24 Search Results for "slough"

• Filming for TGR's HIGHER Begin Filming for TGR's HIGHER Begins

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

    

    160

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

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

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

    

    When asked where Higher will take him next, Jones’s reply echoed his never-ending sense of adventure. “Higher is an evolution of everything I’ve done in snowboarding. Where that shakes out, I don’t know. We’ll know in a couple of years when it’s done.”

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 2022
  • Not yet rated

• 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.

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 202
  • Not yet rated

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

  • From: kimhavell
  • Description:

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

    Photos by

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 166
  • Not yet rated

• Not So Slackcountry Not So Slackcountry

  • From: johnwellsma
  • Description:

    Six minutes from some good days in January 2013.
    
    There is nothing slack about some of the side country at Mt. Baker, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. With lots of good options to be had, there is always a line that will push your comfort zones, make you better, or “simply learn you some things” throughout the year.
    
    Slackcountry sounds lame.  This is nothing short of the stuff dreams are made of.  With world renowned stable powder and steep lines, Mt. Baker is a mecca for hard-charging riders and dedicated mountain rippers.  The terrain is big and full of convexity and traps that make mothers and girlfriends quiver.  But the rewards for success are great and bolstered by lots of experience, trusting friends and partners, along with amazing conditions and the perfect blend of backcountry and safety all rolled into one.  There was a lot of wind with a certain January storm which made skiing all the more decisive and fast.  Wind slabs were popping off on all the steeps and fountains of slough piled into the lows and gullies and as long as you were above and safe, life was good, pow turns for days! 

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 175
  • Not yet rated

• mark%20in%20slough%201%204%201 mark%20in%20slough%201%204%2013.mp4

  • From: spindrift65
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 6
  • Not yet rated

• Video: Sven Kueenle Hits Heavy Video: Sven Kueenle Hits Heavy Slough - TGR Perspectives Episode 1

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    In Perspectives Episode 1, Teton Gravity Research shows that its new series is here to stay. Sven Kueenle battles heavy slough careening down the face as he fights his way down his line. Watch and be amazed as Sven stays on his feet.

    Every season hundreds of hours of footage comes back from the field to TGR World Headquarters.  It is first passed to the loggers, then to the editors, then shaped into a final edit, with only a small percentage of footage making it into the film or one of our webisodes, Behind The Line and Almost Live. 

    This winter we dug through the archives from last year’s film, One For The Road, and crafted a 6 episode series called Perspectives.  The first 3 episodes will be on our recently remodeled YouTube Channel and we’ll release 3 more via YouTube each Thursday for the next 3 weeks.  Every piece of content that we produce will be going to our new channel on a regular schedule, so do yourself a favor, subscribe to the channel,  and never miss your favorite TGR content.  We’ll have featured content, as well as a selection of our favorite playlists.

    Perspectives is a selection of memorable lines skied by athletes Griffin Post, Erik Roner, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and Sven Kueenle.  Enjoy these easy to digest gems from the epic winter of 2010-2011. 

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 115
  • Not yet rated

• Video: Mind Your Slough - Ted Video: Mind Your Slough - Ted Ligety Falls Over Cliff In Alaska

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    From Ted Ligety: I had already skied this line a couple times with no problems and the light had gotten too bad to film so I took one last run for fun with my GoPro on. I hit a piece of hard snow or rock while my sluff took out my tails simultaneously. Luckily I was just able to get onto my feet but not in balance before the cliff. 2nd big fall of the trip, first one I lost my other GoPro so no footage.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 226
  • Not yet rated

• Video: Helmet Cam Teaser For T Video: Helmet Cam Teaser For This Is My Winter

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    November 14, 2011

     Ice, rocks, slough, chutes — all of this is de rigueur for snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue. And there's going to be plenty of that in his upcoming film, "This Is My Winter."

    "It's 4 o'clock and we left at mid-day," de Le Rue says while climbing a sketchy face in Europe. "How fucking stupid are we?"

    The candid comments de Le Rue makes while pertched on the side of a mountain are what really makes this helmet cam teaser stand out. 

    "I guess I've got to trust you," he says as he ropes in to the ice using cordelette.  

    Pointing the camera at himself, he uses his other had to point to his head like a crazy person. 

    And then he rips it. 

    This helmet cam teaser for "This Is My Winter" really puts you in de Le Rue's shoes. Check it out. 

    "This Is My Winter" features Xavier de Le Rue, Mathieu Crepel, Andreas Fransson and Samuel Anthamatten.

    The full 28-minute movie will be available for free before December.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 727
  • Not yet rated

• Photo Gallery: Fired Up For Wi Photo Gallery: Fired Up For Winter Part 2

  • From: AdamClark-75233
  • Description:

    November 2, 2011

     

    This is Part 2 of the photo series, "Fired Up For Winter."

     

    — Adam Clark

     

    It was another all-time winter for Teton Gravity Research and I was stoked to be a part of some great sessions. Going through my photos all summer is a blessing and a curse. Constantly looking back, I get stoked on the memories and can't wait for more winter. These are some of the out-takes that aren't going to be making the pages of any magazines or ads, but still some of my favorite photos.

     

    I took the plunge and stayed in Pemberton, British Columbia, for four months. After countless drives back and forth over the years and never really getting the hang of a snowmobile, I decided it was time to get B.C. as good as possible and dedicate my time there. It paid off, even without many sunny days.

     

    I was lucky to finish my season with the TGR crew in Juneau, Alaska. As seen from previous posts, we all got lucky. But it was also epic from the production side: We got to ski a lot. So, the season finished on a good note and I can only hope next season is half as good as last.

     

    Click here to view Part 1. 

    

    **Callum Pettit and Dana Flahr sessioned this jump in B.C. for a few hours before hitting some bigger lines. Always a pleasure to work with a crew that can do it all.**

    

    **Dana Flahr fresh off a few hours of sleep coming back early from the TGR japan trip.**

    

    **Daron Rahlves is an animal, this is him just having a good time warming up for more in AK.** 

    

    **Griffen Post enjoys some pow after digging a pit in AK. Often we land somewhere close to where we want to film. Someplace safe with similair aspects so that we can dig snow pits, drop a cornice and evaluate everything. Usually the zones we want to film are too gnarly to get on-slope. It's also an opportunity for me to shoot on-slope and get shots I usually don’t.**

    

    **This was an exploratory day with Rory Bushfield and filmer Rick Johnston. The four of us spent sunrise to sunset sledding, digging, getting stuck, finding our way through forest and creek beds, breaking trail. We brought extra gas, I crashed my sled into tree. But we got this one shot. We had a great adventure and found some spots for next year.**

    

    **There are some spines that were just fantasy when the skiers first looked at them. After skiing everything around them they started to ski them. Confidence, good snow and daily experience add up.**

    

    **Ian is always looking at the gnarliest thing and Sage is always looking for the most fun. This is what Sage considers to be the most fun.**

    

    **I guess Sage likes to get gnarly too… the bottom of some steep AK spines.**

    

    **Todd Ligare getting in the mix.** 

    

    **The crew destroyed this zone as seen in “Live From The Field — Ian McIntosh’s Backyard.” Ian had been scoping it for years from the sled, but you can only get there by heli. Here, Callum Pettit rips it.** 

    

    **We spent the morning shooting a jump, mid-day hitting cliffs and lines in the BC alpine. Everybody was tired when the clouds came in, but Ian and Dana couldn’t help themselves and had to hit these pillows on the way out. Dana got his Atomic ad here and I’m pretty sure had a really good time doing it.**

    

    **We found this gem of a zone at the very corner or our permitted zone, right on the edge of Canada. Daron hit this obvious line before getting super techy in the spines skiers right of this line.**

    

    **Ian has been on top of this line once before and it avalanched on him. So its been on his list since he started coming to this zone in BC. Its up high and by itself so usually has bad snow. It wasn’t part of the plan for this day, but after we shot some other stuff he thought it might be his last chance of the season to get it.**

    

    **Ian pointing at his line, so stoked to finally cross it off the list.**

    

    **Daron and Ian walking back from a perfect day in the mountains.**

    

    **Griffen, Daron and Ian lined up to crush it. The Three Sisters, I’m not sure why it got named that. ...**

    

    **You can get here with a sled, but it’s a lot quicker with a heli. A zone in Pemberton, BC.**

    

    **McIntosh loving life on a fantasy line.**

    

    **Sage outruns his slough after stomping three airs.**

    

    **Shooting out of the heli is always a pleasure. Daron is just rolling over into some steep mini flutes.**

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 204
  • Not yet rated

• Photo Gallery: Argentina 2011 Photo Gallery: Argentina 2011 The Best Summer Ever

  • From: bengirardi
  • Description:

    October 3, 2011

    — Ben Girardi

    It was the best summer ever.

    For the past six years, I’ve been lucky to shred in Argentina with SASS Global Travel in July and August. It’s always an amazing time. But this year, multiple factors worked together to make it the best yet.

    SGT upgraded to a hotel at the base of Cerro Catedral, eliminating the need to take a bus to and from the mountain. This allowed us to go farther into the hills each day and access terrain we never had time to ride before. This lowered stress levels and allowed everyone to enjoy their time that much more.
    

    In early June, after lying inactive for more than 50 years, Chile’s Puyehue volcano erupted, sending ash six miles high. The ash cloud moved across Argentina and covered Bariloche and the surrounding landscape in ash. 

    For the local economy, this was terrible. Tourism — what Bariloche thrives on — had a major slump. Argentina had been hard hit and many businesses were suffering. 

    As hard as it is to say, this disaster worked in our favor. Except for some minor travel changes, the eruption led only to positives. The mountain, which is usually packed with people, was empty. Lift lines were non-existent, allowing us to get lap after lap on powder days. Very few people were riding off piste, which allowed us to easily get fresh tracks days after storms.

    In the past, I have seen deeper snow years. Some terrain wasn’t as filled in as much as previous years. Aside from that, this season came together to make this one the best I have experienced. Day after day was filled with powder turns, whoops, hollers, and ear-to-ear grins. Argentina 2011 … it was the best summer ever.

    

    Andrew Burns leaves his mark on the Argentine landscape with this slash.

    

    Dustin Elbridge airs through the trees.

    

    Rainer Benz's yellow coat pops as much as he does coming off this cliff.

    

    As I traveled across Argentina, the mountains slowly started to come out of the landscape. Fifty hours of traveling and I was almost there.

    

    Chile's Puyehue volcano was constantly spewing ash the entire summer. It kept many people away, leaving the mountain wide open for us.

    

    Above the lifts at Cerro Catedral, Rainer Benz drops into his line.

    

    Wish you were here… Rainer Benz.

    

    Clouds may prevent you from getting to the high alpine, but they don’t have to prevent you from having fun. Dustin Elbridge, method.

    

    Peter Wentz follows his slough off a drop.

    

    In the mystical woods of Argentina, Piers Solomon finds some pillows.

    

     Michelle Parker nearly disappears underneath the deep snow.

    

    Andrew Burns with a proper method.

    

    Chase Josey knows how to tweak a back seven.

    

    Up in the clouds, Randall Stacy grabs tail and spins seven.

    

    Randall Stacy puts in the skin track back up to the ridge.
    
     For more, visit bengirardiphoto.com and www.sassglobaltravel.com.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 1376

• "Peter Wentz" at Cerro Catedra "Peter Wentz" at Cerro Catedral

  • From: bengirardi
  • Description:
    Peter Wentz follows his slough off this drop.
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 170
  • Not yet rated

• Vail Sunny Drop Vail Sunny Drop

  • From: tonyseibert
  • Description:

    sluff ride

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 101
  • Not yet rated

• Canadian Storms, Crushing It A Canadian Storms, Crushing It And A Season Ender

  • From: svenkueenle
  • Description:

    The 2011 season in Pemberton, British Columbia was quite interesting. The almost snow record year did not just bring a tone of fun pow turns, it also brought a lot of downdays for filming. It felt like we had one sunny day a week in avarage. The thing is, it was a fact.

    I traveled to Pemberton in early March to film for „One For The Road“. The crew: Rick Johnston , Dana Flahr, Rory Bushfield, Callum Pettit and myself ( Ian was already gone to AK ).

    It quickly turned out that the blessing of all this powder snow comes hand in hand with very few and short windows for blue bird days. Everyone in the crew knew, that we would have to take every chance we get. That being said, it was even more of a bummer when my first day filming in Pemberton started off with a blown engine on my sled only one k up the road.

    Luckily I could figure out my sled situation thanks to Sledneck Dan Treadway and finally made it out there with Dana to get some shots.

    Dana and I were on hold pretty much every other day and ended up getting tons of fun turns in the resort but only two days and one afternoon of shooting in three weeks.

    Since the good days were so rare, it seemed like our heads were in the right place once it was on. The sessions we had were super fun and the conditions were amazing every single days we went out.

    Once Dana left for AK, Dylan Hood, Todd Ligare, Griffin Post and Pete OBrien came into town and the session continued with a fun crew.

    I really enjoyed the dynamic of us all, with the different riding styles, seeing Todd sending it of the biggest cliffs and Dylan throwing the nicest big 7´s of natural take offs.

    One of my most exciting moments of the season was probably when I got to watch Todd go for Papa Jordan. I don´t think I was ever that nervous for someone else. The line Todd attampted to do has been skied by Ian Macintosh ( of course ) before, and it is gnarly! The hugest double i have ever seen anyone try. Props to both of them.

    Shortly after that was over with and I could calm down again, I scouted this double, which i have already layed eyes on last year.

    The reason why I didn´t do it last year was because I figured the second landing would be too flat. This year for some reason I thought it wasn´t all that bad. Turns out, I sure was wrong on that call. After an amazing hike, that really made me appreciate the mountains and where i was, I dropped in and did some of the most fun turns of the season on April 18th. The face was big wide open and rolled over just before my double cliff drop. Once I came over the edge and skied into my first take off i realized that this is going to be flat down there.

    Considering that i have done quite some leg work out this year I figured I should go for a stomp. The slough made it hard to predict when exactly I would touch down and once I did, the impact was too much and my knee felt like it exploded. I immediately knew that my season was over. 

    The sled ride home was the worst experience of the season and I was extremely bummed. Once in the hospital, i was told, that I fractured my tibia plateau, partially tore my mcl and lcl, did some cartilage damage, hurt my meniscus and did some serious bone bruising. I won´t need surgery and can say, that after all, I am just really happy it isn´t worse.

    Pemberton 2011 was some of the most fun skiing and I am stoked on the whole crew I got to shred with!

    

    **The usual picture, clouds and no sun**
    **Dana, skiing a fun line in beautiful evening light** 
    

    **Todd on top of Papa Jordan, gnarly!!**
    

    **Sven´s last run for the season, super fun to super pain is what i call this double**
    **Scouting Lines**
    

    **Dylan triggered a slab after sending a big 7**

    

    **Sven´s fun backflip on a cloudy day**

    

    **Rory, about to Ski the exposed ramp**

    

    **the crew crushed it that morning in this super fun zone**

    **down time at the beach**
    
    **sunset in Vancouver**
    
    **Vancouver lions gate bridge**
     
  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 646
  • Not yet rated

• Tahoe Super Session with Dirks Tahoe Super Session with Dirksen and Ryland

  • From: JeremyJones
  • Description:

     

    “We are dealing with a very difficult avalanche problem at the moment. Many of the obvious signs that indicate avalanches can be triggered may not be present. However, if you are travelling in steep terrain in the alpine or at treeline, you will PROBABLY trigger an avalanche and it will very likely be large and destructive.” Canadian Avalanche Forecast.

    The plan was to be in Canada but the above report led to a last minute cancellation on my part.  The   buried surface hoar in Utah also thwarted multiple attempts to flea the Sierra. The problem with buried surface hoar is that it will give you a false sense of security.  5o people can ski a bowl and deem it safe only to have the 51st hit a trigger spot and have the whole mountain come down.  This is why it is such a killer and has left 5 people dead in the last week in Canada.

    The steep, deep and stable snow of the Sierra kept me close to home most of the last month.  Multiple 1 to 2 foot storms followed by cold temps made for some of the more memorable Tahoe sessions I have had in a long time.

    

    **My main Tahoe objectives slowly went out the door a I spent more and more time in the mountains and discovered a whole new area of unridden gems.  Nothing is more refreshing then backyard discoveries.  It is amazing what one will find if they just get off the beaten path and drop over the edge into the the unknown.**

    

    **Josh Dirksen is one of the best snowboarders I have ever ridden with.  For years I have been a fan but to see his act in person is something special.  His time hanging out with Gerry Lopez has rubbed off.  He surfs the mountain with effortless flow and precision that would make any goofy footer proud.  It is clear that his time away from the camera the last two years  has allowed him to mature his snowboarding into one of the more well rounded approaches in the snowboarding.**

    **Ryland Bell successfully negotiates a tricky line and pauses for a moment before leaning into one of the deepest bottom turns of his life.**

    

    **The remnants of a small avalanche, a backhand bash and a backside air.**

    

    **Dirksen four off the lips in and setting up for the big finish off the cornice.**

     

    
    
    
    
    
    

     

    **Ryland Bell enjoying the fruits of his labor.  Double overhead sprays and no one with in ten miles of us.  Solitude is easy to find in the mountains.**

    

    

    **The gateway to the goods was through the green forest.**

    **It took three days of skinning to session this face.  It left us all scratching our heads.  The  Lightning fast sluffs and mandatory airs made line selection critical.**

    

    **Sluff management 404 and some indecent exposure  was needed to leave this exit clean.**

    

    **Pausing to enjoy the last rays of light 15 hours into the best day of the year before making the final push to camp.**

    
    
    
    
    
    

     

  • Blog post
  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 212
  • Not yet rated

• Slough management was critical Slough management was critical with this face.

  • From: JeremyJones
  • Description:
    Photo by Jeremy Jones, taken in the Tahoe Backcountry
  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 295
  • Not yet rated

• Candide Thovex wins the Freeri Candide Thovex wins the Freeride World Tour!

  • From: freerideworldtour
  • Description:

    

    NISSAN XTREME BY SWATCH - VERBIER 2010 / D.DAHER

    After the men’s final competition was postponed Saturday, due to bad visibility, the world’s best freeride skiers and snowboarders once again took on the mythical 600 metre North face of the Bec des Rosses. In perfect conditions the 24 male riders put on the most spectacular show with the fastest and most committed edition of the 15 years of the “Xtreme”. Several first descents were opened on the face. With this high level, the battle for first was extremely tight. The breathtaking performances of Swede Kaj Zackrisson, ski, and Frenchman Xavier de Le Rue, snowboard, took them to the first step of the podium. 

    The win in Verbier gave enough points for Xavier de Le Rue to score top position in the men’s snowboard ranking 2010. For the third executive year, the unbeatable Frenchman was crowned World Champion. Austrian Mitch Toelderer is vice Freeride World Champion 2010, and Matt Annetts (USA) took the third step of the podium. 

    French freestyle legend Candide Thovex can now claim to be part freeriding history. For his first season on the Freeride World Tour he has proved to be a consistent freeride competitor (3 podiums) with committed and influential skiing. Thovex’s impressive third place on his premiere run on the Bec des Rosses put him on top of the men’s ski ranking 2010. Swedes Kaj Zackrisson (2nd) and Henrik Windstedt (3rd) completed the podium. 

    The two male Freeride World Champions were awarded with a Nissan Qashqai, and the winners today went home with $ 10 000 each from the total prize purse of $ 206 200 for the Freeride World Tour 2010.

    Results Nissan Xtreme by Swatch, Verbier

    Men ski:

    1. Kaj ZACKRISSON- SWE

    2. Aurélien DUCROZ AURELIEN - FRA

    3. Candide THOVEX – FRA

     

    Men Snowboard:

    1. Xavier DE LE RUE - FRA

    2. Cyril NERI - SUI

    3. Mitch TOELDERER - AUT

     

    The Freeride World Tour Ranking 2010

    Men ski:

    1. Candide Thovex – FRA 

    2. Kaj ZACKRISSON - SWE

    3. Henrik WINDSTEDT - SWE

     

    Men Snowboard:

    1. Xavier DE LE RUE - FRA

    2. Mitch TOELDERER - AUT

    3. Matt ANNETTS - USA    

     

    Women ski:

    1. Ane ENDERUD - NOR

    2. Jess MC MILLAN - USA

    3. Jaclyn PAASO - USA 

     

    Women Snowboard:

    1. Aline BOCK - GER

    2. Susan MOL - USA

    3. Nathalie ZENKLUSEN - SUI

     

    Quote Head Judge Snowboard - Berti Denervaud (SUI)

     

    On Xavier de Le Rue’s (FRA) winning run:

    “Xavier’s run was the fastest of the day. He took an original line and jumped a huge cliff that has never been jumped before in the 15 years of the Xtreme! The jump was at least 10 metres in one of the steepest and most committed parts of the face. He negotiated it perfectly, and managed slough and speed impressively.”

    On the overall performance of the 11 competing snowboarders:

    “It was a really tight field and all the riders were in great control, executing solid, original runs, with many new lines and no major tumbles. It is one of the rare contests where no one was scored below average” 

    Quote Seb Michaud (FRA) Judge Ski (injured FWT Rider)

    On Kaj Zackrisson’s (SWE) winning run & Aurélien Ducroz 2nd:

    “It was so tight between the first two riders Kaj and Aurélien. They skied more or less the same line but Kaj jumped one more cliff where Aurélien skied around. For the rest they both skied fast, fluid and stomped all the jumps in the extremely committed terrain, and taking the huge “Gilles Voirol” cliff in the middle clean. Just amazing.”

    On the overall performance of the 13 competing skiers:

    “The level just increases every year. Today the riders went faster than ever and very few fell. Each year we wonder if there will be any new lines, and once again several new lines were opened, like the original line of Sverre Liliequist SWE (5th).” 

    Quotes Riders

    Xavier de Le Rue (FRA) – Triple Freeride World Champion Snowboard/ 1st Nissan Xtreme by Swatch

    “I was here already 3-4 weeks ago and to inspect this line. When I came back last weekend I saw that it was in good condition. I knew it would be hairy but I felt confident. For me the most interesting aspect of the Freeride World Tour is that we inspect the faces really thoroughly. For days I concentrate on just one thing: my line, which never happens when filming or freeriding for myself. I manage to ride things I would never do otherwise. Everything in my run was meticulously planned – I knew there would be a lot of slough (surface snow sliding) as it was really steep so I needed a lot of speed and take the jump straight in the falline.”

    Candide Thovex (FRA) – Freeride World Champion 2010 Ski / 3rd Nissan Xtreme by Swatch

     “Every one says I am the rookie, but I’m not! I have always been freeriding, since I was a kid. I am a skier. Freestyle, freeride, I ski whatever I enjoy. I have been inspecting the Bec des Rosses face really thoroughly. I was quite nervous and impressed by this big, committed face. It was really impressive at the top. Xavier de Le Rue gave me a lot of advice at the start – he was so confident and I was pretty nervous. I chose an easier jump in the end as my legs were so tired. I wanted to do the Freeride World Tour because it is just great to ski with riders like Auélien Ducroz, Kaj Zackrisson, Henrik Windstedt and Julien Lopez. I am astounded to be surrounded by such amazing athletes.”

    Kaj Zackrisson (SWE) –1st Nissan Xtreme by Swatch (third win at the Xtreme!) 

     “The Xtreme is my biggest goal every year. It means a lot to me. When I train in the autumn I think of this face and this competition. I am always very nervous before the contest and have a hard time sleeping the night before. This year it was even more difficult as I had a great run on Saturday and had to redo my performance. I was so focused for my first run (Saturday) and it was hard to switch on once again. My favourite riders of the day were Xavier de Le Rue, always pushing the limits but always with such control, Sverre Liliequist because he opened a new really committed line, and Aurélien Ducroz because he just skied an exceptional run.”

    Nicolas Hale-Woods, Founder and Organiser of the “Xtreme” in Verbier and the Freeride World Tour:

    “The sport has evolved way beyond what we imagined back in 1996 and we feel that performances will continue to progress. Even though the riders compete to win the underlying freeride spirit remains with riders sharing ideas and spending considerable time together. Our goal is to preserve that unique spirit and simultaneously grow the Freeride World Tour together with riders and the involved ski resorts. In this respect, we are working on the expansion of the tour in 2011 so that more young riders can enter the qualifier events in North America, Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. Our goal for 2011 is also to add two more events at the FWT level. With freeriding now a leading trend in the snow industry, in many respects we feel like we've just begun - the best is yet to come."

    Jean-Pierre Diernaz, General Manager of Nissan’s Marketing Communications in Europe: 

    “As co-founder of the Freeride World Tour, Nissan has been involved in this adventure from the beginning, and we are proud to have seen it grow into a world class sporting event. As part of Nissan’s goal to create ‘fantastic’ content to nourish the brand’s Nissan Sports Adventure platform, the tour and our partnership with Eurosport – to create the ‘Freeride Spirit’ show - has provided key consumer touch points. The 2010 season has been extremely intense, with spectacular performances by freeriding legends as well as new athletes who have been discovered at each of the contests. We are happy to celebrate with the new Tour champions crowned today at the 15th anniversary of the Nissan Xtreme by Swatch.”

    Peter Mager, Vice President Communication Swatch International: 

    ”Since its foundation in 1983, Swatch has always been involved in action sports. There have certainly been a lot of historical moments, but the show today, with an amazing end of the Freeride World Tour 2010, is one of the biggest highlights ever. On behalf of Swatch management, we are really happy to be a partner of the event and the Tour.”

  • Blog post
  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 1922
  • Not yet rated

• slough slough

  • From: powder11
  • Description:
  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 81
  • Not yet rated

• Skier Survives October Avalanc Skier Survives October Avalanche on Jones Pass

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    October 30th, 2009

    Jones Pass, Colorado

    Colorado Skier Luke Corbitt caught avalanche on Jones Pass. Avalanche breaks 2-3 ft deep and runs 800 ft. Luke is partially buried with no injuries

    October 2009 will go down as one of the earliest winters on record. At least 46 ski resorts are open worldwide. Backcountry skiers and snowboarders have been riding powder since October 1st of this year. Despite the fact that it is only October, serious hazards in the snowpack exist. There have been 6 reported avalanche incidences in Colorado alone this year. The following is a report from skier Luke Corbitt, who was in caught in a slide on Jones Pass on October 23rd, 2009. Fortunately the incident did not result in any injuries or deaths. The message is clear though, be safe out there and never underestimate the power of snow, even in October.

    Story and photos: Luke Corbitt

    We experienced some cracking of new wind deposited snow on the skin up to our determined drop point. Also experienced a large whumph on the large cornice in the main saddle at Jones Pass. After a hike and warm up run, we decided to head over to a small chute. The entrance to the chute is split in two at the top by a rock outcropping, then comes back together at a small bench/rollover and continues down into a runout some 800 or so feet below. Jeff and I had performed the usual compilation of data along the way. We knew the planned descent was crossloaded at the top and we also concluded that top few inches of fresh deposit would more than likely slough, albeit manageably. Due to the eastern aspect and wind direction, it was also evident that there were many independent layers in the pack and that the pack would certainly vary in depth. We decided not to dig a pit feeling that findings would be inconclusive due to large variation within even a few feet. By this I mean that a pit dug in one spot would possibly be very different than a pit dug at the same elevation only a few feet away due to variations in wind deposited snow, differences in wind effect on the snow, etc. We knew the pack would be highly variable from one spot to the next whether it be depth, hardness, or other. (In hindsight, I am partially glad we didn't dig a pit as the ideal spot to dig would have been right where the largest portion of the crown ended up being, which may have resulted in both of us being caught) After discussion, we decided Jeff would perform a cut across the entire top and get to a safe spot. Upon doing so, there was no movement. It was then my plan to begin descending the right half of the chute, reach the slight bench and cut across again toward my determined safe zone. I eased in, made 3 or so hard, short, jump turns near the top and got the expected slough, but no true movement, so I continued down to the slight bench, where my plan was to cross to my stopping point on the left. As I did, the snow 30 or so feet below me beyond the bench/rollover was remotely triggered and shattered wall to wall (perhaps 50+ feet wide). This possibility had gone through my mind, so my first instinct was to simply reach my safe zone, which was less than 20 feet away. What I soon realized is that the energy from below had caused everything above me (perhaps 80 feet above) to release as well. The first few moments I fought to get to my predetermined spot, but quickly realized the further I went in that direction, the more I was being pulled toward larger rocks/cliffs, so I quit fighting in that direction and focused on what was downhill from me. I picked up speed over the rollover as the snow from above hit me from behind, feeling for a moment that I was about to go under. Luckily I managed to keep my feet out in front of me to ease the impact of any protruding rocks. After approximately 250 feet or so of kicking and clawing in attempt to slow down, I managed to release from my downhill ski, which allowed me to begin digging that foot into the ground to slow myself. Eventually, I came to a halt in the upper portion of the deposition zone, with my legs only partially buried when I stopped in a sitting position. Jeff and I were able to see eachother from this spot, and I waved to him that I was ok, aside from being shaken up. After much discussion, I am incredibly lucky to have come out of the situation with only a few scrapes and a bit banged up from the bumpy ride. It was certainly a reminder to the both of us the potential dangers that are out there regardless of the time of year. We talked at length through the rest of the day trying to determine where we went wrong and what we missed. Surely, being so early in the season, our guard may have been down slightly, but I also feel that we took basically the same precautions as we would 3 months from now. The key factor that we didn't have knowledge of was that the bed surface where the slide started and mostly thereafter, was basically an ice layer. We didn't experience this anywhere else through the morning, even on similar aspects. Bottom line, this was an eye-opener to me that even though we determined the spot safe to proceed, slight variations unknown to us at the time resulted in a bad situation. Additional info: The slide, in it's entirety ran approximately 800 feet and was anywhere from 50 to 80 feet wide. When it ripped, the chute all broke from one side to the other. I was carried approximately 250 feet. The initial fracture ocurred on a slope of approximately 32 degrees and the portion that broke above me (where the large crown was) was approximately 36 degrees. The slope where the incident took place ranged anywhere from 28 to 38 degrees. Jones Pass Avalanche Crown This is the crown that broke off above me...maximum was 2 - 3 feet. The cut Jeff performed was not far above this and my initial line was looker's left of the rocks on the left. Jones Pass AvalancheAnother view of the slide path Jones Pass Bed surfaceHigh contrast view of the slick surface Jones Pass Post Avalanche Jeff observes the avi path Jones Pass AvalancheLooking up hill from where Luke stopped Jones Pass slide path Looking downhill from where Luke stopped

    This is the crown that broke off above Luke...maximum was 2 - 3 feet. The cut Jeff performed was not far above this and Luke's initial line was looker's left of the rocks on the left.

    

    A look at the slide path

    High contrast view of the slick surface

    Jeff mid way down the slide path

    

    Looking uphill from where Luke stopped

    Looking downhill from where Luke stopped
    

    For more info on avalanche safety check out www.avalanche.org

  • Blog post
  • 4 years ago
  • Views: 3029

• Slough Turns in May Slough Turns in May

  • From: icelanticskis
  • Description:

    Some Icelantic Shamans having some summer adventures in Montana.

  • 4 years ago
  • Views: 204
  • Not yet rated

• Slough Turns Slough Turns

  • From: icelanticskis
  • Description:
  • 4 years ago
  • Views: 154
  • Not yet rated