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Tanner Hall in Hot Dogger Cont Tanner Hall in Hot Dogger Contest- One Hot Minute Ep. 7

From: TetonGravityResearch
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Tanner Hall returns to moguls and gets his first podium of the season in Åre's Hot Doggers contest alongside his crew, ''Jon the Gooners.''
2 weeks ago
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Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl Amba Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl Ambassador

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

"Sugar Bowl Resort is my favorite ski area because of the terrain, snow and overall experience. The Bowl gets dumped on and is an epic playground stacked with terrain. I love the smooth flowing groomed runs any day, but get drawn to the open trees, bowls, tight lines and gullies. Now as a professional free skier the challenging steeps in Palisades is my training ground for big lines in AK. Fun runs and fresh snow, days after a storm are there so find me and lets go. If not, explore or find a local and you'll be fired up. For determined and dedicated youth in the ski world, the Sugar Bowl Academy (SBA) is dedicated to offering an environment to excel in academics and racing / free skiing. It's an amazing life path where I'm more than willing to pass on my knowledge of the sport since I grew up in a similar system. To top it off the resort staff are super friendly giving it that traditional ski experience charm, an important reason for my loyalty to Sugar Bowl. Come check it out and take a run down Rahlves' Run." Banzai!!! Sugar Bowl Ambassador - Daron Rahlves

15 years on the US Ski Team, 4x Olympian and the most decorated male American Downhill and Super G skier in history. Daron won 12 World Cup races, had 28 World Cup podiums, 7 US National Titles, is the 2001 World Champion in Super G, Silver medal at the 2005 Worlds in DH and Bronze medal in GS. He was the winner of the legendary Hahnenkamm Downhill in 2003 and SG in 2004 along with 7 podium finishes in Kitzbuhel over 5 years. Ski cross became his competition of choice in 2007 and in 2008 Daron took Gold in Skier-X at ESPN's Winter X Games 12 and finished 3rd overall on the Jeep Skiing/48 Straight Tour. Currently he's on the Teton Gravity Research (TGR) team skiing big mountain lines and works closely with his sponsors to develop the best quality equipment and experience for those unforgettable days on snow.

Video by Weston Walker
http://www.westonwalker.com

Stills Courtesy of Sugar Bowl

http://www.sugarbowl.com; http://www.facebook.com/sugarbowlresort

Race photo courtesy of Deven Hickingbotham
2 weeks 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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Burton U.S. Open of Snowboardi Burton U.S. Open of Snowboarding Preview

From: tawnyaschultz
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Burton U.S. Open of Snowboarding Preview

After 30 incredible years in Vermont, Burton decided to switch it up and move the U.S. Open of Snowboarding to Vail, Colorado. While there were mixed emotions about leaving Stratton, change can be good, especially when it means more ideal conditions for the riders and easier access to the venue for spectators.

The U.S. Open has been the premier snowboarding event of the season year after year, featuring the world's best riders who have continued to push the level of progression. With the builders at Snow Park Tech dialing in the slope and pipe setup, there is no lack of perfection and originality. The slope course this year features a series of rails, jibs, a massive wall ride with a Mini car (the main Open sponsor) set up at the landing, and three kickers, challenging riders to get creative and making it fun to watch.

One of the most notable aspects of the Open is the equal prize purse for men and women. The total cash money of $341,000 is split evenly— $45,000 each for the winners of slope and pipe, $20,000 for second, and $10,000 for third. Riders get paid down to 8th place, which is pretty rad.

For both pipe and slopestyle, one heat of 21 women, was whittled down to six and two heats of 21 men were knocked down to 12 for the finals. The riders get three runs to prove their skills and wow the judges, in hopes of standing on the podium and winning one of the most coveted titles in snowboarding.

On the party circuit, Burton is bringing free entertainment to the masses, with Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis hot off the Heist Tour Friday evening and Santigold on Saturday, with Skratch Bastid late night. It should be epic!

Catch the finals streaming live on: http://www.burton.com/US-Open/usopen_splash,default,pg.html

Friday March 1, beginning at 10a.m.-2:45p.m. MST — Men's and Women's Slope

Saturday March 2 from 10a.m.-2:45p.m. MST — Men's and Women's Pipe

Don't miss the top athletes in the game including Shaun White, Louie Vito, Scotty Lago, Elena Hight, Gretchen Bleiler, Jamie Anderson, Kelly Clark, Mark McMorris, and Eric Willet just to name a few, throwing down this weekend in Vail, Colorado. Stay tuned for an event recap from the contest and parties coming at ya next week!
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2 months ago
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Chickering-Ayers, Paaso, Bell, Chickering-Ayers, Paaso, Bell, And Rozies Win FWT In Kirkwood

From: gregfitzsimmons
Description:

3 Americans and 1 Frenchie take the top spots at the fourth stop of the FWT, TGR's Ryland Bell posts the highest score of the day.

By Greg Fitzsimmons

“Variable” was the word of the day at the fourth stop of the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face at Kirkwood. Variable snow conditions underfoot made the challenging Cirque venue — the permanently closed terrain at Kirkwood — heavier than normal. There were a lot of high-speed crashes and tooth-rattling backslaps during the only stateside comp of the season. In the end, the winners of the male and female ski and snowboard fields displayed solid fundamentals en route to earning their titles.

Mad River Glen’s Lars Chickering-Ayers took home the win in the men’s ski field, showing total control in the difficult conditions. Chickering-Ayers has found a home on big-mountain contest podiums in recent years, but he excelled on the variable snow in Kirkwood, linking a technical line in his typical full-throttle assault that fans of big-mountain competitive skiing have come to expect. Without any hesitation, Lars billy-goated through volcanic rock, pioneered a mandatory air into a chute, and laced clean GS-turns through the venue, making exposed and difficult terrain look fun.

“I wasn't really planning to win here,” said Chickering-Ayers. “I just came out to spend time with family and have fun. I have skied these types conditions in competition in the past and knew how to deal with them. The skiing was my favorite part of the day.”

Chickering-Ayers was awarded a score of 75.33 to take the top spot at Kirkwood. The “Flying Frenchman” Julien Lopez and Kiwi FWT rookie Charlie Lyons rounded out the podium in second and third place, respectively.

Tahoe local Jaclyn Paaso won on the women’s ski side with a score of 71.67. Paaso had a difficult first half of the season on the FWT, but skied a fluid line en route to winning the comp. The Squaw Valley female skier known for sending huge cliffs skied a smart comp line. Paaso stomped a cool air off the ridge over exposed rock, cleanly navigated a tight s-turn chute, and skied out of a bottom air on the venue to take the top spot in Kirkwood.

“I have had a number of crashes this season and really needed a win. It feels great to come out on top,” said Paaso. “I took my run down a notch this time because I needed to stay on my feet. Making it to the finish line was the best part for me.”

Paaso’s win made her the first female skier to dethrone Sweden’s Christine Hargin this year. Hargin was perfect so far on the FWT with wins in Revy and Cham (the women didn’t compete in Italy this year), but Hargin took a hard fall during her run in Kirkwood. Pia Nic Gunderson of Norway took second and the third place spot went to American Ashley Maxfield.

Squaw Valley’s Ryland Bell parlayed a wildcard entry into a win in men’s snowboarding. Bell, one of the stars of the Further movies, spun a backside 360 off the ridge and a frontside 360 into a chute during his line. His score of 87.67 was the highest score awarded by the judges to any competitor throughout the day. American Sammy Luebke took second and Swiss rider Emilien Badoux rounded out the men’s snowboard podium.

“This was my first win ever,” said Bell. “My stoke level is really high. I wanted to do tricks, try to flow, and have fun.”

After consecutive second-place finishes on the FWT, French rider Margot Rozies finally won in Kirkwood. Her consistent riding throughout the season meant that Rozies was the overall tour leader going into Kirkwood. After her fast and fluid winning line, Rozies has a firm grasp on the tour title with two stops left. Elodie Mouthon and Shannon Yates finished in second and third, respectively.

Now, the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face heads back to Europe for the last two comps of the year. Fieberbrunn, Austria is on-deck before all attention will focus on Verbier’s famed Bec de Rosses venue for the FWT finale.

Overall Ski Men Standings

1 Tabke, Drew (USA) 6500.00
2 Heitz, Jérémie (SUI) 6200.00
3 Lopez, Julien (FRA) 5820.00
4 Lyons, Charlie (NZL) 4900.00
5 Barkered, Reine (SWE) 4595.00
6 Studer, Fabio (AUT) 4340.00
7 Gauthier, Laurent (CAN) 4180.00
8 Eder, Markus (ITA) 4048.00
9 Lindberg, Wille (SWE) 3900.00
10 White-Allen, Oakley (USA) 3885.00
11 Ducroz, Aurelien (FRA) 3685.00
12 Guri, Kevin (FRA) 3470.00
13 Post, Griffin (USA) 3445.00
14 Chickering-Ayers, Lars (USA) 3395.00
15 Collin, Sean (USA) 3070.00

Overall Ski Women Standings

1 Wallner, Nadine (AUT) 6025.00
2 Gundersen, Pia Nic (NOR) 5980.00
3 Hargin, Christine (SWE) 5975.00
4 Maxfield, Ashley (USA) 4895.00
5 Paaso, Jacklyn (USA) 4630.00
6 Wright, Crystal (USA) 4265.00
7 Slinning, Anne May (NOR) 4200.00
8 Huber, Lorraine (AUT) 3255.00
9 Segal, Natalie (AUS) 2955.00
10 McMillan, Jess (USA) 2260.00

Overall Snowboard Men Standings

1 Backstrom, Ralph (USA) 6325.00
2 Luebke, Sammy (USA) 5980.00
3 Badoux, Emilien (SUI) 5585.00
4 Guillot-Diat, Ludovic (FRA) 5290.00
5 Routens, Aurelien (FRA) 5200.00
6 Charlet, Jonathan (FRA) 4095.00
7 Carlson, Tim (USA) 4060.00
8 Rodosky, John (USA) 3870.00
9 Orley, Flo (AUT) 3730.00
10 Van Helfteren, Irian (NED) 3615.00
11 Rizzuto, Jamie (CAN) 3220.00
12 Rouge, Joel (SUI) 3215.00
13 Annetts, Matt (USA) 2715.00
14 Bell, Ryland (USA) 2500.00
15 De Le Rue, Xavier (FRA) 2130.00

Overall Snowboard Women Standings

1 Rozies, Margot (FRA) 6900.00
2 Mouthon, Elodie (FRA) 5805.00
3 Dewey, Laura (USA) 5415.00
4 Lucas, Casey (USA) 5400.00
5 Yates, Shannan (USA) 4480.00
6 Lazzareschi, Iris (USA) 4205.00
7 Mouthon, Anouck (FRA) 4040.00
8 Bock, Aline (GER) 3435.00

Staying at Kirkwood is the way to go, sure beats driving from South Lake Tahoe. Book your next Kirkwood vacation pacakge at: http://mountainreservations.com
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3 months ago
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Women's Snowboard Podium Kirkw Women's Snowboard Podium Kirkwood

From: gregfitzsimmons
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Women's Snowboard Podium Kirkwood
3 months ago
Views: 120
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Mens Snowboard Podium FWT Kirk Mens Snowboard Podium FWT Kirkwood

From: gregfitzsimmons
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Mens Snowboard Podium FWT Kirkwood
3 months ago
Views: 110
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Women's Ski Podium at Kirkwood Women's Ski Podium at Kirkwood

From: gregfitzsimmons
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Women's Ski Podium at Kirkwood
3 months ago
Views: 99
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Afghan Ski Challenge Podium Afghan Ski Challenge Podium

From: kausarhussain
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Afghan Ski Challenge Podium
3 months ago
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Mike Riddle's Pipedreams - Epi Mike Riddle's Pipedreams - Episode 8 - The North Face

From: thenorthface
Description:

In this episode of “Pipedreams”, Mike Riddle changes a flat tire, gets a style lesson from Matt Margetts, stomps his signature dub flat 7, and wins his third consecutive podium of the season.

Watch More Videos By The North Face
4 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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Women Snowboard Podium FWT Cha Women Snowboard Podium FWT Chamonix 2013

From: gregfitzsimmons
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Women Snowboard Podium FWT Chamonix 2013
4 months ago
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Women Ski Podium FWT Chamonix Women Ski Podium FWT Chamonix 2013

From: gregfitzsimmons
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Women Ski Podium FWT Chamonix 2013
4 months ago
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Mens snowboard podium by Jerem Mens snowboard podium by Jeremy Bernard

From: gregfitzsimmons
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Mens snowboard podium by Jeremy Bernard
4 months ago
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M Ski Podium by Jeremy Bernard M Ski Podium by Jeremy Bernard

From: gregfitzsimmons
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M Ski Podium by Jeremy Bernard
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Freeride World Tour Heads To C Freeride World Tour Heads To Chamonix For Stop No. 3

From: gregfitzsimmons
Description:

The Swatch Freeride World Tour By The North Face venue in Chamonix, France.

The third stop of the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face will go down on Saturday, January 26, in Chamonix, France. And, as has been the fortunate circumstance of the newly unified FWT so far this season, Chamonix’s conditions and terrain are primed for a great show.

The Alps will have hosted the second and third stops of the Freeride World Tour, with stops on the Italian and French sides of the Mont Blanc in Courmayeur and Chamonix. Prior to settling down in the French hub of freeriding, the second stop of the FWT went down last week on the rocky and steep venue in Courmayeur. The male field of ski and snowboard competitors battled it out during the event in Italy.

A recap video of FWT stop No. 2 in Courmayeur, Italy.

Courmayeur recap:

With deep pow underfoot, blue skies over head, the south side of the Mont Blanc as the backdrop, and Courmayeur’s gnarly 1,200-foot Tête d’Arp as the venue, the male competitors—33 skiers and 15 riders—laid it down. The Tête d’Arp terrain offered something for every approach to competitive big-mountain skiing and riding. With a technical, rocky top section out of the start gate, a playful mini-golf zone down the ridge, and steep chutes to air into and link up, the venue allowed for full-tilt chargers and park-inspired jibbers to do their thing.

In the end, Italian big-mountain-jibber Markus Eder posted the highest score of the day in front of his home crowd. Eder opted for the playful mini-golf zone off the ridge and laced high-speed turns before lofting a huge, sleepy, left-side three in an exposed section. Eder managed to throw a backie and make some switch pow turns, too. His blend of big-mountain blasting up high and playful tricks on the lower portion earned him a score of 89.67 and the top spot with the men.

“I’m stoked with my line,” said Eder. “I hoped to be on the podium but to win is really fantastic.”

Swiss skier Jérémie Heitz has gotten comfortable on the podium this season, with consecutive second place finishes at the first two stops of the FWT. The consistent skiing from Heitz means he’ll be donning the yellow jersey in Chamonix, which denotes the overall tour leader. Heitz is quickly making a name for himself for his charging, fall-line approach and patented high-speed doubles. So far, Heitz’s insanely fast runs have left spectators spinning and has forced judges to go back to a replay because both of his technical runs have taken place in a flash.

Sweden’s Reine Barkered, last year’s overall FWT Champion, rounded out the skiing podium in Italy. Other highlights included Julien Lopez’s all-or-nothing approach. Lopez was the last skier to drop into Tête d’Arp, and rather than playing it safe and keeping his line to his feet, the “Flying Frenchman” pointed ’em. Unfortunately, Lopez lost control and took about 10 high-speed tomahawks down about 300-vertical-feet of the venue; fortunately, Lopez didn’t bang himself up and walked away to collect his “yard-saled” gear. (Check out the footage of Lopez’s crash; it’s full-on!)

On the snowboard side, Frenchman Aurélien Routens snagged his first FWT win ever. Routens nuked through the venue with a fast, clean run that included a few exposed airs at the top steep section. Routens capped off the winning run with a sick straight line at the bottom, earning a score of 83.67.

“It’s very emotional for me to win here,” said Routens. “It’s the first time I take the first step of the podium at a FWT stop. I was just riding as I am used to ride in my hometown La Grave. It’s a nice surprise and I am super happy.”

Jackson Hole’s John Rodosky’s creative line garnered him a second place finish with a score of 78.67. Rodosky found a handful of cool natural terrain features to throw his freestyle tricks. Swiss Emilien rounded out the Snowboard podium.

The Swatch Freeride World Tour By The North Face Stop No. 3 preview video.

Chamonix preview:

Now, after the short commute through the Mont Blanc Tunnel—or the ski to Chamonix via the world-renowned Vallée Blanche that a few athletes opted for to get from Courmayeur, Italy to downtown Chamonix, France—the field of male skiers and riders have met up with the female competitors for this weekend’s comp in Cham.

The third event will go down on Saturday, January 26 and there will be a live feed of the contest on TetonGravity.com. Due to snow conditions, the FWT had to change the venue to La Flégère at the top of the Index lift. And, the venue looks sweet.

On the men’s skiing side, you always have to tune in to watch Tabke, Chamonix local and past champ Aurélien Ducroz, Sweden’s Reine Barkered, and New Zealand’s Sam Smoothy. But, a few other names to take note of are current obviously overall FWT leader Jérémie Heitz, American skier Lars Chickering-Ayers, Zermat-based mountain guide/pro skier Sam Anthamatten, and Utah’s Oakley White Allen; all four bring a similar fall-line strategy to the Chamonix venue that could easily be rewarded by the judges—if they stay upright.

Jackson Hole’s longtime competitive skier Jess McMillan has made the trip to Cham to compete against reigning FWT overall champion Christine Hargin, and the rest of the women’s field. (I’d bet the house on McMillan, she’s talented, strong, and a seasoned competitive skier.)

You’d be a fool to overlook Chamonix local Xavier de Le Rue and Squaw’s Ralph Backstrom during the Men’s Snowboard contest. Both have had a lot of success in Chamonix and could be interchangeable atop the podium if they stand their lines up. Lastly, Margot Rozies and Elodie Mouthon—the two women from France that finished second and third, respectively, in Revy—are ready to represent their country in Cham when Saturday’s event gets going.

CLICK HERE to watch the event live on Saturday Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. CET (that's 1 a.m. MST).

And, check out the #FWT13 hashtag on Twitter for updates.
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News: Markus Eder And Aurélien News: Markus Eder And Aurélien Routens Win At Freeride World Tour Courmayeur Mont Blanc

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

At the second stop of the SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2013 BY THE NORTH FACE® (FWT), the international field of elite athletes threw down a spectacular show combining big mountain charging with impressive tricks on the “Tête d’Arp”, never ridden in competition before.

With the south side of Mont Blanc as the perfect backdrop, a bluebird day with fresh powder greeted the strong line up of 33 skiers and 15 snowboarders at the men’s only competition. The athletes enjoyed the great conditions and showed their top skills on the north face of Tête d’Arp. Excitement filled the air as no one had ridden the face in competition before. Riders described the top section as steep, 45 degrees big mountain style, and the lower part giving various options for more playful riding and multiple airs. Any style of riding could take victory at this interesting venue.

Italy’s Markus Eder clinched the skiers’ win with a score of 89.67 points, executing the most playful run of the day. As a late start number Eder chose a unique line entry, skiing down the ridge before hitting the steep face in controlled high-speed big mountain style. He then impressed the judges with an arsenal of tricks on the second half of the venue, pulling off a backflip, a huge left side 360 and even riding switch. On his first year on the tour, young Eder was definitely the biggest crowd pleaser of the day on home turf. “I’m stoked with my line,” said Markus Eder. “I didn’t expect to win as I did a little mistake on my backflip. I hoped to be on the podium but to win is really fantastic.”

Swiss Jérémie Heitz managed to repeat his performance in Revelstoke, Canada and claim the second podium spot with a hard charging big mountain line, giving him the score of 86.0 points. Heitz probably had the fastest run of the day. Third place finisher and reigning world champion Reine Barkered of Sweden, also skied full throttle, typical Reine style, mixing big air and fast riding, scoring 81.0 points.

Aurélien Routens of France was rewarded his first ever FWT win in the snowboard competition. Routens scored 83.67 points on a high speed run, with clean riding and solid airs at the exposed top steep section and finishing off with an impressive straight line.
John Rodosky, USA, took a well deserved second, scoring 78.67 points, riding creatively and bringing numerous solid freestyle tricks into the backcountry. Swiss Emilien Badoux chose a good line all the way through and hitting a nice backside 360 in the midsection, earning the third podium spot with a score of 76.0 points.

“For a third consecutive year we have had perfect conditions and an amazing playground here in Courmayeur on the south side of Mont Blanc,” said Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT General Manager Europe. “The upcoming weekend the athletes will cross the tunnel and take on the north side of Mont Blanc in Chamonix.”

After two out of six events, Jérémie Heitz is leading Men’s Ski overall with two second podium spots. Today’s winner Aurélien Routens is leading Men’s Snowboard with the win and a third place in Revelstoke, Canada.

The women will join the men for the third event in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc on January 26th.

Click Here For Men's Ski And Snowboard Official Results

Xavier De Le Rue scoping out a line at Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo by J Bernard.
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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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News: Sam Favret Wins Red Bull News: Sam Favret Wins Red Bull Linecatcher 2013

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

Photo by Jeremy Bernard.

Les Arcs, France - Sam Favret, of Chamonix, won the fifth installment of Red Bull Linecatcher. American Parker White and Nicolas Vuignier, of Switzerland, took home second and third, respectively.

The 2013 edition of the Red Bull Linecatcher featured a high level of competition on the White Circus face, in the Savoyard resort of Les Arcs, France. As expected, the day had clear skies, little wind and very cold temperatures, allowing the snowpack to retain its lightness. On this beautiful face covered with powder, 20 skiers decided to do what they do best: go huge in the backcountry.

Red Bull Linecatcher 2013 podium. Photo by Jeremy Bernard.

A native of Chamonix, Sam Favret, impressed the judges with breathtaking descents. In his last run, Favret skillfully combined the techniques of freestyle, freeride commitment, and creative line choice, convincing the jury he was the No. 1 skier of the day.

After a switch cork 540 on the right side and a left cork 720 off two kickers on the top of the face, Favret skied with aggression and fluidity in the second part of his line, embellishing his descent from a 360 on a natural air before drawing in large turns toward the finish line.

“Happiness! What a day! There were really great [jumps] on this contest,” Favret said. “I have overcome the pressure and ski relaxed and it allowed me free rein and [to ski] my best. This is awesome. ... This result bodes well for the rest of the season.”

Red Bull Linecatcher 2013. Photo by Jeremy Bernard.

Parker White, a 21-year-old American ski prodigy and the youngest skier in the race, climbed to the second step of the podium. He won the heart of the jury by making two very technical airs perfectly on his first run, throwing a 720 and a butter cork 720.

“Today was a magical day,” said White, of Vermont. “I did not expect at all to finish second and I'm really, really happy.”

Nicolas Vuignier, of Switzerland, who is the only one of the three winners to have already participated in the Red Bull Linecacher, completed the podium. It was during the 2011 edition that Nicolas had crossed the qualifiers but could not confirm at the final stages. This year, is his last run, he seized his chance. He chose a strange line, beginning his descent with a 360 on natural terrain before two kickers: a cork 7 and 360, all at full speed and flawless.

“Everyone has skied so well that it must have been really difficult for the judges. I am very pleasantly surprised and super happy,” Vuignier said while leaving the podium.

Photo by Jeremy Bernard.

Finally, the special prize of “Best Natural Trick” (best is on natural terrain) was awarded to Léo Taillefer of Val d'Isère for his superb skiing and a 360 over a bump in the natural entrance of his run.

This fifth edition of the Red Bull Linecatcher has been a great success and resulted in a very diverse showcase of freeskiing.

The final standings:

1 - Sam Favret FRA
2 - Parker White USA
3 - Nicolas Vuignier SUI
4 - Fabio Studer TUE
5 - Sage Cattabriga-Alosa USA
6 - Dylan Hood USA
7 - Markus Eder ITA
8 - Romain Grojean FRA
9 - Tim Durtschi USA
10 - Dash Longe USA
10 - Tom Leitner ALL
12 - Oakley White Allen USA
13 - Eliel Hindert USA
14 - Leo Taillefer FRA
15 - Tobias Tritscher TUE
16 - Richard Permin FRA
16 - White Tomas ARG
18 - Rory Bushfield CAN
19 - Mathieu Imbert ENG
20 - Arnaud Rougier FRA
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