70 Search Results for "slalom"
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Legendary Mt Baker Banked Slal Legendary Mt Baker Banked Slalom 2013
- From: idarado
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Description:
The Smith team piles into the van and travels to Mt Baker to play their hand at the 2013 LBS.
Banked Slalom winners:
Pro Men Seth Wescott
Pro Women Maelle Ricker
Pro Masters Marcel Dolak
Pro Women Masters Marni Yamada
Next Generation Isabella Gomez
Juniors Hank Kennedy
Younger Amateurs Keith Dixon
Older Amateurs Robin Foster
Women Amateurs Jennica Lowell
Women Masters Tanya Simonson
Masters Jake Price
Mid Masters Anthony Martinez
Grand Masters Luke Edgar
Watch More Smith Optics Videos - 3 months ago
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Tree Slaloming Tree Slaloming
- From: frenchman
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Description:Rider: Leon Chevalier Filmed By: Leon Chevalier Filmed in les Houches and in Val Cenis Vanoise, French Alps. Because it hadn't snowed in a long time, the only untouched snow we found was deep in the forest, or when hiking high and far enough.
- 3 months ago
- Views: 7
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Marcel Hirscher - Ski Clip - A Marcel Hirscher - Ski Clip - Atomic
- From: atomicsnow
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Description:
Marcel Hirscher in the Atomic Factory in Altenmarkt, Austria. Talking about his partnership with Atomic and the process of designing his own Worldcup Slalom Ski, The Redster Marcel Hirscher SL.
Watch More Atomic Videos - 3 months ago
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Resort Review: Mt. Baker, Wash Resort Review: Mt. Baker, Washington Home To The Legendary Banked Slalom Snowboard Race
- From: mikehardaker
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Description:
The Mt. Baker Ski Area is a tiny ski resort located in the USA near Canada, known for having the most snow in North America averaging an impressive 641 inches of snow annually. The resort even broke the record for total snowfall during the 98-99 season with a whopping 1,140 inches of snow. Located within the Mt. Baker-Snowqualmie National Forrest the Mt. Baker Ski Area was created in 1940 as a recreational destination for Washington residents. Fast forward almost 75 years and the terrain and base area still look almost exactly the same. You won’t find any real estate for sale or overpriced ski shops here.
The nearest lodging to the ski resort is located 30 miles down the road in the town of Glacier, Washington where to the locals the lack of internet and cell service is a welcome relief. For travelers you truly have to adapt while stepping back in time. If your sole focus is riding powder and ripping it fall line you’d be hard pressed to find better terrain in North America. Short vertical runs average around 1,000 feet with access to some of the rowdiest terrain around, combined with a lack of crowds and non–existent lift lines and you have the breeding grounds for some of the best riders in the world to test their skills. Its no wonder people like Carter Turk, Craig Kelly, Jamie Lynn, Jeff Fulton, George St. James, Tex Davenport, Mike Ranquet, Lucas DeBari, Forrest Burki, and every other ripper in the snowboard industry has called this mountain home.
Baker’s roots in snowboarding go way back, this was the first resort in the United States to truly embrace snowboarding and has been home to the Legendary Baked Slalom snowboard race, the longest running snowboarding competition in the world for the last 27 years. The resort is family run and operated which is extremely rare these days, maybe that’s why parking is free and lift tickets are only $50 a day.
If you like to hike, or just access life changing terrain it happens quick at Baker. The resort’s backcountry policy allows for skiers and riders to duck ropes if the following conditions are met, you must have a partner, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and backpack along with an understanding of the terrain. Ropes here are meant to be ducked, just not the ones with 2 sets of ropes as those lines lead to un-survivable cliffs, which are numerous within the resorts boundaries. If you’re smart and a strong rider you can shred some of the best lift accessed terrain in North America, if you blow it you may end up seriously hurt or even worse.
Each year 100 lucky snowboarders are chosen by lottery to compete in the Legendary Banked Slalom (LBS) snowboard race. Getting a spot is truly an honor especially when you’re an unknown rider like myself. Looking at the start list for this years race names like Travis Rice, Terje Haakonsen, Temple Cummins and Blair Habenicht certainly stand out!
The LBS course is dug by hand each year in a natural half pipe with banked slalom gates running from top to bottom. The start shack is legendary in itself with the words “stay low, say your prayers” painted across the entrance, good advise indeed. Unlike other snowboard contest the vibe at the Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom is all about having fun, maybe it’s due to the fact there is no prize money to win, instead the best snowboarders in the world hurl themselves down an icy course for the chance to win a roll of duct tape and a Carhartt jacket.
Snowboarders from all over the world come to the event annually driving up the Mt. Baker Highway to see old friends, rip powder in an effort to cement their names in the history books. Just being selected to race is an honor in itself. The LBS is regarded as the predecessor to boardercross races.
The LBS takes place over 3 days giving each rider 2 days to qualify for a shot to ride in the finals. Plenty of high fives, hoots and hollers will follow each run, as the course is lined by locals, media, competitors and visiting riders all looking to see fast and flawless runs.
Wondering what the secret is to win, so am I. To win a roll of duct tape your wax must be dialed for the Northwest snow that tends to be warmer than most places in the country. Sharp edges seem to help too especially when 100 riders slide down the same line creating an extremely fast course. Racers times tend to get faster as the day progresses.
Guys like Blair Habenicht, Terje Haakonsen and Temple Cummins seem un-phased by the icy conditions each year. However this year just may be a bit different as the resort is calling for between 2-4 feet of snow the week leading up to the start of the race.
Stay tuned for TGR’s updates throughout the week from the 2013 Legendary Banked Slalom race at Mt. Baker! - Blog post
- 3 months ago
- Views: 154
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News: Ted Ligety Finishes 13th News: Ted Ligety Finishes 13th In Wengen Slalom
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) started 13th, finished the first run in 13th and ended the Wengen slalom in the same spot to close out the 83rd Lauberhorn weekend in Switzerland. Ligety remained third in the overall Audi FIS Alpine World Cup standings but slightly closed the gap to Aksel Lund Svindal, who is in second. Germany's Felix Neureuther won by .21 over Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall and slalom leader Marcel Hirscher of Austria. Warm temps overnight created aggressive snow conditions and made for an incredibly tight race. The tour now heads to Austria for Hahnenkamm weekend in Kitzbuehel for the final weekend of racing before naming of the World Championships team.
“Between the super combined and today, it was some of Ted's most promising slalom skiing of the year,” said Mike Day, technical head coach. “But he had some difficult sections and some bobbles that held him back from a bigger result. It was also really tight racing today. He was in a good position after first run and unfortunately couldn't move up. Ted is already on his way to Kitzbuehel and looking ahead.”
Click Here For Official Results - Blog post
- 4 months ago
- Views: 111
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Ligety Finishes 13th in Wengen Ligety Finishes 13th in Wengen Slalom
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:Ted Ligety
- 4 months ago
- Views: 132
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Dollar Mountain Money Shot 201 Dollar Mountain Money Shot 2013
- From: idarado
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Description:
The second annual Banked Slalom in Sun Valley Idaho was a great success despite the freezing temperatures.
Watch More Videos By Smith Optics - 4 months ago
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News: Second Annual Smash Life News: Second Annual Smash Life! Banked Slalom Jan. 6 At Big Sky
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
The second annual Smash Life! Banked Slalom snowboard race is once again taking place at Big Sky Resort in Montana on Saturday January 6th celebrating the life of Aaron Robinson. Last years race had close to 100 riders and raised over $1800 for the Aaron Robinson Plant-A-Seed Project.
Aaron Robinson was a two-time winner of the North Face Masters of Snowboarding Tour, one of the best freeriders on the planet and friend to everyone on snow. Aaron’s time with us was cut short after a snowboard accident in Chile that took his life in the summer of 2011.
Details on the Smash Life! Banked Slalom are as follows:
Date:
January 6th, 2012
Cost:
$10 pre registration (emailsmashlifebankedslalom@gmail.com)
$15 day-of registration
Discounted Lift Tickets will be available to riders.
Registration:
From 7:30am-9:00am at the Mountain Mall
Contest Start Time:
10:00am Top of the Triple Chair
Divisions:
Groms: 13 & Under
Youth: 14 -17
Adult: 18 -39
Masters: 40+
Why:
Come out for a fun day of shredding, lots of high fives and mandatory smiles, Proceeds go to the Aaron Robinson Plant a Seed Foundation
Heading to Montana for your next ski or snowboard vacation, buy your lift tickets in advance and save big.
Click Here for Montana Lift Ticket Deals. - Blog post
- 4 months ago
- Views: 152
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Smash Life! Banked Slalom Smash Life! Banked Slalom
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:Smash Life! Banked Slalom
- 4 months ago
- Views: 149
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News: Ted Ligety Shreds To Imp News: Ted Ligety Shreds To Impressive Win At Beaver Creek
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Beaver Creek, Colo. — Ted Ligety validated his opening win in Soelden five weeks ago with a huge 1.76 second victory over Austria's Marcel Hirscher in front of a roaring U.S. crowd at the Audi Birds of Prey giant slalom in Beaver Creek. Leading off the first run, Ligety took a .78 second lead and expanded it by nearly a second on the final run over live national television audience on NBC Sports Network. Ligety retained his lock on second in the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup standings, carving into the lead of Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal who was sixth. Ligety has now won the opening two giant slalom races of the season by a massive 4.51 second margin.
“It's great winning in front of the home crowd especially by that kind of margin," Ted Ligety said. "It's so nice to have so many friends and family here and on this slope. This hill has always treated me well and it's fun to ski here.”
The men's tour now heads to Val d'Isere for a giant slalom and slalom next weekend.
Click Here For Official Results - Blog post
- 5 months ago
- Views: 123
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News: U.S. Ski Team Women Swee News: U.S. Ski Team Women Sweep Lake Louise
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Lake Louise, Alberta - In a day full of superlatives, Lindsey Vonn took an Audi FIS Alpine World Cup record seventh-straight win in Lake Louise with U.S. Ski Team teammate Julia Mancuso second to complete a one-two U.S. women's sweep of the weekend. Vonn came down 21st in a snowy, foggy super G to knock Mancuso out of the lead. Leanne Smith was the early leader and finished eighth. Five U.S. women cracked the top 30. Vonn's 56th career win put her alone in second on the all time victory list behind Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proell's 62. She also became only the fourth woman to score 100 podiums.
“This weekend was a huge boost for my confidence," Lindsey Vonn said. "I was definitely feeling extremely low after being in the hospital and my poor result in Aspen. But I knew if there was a place to turn it around it was Lake Louise. So I just tried to get myself every opportunity to rest and recover for the races this weekend.”
The women now head to St. Moritz, Switzerland for a super G, super combined and giant slalom next weekend.
Click Here For The Official Results - Blog post
- 5 months ago
- Views: 116
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Ted Ligety with his trophy Ted Ligety with his trophy
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:Ted Ligety with his trophy after winning the men's Giant Slalom at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on October 28, 2012 in Solden, Austria. Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty Images
- 7 months ago
- Views: 134
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News: Ted Ligety Crushes World News: Ted Ligety Crushes World Cup GS Competition By 2.75 Seconds In Austria
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Ted Ligety with his trophy after winning the men's Giant Slalom at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on October 28, 2012 in Solden, Austria. Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty ImagesSOELDEN, Austria - Three-time Audi FIS Alpine World Cup giant slalom champion Ted Ligety, of Park City, Utah, served notice on the field with an historic 2.75-second margin of victory in the World Cup opener in Soelden for his 12th career win. Ligety mastered the controversial new GS skis, soft snow conditions, variable light and a raging blizzard to post one of the largest margins in the sport's history. He repeated as champion on the Rettenbach Glacier and marked his sixth-straight podium in Soelden. It was the biggest victory margin in World Cup GS in 34 years. While Ligety will remain in Europe to train for the World Cup slalom in Finland in two weeks, the speed team is congregating this week for the opening of the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain next Wednesday.
“I'm psyched, Ted Ligety said. ”I didn't want to leave anything out there - I was hammering! I knew I was skiing well. I've been skiing fast in training. I've been working really hard on these new skis to get to the point I knew I was going to be among the best.“
Ted Ligety races down the course while competing in the men's Giant Slalom at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on October 28, 2012 in Solden, Austria. Photo by Mitchell Gunn/ESPA
HIGHLIGHTS
Ted Ligety powered through a raging blizzard to move up from second in the first run to win the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup opening giant slalom in Soelden by an historic 2.75 seconds.
Ligety was .04 behind France's Thomas Fantara after the first run with Fantara unable to match Ligety, finishing fourth.
After Ligety skied in near darkness in the first run, light came in and out on the course that was ragged with new snow alongside the track. The second run was run in a near whiteout with a raging blizzard.
Ligety's 2.75-second margin was the seventh greatest of all time in GS but the first of that magnitude in 34 years when the legendary Swede Ingemark Stenmark posted two separate margins of around four seconds.
Ligety will remain in the Team's training base at Soelden to train for the upcoming World Cup slalom in Finland while the speed skiers gather in Colorado for the opening of the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain next Wednesday.
Official Results
Ted Ligety reacts in the finish area of the men's Giant Slalom at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on October 28, 2012 in Solden, Austria. Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty Images - Blog post
- 7 months ago
- Views: 156
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ralphbackstrom
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- Since: 7 months ago
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News: Snow Sports New Zealand News: Snow Sports New Zealand Awards Winners Announced
- From: media-75233
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Description:
Adam Hall, Athlete of the Year, poses with coach Scott Olson, Coach of the Year. Photo via Snow Sports NZLake Wanaka, New Zealand – Skier Adam Hall was awarded Snow Sports New Zealand’s coveted Overall Athlete of the Year Award friday night. Adam had his best year ever, taking Gold in both Slalom and Super G at the World Cup in Winter Park, Colorado, and in Slalom and Super Combined at the World Cup Finals. Now dominating in both technical and speed events, Adam is in a great position to come home from his next Paralympic Winter Games with multiple medals.
Adam credited much of his amazing success over the past season to his new coach, Scott Olson, who took out this year’s Coach of the Year award, and to his support team. He acknowledged the successes of his adaptive teammates Carl Murphy, nominee for Adaptive Athlete of the Year and Snowboard Athlete of the Year, and Corey Peters, nominee for Emerging Talent, suggesting that Adaptive Snow Sports NZ “could easily feature one of its largest teams ever at the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi.” Adam said that, while his mother Gayle Hall is no longer with us, she is still a voice in his ear everyday, pushing him towards success at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games.
Adam’s award was presented by long-time supporter of Adaptive Snow Sports in New Zealand, Tony Hall, whose late wife Gilly founded Disabled Snow Sports New Zealand. Adam said, “Without the work done by Gilly, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
The Emerging Talent of the Year award went to freeskiing’s Rose Battersby. Rose had a standout first season of international competition with several top ten finishes. She placed 9 in Slopestyle at the Winter X Games and Euro X Games. She also took 9 in Halpipe at the AFP World Championships in Whistler. She was on the podium at the AFP World Championships with a third place finish in Big Air.
The Overall Athlete is selected from finalists in each sport category. Finalists this year included:
Freeskiing Athlete of the Year - Sam Smoothy
Sam became the first ever to podium at three consecutive World Freeride Tour stops. He won the Chamonix stop and then went on to place second in Courmayeur and third in Roldal. He was ranked number one for almost the entire season and, had he not taken a fall in the finals, was in prime position to end his season ranked number one on the world tour. The fall landed him with a still very respectable fourth place ranking on the tour.
Ski Racing’s Athlete of the Year - Ben Griffin
Ben is New Zealand’s National Champion in Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. He placed second in GS and Super-G at the National Championships and is the lowest FIS points holder amongst kiwis in both disciplines.
Cross Country Athlete of the Year - Andy Pohl
Andy placed 18 in 15km Skate and first in the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) Division at the Canadian National Championships. He was second overall in CIS Nordic skiing. He represented New Zealand at the U23 World Championships and placed 40 in Pursuit. He was winner of the Winter Games New Zealand winter triathlon.
Snowboarding Athlete of the Year - Rebecca Sinclair
Rebecca started her Northern Hemisphere season with a fourth place finish at the TTR World Championships. She then went on to take 6 at the European X Games. She placed tenth at the prestigious US Open and ended her season with a win at the Rockstar Throwback Throwdown where she took first in Superpipe and second in Minipipe for the overall win.
- Blog post
- 10 months ago
- Views: 237
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News: Construction Begins On W News: Construction Begins On Women's 2015 World Cup Downhill Course At Beaver Creek
- From: media-75233
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Description:
Beaver Creek, Colorado – Construction began Monday, July 2, on the new 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships women's downhill course at Beaver Creek Mountain. The new track will feature similar terrain to the legendary Birds of Prey World Cup men's downhill and will host to women’s downhill, combined downhill and super G during the February 3-15, 2015 World Championships.
"The new women's downhill will be a showcase for athletes like Olympic champions Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso, just as Birds of Prey has been for our U.S. Ski Team men like Bode Miller, Ted Ligety and Daron Rahlves," explained Bill Marolt, President and CEO, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.
The course, skiers right of Birds of Prey, is scheduled to make its international debut December 14-15, 2013, as the women's World Cup travels to Beaver Creek for downhill and super G competitions. Both the men's and women's events will finish at the new Red Tail Stadium.
In addition to the women's downhill, Beaver Creek will also construct a new track on Raven Ridge, located skier’s left of Birds of Prey, to host the women’s giant slalom and slalom competitions during the Championships. Crews will also begin the process of reconfiguring the current Red Tail Stadium finish arena, with work including re-grading the finish and moving the existing timing building to the east side of the finish area. All individual events will finish in the new stadium.
"Winning a super G on the men’s Birds of Prey track last winter was a huge highlight in my career," said Lindsey Vonn, Olympic downhill gold medalist and four-time Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall champion. "I have no doubt the new women’s downhill will be every bit as thrilling to race as the men’s hill and I fully intend to be competing for gold on my home snow in 2015."
Photo by Vail Valley Foundation
- Blog post
- 10 months ago
- Views: 375
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News: Women's 2015 World Cup D News: Women's 2015 World Cup Downhill Construction Begins
- From: media-75233
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Description:
- 10 months ago
- Views: 205
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News: Grandfather Of Snowboard News: Grandfather Of Snowboarding Sherman Poppen Honored With Snurfer Sculpture
- From: media-75233
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Description:
Muskegon, MI – Join the Community Foundation for Muskegon County on Thursday, June 7 at 5:00 p.m. for a dedication ceremony honoring Sherman “Sherm” Poppen at the unveiling of the “Snurfer Sculpture” at 477 West Western, across the street from the L.C. Walker Arena.
A Muskegon native, Mr. Poppen is being honored for inventing the Snurfer, a way to surf on the snow, and his entrepreneurial success. Speakers at these events will include Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington, sculpture artist Jason Dreweck, and Poppen.
Following the dedication, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce will host a reception at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, to celebrate Poppen’s induction into the Muskegon Business Hall of Fame.
Also included will be a showcasing of the limited edition snowboard bronze sculpture “The Turning Point” by sculpture artist Jason Dreweck, and a “Celebration of Business” reception following the dedication at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. The celebration will feature live music and an original cocktail, the “Snurfer-tini.”
"The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber Hall of Fame recognizes business excellence, innovation, and inventions that have made lasting contributions to industry and community,” said Cindy Larsen. “Clearly Mr. Poppen’s invention changed the course of history in winter sports. This recognition is long overdue. It is our hope that the sculpture and the award and will inspire others to see Muskegon, Michigan’s role in winter sports development and see the Muskegon Lakeshore as a winter tourism destination.”
The Snurfer was invented on Christmas Day in 1965, when Poppen’s pregnant wife, Nancy, wanted their two daughters, Wendy and Laurie, to play outside so she could get some rest. When the girls were disappointed they couldn’t safely stand up in their sled to go down the snow-covered dunes in their backyard, Poppen fastened together a pair of kid’s skis, and after some tweaking, invented Muskegon’s most famous toy, the Snurfer. The term “Snurfer” was coined by Mrs. Poppen combining the words “surf” and “snow.”
In 1968, Muskegon became home to the annual World Snurfing Classic, which was sponsored by Muskegon Community College. The first classic showcased men’s and women’s downhill events and a men’s slalom event. Ted Slater and Sally Waite were the first Snurfing champions and both received a Brunswick trophy presented by Poppen. The annual event, renamed the National Snurfing Championship in later years, continued for 12 years, and was moved to an area ski lodge in 1980 due to growing popularity and participation.
Poppen licensed the board that fueled the development of the snowboard as a piece of sporting equipment to Brunswick in 1966. The company sold 1 million Snurfers between 1966 and 1973 before discontinuing production. JEM Corporate produced and marketed the board from 1973 until the early 1980s.
Poppen’s success has been recognized through his inductions into the Snowboarding Hall of Fame in 1995 in Banff, Alberta, Canada and the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. Three original Snurfers and scans of the original paperwork for his invention were showcased at The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention & Innovation, part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. He was also featured on an episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Inventions” program for his Snurfer.
Also, Mr. Poppen was hailed as the founder of snowboarding when it became an Olympic sport 33 years after its invention.
Interestingly, Sherman Poppen took up snowboarding at the age of 67.
For more information about the history of the Snurfer, visit http://www.mashf.com/Snurfing%201966.htm. - Blog post
- 11 months ago
- Views: 254
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Daron Rahlves, Jess McMillan A Daron Rahlves, Jess McMillan And Chris Davenport Ski The Ring Of Fire
- From: drahlves
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Description:
The Spyder Active Sports Land Yatch is seen parked in front of Mount Lassen in California. Skiers Chris Davenport, Jess McMillian and Daron Rahlves have been on the road skiing volcanoes out of this rig for the past two weeks.Words by Daron Rahlves
On May 2, Captain Grant, our event director at Spyder Active Sports, hit the road in the Spyder Land Yacht from HQ in Boulder, Colo. After one stop in Salt Lake City to pick up Jess McMillian, the two were back on I-80 West to meet up with Chris Davenport and myself at Whole Foods Market in Reno, Nev. This is where we loaded up the back garage with the food cache we were going to rely on for this epic trip called the “Ring of Fire.”
The team’s mission: to climb and ski 16 volcanoes from California to the Pacific North West Cascades, practically back-to-back in a two and a half week period.
My plan was less of a commitment, but still a mission in itself: to tour for four days and ski five volcanoes.
Starting in California with 10,457-foot Mount Lassen and 14,162-foot Mount Shasta, I was committed on the trip through Southern Oregon for 9,495-foot Mount McLoughlin, 9,182-foot Mount Thielsen and 9,065-foot Mount Bachelor.
What an opportunity to top-out on iconic peaks and score creamy corn in prime May conditions. It was a pleasure to hang out with Davenport, who has so many experiences summiting amazing mountains all around the world and the enthusiastic charger, Jess McMillian. I was eager to learn a few tips on preparing and achieving these ascents.
Jess McMillan, Daron Rahlves, Jim Morrison and Chris Davenport on the summit of Mount Shasta.
I’m always hungry to ski. Growing up in Tahoe I learned to appreciate the mountains. Then taking on a racing career, it kept my skiing experience locked into resort skiing. My desire to see what’s out there and work to get it is at an all-time high. My interest is not all over the planet, but more of what’s out my back door and this trip was a dream opportunity. From Cali to Southern Oregon skiing volcanoes and taking in the surroundings of old growth forests, pristine lakes, ancient lava flows, wide open panels and terrain filled bowls after earning it delivers a stronger connection to the adventure.
The weather was just what we needed. We scored with clear nights and sunny days with calm winds, or none-at-all. On some days, you could light a match on top of the peak.
Daron Rahlves blasts down Mount Shasta.
Northern California and Southern Oregon turned out to have a lot more snow than I expected. We could start skinning right from the road or parking lot and even had to walk in over a partially snow covered dirt road 3 miles to the McLoughlin trail head.
Days started with wake up calls from 3:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. for the best climbing conditions and to limit the physical exertion by avoiding the intense solar radiation. Hulk Shakes, Bare Naked Granola, Greek Yogurt and fruit fueled us up for days on the Ring of Fire tour. Clif shots, gels and electrolyte drinks / water were mostly what I consumed on the way up to keep the pace moving and keep Dav and Jess close. Dav would get so fired up on the hiking and at times I’d shake my head when I was dripping wet and my heart was pounding. My motivation was to take one step at a time to ultimately ski down, but deep down I can say that his outlook made for a better experience and made me take in the beauty of what we were doing and where we were.
Chirs Carr, Jim Morrison, Jess McMillan, and Chris Davenport after skiing the West Face of Mount Shasta.
Reaching the top was a great feeling and then to share it slapping high-fives from excited friends tops that off. We had a variety of snow conditions, but most vert was dry, smooth chalk to buttery corn on the open faces. Then it went into the trees and made for the most fun tree GS skiing chasing each other through a maze, picking lines at speed. When it tightened up and we had trouble locating skin tracks and were surrounded by massive trunks and an enclosed canopy from the trees, I was able to help out the team with navigation using my Garmin Rino to track back the route. It was total disorientation in those old growth forests and without a GPS we would have added on lots of time and expended a lot more energy.
Oregon's Mount McLoughlin as seen through the trees.
To put eyes on home base was a huge relief. Now we could wind down and most of all the feed was on! Protein waffles, egg scrambles, recovery shakes, fruit, Red Bulls, jerky, cookies and water. Heavy caloric intake sessions would then be followed with packing up the drying gear lying in the sun and then the wheels began to roll to the next one on the hit list. We had all kinds of great snacks for the road trip and then once we found our next place to post up, we ate like royalty with in-house recipes a Whole Foods nutritionist planed out for us.
Chris Davenport updates his Twitter and Facebook followers from the summit of Oregon's Mount Thielsen. Follow him on Twitter @steepskiing see more updates at #volcanotour.
Thinking back to the trip a recurring moment that set it apart was reaching the top of each volcano, we could then see the next volcano and look back to the one we did the day before. To see where we were, standing on what we just climbed and then gazing out to the north for the next day was a very cool feeling.
Looking at Diamond Lake and Mount Bailey from the summit of Oregon's Mount Thielsen.Thanks to Dav for dreaming up the Ring of Fire Tour and to Spyder and Whole Foods Market for helping us make it happen.
Follow the adventure at blog.spyder.com and think about getting after a few or all of these volcanoes yourself. My favorite was Mount Thielsen. It was the full package, with skinning, booting, rock climbing to the summit, great views and the best skiing I had. We left the Land Yacht at 6:08 a.m. and got back by 11 a.m.Daron Rahlves skis from the summit of Mount Thielsen at break-neck speed. He also hits a pine tree like a slalom gate. Awesome.
Thanks to Johnny Cash for putting these words into my head on the daily climb, “I fell into a burning ring of fire, I went down, down, down and the flames went higher…” The broken record effect kept me plugging away. - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 356
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Don’t Forget To Drink Water Don’t Forget To Drink Water
- From: shayjohnson
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Description:
Drink water. It’s such an absurdly simple concept but it seems to have been forgotten in a world of action-packed, adrenaline seeking athletes who crack open an energy drink before dropping a cliff or at the end of their contest run. In this day and age, you are more likely to see your favorite athlete drinking caffeine, sugar and taurine than hydrating themselves with a glass of water. However pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox didn’t want to be sucked into an over caffeinated lifestyle and created a company to bring attention back to drinking water.
It all began in 2011 when Smith and Fox noticed the abundance of energy drink influence in snowboarding. Instead of focusing on the negative, they wanted to do something more positive to spread the word and began to write “drink water” on their snowboards. “We don’t sell water. We just drink it.” said Austin Smith. Thanks to word of mouth and influential snowboard friends, the Drink Water message began to leak out.
Pro-snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox spreading the Drink Water message.It started with T-shirts, stickers and hoodies with a simple logo above a simple saying, Drink Water. The word kept spreading like wildfire so Bryan Fox and Austin Smith brought in Bryan’s brother, Stephen Fox, to hold down the fort while they traveled around the world for powder. Since then they’ve added other products like coaches jackets and pin packs to help spread the message. Each item they sell is packed by hand with a handwritten note and help gives back to sustainable water systems.
“The response has been beyond encouraging.” said Manager Partner Stephen Fox. “From people telling their friends, to kids saving lunch money to order a sticker and pin pack off our website, to folks spreading the word on the digital social networks, to people all over the globe emailing us or placing orders, to Terje putting a sticker on his board before his winning run at the Baker Banked Slalom, to global brands reaching out with support and collaboration ideas, we're honored to be part of what feels like a worldwide community statement.”
A simple idea and message to spread the word. Drink Water.What once began has a two-man idea has grown to include other recognizable faces in snowboarding to help spread the statement and support the cause. Snowboarders Louif Paradis, Jake Olson-Elm, Josh Dirksen, Curtis Ciszek, Jake Kuzyk, Scott Blum, Blair Habenicht, Keegan Valaika, and Scotty Wittlake. In addition to snowboarding, athletes from skateboarding and surfing have taken notice to help spread the word. In addition, anyone who shares the same idea of drinking water is considered part of the movement and helps promote the idea of a healthier living.
Not only is drinking water good for your health, but when you buy a Drink Water product, you help spread the cause and give back to the world. Drink Water donates 10 percent of profits to Water.org, an organization that helps communities design and construct their own sustainable water supply systems.
Support a good cause. 10 percent of profits go to water.org to help improve sustainable water supply systems.“We chose to support Water.org for a few reasons. Globally, nearly a billion people lack access to clean drinking water,” said Stephen Fox. “Water.org is drilling wells to solve this challenge, and then, crucially, creating cooperative ownership for each well so that the local community members own the access to the water, rather than warlords, thugs, or corrupt governments. If you are interested, learn more about the global water crisis at water.org.”
After a year of making a statement, Fox and Smith continue to do their part to help promote a healthier lifestyle and have received positive responses for their work. For the future, Fox explains “we’re hoping to affect the way people think about liquid consumption.” It certainly sounds like this simple message might just be enough to remind us all that hydration and health matter more.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
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