will be.

    The World Heli Challenge is collectively supported by the region's leading helicopter, heli skiing operations and land-owners. Southern Lakes Heli Ski provided the guiding service; the Freestyle day venue was held on the Buchanan Range provided by Harris Mountains Heli Skiing. Mt. Albert Station and Backcountry Helicopters provided the Extreme day venue on Mt. Albert, a grandeur peak towering over 2000 meters above the head of Lake Wanaka, near Makarora.  

    While Thursday’s Freestyle competition got off to a slow start due to low-lying cloud cover, in the end the weather gods cooperated and by 10 a.m. helicopters were being loaded with athletes, photographers, cinematographers and the event crew, all of whom were fizzing in anticipation of the day ahead in the Buchanans.

    "Even non-competitors were treated to some adrenaline," said event spokesperson Tania Pilkinton. "Ours came early, courtesy of Aspiring Helicopters and Alpine Helicopters skilled pilots."

    Conditions on the Freestyle day of competition saw champagne powder at the top of the venue with some grippy snow towards the bottom, making the competition that much more challenging.

    The athletes put on a show using the natural terrain to show off their freestyle tricks: 360s, flat threes, cork threes, method airs and even a few back flips.

    "Overall we saw a great show of ability and strength in terrain that they have never seen before, let alone ridden," said head snowboard judge Mike Hygeman.

    With little time to rest, the second day of competition, the Extreme day, was held at Mt. Albert on Friday. 

    "We returned to Mt. Albert again this year because it’s such an amazing venue for extreme riding," said event founder and director Tony Harrington (Harro).  "This year the snow coverage was much better, opening several lines that were unskiable in 2011. The competitors took full advantage of the conditions, showing us why they stand amongst the best in the world, skiing long, fluid lines down spines, off rock faces and through narrow chutes."

    "We can’t talk too much about the highlights of the day without giving away who the winners are," said Harro.  

    Winners will be announced at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Thursday evening at the ION Showcase Awards and Canon Shootout. "Guests will be treated to the most mouth-watering aerial and land-based cinematography ever shot in New Zealand, created by the world’s top and emerging cinematographers and photographers," said Harro. 

    "This not-to-be-missed black and white attire awards night will once again be one of the snow industry’s most spectacular evenings. Some of the most incredible adventure-lifestyle and snow sports footage ever documented will be featured on the big screen and simultaneously beamed via a live webcast to media partners in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas."

    The night will also feature awards for photography, cinematography and winners of each day, as well as the overall winners of the event. New this year, skiers will be pitted against snowboarders and only one will come out on top to be named the ultimate snow sports athlete from the Challenge. 

    Tickets are $20 and available at Base, the Lake Hawea Hotel, Racer’s Edge and the Federal Diner. Includes drink upon arrival and entry to the After Burner Party at Opium.

    The live webcast can be viewed on www.worldhelichallenge.com starting at 9 p.m. New Zealand time this Thursday. 

    While riders wait for the results, they will continue to take advantage of all the adventure and activities the Queenstown Lakes District has to offer, including sky diving, jet boating and more to keep their adrenaline levels high.  Several have also been sited at the local op shops in search of attire for the awards festivities.

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• News: IFSA Elects Jason Frazie News: IFSA Elects Jason Frazier As New President, Eric Schmitz As Head Judge

  • From: media-75233
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    Spectators watch as a freeskier competes in a big mountain competition. Photo by Amy Jimmerson/FWT. 

    
    Salt Lake City, Utah – Board members of the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) have recently elected a new President for the 2013 season. Jason Frazier of Salt Lake City, Utah, will be overseeing the development of big mountain freeskiing and snowboarding as the new President of the IFSA. Frazier comes to the board of directors after three years of competing on the Freeskiing World Tour as well as an eleven year career in the financial industry, working in market growth and development. With an educational background in economics, accounting and finance from the University of Utah, Frazier is a perfect fit for the Presidential position of the IFSA.

    "I couldn't be more excited to be working with the IFSA. It's an organization that continues to develop and promote the sport of big mountain riding," said Frazier.  "My vision for the IFSA is to bring the sport to a whole new level of exposure, while focusing on continued safety and an athlete centered experience." Over the past two years the IFSA and junior freeskiing have flourished under the leadership of Rob Greener. Greener will remain on the board as Vice President and continues to spearhead junior IFSA events.

    More changes for 2013 include a new IFSA Head Judge for the season. Eric Schmitz, longtime close friend to former Head Judge, the late Jim Jack, has been elected to this position. Schmitz is a former freeskiing competitor, champion, and multiple title holder.

    "We are thrilled that 'Schmidty' [Eric Schmitz] has accepted the position as Head Judge with the IFSA," said Frazier. "Schmidty's commitment to our high standards of consistency and excellence make him a perfect fit to continue the legacy of our previous Head Judge, Jim Jack."

    "2012 will forever be remembered as the year we said good bye to our mentor, friend and brother, Jim Jack.  May we always keep his passion alive as we celebrate our sport together in the mountains," stated the new President of the IFSA, Jason Frazier.

     

    Click Here To Visit The IFSA Website

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• Skiers Throw Down At Beartooth Skiers Throw Down At Beartooth Summer Session

  • From: SamPetri
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    The first competitor dropped in double fisting beers. He stomped his air over a cliff, then busted a “screamin’ seaman” off a booter near the base. Thirty bros applauded from the cornice above. Below, a siren rang out from the judges’ stand, prompting the next skier to drop before the first competitor even finished.
    
    “We’re running it like this for the next three hours,” judge Trevor Leaf said.

    A Beartooth Summer Session competitor takes one of the bigger airs of the day Saturday on the upper section of Red Lodge International Summer Ski And Snowboard Camp. One of his skis clipped a rock, but stayed on. He double fist-pump claimed it. Photo by Drew Wajer.
    
    And so it went Saturday at ON3P Skis’ second annual Beartooth Summer Sessions big mountain freestyle skiing event. The competition took place at Red Lodge International Summer Ski And Snowboard Camp — a rugged, remote, tiny nugget of an area with 900-vert and two Poma lifts located off the top of Beartooth Pass in Wyoming, just northeast of Yellowstone National Park.
    
    The event featured a jam-session format where each competitor got three runs. Skiers would drop from a cornice in to a 40-degree face peppered with rocks and cliffs and make their way to a park that featured a couple of booters, a hip jump and a few rails. Skiers were judged on a combined score from the big mountain and freestyle terrain.

    The park featured a couple of booters, a hip jump, and a few rails. Photo by Drew Wajer.
    
    Who won?
    
    “No official results yet,” ON3P’s Kip Kirol said Tuesday. “I started tallying them but they are such chicken scratch I need to confirm a few things.”
    
    In the end, it doesn’t really matter who won — the whole event was an amateur throw down of progressive ski trickery way out in the hills, far away from cell phone reception. Picture a homegrown Red Bull Cold Rush or Red Bull Supernatural type of event happening in June on corn snow. What you have is a rendezvous of 20-year-old Rocky Mountain redneck ski thugs who are more passionate about the sport than a lot of people who make a decent living off it. In short, it was core. Core as fuck.

    ON3P's Trevor Leaf was the great orator of the event. Photo by Drew Wajer.
    
    The solid crew of competitors made a weekend out of it, camping at a Westmintser Spires Church Camp in Red Lodge, Montana, watching pig racing at a bar in Bear Creek at night and skiing during the day.
    
    “Basically the whole idea was to keep everyone as cohesive as possible without forcing anything,” Kip Kirol said. “What I was trying to do was for it to be like a summer camp where you’re not paying for après. Just a really really cheap, bad-ass ski experience.”

    Pig racing in Montana. Photo by Drew Wajer.
    
    Although ON3P is based out of Portland, Oregon, they throw the event on Beartooth Pass because it offers steep, rocky terrain, allowing for the “big mountain” portion of the event. On top of that, it’s a fun road trip for the ON3P crew.
    
    “We got back last night,” Kirol said. “It was great. The ride home was good. We stopped in Hood River and stomped on Sammy Carlson’s trampoline.”

    Kip Kirol of ON3P Skis. Photo by Drew Wajer. 
    
    Although relatively obscure, Red Lodge International Summer Ski And Snowboard Camp has been operating on Beartooth Pass since 1968, co-owner and operations manager Austin Hart said. Over the years, its name has changed several times. Many locals still refer to it as Red Lodge Race Camp, he said. Next season, Hart hopes to change the name to something shorter: Beartooth Basin, perhaps.

    Looking out at the whole ski area from the top. Photo by Drew Wajer.
    
    The area is typically open to the public from Memorial Day Weekend to the Fourth of July, although this year the last day of operations will be July 1. The hill has hosted racers, mogul skiers, and even acted as a training ground for Tanner Hall.
    
    Hart, who is 27 years old, took over his uncle Rob Hart’s share of the ski area in 2009 after Rob Hart died in a skiing accident.
    
    “I kind of got thrown into it,” Hart said. “ But I feel like a pretty lucky to employ my friends and ski around all June.”

    A skier drops in to big mountain section of the course, with the park below. Courtesy photo. 
    
    Hart wants ON3P to come back next year.
    
    “It’s awesome dude, I love it,” Hart said. “We need these events to bring the crowd who wants to ski there. It’s definitely a big mountain free ride venue. The ON3P guys brought a lot of energy into it. I’m stoked on those guys. They’re cool.”

    Photo by Drew Wajer.

    This is the top of the mountain, which acts as a "base" area. ON3P gave away almost $7,000 worth of swag from Trew, Saga, Bloom and more to about 30 people. Photo by Drew Wajer.
    
    The Bear's Tooth on Beartooth Pass. Photo by Drew Wajer.

    Peace! Photo by Drew Wajer.

    For more, visit www.on3pskis.com and rlissc.com
    

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• Video: Benji Ritchie And Romai Video: Benji Ritchie And Romain De Marchi Battle It Out In Powder

  • From: adambroderick
  • Description:

    In this Yes Snowboard TV video Benji Ritchie and Romain De Marchi slay back-to-back pillow lines and bad-ass backcountry booters. It's not exactly a competition, but feel free to judge for yourself. No matter the victor, it's just fun to watch such awesome footage of seriously acrobatic boarders throwng down to Alphabet Aerobics by Blackalicious.

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  • 11 months ago
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• News: Eye Of The Condor Return News: Eye Of The Condor Returns To Ski La Parva, Partners With IF3

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    Members of Dubsatch Collective blast through powder in 2011 at Ski La Parva in Chile during the Eye Of The Condor film and photo competition.
    
    SANTIAGO, CHILE — After an extremely successful event in 2011, Ski La Parva is pleased to announce the return of Sony Eye of the Condor — a weeklong film and photo competition set in the Andes. Presented by Sony, Subaru Chile and Delta Airlines, Sony Eye of the Condor 2 will showcase elite athletes and photographers from around the world from July 27 to August 4, 2012. A new partnership with IF3 will provide increased media distribution for teams and brands, as well as the first ever IF3 Film Festival La Parva/Chile in Santiago. An all-star panel of judges — including Ingrid Backstrom and Chris Davenport — and athletes including the K2 Factory Team — will surely set a high benchmark for what’s to come in the 2012/2013 season.
     
    “With the direction of the sport focusing on digital media and quality of production, we have created a venue for athletes and brands to showcase their highest quality work in a cultivating environment,” says Ski La Parva’s Director of Corporate Sales and Marketing Rodrigo Medina. “Not only does Sony Eye of the Condor provide a great outlet for competitors, the laid back Chilean atmosphere provides a great platform for industry leaders to discuss the state of the sport.”
     
    In addition to the competition, which will award cash prizes to the best video and photography portfolio, Sony Eye of the Condor will support local arts, with a photography exhibition showcasing local talent. The event will also provide a forum for broader discussion with seminars, photo retrospectives and other events that seek to examine the roll that action sports and photography play in society at large.
     
    “The Eye of the Condor is such an awesome event because it celebrates the creativity in skiing; it's really open to interpretation and gives teams the freedom to show how much fun skiing is in whichever way they choose.” Says judge Ingrid Backstrom. “Plus to have the film and photos set against such an insane backdrop way up in the Andes guarantees some truly stunning imagery”
     
    The week of festivities will culminate in the booming metropolis of Santiago de Chile at the first annual IF3 La Parva/Chile. The one night film festival will celebrate the global Freeskiing film community, complete with athlete autograph sessions, film screenings, vendors, and live music. The winning films and photos from Sony Eye of The Condor will be showcased around the globe at IF3 International Film Festivals, including Montreal, Quebec; Annecy France; and Innsbruck Austria. “We are extremely excited about our new partnership with IF3, we feel it’s going to show the international community the beauty and uniqueness of the Chilean ski community,” says Medina.
    
    “The Eye of the Condor competition is an amazing event” says Team Discrete (2011 EOTC People’s Choice Award) member and 2012 Red Bull Cold Rush Champion Rachel Burks  “It's rad, because all the teams are staying in the same area, dining together, running into each other on the slopes — it’s the perfect competition atmosphere.”
    
    
     
    Eye of the Condor is presented with the support of Sony, Subaru Chile, Delta Airlines and Columbia Sportswear. For more information please refer to http://www.laparva.cl/eyeofthecondor/.

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  • 11 months ago
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• Interview: Ingrid Backstrom's Interview: Ingrid Backstrom's Season Is A World Tour

  • From: jeremybenson
  • Description:

    Ingrid Backstrom hikes to her line in Chamonix, France.  Photo by Adam Clark.
    
    If you’re a skier then you’ve probably heard of Ingrid Backstrom. The big-mountain skiing phenomenon cut her teeth on the slopes of Crystal Mountain, Wash., and honed her skills on the steeps at Squaw Valley, Calif. For the past eight years Ingrid has filmed with Matchstick Productions, 5 of those years she’s taken home the Powder Video Award for Best Female Performance.
    
    As one of the premier big-mountain skiers in the world, she is often on the road for photo shoots, expeditions, and movie premieres. TetonGravity.com caught up with Ingrid while she was skiing at Points North Heli in Cordova, Alaska.
    
    Teton Gravity Research: How was your winter?
     
    Ingrid Backstrom: My winter was really fun. Of course there is always stuff I wish I could have done or could have been more productive or gotten more sunny days and all that, but overall I had a great time, got to ski a lot of days, and went to some amazing places. So I am really stoked on my winter. And finishing up healthy is always the goal. So it’s OK to have left some stuff on the table. That’s more important to me these days.
    
    TGR: Where are you now?
     
    Backstrom: I’m in Cordova, Alaska! I got to come here for a Volkl Fantasy Camp, where Dash Longe and I are skiing with the contest winners. Although, I’m pretty sure both Dash and I feel like we won at this point. It’s certainly been a fantasy week. 
    
    TGR: Where’d you spend your time this season? 
    
    Backstrom: I got to hang out in Squaw Valley at home for a few weeks, which is always great. Also in Chamonix, Crystal Mountain, Whistler, and Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska. 
    
    TGR: In January you took your first trip to Chamonix, did it live up to your expectations? 
    
    Backstrom: I can safely say it blew my expectations out of the water. I was expecting it to be cool, but for some reason I just only had pictured all of the scary gnar and was prepared to be on guard the whole time. Instead, we skied pow runs to the valley in really safe conditions, with chamois and ibex sightings. I only wore a harness one time!  

    Ingrid rips it up in Chamonix. Photo by Adam Clark.
    
    TGR: After months on the road, do you look forward to some down time, not traveling for a bit? 
    
    Backstrom: Yes, for sure! I absolutely love being in Squaw Valley, seeing my friends and enjoying Tahoe. Being at home takes on a whole new meaning when you live out of a bag so much — that’s great, too, but I start really missing my friends and my bed.
    
    TGR: Last year you were featured in MSP’s the Sherpa’s movie, who’d you film with this year?
    
    Backstrom: I filmed with Matchstick on two trips. I don’t know where the winter went, it seemed like it started late and ended early this year! But I’m honored that they wanted to still film with me, I love skiing with all those guys.
    
    TGR: Any plans for the summer, skiing, etc? 
    
    Backstrom: I am really excited to be going to Chile for a few things at the end of July. I get to be a judge at the Eye of the Condor event in La Parva, which was so fun last year--plus I will be coaching a women’s camp in La Parva in August followed by [Chris] Davenport’s freeskiing camp in Portillo. 
    
    TGR: Could you tell us about the women’s camp in La Parva? 
    
    Backstrom: I’m really excited to be partnering with Powder Quest to do a women’s ski camp in La Parva. It will be a small group and it’s the perfect place to ski, relax, and enjoy the culture. We still have spots open also if you know any women who love to ski!
    
    TGR: Your brother Ralph crushed it on the Freeride World Tour this year and has been filming with TGR, is it genetics or something in the water that made you and your brothers such incredible athletes?
    
    Backstrom: Ralph is amazing — of course I have always known that he is the best snowboarder out there but it’s so great to see all of his hard work pay off with such a great year. I’m simultaneously proud of him and in awe of him. I have to give most of the credit to my parents. They are so amazing.
    
    TGR: In addition to being an athlete, what other types of things do you do for your sponsors?
    
    Backstrom:  I try to get involved with product feedback and R&D whenever possible — The North Face is really amazing about involving the athletes at every step of the process and it’s so fun to learn more about what goes into making good products. I’ve had some awesome opportunities — really fun product testing trips, speaking engagements, and other stuff that I never thought I would be doing when I wanted to be a skier.
    
    TGR: Where do you see yourself and what do you plan to be doing five to 10 years down the road?
    
    Backstrom: That’s a hard one — hopefully still skiing, involved in the ski and outdoor industry in some way, perhaps in a different capacity, and maybe traveling a bit less.

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• Red Bull Signature Series : Co Red Bull Signature Series : Cold Rush

  • From: redbull
  • Description:

    What happens when you give some of the best skiers access to a helicopter at Silverton Mountain with chutes and cliffs? You get Red Bull Cold Rush. Enter one of the most progressive all rider judged backcountry ski competitions where anything can happen.

    Click Here To Watch More Red Bull Cold Rush Videos 

  • 1 year ago
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• Judging A Freeskiing Comp - Re Judging A Freeskiing Comp - Red Bull Cold Rush

  • From: redbull
  • Description:

    After this one of a kind backcountry ski event it's into the screening room where athletes judge one another to determine who had the best line.
    
    Click Here To Watch More Red Bull Cold Rush Videos

  • 1 year ago
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• Freeskiing Course Design - Red Freeskiing Course Design - Red Bull Cold Rush

  • From: redbull
  • Description:

    Pep Fujas designed the hand built slopestyle course for the Red Bull Cold Rush including a one of a kind rail feature that pushed riders to the limit.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 328
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