- Features

Full-time Copy Editor Wanted for SBC Media

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:36:00 -0400

SBC Media, parent company of Snowboard Canada, is looking for a full-time copy editor.

Candidates should have a degree or diploma in journalism and/or English, be familiar with CP style, and have previous experience editing copy. The job requires proofreading and fact-checking as well. Keen attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently on several different magazine titles at once is necessary. The candidate should be available to work regular weekday hours in SBC Media’s Toronto office. A willingness to remain with the company for at least a year is preferred. Familiarity with Mac and InDesign is a plus. Knowledge of some or all of our sports (snowboarding, skateboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, skiing, surfing, kiteboarding) is a bonus.

Position to commence immediately. Please e-mail résumés to luke@sbcmedia.com.

Chaos Headwear Partners with Windells Camp for Summer 2010

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:51:00 -0400

Steamboat Springs, CO- June 16, 2010. Chaos Headwear is proud to unveil custom hats for visitors to Windells Camp this summer. With a prominent Windells logo, three hat colors and a multi-colored pom-pom, this year’s campers will be able to stay warm in style. Summer campers have just arrived for another dynamic season to hone their snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding and bmx skills.

“This is just a great opportunity to help make it more fun for kids to get outside,” says Chaos US director of sales, Gary Supple.

Made of a warm-yet-breathable acrylic blend and available in black, red, and green, these hats meet the needs of summer campers enjoying both winter and summer sports high up in Mount Hood National Forest.

“This summer’s Chaos/Windells hats are the best way to keep your ears warm, all year long,” says camp founder Tim Windell. “Campers love these hats because they come in bright colors, and when you’re on hill twelve months a year, you want a hat that looks good!”

The six-year partnership with Windells is an example of Chaos’ extensive work with both recreational and competitive programs, including the Birds of Prey World Cup downhill, the Telemark World Cup, SOS Outreach, Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge and Big City Mountaineers.

“Chaos has a reputation for being involved both in the industry and direct to the consumer,” says Chaos’ Supple. “Community programs like this help us stay close with retailers and their customers. This year interested consumers can find their favorite hat on line at the Chaos Shopatron web site. These hat sales will be pulled directly from their local shop, a win for all!”

Located an hour east of Portland, visitors to Windells can hone their snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding and BMX skills all summer. The camp runs from June 6 to August 11, in eight-day sessions, and five winter camps, running strong 365 days a year. Visitors to this world-class facility receive professional coaching in an environment that focuses on the enjoyment and experience of each camper.

In addition to a progressive on-hill park located at Timberline Ski Area in Oregon, the private Windells campus offers facilities including multiple trampolines, a foam pit, two dry slopes and a giant bag jump. Also new this year is a 25,000 square foot concrete skate park.

Windells hosts a myriad of nightly activities for campers, from zombie dodge ball, to T-shirt making, slip ‘n slides, and dance parties. Windells academy, where kids can gain school credit, shred on natural snow year round right out their back door and utilize all the amenities on Windells campus. For more information on Windells, visit www.windells.com.

Glacier Skiing And Riding On Blackcomb Mountain Kicks Off June 19

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:44:00 -0400

Biggest snowpack in years awaits summer skiers and riders

WHISTLER, BC, June 15, 2010 – After a record breaking year of snowfall, glacier skiing and riding returns on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier this Saturday June 19th with some of the best summer skiing and riding conditions in years.

“It’s looking like an amazing start to the summer season,” says Adam Francis, Whistler Blackcomb’s Summer Glacier Operations Supervisor. “With the incredible amount of snow we received this year, guests will be able to enjoy some of the best summer glacier conditions in recent years.”

Grooming and parks crews have been hard at work building a summer mini pipe under the Glacier Express chair. The pipe construction and finishing touches will be completed shortly and the official opening date will be posted on whistlerblackcomb.com. When the pipe officially opens it will be hike accessible in order allow easy access and multiple runs for guests. As the build-out continues, the bottom of Showcase T-Bar will become jib central with features for both beginner and intermediate skiers and riders. Regular skiing and riding lanes will also be open to the public daily.

Summer glacier camps also hit Blackcomb Mountain, bringing in the hottest professional athletes to coach aspiring skiers and riders. Not missing out on the action, ski and snowboard magazines and professional film crews also frequent the Glacier to check out the scene. This year is no different, with Momentum Ski Camps and Camp of Champions returning for another season with the likes of guest coaches: gold medal winner Alex Bilodeau and snowboard pro Chris Dufficy. Other notable coaches include skiers Sarah Burke, TJ Schiller, Mike Riddle, Rory Bushfield, Corey Vanular, and Ian Cosco, as well as snowboarders TJ Schneider, Rube Goldberg, Beau Bishop, Verra Janssen, Andrew Burns and many more.

Access to the Horstman Glacier will start at the base of Blackcomb Mountain via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster to the Rendezvous. Guests will then take a shuttle bus to the 7th Heaven Express Chair, which will bring them to the top of the Glacier. Lift access to the glacier is via Horstman and Showcase T-bars. Meanwhile, Horstman Hut will be open to the public, offering patio BBQs and light refreshments with a sunny outdoor patio overlooking stunning views of neighbouring Whistler Mountain and the surrounding Coast Mountain range.

General public access from the valley runs 10am-2pm for sightseers and 11am-1:30pm for skiers and riders. Glacier skiing is available from 12pm-3pm. Glacier skiing runs until July 25 and terrain park features will be available as long as snow pack and weather allows. For more information on the Whistler Blackcomb’s summer activities, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Fourth and Final Stop of the You Look Good Rider's Cup, Sunshine Village April 24th, 2010

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:51:00 -0400

Toronto, ON – The Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup (YLGRC10), Canada’s premier slopestyle series, will complete its 2010 series at Sunshine Village on April 24, 2010. For the first time the YLGRC10 will be partnered up with the Coors Light Peak Party at the base of Sunshine Village. The days event will feature a Coors Light beer garden, live DJ’s, a live Fashion show and the traditional snowboarding talents found throughout Canada’s premier slopestyle series. YLGRC10 will be awarding $5,000 in Cash and $12,000 in prizing throughout the day. The 2010 Overall Male and Female in the Coors Light Pro category who managed to accumulate the most points throughout the series will be crowned with a 7-Day Surf Safari provided by Atlantic Riders and an additional 3 nights accommodation, a farewell dinner and an Algarve boat trip in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa provided by the Algarve Promotions Bureau and the Pedralva Village. In the Renegade Category, the Overall Series winners will be awarded with an Icarus Shreducation 2011 Season Scholarship worth $5,000.

    Sunshine Village is committed to supporting the fourth and final event of the series by designing a new competition site located at the bottom of Pandemonium hill where Angel Express and Strawberry chair meet. The event course will consist of three pods; the first pod will consist of rail options (Ledge, round bar, down-flat-down), the second pod will feature three jump options ranging in size from 15’ to 45’ feet and lastly, the third pod which inevitably filters you into the Coors Light beer garden will consist of varying rail ledge options. Riders will be encouraged to hike the short course or take the Angel Express chair to the peak and ride down.

    Pre Registration at Sunshine will take place on Friday April 23rd from 9:00am to 11:00am and registration will be available on Saturday April 24th from 7:30am – 10:30am in the Skier Services Building located at the bottom of the Sunshine Gondola. Event day registration: Groms can register from 7:30am – 9:30am and Amateur/Pro Open can register from 9:30am – 10:30am.

    Sunshine Village will be offering discounted lift tickets to our registered athletes for both Friday and Saturday, $67.95 for adults and $47 for Youth (13 – 17). Spectators and riders solely committed to hiking the event course can utilize a further discounted gondola exclusive lift ticket for $26.42.

Whistler Blackcomb Named One of Canada's Greenest Employers For Second Year In A Row

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:54:00 -0400

WHISTLER, BC, April 22, 2010 – At the same time Earth Day is celebrated across the globe, Whistler Blackcomb has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for a second year in a row.

“We are thrilled to accept this award on behalf of our 3,800 employees,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “This recognition could not be possible without the dedication, passion and commitment our staff and guests have shown to reducing waste and conserving energy. This is an award that we all can be proud of.”

Whistler Blackcomb participates in innovative renewable energy projects and encourages its staff and guests to become environmental stewards. The company received special recognition for its involvement in the Fitzsimmons Creek Run-of-River project. Located in the middle of the ski area underneath the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, this hydro-powered renewable energy plant became operational earlier this year. This project, created in partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group, produces enough energy to match the total annual energy consumption of the ski area’s operating footprint (including lifts, mountain restaurants, and snowmaking).

From 2008 to 2009, Whistler Blackcomb’s food and beverage division, which includes 18 restaurants, reduced its waste by 75 per cent. Meanwhile, Whistler Blackcomb staff participate in a range of environmental programs, carpooling groups, energy conservation programs and community efforts, such as the Habitat Improvement Team (HIT). To date, Whistler Blackcomb employees have also donated $250,000 to the Whistler Blackcomb Environment Fund, which funds green projects in the community, including HIT.

“We are very grateful and inspired by the recognition,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planner and Environmental Resource Manager. “Of course, with this award comes the humility of knowing we have so much further to go.”

Canada’s Greenest Employers competition has been running since 2007 and is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project in partnership with Mediacorp Canada Inc.

Applicants were judged on a variety of criteria, including uniqueness, success and longevity of environmental initiatives, as well as employee and community engagement.

This year, The Globe and Mail newspaper has published a national report on the nation’s most environmentally conscious employers in celebration of Earth Day. The Greenest Employers are also recognized online at Eluta.ca.

For more information on Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental story, please visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/environment/index.htm <http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/environment/index.htm>

Indie Brands and Bands Showcased at Telus Festival's Fashion Exposed

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:57:00 -0400

The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s iconic fashion show gets a dramatic make-over this April - a host of independent bands and indie brands will step out from behind the curtain to rock the runway in Whistler’s Conference Centre, on Friday, April 24, 2010.

A shredwear to bedwear take on Fashion Rocks, the Schick Fashion EXPOSED turns the runway into rock concert, matching the latest threads from upstart designers We3, Love Made Me and Lily & Jae and lifestyle brands Voleurz, Sitka, Orage, and Westbeach with live music performances from prog-rock-pop bands We Are The City and special guests The Zolas.

Joining these brands and bands will be the winner of the 4th annual Designer Search and EXPOSE contest, Guts & Guile.

Guts & Guile, who beat out finalists Red Jade and the Muttonhead Collective to take their place on the runway, is the prettied up alter ego of Whistler snowboarder Kalina Hornsby. Hawaiian-born and Hornby Island-raised, Hornsby ventured to Whistler after high-school and mastered “shred” style working in a local snowboard store. Despite following her snowboarding passion for a decade, Hornsby was also dreaming up a way to integrate true fashion, femininity and forward-thinking into the prevailing trend of highly-functional (often unflattering) outerwear. Guts & Guile is her way of injecting romance and style into life in the mountains.

Schick Fashion EXPOSED will be soundtracked by a live performance from Vancouver-based indie rockers We Are The City and special guests The Zolas.

We Are The City is a three piece progressive rock act fresh from winning Artist of 2009 in the Peak Performance Project. The Zolas will add their prog-pop treasure chest to the mix, ensuring that the 2010 Schick Fashion EXPOSED will introduce a 1200-strong crowd to a host of emerging talent and acts well-worth ‘discovering’ in Whistler, this April, Friday 24th.

Tickets to the Schick Fashion EXPOSED are $15, and can be purchased at the Whistler Activity Centre (or by calling 604-938-2769), daily from 10am-6pm.

Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD RIDER'S CUP - fourth stop Sunshine Village April 24th, 2010

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:49:00 -0400

Sunshine Village is committed to supporting the fourth and final event of the series by designing a new competition site located at the bottom of Pandemonium hill where Angel Express and Strawberry chair meet. The event course will consist of three pods; the first pod will consist of rail options (Ledge, round bar, down-flat-down), the second pod will feature three jump options ranging in size from 15’ to 45’ feet and lastly, the third pod which inevitably filters you into the Coors Light beer garden will consist of varying rail ledge options. Riders will be encouraged to hike the short course or take the Angel Express chair to the peak and ride down.

Pre Registration at Sunshine will take place on Friday April 23rd from 9:00am to 11:00am and registration will be available on Saturday April 24th from 7:30am – 10:30am in the Skier Services Building located at the bottom of the Sunshine Gondola. Event day registration: Groms can register from 7:30am – 9:30am and Amateur/Pro Open can register from 9:30am – 10:30am.

Sunshine Village will be offering discounted lift tickets to our registered athletes for both Friday and Saturday, $67.95 for adults and $47 for Youth (13 – 17). Spectators and riders solely committed to hiking the event course can utilize a further discounted gondola exclusive lift ticket for $26.42.

Online registration is also available at http://www.youlookgood.ca

The overall days event schedule has changed compared to previous YLGRC10 events. Please note the updated event timelines as follows:
Grom and Renegade, Male and female, will complete qualifying and final runs between 9:00am – 11:45am.
The Salomon Amateurs and Coors Light Pro categories will complete qualifying and final runs between 11:30am – 4:00pm.
Detailed event schedules available at http://www.youlookgood.ca

Push.ca will be awarding its final Push.ca Slope-side Host Search. Get your video uploaded onto Push.ca to appear in Push.ca's live video coverage of the YLGRC10 Sunshine Village event as the slope-side host and win a Salomon Snowboard, Bonfire Jacket, and Camp of Champions Prize Pack. To enter to be the next Push.ca Slope-side Host at Sunshine Village visit http://www.push.ca/. The best video of the Push.ca Slope-side hosts will win a Camp of Champion Deluxe 5 day trip will also be awarded!

YLGRC10 has four signature events across Canada awarding a total of $20,000 and $50,000 in prizing. YLGRC10 is Canada's only open event that welcomes and encourages snowboarders of all ages and talent levels. The YLGRC10 is nationally - recognized as a launching ground for Canadian snowboard talent, assisting in riders' progression from amateur to professional.

For more info on visit http://www.youlookgood.ca.

61cm of Snow on Mt Seymour in 24 Hours

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:04:00 -0400

April 8, 2010 (North Vancouver, BC) – A massive storm dumped 61cm of snow on Mt Seymour in the last 24 hours. This is the most snow seen all season on the mountain and conditions are at their best for skiers and snowboarders wanting to get their fill of this fresh snow.

The current snow level at the base of Mt Seymour is 260cm with 614cm at the summit. The abundance of new snow is good news for the extended operating hours for the season. Mt Seymour announced on Tuesday that the mountain will be extending its hours of operation one more weekend and will now schedule to close on April 18.

The operating hours for the remainder of the season at Mt Seymour is as follows:

Friday, April 9                11am-8pm
           Saturday, April 10          8:30am-8pm
           Sunday, April 11 8:30am-8pm
           Saturday, April 17          8:30am-8pm
           Sunday, April 18 8:30am-8pm

For more information on weather conditions and hours of operation at Mt Seymour, please visit www.mountseymour.com <http://www.mountseymour.com/> .

Ditching the Desks: 5th Annual OfficeBooyz April 9th at Mount Seymour

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:13:00 -0400

Every year donut-fueled snowboard industry pencil pushers take to the slopes to get out their pent out aggression and show off heavily caffeinated style over a course of absured jumps, rails and features in a contest called OfficeBooyz. This year sedentary workers will dust themselves off and head to Mount Seymour, a change from past years where the contest was held on Grouse.

Events will commence Friday, April 9 at noon, and the paper shufflers will partake in a dual slalom, office cross (we hope this is some sort of course involving snowboarding to stapling and shipping stations), high jump, quasi big air, hotdog eating contest, best costume, scorpion king, standout gut of the day (have to feel sorry for the judge of that particular event), most grays, OB Champ among others. Sounds like the fraternity sports day from Revenge of the Nerds, minus the electric violins but maybe with jocks dressed as cheerleaders, either way, hilarious.

Whether last year's top dogs like Dez Price of No Limits who won Scorpion King status or Scott Herbert of Face Shots who reigned over Obstacle Avoidence will keep their spots of dominance remains to be seen. How someone trains to win the Least Flexible title we're not sure, but we bet Jay Good of No Limits won't give it up without a very stiff fight.

Prizes last year included a rubber chicken, Jamiesons scotch and a McDonald's gift certificate. With so much on the line, we're sure everyone will be in fine form. Be sure to show up to cheer on the unsung heroes of the industry as they fight for dominance, lose some dignity and enjoy an afternoon out of the office.

Charles Reid & Jamie Anderson win 2010 Burton US Open Rail Jam

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:44:00 -0400

After the unusually hot Vermont sun set at Stratton, the Black & Night Jam was on. 25 men and 10 women had 90 minutes to get in as many runs as possible in the US Open’s fourth ever rail jam.

The setup called for creativity, with multiple riders dropping at once into what looked like a skatepark on snow. A variety of rails, boxes, mini-quarterpipes, gaps and a lift tower feature were part of the setup, providing riders with the opportunity to get multiple hits in on one run.

Judges looked at difficulty, execution, variety and progression to decide who got to go home with first place and $10,000 cash.

After the rail jam, the crowds shifted down to the stage to watch Rahzel and JS-1 play a free show.

Follow live updates from the event on twitter @BurtonSnowboard

Men’s Rail Jam Final Results
1. Charles Reid (CAN): $10,000
2. Tim Humphreys (USA): $5,000
3. Shaun Murphy (USA): $2,500
AMP Energy Best Trick: Luke Haddock – Fast plant on the quarterpipe

Women’s Rail Jam Final Results
1. Jamie Anderson (USA): $10,000
2. Sarka Pancochova (CZE): $5,000
3. Chanelle Sladics (USA): $2,500
AMP Energy Best Trick: Sarka Pancochova – Backside 540 over the lift tower feature

High-res photos from the 2010 US Open will be available at:
www.opensnowboarding.com in the Press section of the US Open website
Username: bgospress
Password: bgospress
Photo Credit: Shem Roose

For more information on the US Open, head to www.opensnowboarding.com

Kazuhiro Kokubo & Kelly Clark Win 2010 Burton US Open Halfpipe Titles

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:42:00 -0400

Kazuhiro Kokubo (JPN) and Kelly Clark (USA) won today’s US Open halfpipe finals, where thousands of fans enjoyed some of the most progressive riding in halfpipe history. Today’s win marked a historic moment for Kelly Clark, who is now the only woman in US Open history to win four halfpipe titles. Kazu’s win was also a landmark as it was his first time winning a US Open title.

“It was so great to win here, especially because my good friends Mikkel Bang and Charles Reid also won titles, which made my win feel even better,” said Kazuhiro Kokubo.

In addition to the coveted US Open halfpipe crowns, three major titles were also awarded today, including a new Volvo to top US Open male and female overall riders Ulrik Badertscher (NOR) and Jamie Anderson (USA). Peetu Piironen (FIN) was on the podium for three different awards, taking home a total of $103,250 in winnings today alone. He won the $3000 Kodak Best Trick award for his Cab 1080 double cork, the $50,000 men’s Burton Global Open Series (BGOS) title, the $50,000 men’s Swatch TTR World Tour Championship title, plus $250 for his 12th place halfpipe finish. Fellow Finnish rider Enni Rukajärvi (FIN) won the women’s 2010 BGOS championship title and a $50,000 check. And for the first time, second and third place BGOS ranked riders took home $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.

“This is so special and overwhelming – I’m the first guy who has won both the BGOS and TTR titles twice,” said 2010 Olympic silver medalist Peetu Piiroinen. “I’ve had an incredible season.”

The women’s halfpipe contest was dominated by the Americans, who swept the podium. Kelly Clark secured her fourth US Open halfpipe title with her first run, earning an unbeatable 94.17 with her signature style and huge airs. Her run started with a huge frontside air, a backside 540 mute grab, a frontside 720, and a Cab 720 mute, finishing with a frontside corked 900, which also earned her the $3,000 Totino’s Highest Air Award. Coming in second place was Kaitlyn Farrington (USA) with a strong run that included back-to-back 720s. Ellery Hollingsworth (USA) rounded out the women’s halfpipe podium with her third place finish and also earned the Kodak Best Trick for her Michalchuk.

“It’s amazing that it’s my fourth US Open halfpipe title,” said Kelly Clark. “It’s so great to come home after such a long season and win here.”

Double corks were the trick of the day in the men’s halfpipe competition, with podium winners throwing down double corks in every run. First Iouri Podladtchikov (SUI) stepped it up with a mind-blowing run that included a backside 1260 double cork in the middle of his run. Then Louie Vito (USA) topped Iouri by nailing three double corks in his first run, taking the lead by a mere fraction of a point. But it was Kazuhiro Kokubo’s signature smooth style that put him on the top spot of the US Open halfpipe podium for the first time, with a run that included a frontside 900 melon, his crowd-favorite McTwist Chicken Wing trick followed by three 1080s. 2010 Olympic bronze medalist Scotty Lago (USA) won the Totino’s Highest Air award.

Tomorrow, the juniors take to the adult-sized halfpipe where boys and girls 13-years-old and under will compete in the US Open Junior Jam.

Be sure to watch the US Open on ABC on March 27 at 5:00 pm EST and 3:00 pm PST.
Follow live updates from the event on twitter @BurtonSnowboard

High-res photos from the US Open are available at:
www.opensnowboarding.com in the Press section of the US Open website
Username: bgospress
Password: bgospress
Photo Credit: Shem Roose

For more information on the US Open, head to www.opensnowboarding.com

Mikkel Bang & Sina Candrian Win 2010 Burton US Open Slopestyle

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:38:00 -0400

Balmy weather made Vermont feel more like California at the 28th annual US Open Snowboarding Championships, where Europeans Mikkel Bang (NOR) and Sina Candrian (SUI) each took home $20,000 and top slopestyle honors. Both riders are new to the top spot of the US Open slopestyle podium, adding a coveted title to their career highlights.

“It’s my seventh year coming here to the US Open and the first time I’ve made it to the slopestyle podium,” says Mikkel Bang. “All of the top riders are here, which makes it even more special to win. This really is the perfect ending of the season for me.”

Mikkel Bang won his first US Open slopestyle title with authority when he took the lead in his first run, then topped it with a nearly perfect 98.00 on his second run, which included a Cab 1080, switch backside 1260 indy and a frontside 1080 on the jumps. The battle for second and third place podium spots went down to the final run of the competition when Ulrik Badertscher (NOR) upset the podium line-up with a strong run that included a backside 900, Cab 900 nosegrab and a backside 1080 late cork finishing with a 50/50 to a double front flip off the canon feature, which also scored him the AMP Energy Best Trick award. After sitting in second for a few runs, Sebastien Toutant (CAN) got bumped to third place by a few fractions of a point following Ulrik’s final run.

In the women’s competition, Sina Candrian grabbed the lead with her first run and held onto it, topping her own score in the third run of the finals. Sina’s best scoring run included a Cab 540, frontside 720 and a backside 360 on the jumps. Coming in second was New Zealander Shelly Gotlieb, who earned a spot on the podium with her last run that featured a Cab 540, backflip and a backside 720. Former US Open slopestyle champion Jamie Anderson earned third place and Lisa Wiik (NOR) took home the AMP Energy Best Trick for her backside 720 indy.

“Today was really my day because my runs kept getting better and better,” said Sina Candrian. “The features were perfectly shaped and the course was fun to ride – it’s amazing to win here and I’m so happy that it put me in the lead for the women’s TTR title.”

More action is in store tonight at the US Open with the ‘Black & Night Jam’, starting at 7:15 pm followed by Rahzel and JS-1 playing a free concert at 9:00 pm – all taking place at Stratton Mountain’s Sun Bowl area.

Tomorrow at the US Open is one of the biggest days in snowboarding, with four major titles up for grabs, including the coveted US Open halfpipe crown, a new Volvo for the top male and female overall riders, the women’s and men’s 2010 Burton Global Open Series (BGOS) Championship titles and the men’s Swatch TTR World Tour Championship title, which Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) already secured for the second straight year. Sina Candrian’s win today puts her in the lead for the women’s Swatch TTR World Tour Championship title.

If you can’t make it to Stratton, you can watch the US Open on ABC on March 27 at 5:00 pm EST and 3:00 pm PST. Also be sure to check out the US Open live on GO211.com.
Follow live updates from the event on twitter @BurtonSnowboard

Men’s Slopestyle Final Results
1. Mikkel Bang (NOR) 98.00
2. Ulrik Badertscher (NOR) 93.67
3. Sebastien Toutant (CAN) 93.33
AMP Energy Best Trick: Ulrik Badertscher-Double front flip off the canon feature

Women’s Slopestyle Final Results
1. Sina Candrian (SUI) 95.50
2. Shelly Gotlieb (NZL) 89.33
3. Jamie Anderson (USA) 88.00
AMP Energy Best Trick: Lisa Wiik - backside 720 indy

High-res photos from the slopestyle finals will be available at:
www.opensnowboarding.com in the Press section of the US Open website
Username: bgospress
Password: bgospress
Photo Credit: Shem Roose

For more information on the US Open, head to www.opensnowboarding.com.

March 24: Boardsports Against Breast Cancer

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:40:00 -0400

If you, or someone you know, hasn't been affected by Breast Cancer, consider yourself very lucky. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and about 23,000 women are currently fighting breast cancer in Canada. On Wedensday, March 24, Toronto retailer Boardsports is hosting a silent auction at the Steam Whistle Brewery to raise awareness and funds.

Tickets are $25 and money raised at the event will go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation who provide grants to researchers and support programs for women currently battling breast cancer.

Check out the cool stuff up for auction like a Nikita snowboard jacket and pants, Burton outerwear and a Volcom prize pack valued at over $300. More info can be found at www.babc.emilymorton.com

MERCEDES NICOLL FINISHES THIRD AT FIS WORLD CUP IN VALMALENCO, ITALY; CARRIES POST-OLYMPIC MOMENTUM

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:41:00 -0400

(Valmalenco, ITA – March 14, 2010) Canadian riders posted some excellent results in the Halfpipe contest on the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup tour on Sunday in Valmalenco, Italy. Mercedes Nicoll stepped on the third step of the podium and Justin Lamoureux took the fourth place to take the lead in the FIS World Cup rankings with one event left on the tour.

Mercedes Nicoll (Whistler, BC), who posted an amazing performance at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games finishing in sixth position, carried the momentum in the post Olympic race with a podium last week at the Euro X-Games, and now adds another podium on the FIS World Cup tour.

The contest in Valmalenco was held in an 18-foot halfpipe, smaller than the Olympic standard.

Nicoll dropped in the pipe in qualifications and scored 38.4 points to advance to the six-rider final. In the Finals, Nicoll scored 37.1 points in her second and final run to better her placing and take the third place.

“I don't have any more pressure on me now that the Olympics are over. I feel like I'm riding better than ever. I'm really happy with my current results. I guess I'm just more relaxed and ready to try new runs and see how they work out, so far so good!” said Nicoll after the event.

With her podium performance, Nicoll now ranks fourth in the Halfpipe standings of the FIS World Cup Tour with a cumulative total of 1730 points. Three Chinese riders are sitting in the Top 3 spots.

Nicoll has seven career podiums on the FIS World Cup Tour. The last time she was on the podium in September 15, 2005 in Valle Nevado, Chile, where she was third.

Sarah Conrad (Halifax, NS) placed fifth with a score of 33.0 points in the Finals. Teammate Alexandra Duckworth (Kingsburg, NS) narrowly missed her qualifications for the finals and took the seventh position.

Holly Crawford of Australia posted the top performance in the halfpipe, scoring 40.4 points. Swiss rider Ursina Haller placed second with 37.6 points.

Crawford finished 8th at the 2010 Olympic Games. She has 10 FIS World Cup podiums, including her second victory, in 24 starts.

In the Men’s contest, Justin Lamoureux (Squamish, BC), the lone Canadian make the trip over to Europe, took fourth place by scoring a best run of 34.8 points. With this fourth place result, Lamoureux now sits atop the FIS World Cup standings. With just one more contest to go on the FIS World Cup Tour, Lamoureux could secure another Crystal Globe for Canada in 2010.

Lamoureux, who posted Canada’s best ever Olympic performance in Men’s HP at the 2010 Games, has had a good season on the FIS World Cup Tour and the Ticket To Ride (TTR) Tour. Lamoureux’s top result on the FIS World Cup Tour this season was a second place in the contest held in the Superpipe in Calgary, Alberta.

Since Lamoureux started to compete on the FIS World Cup Tour back in 1997, he cumulated a total of two podiums, 11 Top 5 results and 19 Top 10 results. On the TTR Tour, Lamoureux notably took the second spot of the 2010 Burton Canadian Open, also held in the Calgary Superpipe.

Michal Ligocki of Poland won the contest with 40.7 points – his first FIS World Cup podium and victory. Today, Ligocky became the first Polish male rider to claim victory in a Halfpipe World Cup event.

Norwegian rider Roger Kleivdal placed second with 37.2 points and Patrick Burgener was third with 37.0 points.

Nicoll’s podium is Canada’s 28th podium on the FIS World Cup tour this season, continuing on its exceptional record-setting season. In the FIS World Cup Tour, Canada finds itself in a neck-to-neck battle with Austria for the most podiums, setting up a promising showdown for the 2010 FIS World Cup Finals held next week in La Molina, Spain – the last event on the FIS World Cup Tour.

Kaitlyn Farrington wins Superpipe gold at X Games

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:03:00 -0500

American Kaitlyn Farrington takes the top spot in Superpipe in Tignes, France. While, Canadian Mercedes Nicoll lands fourth.

Final Results

1. Kaitlyn Farrington, Sun Valley, Idaho 97.00

2. Torah Bright, Cooma, Australia 95.00

3. Sophie Rodriguez, Grenoble, France 87.00

4. Mercedes Nicoll, Whistler, Canada 82.33

5. Ellery Hollingsworth, Darien, Connecticut 79.00

6. Kjersti Oestgaard Buaas, Trondheim, Norway 78.66

Jenny Jones wins 3rd X Games Gold

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:41:00 -0500

UK Rider Jenny Jones, won her third X Games gold medal for slopestyle today, in Tignes, France. While, Canadian Spencer O'Brien landed in the fourth spot.

Final Results

1. Jenny Jones Bristol, Great Britain 92.33

2. Kjersti Oestgaard Buaas Trondheim, Norway 86.66

3. Sina Candrian Flims, Switzerland 83.00

4. Spencer O’Brien Whistler, Canada 80.66

5. Silje Norendal Kongsberg, Norway 63.33

6. Charlotte van Gils Amsterdam, Netherlands 48.33

ROXY RIDE DAY PRESENTED BY EMPIRE MARCH 20th 2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:34:00 -0500

ROXY TEAM RETURNS TO MONT AVILA

Vancouver, British Columbia (March 5, 2010) – Roxy is excited to announce the return of the Roxy Ride Day to Mont Avila on March 20th, 2010. The Roxy Ride Day, presented by Empire, is chance for girls to spend a day on snow, learn tricks in a fun environment, and meet new friends.

Roxy team riders, Joanie Robichard and Megan Whiteside, will be on hand to hang out with participants, give away prizes and demo the latest snowboards from Roxy. Everyone will receive a gift bag full of prizes from Roxy, Empire and Clean Start just for showing up. The day will end with a fun Best Trick Jam with $250 cash up for grabs!

Girls can pre-register online or in person at any Empire location. Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and transportation to and from Empire Montreal. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Online Registration
$50 Registration includes lift ticket www.thinkempire.com

$30 Registration does not include lift ticket www.thinkempire.com

Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup stops in BC

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:46:00 -0500

YLGRC10's third stop at Seymour on March 20, 2010

Toronto, ON – The Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup (YLGRC10), Canada’s premier slopestyle series, continues its series at Mt Seymour in under two weeks on Saturday March 20, 2010. At the forefront of the Canadian snowboard contest scene, YLGRC10 will be awarding another $5,000 in Cash and $12,000 in Prizing. With the first two stops, at Mont Tremblant and Louis, seeing sunny skies and great conditions, there are hopes the Seymour stop will follow in its foot steps.

Registration at Seymour will take place on Friday March 19^th ^th from 8 – 10am and Saturday March 20th^th from 7:30am – 10:30 am in the Whiskey Jack Room. Seymour will be offering discounted lift tickets to our registered athletes for both Friday and Saturday costing $25 each day for adults and $15 for those 15 and under. Online registration is also available at www.youlookgood.ca

As the YLGRC10 series has just two stop left, the Coors Light Pro Category for both Men and Women could prove to be an exciting Overall Series win. Currently in the lead for the Coors Light Pro Men is Elliot Catton, of Barrie Ontario, who has 18,500 points and Andrew Skelhorn, of Innisfil Ontario, in the second spot with 13,500 points. For Coors Light PRO Women, Sam Denana currently sits second with 10,000 points and Diane Rudge is in the lead with 18,500 points. Word has it these ladies and gents are making the trip across Canada to maintain their positioning in order to win the 7 - Day Surf Safari provided by Atlantic Riders and additional 3 nights accommodations, a farewell dinner and Algarve boat trip in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa provided by Algarve Promotions Bureau and the Pedralva Village.

Push.ca will be awarding its next Push.ca Slope-side Host Search so get your video uploaded onto Push.ca to appear in Push.ca's live video coverage of the YLGRC as the slope-side host and win a Salomon Snowboard, Bonfire Jacket, and Camp of Champions Prize Pack. To enter to be the next Push.ca Slope-side Host at Mount Seymour visit www.push.ca

The Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup 2010 Event Schedule

MONT TREMBLANT FEBRUARY 6, 2010

MT ST LOUIS FEBRUARY 20, 2010

MT SEYMOUR MARCH 20, 2010

SUNSHINE VILLAGE APRIL 24, 2010

For more info on scheduling please visit www.youlookgood.ca

ROXY RIDE DAY COMES TO ONTARIO MARCH 20th 2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:26:00 -0500

ROXY TEAM RIDER ROBIN VAN GYN TO VISIT BLUE MOUNTAIN

Vancouver, British Columbia (March 5, 2010) – Roxy is excited to announce the addition of a Roxy Ride Day at Blue Mountain on March 20th, 2010. The Roxy Ride Day is chance for girls to spend a day on snow, learn tricks in a fun environment and meet new friends.

Roxy team rider, Robin Van Gyn, will be on hand to hang out with participants, give away prizes and demo the latest snowboards from Roxy. Everyone will receive a gift bag full of prizes from Roxy and Clean Start just for showing up. The day will end with a fun Best Trick Jam with $250 cash up for grabs.

Girls can pre-register online now at www.roxy.com/rideday. Registration includes breakfast, lunch and a gift bag!

Registration
$40 Registration includes lift ticket
$20 Registration does not include lift ticket

BILLABONG FLAUNT IT FINAL EVENT RETURNS TO MONT-TREMBLANT

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:23:00 -0500

BILLABONG FLAUNT IT FINAL EVENT RETURNS TO MONT-TREMBLANT
4th ANNUAL EVENT INCREASES CASH PURSE TO $10K AND JOINS THE SWATCH TTR TOUR

Montreal, QC (March 3rd, 2010) - Billabong‘s Flaunt It Slopestyle and Rail Jam is back again this year at Mont-Tremblant on Saturday, March 27th, 2010. This last event of the contest series is held during the Telus Spin Festival, and boasts an increased cash purse of $10,000 plus additional product and prizes up for grabs. Additionally, as Flaunt It 2010 has been added to the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Event Tour schedule, riders can now collect valuable TTR Ranking Points at all Flaunt It contests.

The Flaunt It events are always designed with fun in mind, with the format allowing the athletes to ride all day. The final event is open to ALL female riders (PRO & AM). Riders do not need to be pre-qualified to compete but Billabong will waive registration fees to all girls who have placed on the podium during previous 2010 Flaunt It contests. Aside from some serious cash & prizes to take home for the top riders, there are also some great opportunities for the girls who are starting on the contest scene to get noticed and most importantly to enjoy a day of riding with other female shredders! Billabong’s international team rider Anne-Flore Marxer will be attending the series finale as guest judge and to root the girls on.

Billabong will be providing each registered girl with a custom Flaunt It Dakine backpack filled with goodies from our event partners. Reduced rates on accommodations are also available for athletes. There are 40 spots available on a first come, first serve basis to compete with the six (6) winners of the previous Flaunt It tour stops from this year. Athletes can register online at http://www.billabong.com/flauntit

For more information in regards to:
Flaunt It series visit: http://billabong.com/flauntit/
Swatch TTR visit: http://www.ttrworldtour.com/
TELUS Spin Tremblant visit: http://www.telusspin.com/home/

For any additional information please contact:
Catherine Desrochers
877-898-2664 x1133
catherined@billabongcanada.com http://billabongcanada.com

For transport and accommodation please contact:
Valerie Goyette
VGOYETTE@intrawest.com http://intrawest.com

CANCELLED: ROXY CHICKADEE JAM RETURNS TO GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Unfortunately due to inclimate conditions, the Roxy Chicken Jam has been cancelled. They hope to see you next year!

2nd ANNUAL EVENT UPS CASH PURSE AND SENDS WINNER TO THE ROXY CHICKEN JAM IN MAMMOTH, CA

Vancouver, British Columbia (January 28, 2010) – The much anticipated Roxy Chickadee Jam returns to Grouse Mountain on Saturday, March 6, 2010. This year will see the prize purse up for grabs increase, with first place in the PRO Category walking away with $2000 cash – double from last year’s event. The winner will also receive an all expenses paid trip to the prestigious Roxy Chicken Jam in Mammoth, CA, March 25th – 28th, 2010 where she will compete in the Slopestyle qualifiers amongst some of the world’s top female riders.

There will be a PRO and AM category so that all girls regardless of ability will have a chance to come out and showcase their talent amongst Canada’s best. There will be tons of prizes for the AM category and the PRO’s will have a shot at walking away with cash – plus the trip to the Chicken Jam.

“This year we have not only increased the incentive for Canada’s top pros to compete but also have put together a great gift bags for all of our competitors with product from some of our sponsors – including CleanStart and Asana,” says Shawna Olsten, Roxy Canada Marketing Manager. “Trust me; you will want to actually take this gift bag home. We want to stoke out all the girls who are coming out to compete and make it special for them. It’s really important to us that the Chickadee Jam not only showcases the amazing female riders that we have here in Canada – but that it’s also a fun day on the mountain. I heard a baby chick and big moose will be back with a few surprises for the riders as well.”

In 2009, the Roxy Chickadee Jam invited 3 riders that were nominated into the MGT Snowboard Camp Academy – including now Roxy’s own – Marie Andre Racine Gagnon. Roxy and MGT are excited to announce that Marie-Andre is the winner of this year long contest and will be provided with unique opportunities that could fast track her snowboarding career. Watch out for Marie-Andre at this year’s Chickadee Jam.

The PRO category will have only 35 spots available on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is now open at www.roxy.com/chickadeejam.

You Look Good Rider's Cup: Ontario stop this weekend

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup: Ontario Stop
~ YLGRC10's second stop at Louis on February 20, 2010 ~

Toronto, ON -- The Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup (YLGRC10), Canada’s premier slopestyle series, continues at Mount St Louis Moonstone this Saturday February 20th. At the forefront of the Canadian snowboard contest scene, YLGRC10 will be awarding another $5,000 in Cash and $12,000 in Prizing. With the first stop at Mont Tremblant proving to be such a success, riders are eager to make the trip to Louis.

Registration at Louis will take place on Friday February 19thth from 12 – 2pm at the Louis base and Saturday February 20th at the Moonstone base from 7:30am – 10:30 am. Louis will be offering discounted lift tickets to our registered athletes for both Friday and Saturday costing $35 each day. To get on-hill even faster register and pay online: Online registration open at HYPERLINK "http://www.youlookgood.ca/"www.youlookgood.ca

Currently, in the Coors Light Pro category, Diane Rudge and Simon Reid are in the running for the Overall Series Prize with 10,000 points each. Male and Females in the Coors Light Pro category accumulate points to win a 7 - Day Surf Safari provided by Atlantic Riders and an additional 3 nights accommodations, a farewell dinner and Algarve boat trip in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa provided by Algarve Promotions Bureau and the Pedralva Village. As well as a full length interview with the Editor of Snowboard Canada Magazine, to be featured online.

YLGRC10 has four signature events across Canada awarding a total of $20,000 and $50,000 in prizing. YLGRC10 is Canada's only open event that welcomes and encourages snowboarders of all ages and talent levels. The YLGRC10 is nationally recognized as a launching ground for Canadian snowboard talent, assisting in riders' progression from amateur to professional. After Louis, YLGRC10 make the trip to Vancouver and stop at Mount Seymour on March 20th,

The Coors Light YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup 2010 Event Schedule

MONT TREMBLANT       FEBRUARY 6, 2010
MT ST LOUIS            FEBRUARY 20, 2010
MT SEYMOUR           MARCH 20, 2010
SUNSHINE VILLAGE       APRIL 24, 2010

Roxy celebrates at their Vancouver boutique

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

ROXY IS CELEBRATING

Join Roxy at the Quiksilver Store for live entertainment and cheer February 14th – 20th , 2010

Vancouver, BC – (February 10th 2010) – The Quiksilver Store at 820 Granville Street (corner of Robson and Granville) will be celebrating starting this Sunday in Vancouver, BC. The store will be full of spirit and cheer beginning February 14th through February 20th. Visitors to Vancouver can check out the live DJ’s playing in the store front windows, sign up for a free Roxy manicure with custom country flag colors and design their own Roxy Cheer sign.

Live DJ’s
Monday, February 15th to Friday, February 19th 4:00pm –11:00pm
Saturday, February 20th 12:00pm – 12:00am

Custom Cheer Manicures
Sunday 14th 12-4pm
Monday 15th 6-8pm
Tuesday 16th 4-8pm
Wednesday 17th 6-8pm
Thursday 18th 4-8pm
Friday 19th 6-11pm
Saturday 20th 2-8pm

Canadian Olympic Snowboard Team Announced

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

After a blur of qualifying events and gripping-the-edge-of-the-seat moments, Canada-Snowboard has announced the 2010 Olympic team that will be moving ahead to compete at the Games in Vancouver next month.

Joining pipe vets Sarah Conrad and Mercedes Nicoll in making the final cut will be 17-year-old Ontario rider Palmer Taylor, who has been on the come-up over the past few seasons with some notable results. Other selections to the team include Maelle Riccker and Dominique Maltais on the women's snowboardcross squad, as well as Caroline Calve, Alexa Loo and Kimiko Zakreski for PGS.

In total, Canada~Snowboard announced the nomination of 18 Canadian snowboarders to the Canadian Olympic Committee.

“The team we have for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is solid, experienced, dynamic and ready to compete for gold, at home, in our backyard. The riders we have selected deserved to be selected following years of hard work, and stellar results in the year leading up to the Olympic Winter Games,” said Christian Hrab, Director of High Performance for Canada~Snowboard.

The high performance objective of the 2010 Canadian Olympic Snowboard team is to win five medals at the Olympic Games.

Full list here:

2010 CANADIAN OLYMPIC SNOWBOARD TEAM NOMINATION

NAME                                 DISC. HOMETOWN                            HOW THEY QUALIFIED
CALVÉ, Caroline                  PGS     Montreal/Aylmer, QC                 Other Nomination
CONRAD, Sarah*                HP       Halifax, NS                               Other Nomination
LOO, Alexa*                       PGS     Richmond, BC                          Other Nomination
MALTAIS, Dominique*         SBX     Petite-Rivière St-Francois, QC     Top 5 Nomination
NICOLL, Mercedes*             HP      Whistler, BC                              Other Nomination
RICKER, Maëlle* ^              SBX    West Vancouver, BC                   Top 5 Nomination
TAYLOR, Palmer                  HP      Collingwood, ON                       Other Nomination
ZAKRESKI Kimiko                PGS    Calgary, AB                               Other Nomination

ANDERSON, Jasey-Jay* ^   PGS    Mont-Tremblant, QC                   Defending World Champion
BATCHELOR, Jeff ^            HP      Oakville, ON                              Top 5 Nomination
BOIVIN, François* ^          SBX     Jonquière, QC                           Top 5 Nomination
FAGAN, Robert                  SBX     Squamish, BC                           Top 5 Nomination
LAMBERT, Michael              PGS    Toronto, ON                              Other Nomination
LAMOUREUX, Justin* ^      HP      Squamish, BC                           Top 5 Nomination
MORISON, Matthew ^        PGS    Burketon, ON                            Top 5 Nomination
MARTIN, Brad* ^              HP      Ancaster, ON                             Other Nomination
NEILSON, Drew* ^            SBX    North Vancouver, BC                  Other Nomination
ROBERTSON, Mike             SBX    Canmore, AB                             Top 5 Nomination

Legend:
( * ) : Olympic Winter Games experience
( ^ ) : FIS World Championships medals

COACHES
FAWCETT, Mark                  PGS     Saint-John, NB                         Head Coach, Alpine
JEAN, Sylvain                     PGS     St Férréol Les Neiges, QC          Coach, Alpine
MARKS, Carl                       PGS     Bromont, QC                           Video coach, Alpine
MATHIEU, Marcel                SBX     France                                    Head Coach, Snowboardcross
BRUNNER, Rene                 SBX     Austria                                    Coach, Snowboardcross
MILNE, Tim                        SBX     Whistler, BC                             Coach, Snowboardcross
HUTCHINSON, Tom             HP       Val David, QC                          Head Coach, Halfpipe
DeCOSTE, Kris                    HP       Thornbury, ON                        Coach, Halfpipe

SUPPORT STAFF
LEBRUN, Connie                             Edmonton, AB                         Physician
COX, David                                    North Vancouver, BC                Clinical Sport Psychologist
HELLIER, Marilyn                            Whistler, BC                            Head Physiotherapist
MORO, Vas                                    Whistler, BC                             Physiotherapist
OSBORNE, Heidi                            Calgary, AB                              Physiotherapist
HRAB, Christian                             Vancouver, BC                          Team Leader
M’SEFFAR, Nadia                            Vancouver, BC                         Team Manager
JONCAS, Robert                            Vancouver, BC                           Team Manager
NAPERT-FRENETTE, Guy                Calgary, AB                               Media Attaché

2010 Canadian Olympic Snowboard Team – By the Numbers
37: Oldest rider: Alexa Loo (PGS)
17: Youngest: Palmer Taylor (HP)
27.5: Average age
18: Total number of riders
8: Total number of women
10: Total number of men
8: Number of riders for whom this will be therir First time at the Olympics
17: Number of riders with World Cup podiums
60: Number of World Cup victory
169: Combined numbers of World Cup podiums
10: Number of riders with OWG starts
1: Number of riders with OWG medals (Dominique Maltais, Bronze, 2006)
15: Total number of OWG Starts
17: Number of riders with FIS World Snowboard Championships starts
8: Number of riders with FIS World Snowboard Championships medals
87: Total number of FIS World Snowboard Championships starts
6: Number of riders from British Columbia
5: Number of riders from Ontario
4: Number of riders from Québec
2: Number of riders from Alberta
1: Number of riders from Nova Scotia

Palmer Taylor in the pipe at Stoneham World Cup event. Roth photo