- Hotbox

High 5ives! with Vera Janssen

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Coming straight out of Germany, Euro shred Vera Janssen relocated to Whistler a few years back. From being the only girl on Alterna’s film roster, to claiming the infamous Queen of the Hill title in Alaska this winter, and currently coaching for Camp of Champions, she’s leads one busy life. Lucky for us, Vera recently let us in on her High 5ives.

Sights to see in Germany:
1.) Dom cathedral and the nightlife in Cologne
2.) Many, many breweries
3.) Kiez in Hamburg
4.) Berlin’s nightlife and culture
5.) Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain and glacier

Best things about the King of the Hill contest:
1.) Shred with the legends such as Shawn Farmer, Mike Basich, Julie Zell and Nick Perata
2.) Learn about their views on snowboarding
3.) It's part of the Tailgate Alaska World Freeride Festival
4.) Twelve heli drops and an engraved sword for 1st place
5.) Thompson Pass, Valdez is the ultimate snowboard destination

On coaching at Camp of Champs:
1.) Peeing behind the rocks on the Blackcomb glacier
2.) Having Ken make fun of you for four weeks
3.) PartySnakes come to town
4.) Everyone tries to get a hold of Fabia
5.) You get to show girls what snowboarding is all about

Best things about filming with Alterna:
1.) Living my dream
2.) Being able to express myself through snowboarding -exactly how I want to
3.) Being a girl in guy’s movies - just like it always used to be!
4.) Riding with my friends
5.) Shredding powder

Euro snowboarders to keep an eye out for:
1.) Marco Feichtner
2.) Marc Swoboda
3.) Julia Baumgartner
4.) Tadej Valentan
5.) Gigi Ruef

Vera shows the COC campers how it's done

Travelogue: June Bhongjan

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:15:00 -0400

Big Bear rider, June Bhongjan heads-up the U.S. contingent of the Peep Show crew. She might be a badass snowboarder, but she has a soft place in her heart for the progression and preservation of women's snowboarding. We caught up with June to find out where she' s been and what she's been up to over the last couple of months.

Name the last 4 places you've traveled to and why you were there.
1. Minnesota. I filmed with Melancon, Hadar, Michilot, Preda and Maiden for Peep Show.
2. Quebec. I was shooting with Oli Crouteau and filming with the Peep Show crew. We also worked on a short documentary about Jess Kimura and Peep Show (it can be viewed on sbcwomen.com).
3. Snow Summit for Ms. Superpark.
4.Tahoe. I was filming with Colleen Quigly, Nicki Slechta and Darrah Reid-Mclean. Tahoe received 30 inches of new snow, so we trekked there to GTS.

It sounds like the Peep Show crew is traveling together tons and that you've switched up your program a bit.
Yeah we're actually going on trips together as a crew, as opposed to last year when we had riders send us footage of themselves. We've also got some amazing filmers like Pat Barazza, Gary Tyler Mcleoud and Colin D Watt working with us. We've had a few new riders join our crew too: Laura Hadar, Darrah Reid-Mclean, Paige Rainear and Nicki Slechta.

Why are you so stoked to have Hadar be part Peep Show this season? Is it because you looked up to her in the past, or because she's already an established pro?
I wouldn't say I'd be stoked on a snowboarder only because they're an established pro. Being pro doesn't have anything to do with it. I've always been stoked on Hadar's snowboarding and what she represents. She's a free spirit. She's a unique snowboarder who's been in the industry for a while and doesn't let the BS affect her snowboarding. Last fall, when Esthera and I asked if we could throw a premiere party at Fice, she wasn't hesitant to say yes at all. We're all in it for the same reasons—to support the growth of women's snowboarding, and to run around in our foxholes and hide in our wolf dens. I have a lot of respect for our whole crew, not only Hadar, and I'm stoked to work with all of them.

You and Esthera Preda have worked really closely over the last few years to make Peep Show happen. What makes her such an awesome person?
Esthera has so many great qualities; it's pretty hard to sum her up. She's an amazing person who is very uplifting and positive and is willing to make sacrifices in order to help others out. I think the best thing about her is how open minded she is and how spontaneous we are together. She's always reminding me to have fun with whatever we do.

I've heard that Minnesotans are super nice and always down to show people spots. Is it true or is that state getting played out and the people getting sick of snowboarders coming to town?
Cops are definitely sick of us starting our gennies in the middle of the night and snowboarding on private property. We've had a few cops, though, who come by, stick around for the show and leave. There are a lot of film crews that travel to Minnesota and spots are getting blown out, but it's what you make of it. The snowboard locals there are awesome. Tarah Michilot is a local and her brothers Jordan and Jonas were down to help us out. Tarah is an incredible snowboarder and could care less about sponsors and such. She's so humble and real and is always down to help any friend out. It's riders like her who make Peep Show what it is.

What's the gnarliest thing that happened in Quebec?
Probably Jess (Kimura) throwing down tricks left and right like switch front board, back lip to fakie, back tail to regs. That girl is killing it, and she deserves to be noticed in snowboarding. She got broke off on a down rail. She slammed on her shoulder and dislocated two ribs. She ended up snowboarding with her arm tied to her side. She's really insane. Really. She's very aggressive with her snowboarding and is the most fearless female rider I know.

How was Ms. Superpark?
I think Izzy Lalive summed up Ms. Superpark best when she said, "Ms. Superpark is so gnarly even photographers get fucked up." Riders as well as photogs went home with some bloody faces and black eyes. Hadar was trying to go over the hip and hit it as a jump but overshot the landing almost to flat and tore some ligaments in her foot.

Funniest quote from your trip to Tahoe?
"If I could make a clone of myself, I would fuck the shit out of me." Colleen is just in love with herself, no other explanation necessary.

What's next?
No plans really. And even if I do have plans they're always changing.

The Peep Show crew in Minnesota.

June taking a shred time out in Quebec.

June and Esthera over shovelling.

This is what June was referring to when she said cops were sick of their generators firing up in Minnesota into the wee hours.

June hiking up to a Mount Rose windlip.

Taking a meeting before hitting the windlip.

Check out the teaser for Let's Make Better Mistakes (Tomorrow) the new film from Peep Show.

High 5ives! with Molly Milligan

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Hailing all the way from the Northwest Territories, Molly Milligan made the move down to B.C. to pursue snowboarding. Getting to spend her winters shredding Whistler and competing across Canada is pretty awesome. But now that summer is here, we hit her up to find out about her off-season plans and to give her a High 5ive!

On growing up in Yellowknife:
1.) Native Studies in school. I thought it was retarded at the time, since we were surrounded by the culture anyways. But the fact that I’ve learned how to smoke fish, make bannock and pick wild cranberries and tan caribou hide is pretty freaking awesome.
2.) So many opportunities for northerners that you wouldn’t be exposed to down south, work-wise, school-wise, etc. If you have the desire to succeed, you really can take advantage.
3.) The Midnight sun in the summer. It being 12:00 a.m. and bright outside is a trip.
4.) Palette parties
5.) Folk on the Rocks (the summer festival) and Caribou Carnival, held out on the ice every year with lots of bingo, bullocks fish and chips and cabane à sucre. And contest such as who can chop wood, get a fire going and boil a pot of tea the fastest.

Best things about Whistler:
1.) Million Dollar Ridge
2.) Rainbow Park
3.) Biking: the trails, bike park, cruising, whatever. So sick.
4.) The people
5.) The proximity to Vancouver Island

Summer plans:
1.) Bike Park
2.) Dust off my pencils and paint brushes and rediscover the artist in me. It’s been a long time
3.) Camp of Champions
4.) Get out of debt
5.) Not work too much
*Seeing as I busted my shoulder a few days ago, numbers 1, 3 and 4 are not looking good but I will REALLY be able to work on numbers 2 and 5. Awesome.

Favourite books:
1.) Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
2.) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
3.) Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
4.) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
5.) The Queen of the Damned. The third book in the Vampire chronicles, famous for it’s first, Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. The Twilight series doesn’t even come close to these books.

Favourite recipes:
My top five list is constantly on rotation. These five are definitely in high demand over the summer months. Fresh and simple, all of these recipes are total comfort food for me.
1.) Pesto on fresh pasta is delicious. Throw in some bocconcini and cherry tomatoes too.
2.) Guacamole
3.) Pizza two ways: (a) Fresh dough: you don’t have to make it; you can usually buy it at the grocery store. My top favourite toppings right now are blue cheese and calabrese with tomato sauce and freestosh basil.
(b) Or, instead of tomato sauce, substitute basil oil and layer grilled vegetables of your choice, goat cheese and drizzle with a balsamic reduction. Bake in the oven at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes.
4.) Chilly Chai: this is a yummy summer drink you can get at Moguls here in Whistler. Here’s my version: In a blender combine ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup concentrated chai tea sweetened with honey or chai syrup, and 1/2 of a frozen banana. That’s it. Love it.
5.) Granola: homemade granola is so much better than store bought. I eat this everyday with yogurt and whatever fresh fruit I have lying around.

Just another day on the job. Brian Hockenstein photo.

Killing time in Kamloops. John Scarth photo.

Molly sends in Sproat, B.C. Julien Salenave photo.

Showing off her Olympic spirit for the women's downhill

Stoked on sketching

Designer Profile: Ming Kao of Nitro

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:05:00 -0400

Now a permanent West Coaster, Ming Kao left her hometown of Burlington, Ontario to snowboard in Whistler as soon as she was done high school. After an 8 month stint she headed back to Ontario to go to university, but the mountains kept calling, so after winning a score of contests she left the east behind to finish school off in Vancouver—taking the winter semester off to shred. Between contests and school she would drop in at her sponsor Option/NFA and give feedback on the women’s outerwear which lead to her designing a few pieces.

The process fascinated Kao and so she started spending more time picking the brains of the design team. All those questions led to a gig, and so Kao, who was still working away on an Economics degree at Simon Fraser, had to make the tough choice to give up snowboarding. She worked her way up from technical designer/assistant to become the women’s designer, and after a few years went on to take on the challenges of freelancing. Her clients included Arson/Orb, Westcomb and Nitro Snowboards who offered her a full time roll.

Now residing in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Kao works from home as Nitro’s Lead Outerwear Designer/Accessories Product Manager, travelling to meetings for design, sales and production, respectively.

What does being Lead Outerwear Designer/Accessories Product Manager entail? “It's hard to put a title on anyone’s ‘job’ who works at Nitro because we operate in really small teams, and everyone wears a lot of hats. My job mainly involves designing the Men's and Women's Nitro Outerwear, and co-designing the L1TA outerwear with the Art Director Mike Dawson. Accessories Product Manager involves managing the production, development and design for T-shirts, hoodies, hats, gloves, and cut n’ sew. I work closely with two rad ladies, Meghan Martens and Allison Wightman and together we make all the softgoods happen. There are a lot of details to take care of whether it be ordering a few thousand yards of fabric or deciding what color zipper tape to use.”

What do you enjoy most about designing Outerwear at Nitro? “I love working with the crew that is a part of the company. Even though I work from home and don't get to go into an office on a daily basis we still talk to each other everyday on Skype. When we do get together for meetings, we get a ton of work done and then after its like hanging out with old friends. Everyone is like-minded and on the same page, plus I can honestly say I have friends and contacts all over the world from working with such an international company. The owners of Nitro really trust us and give us a lot of responsibility for our respective programs. Everyone feels a sense of ownership with the company and cares about the product from start to finish. It is something I have looked for in other jobs but hadn’t found until I started working for Nitro.”

What do you enjoy most about your role as Accessories Product Manager? “This is probably the most challenging aspect of my job because its difficult to switch from designer mode to Manager mode. What I enjoy most is learning about how to time manage and juggle two different jobs. Also I feel like a more well-rounded designer because I have to think about the consequences of production, it makes me a much more efficient designer. For real, I enjoy the challenge!”

What is one of the most vital skills you brought from your past jobs to your current position? “Since I am sort of self taught and have worked my way up to my current position, the experience I have gained in the past eight years has been invaluable. There are so many judgment calls we have to make that affect the company. You learn a certain logic that helps you make a decision that is the best decision at the moment. It's not easy because there is never a ‘right’ way of doing things, but there is always a ‘better’ way.”

You work from home rather than at Nitro’s head office, what’s that like? “It's great because I started out as a freelancer with Nitro and have always had that relationship from working from home with them. I find I am more focused and get way more tasks done in a day then if I was in the office everyday. I have very little distractions and have a pretty good office setup so I love working from home. It wouldn't be possible though without Skype. Everyday I log on and talk to the team and we keep an ongoing group chat window. If there is an issue we all see what is going on.”

How often and where do you travel in a year? “I travel to Germany, two or three times a year and maybe China once a year, and a few times to the States for trade shows. It used to be a lot more but if you manage your timelines properly you can travel less.”

What one person have you learned the most from in your career? “That’s a tough question, but I would say Marion Carter and Mark Steacy (who both worked for NFA), they taught me how to design and gave me my first job.”

What advice would you give to someone wanting to have a similar gig as you? "Work hard and keep an open mind. Being creative doesn't just mean making the most ground breaking designs, it’s being able to take into account all the aspects that the company wants and also taking the design to the next level.”

Heading to the head office in Oberamagau, Germany.

At the distributor sales meeting in Germany.

Taking a break while working from home in Nanaimo.

Get to Know: Pom Pom

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:37:00 -0400

In an industry inundated by products that are completely useless to snowboarding (think pizza rolls and hot dogs), it's nice to see a brand like Pom Pom that actually helps riders get the job done.

Sarah Cameron was working on Magical Go-Go with her husband, Roger, "in the wee hours of the night—or morning—in 2007," when she suddenly came up with the name, logo and concept for Pom Pom. "I had the vision for the brand and together we brought it to life," says Cameron.

Since that morning in 2007, the husband and wife team have grown Pom Pom into a full-fledged wax and accessories brand dedicated to girls. For slow and sticky boards they produced Pocket Rocket (all temperatures) wax that you can whip out of your pocket, rub on, buff and go. Their Wacky Tacky Traction Wax goes on your topsheet, like surfers use, so that you can avoid falling down in the lift line and looking like a total dork. Even more awesome is the yummy scents that the wax comes in like strawberry.

They also locally make a variety of cute and cozy accessories like facemasks, neck tubes and beanies to name a few. The Narf is a wrap around neck warmer lined with fleece that comes in a bunch of different colours and patterns, so that you can "totally change the look of your get-up at a minimum price," says Cameron.

In addition to focusing on the innovation of their products, one of the main goals of the brand was to have an amazing team of lady shreds backing it. Pom Pom enlisted riders as diversely talented as: Marie-France Roy, Raewyn Reid, Desiree Melancon and Sachi Tanaka.

The company also partnered and collaborated on some cool projects this past year. They joined forces with Volcom for their Peanut Butter and Rail Jam tour and did jacket and outerwear collabs with Bonfire. Pom Pom is also involved with the upcoming Peep Show video due out this fall and the Bonfire Pipe to Pipe, a summer time skate and snow event at Windell's Snowboard Camp.

Now that the summer is practically here Cameron is going to slap some Pom Pom Surf Wax on her board and head out to catch some waves, but don't worry that doesn't mean the brand is going on permanent vacation.

Get the full low down on Pom Pom at www.iheartpompom.com.

Pom Pom Head Honcho Sarah Cameron

Pom Pom on the hill.

Travelogue: Esthera Preda

Sun, 16 May 2010 23:53:00 -0400

Esthera Preda is from Quebec's capital, Quebec city, but she has literally been all over the map for the past few months filming for Peep Show's third all-girls film (www.peepshowpresents.blogspot.com). We caught up with Preda who is currently in Alaska to hear about her travels from east to west and south to north.

Name the last 4 places you've been, and why you were there.
1. Salt Lake City. I went there to meet up with Laura Hadar and one of our filmers, Matt Charland. From there we did some filming at Brighton, and in Idaho and Colorado.
2. Minnesota. We (Laura Hadar, June Bhongjan, Desiree Melancon) went there to film and meet up with the Michilots and Christy Chaloux. This was probably one of the most productive trips of the season.
3. Big Bear. That's where most of the Peep Show crew is based. We went there for the Ashbury demo and for Miss Superpark which was held at Snow Summit.
4. Alaska. I'm currently filming in AK with Desiree Melancon, Tarah Michilot and Jonas Michilot.

What is the funniest story from your trip to Salt Lake City?
Our filmer's dream was to go to the Flow Rider indoor surf wave. So Laura (Hadar) took us to Provo to find one. No one had experienced an indoor wave before. It was just the funniest thing to see everyone getting broke off. I know it's just water but it's not okay. It hurts! Everyone was so sore the next day.

Laura Hadar, hey. Sounds like Peep Show has some new riders on the roster.
Yeah and more riders will have full parts which will reflect their riding and personalities. We've also gone on more trips this season.

You said Minnesota was one of the most productive trips of the season. Why?
I just feel like we did a lot. We had to split the crew up, and that's maybe why we got a lot out of it. Also the Michilot brothers, Danimals and Brandon Larson definitely helped us out. They showed us the good spots, helped shovel, pulled the bungee, gave us shelter and so on. Thanks again guys!

What was the highlight of Minnesota?
Hanging out with all of the girls and the Michilot family. I finally got to meet Tarah in person. She's such a different and creative individual. She's also an amazing snowboarder. She definitely has some of the best style out there.

You got to hang out and ride with your buddy June in Minnesota too. What's the best thing about traveling with her?
It's basically like traveling with my sister. June is really calm and patient, so it makes me think twice before making important decisions. She's also a perfectionist. She never does things half way. Our brains are super connected, we're like siamese twins. Sometimes we freak out when we're apart! So yep --the best thing about traveling with June is the chemistry we have together (laughs).

Who killed it at Miss Superpark?
Desiree Melancon, Jess Kimura, Laura Hadar (who almost killed herself), Colleen Quigley, Tarah Michilot, Marie Hucal, Celia Miller. Basically they just rode everyday and every night and hit all of the features. They were there from the first day until the very last day...and god knows the weather sucked at some points that week.

Now you're in Alaska. Is this your first time there?
Yep.

What is it like going to Alaska for the first time? Is it what you expected?
Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted to come here, so for me it's like going to Disneyland for the first time. It's exactly like I thought it was going to be. Strangely, some parts of Anchorage strongly remind me of Quebec.

Is it steep and scary?
The mountains are definitely steep, but we've been mostly hitting rails on this trip. We rode Alyeska once. Tons of fun trannies and the best view ever. Alaska is honestly one of the prettiest places I've visited.

Who is showing you guys around up there?
We're staying with our friend Gus Engle. Gus and his friends are so fun to snowboard with and just hang out with in general. Everything about this trip is just so magical.

What's next after AK?
Home! June and I will be editing for the next few months...trying to create magic. And of course we'll be up at COC (Camp of Champions) and Mt. Hood later this summer.

Peep Show Girls: Esthera Preda and Desiree Melancon.

Alaskan scene.

Taking pictures in tandem.

Taking a time out from destroying rails.

Peep the spray paint signage.

Snack time for Tarah Michilot.

High 5ives with Magalie Dubois

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Hailing from the lovely Laurentians, Magalie Dubois is known for throwing it down in the terrain park, at street spots and definitely on the dance floor. When she’s not globe trotting in search of snow, she's busy attending fashion design school. Magalie’s got a bright future ahead of her but that shouldn’t come as a surprise since her sponsor list includes Nikita, Electric, Axis, Elm, Les Ettes, Celtek, Mont Tremblant, Shred Betties and Rugged Riders. Here's a look at her High 5ives.

Life in the Laurentians:
1. I just love the nature and the space, it's so relaxing
2. I'm not really a city girl
3. Most of my friends live there. My family lives there.
4. Clean water and air
5. No traffic

Things to do at Tremblant:
1. Shred
2. Party
3. Bowling
4. Chill lakeside
5. Work

Favourite Frenchies to ride with:
1. Cathy Walker & Simon
2. Laurie Gauvin
3. Yan Dophin
4. Charles & Simon Reid

Must-attend Quebec snowboard events:
1. Snow Mission
2. Ride Shakedown
3. Billabong Flaunt It
4. Quicksilver Atlas Open
5. Axis slopestyle

Favourite things about fashion school:
1. Being able to exploit my creativity, ohhh boyyyy, there's a whole lot of it in there
2. Learning concrete skills that hopefully I’ll make money with
3. Be able to eventually create my own line from A to Z and make exclusive designs for myself
4. Gives me the chance to be able to work as a freelancer as well in a field that I'm passionate about
5. Gives me a plan B after riding while staying in the snowboard industry or not

Magalie right at home in the Tremblant terrain park

Shining in the Shakedown spotlight

Snow Misson podium

Hanging out with her little nephew

Stoked on making her first pair of pants

Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival/Grenade Games Part II

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:17:00 -0400

It is a rare occasion when the weather forecast takes a turn for the better, but that's what happened on day 4 of Grenade Games. The forecast was calling for clouds, moisture and freezing levels at 1500 meters. Instead the sun came out and leaked through the thin layer of clouds. You know who didn't come out though? Danny Kass, and his quartet of commentators: Darrell "Trini" Trinidad, The Dingo, TM Kevin Casillo and Todd Richards. In truth they did make it out, though hung over and an hour late. Thankfully at the Grenade Games tardiness due to intoxication is not only an acceptable excuse, it is an expected one.

For the first time during Grenade Games VI the ratio of female pros to Monster Energy Girls tipped in favour of the riders on halfpipe day. Dom Vallee and Mercedes Nicoll looked right at home busting the biggest airs on the ladies side of things. The jam style format even brought ex-u-ditch competitor Annie Boulanger out of the backcountry. Also on hand were Japanese transplants Akiko Miwa, Yuki Furihata and Mari Mizukami and a half dozen other ladies. When asked how the day was treating her Mari said, in true Grenade Games form, she was having fun but couldn't wait to get her hands on a Kokanee.

Dom Vallee going big. Scarth photo.

Annie Boulanger getting ready to drop in to the pipe.

Yuki Furihata looking on her way back up to the top of the pipe during the jam session.

Akiko and Mari getting ready to slam back a couple of beers.

Mercedes Nicoll in action. Scarth photo.

Everything from lingerie and bikinis to Sorel boots and outerwear was strut down the runway at the Shick Fashion Exposed fashion show Friday night. Equally as impressive was the clothing worn by many of the guys and girls who attended the show. Snowboard boots and toques had been traded in for Salvatore Ferragamo pumps and Marc Jacobs fedoras. While it wasn't exactly fashion week in New York City, the show was entertaining. Particularly because of the live music from We Are the City and The Zolas.

Sauve dudes at the Schick fashion show.

I suppose you wouldn't need to wear anything under this one piece sleeping bag from Mountain Hardware.

I don't know about you, but I always wear a bathing suit instead of a first layer.

We Are The City and The Zolas rocking out together.

Baby it don't matter if you're black...

...or white.

The Zolas.

Most Radical Dude of the fashion show.

The Grenade Grand Finale Slope Showdown was a spectacle complete with DJ Mat the Alien on the ones and twos, a yellow Chevy Camero à la Fast & Furious up for grabs, and a mostly naked Kael Hill with nothing but a beer can covering his junk . Canadian riders Alex Duckworth, Breanna Strangeland and Molly Milligan, who were much more appropriately clothed, also took to the course in hopes of winning the overall "Raddest Chick" title. After a Grenade Games-esque mission of our own, since the top female was never officially announced during the awards ceremony, we discovered that this year's Raddest Chick was Izzy Lalive of Breckenridge, Colorado.

The Grand Finale Slope course.

Canadian shred taking to the slope course (L:R) Alex Duckworth, Breanna Strangeland and Molly Milligan.

The Grand Finale course after dark.

The perfect way to end an event such as the Grenade Games is of course a metal show. Enter the sounds of Savage Blade and a conference centre full of slighty inebriated snowboarders, Weekend Warriors and everyone in between.

Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival/Grenade Games Part I

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:43:00 -0400

Yes this is the Snowboard Canada Women's site, and no that is not a female pictured below. It's actually the man behind the Grenade Games, Commander Danny Kass. April 20, 2010 a.k.a. 4:20 marked the beginning of the 6th Annual Grenade Games (and the second time it has been held in Whistler). It's an event Commander Kass said is all about "the love of snowboarding and end of season fun."

Commander Kass giving the Grenade Games two thumbs up.

The Games started off with a paintball match between the Grenade guys and the 8 Mile crew of Squamish, BC. Kass said that Grenade destroyed 8 Mile. Judging by the splatter on Eero Nimela's mask and the welts rumoured to be covering his back Kass wasn't just making claims. Although there are a handful of ladies taking part in the Games, none showed up to be fired at. Odd.

Eero Nimela's mask.

Later that night Sushi Village hosted an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink party for the Grenerds. For those looking for a more mellow night it was over to the Telus Ski & Snowboard Festival event of the night, the 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown. Best in Show went to "Panty Bloom," for their tale of how the infamous panty tree (of snow resorts the world over) comes to be. Credit for the film belongs to: Alex Adrian, Joe Gaetani and Chris Zimmerman of Vermont. When asked how they felt about grabbing the $5,000 cash prize Adrian said "It's a shocker. The last time I did something like this was in 6th grade. I'm really stoked." Then Gaetani and Zimmerman piped in saying they planned to spend at least 10% of their winnings at the bar later that night.

Watch "Panty Bloom"

Danny and his lady putting down some Sake Margaritas at the Sushi Village party.

The scene at the 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown.

Panty Bloom's producers (L:R): Joe Gaetani, Alex Adrian and Chris Zimmerman.

The Filmmaker Showdown took place in the Whistler Conference Centre, which also happens to be the home of the "State of the Art" exhibit over the course of the TWSSF. The exhibit includes work from a variety of familiar artists like Ben Tour and Whistler shred Vanessa Stark, as well as pieces from such brands as Endeavor and Westbeach.

Ben Tour x Gordon Nicholas for Color Mag.

Endeavor's collection at the State of the Art Show.

The work of Vanessa Stark, a lover of art and snowboarding equally.

Vancouver's OG brand, Westbeach.

Whistler artist Helen Wojcik's creative display was eye catching.

While Grenade Games partying was already well underway, the riding side of the event kicked off on April 21 with the "Search and Recovery Mission." The Mission was made up of 5 challenges: qualifiers for the dual mogul finals the following day, a snow skate/GT snow racer gap jump, the aptly named "Ollie Over Uranus" high ollie contest, "Huck Your Meat," a spin to win challenge, and an Asteroids arcade game battle. It is our humble opinion that a sixth challenge should have been added to the day's mission. We would have called this challenge "Find Your Friends in the Fog," and it would have entailed locating anyone within a 2 foot radius without suffering from a serious case of vertigo.

This is pretty much all there was to see on Blackcomb during the Search and Recovery mission.

Even through the fog it was apparent that not too many ladies were on hand for the first day of competition. Whistler's own Merceds Nicoll made it out as did Helen Schettini, and Alex Duckworth who took third place in the GT/Snowskate Air.

Mercedes Nicoll showing off her Grenade Games competitor memorabilia.

Legendary snowboarders Jamie Lynn and Brian Iguchi as well as host of other VIPs hit the Asymbol opening later the night. Asymbol is a traveling art show conceptualized by Travis Rice and Mike Parillo. It exhibits the works of internationally-renowned artists with ties to the world of snowboarding such as Jamie Lynn and Tim Zimmerman. Also on display was "I Am Snowboarding," a collection of mixed-media pieces created in memory of pro rider, Jeffy Anderson who passed away 10 years ago.

Two of Jamie Lynn's pieces on display, Including his well-known "Blue Girl."

The Asymbol Opening crowd.

Day 3 of Grenade Games brought competitors back to the old school days of red and blue gates with Dual Slalom Moguls. While most of us do our best to avoid bumps, Grenade's slalomers threw themselves at Davie's Dervish, a course that has been the site of many serious mogul events, including World Cups. Riders risked their knees in hopes of becoming the "Most Radical Dude" of the day. As for the most Radical Dudette of the day, there wasn't one, but there were plenty of dudes who could have passed as dudettes with their long hair and skinny jeans.

Mark Sollors the most Radical Dude of the day.

Brian Bielmann, the winner of the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown Best in Show and People's Choice Awards, blew the minds of everyone in the sold out Whistler Conference Centre Ballroom on Thursday night. Cheers filled the room throughout Bielmann's slideshow. Attendees said they were touched and inspired by everything from the surf culture conveyed through his photos, his 30 plus years worth of work on Hawaii's North Shore, and the support he had from several family members who had made the trip to the mainland solely to attend the show.

Brian Bielmann's website. Worth checking out: www.brianbielmann.com

More from Grenade Games coming soon...

MFR On Her Recent Neck Injury

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:57:00 -0400

Rome team manager John Cavan checks in on Skype with Marie-France Roy to find out about her recent injury, how’s she’s doing, and what’s next for her.

This has been a gnarly year for serious snowboard injuries. Kevin Pearce, Danny Davis, Nick Dirks, LNP, Andreas Wiig, Chris Grenier, and Pat Moore all experienced major injuries, some season-ending and others life-threatening. Earlier this year when I got word that Laurent had broken his back, I got that sickening feeling in the gut and feared about the worst for my friend. The hairy Canadian wonder is ok now, but I got a few more grey hairs.

A couple weeks ago I got another one of those dreaded phone calls. Our favorite female snowboarder Marie-France Roy was seriously injured in a fall in the Whislter backcountry while filming for the new Absinthe film, resulting in a Heli evac and a fractured C2 vertebrate. Marie is one of the happiest, most positive people I know and she has been taking everything in stride with her typical sense of humor, and go-for-it attitude. We’ve spoken several times since the injury and it amazes me how positive she is. We did this little Skype interview the other day while I was in Big Bear so she could tell everyone how she’s doing:

John Cavan: yo hippy

Marie-France Roy: brah

JC: Laurent says hello

MFR: hello!! I miss the sweet Lou

JC: So this will be easy and painless

MFR: doubt it

JC: ha ha ha

MFR: ha

JC: So you had a little bit of a rough one recently in the Whislter Backcountry can you explain what happened?

MFR: Yep. I was up Brandywine with Absinthe. Me and Annie (Boulangier) and our filmer Paul and Chaloux went on a cruise while DCP and Romain built a jump to find stuff to do. We found this ice wall at the blowhole and I tried to wall ride it and the speed didn’t work so we were just gonna leave and then I said I could just drop from the top over a lil cornice and land on the ice wall. I dropped in and it was pow. The take off looked soft but as soon as I got on it, it was rock hard ice. I was already going a bit too fast but that made me go even faster. I went 45 feet down to an ice flat landing.

JC: Fuck, and so what ended up happening to you

MFR: As soon as I took off in the air and looked down, I knew I would most likely break something. If it was pow, I would have tried to land on my back a lil to absorb the impact but I knew if I did that on that ice, I would break my back so I landed on my feet and just crumbled down I think. My head hit the ground at one point. I didn’t pass out but that happened so fast, not sure how I twisted. I slid down a bit further and I could feel my arms and legs, thank God. My arms were really numb and tingly for about 30 seconds. I could hear the others asking if I was okay but I couldn’t breathe right away from the impact. Then I could feel something wrong in my neck. I laid there and breathed for a few minutes and Paul mentioned the heli, I was like, no maybe I’ll be fine to sled down, maybe I should just try to sit up. As soon as I tried I could feel a gnarly pinch in my neck and I just stayed down. They called the heli and it showed up 2 hours later. I was freezing. They brought me to whistler for X-Rays. They didn’t really know and said I needed better scans and an MRI, so they put me in an ambulance around 10 pm and drove me to Vancouver. I did all the scans that night, they said they’d tell me in the morning if I needed surgery. Luckily the next day they announced to me that I fractured my C2 but that it was the best way possible, and it didn’t require surgery. Just a brace for about 6 weeks (not the halo), and about a year to 100 % recovery. I’m SO lucky.

JC: Damn, how scared were you waiting for the heli? Were there all kinds of crazy things going through your head?

MFR: I was pretty relaxed. I knew I need to chill and wait and see and that there was no point of thinking of how bad it could be. Annie (Boulangier) was really nice. She kept me warmed and entertained, ha! It really hurt when the rescue guys put the neck brace on me and moved me in the heli, but I was already trying to stay positive. Just that I could feel my arms and legs was a really good sign for me.

JC: Yeah Annie was awesome she took care of letting us know back in VT and keepin us in the loop, man between you and Laurent you are giving me gray hairs...a back and a neck.....this has been a crazy season. So what's the plan now? What will you be doing for the next few months while you recover?

MFR: It’s been 4 weeks already and I’m super positive and happy. I have such great peeps around me and time flies so quick. I’m not even bored one bit, and I’m not even watching movies and tv shows and reading... I can walk so that’s awesome. I’m at my house on Vancouver Island so I go walk on the beach almost every day. I started picking up plastic trash on the beach and make earrings out of it and will sell them for charity. Since I can’t surf, I started filming my friends in town here. They are trying to get a movie together for the surf shop team. There’s a few chicks here in town that rip at surfing and skating so we’ll probably do a lil chick flick as well. I’m gardening a bit, I want to get chickens! Can anybody help me build a chicken coop? haha!

JC: Awesome, by the way, while we are doing this I'm watching Laurent, Will and Paxson play scrabble.......you can only imagine how high level the word play that is going on here right now

MFR: haha! I’m guessing its pretty poor! I’ve been playing so much scrabble. I got an iPhone so I play "Words with Friends" a lot. Watch out next time! and remember last time you argued with me about one of the rules? I’m pretty sure I was right. Just sayin... ha! The other day I made the word squid for 117 point!

JC: Damn girl.......Laurent is a lot better than you'd think, apparently he played a lot while he was nursing his back.....I don't play Words with Friends, it's cheating and a big time waste...but anytime you’re ready for the real game I'm ready.....just saying HA

MFR: okokok well I’m sure Laurent kills it. I bet Paxson is pretty good too, he seems smart. It’s true that words with friends isn’t as legit as the real game but why don’t you stop hating so much for once? ha!

JC: So next year you can just ask to get out of doing Team Shootout, you don't have to do something so drastic.......I kid I kid, Little Marie [Hucal] killed it for you out here

MFR: I know it was perfect timing!! ha! I’m sure Marie killed it. I miss that lil nugget!

JC: Yeah she is awesome. She rode super strong. Well everyone out here wishes you the best, keep it easy style out there. Heal up strong, and keep working on your scrabble skills......although I wouldn't be able to play you past a third grade level in French HA HA

MFR: Thanks a lot!!! I’ll be back strong on any kind of board, snow or scrabble!! ha! I can’t believe how supportive everyone has been. Thanks for all the flowers, the good vibes and messages, I feel so lucky to have such good friends and people around me. Thanks to Rome for all the presents and treats from the whole staff, 32 sent me flowers as well, so crazy. I love you all and it would have been a lot harder without everybody’s love. Thank you!!! Xoxox bye bye now

JC: Cool I'll talk to you soon my friend

Video: Grenade Games 6 - Day 2: Search and Recovery Mission

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:07:00 -0400

Check out this vid from the shenanigans that went down during the Search and Recovery Mission on Day 2 of Grenade Games 6. Enjoy!

Grenade Games 6 - Day 2 from monster canada on Vimeo.

Last Blast: Spring Guide to Banff's Resorts

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:44:00 -0400

While most of the country has been basking in the sun the last few weeks, getting in a skate session or two, or simply enjoying the kick-off to patio season, every rider who's been around the block a few years knows better: you don't call it over until the last patch of white has met its sun-baked fate.

Isn't spring riding what it's really all about anyway? Gone are the mid-winter days of frigid chairlift rides, ice-crusted runs, and wiggling your toes to check if they're still functioning. Springtime means slushy park laps, dirt gaps, pond skims, goggle tans, and coldies on patios to rehash a day in the sun. With lift passes on the cheap and jump landings like butter, it's the ideal time to sneak in one last kick at tricks you've been working on.

We recently had the chance to drop in on one of world's best places to get your spring shred on — Banff, AB. While the rest of our buddies were dusting off clubs for a chilly round of brown-grass golf, we were smack-dab in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, scoring bluebird days-a-plenty on soft, corn snow. It's here where the only thing better than a sunny session at one of the area's three resorts — Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, or Norquay — is the après-turned-late-night shenanigans going down in the town of Banff.

Before long, it will be too late and you'll be sweating in the heat, dreaming about days of first frosts and film premieres. So don't delay, keep the dream alive a little while longer and chase winter till the bitter end.

Beats bashing a golf ball around brown grass.

LAKE LOUISE

Nowhere else does spring riding get more classic than at Lake Louise. Blue skies, the softest of snow and, get this, as most resorts are letting parks go the way of ancient ruins this late in the game, park staff here were actually ramping their park up for the 1-5-9 contest while we were there. Just ask a local like contest organizer Tim Nelson what makes this place so good in the spring and you're sure to hear it's all about the good-times, end-of-season vibe. Spring here is known just as much for the snowboarding as it is for the festivals and late-season parties.

Bluebird days seem to blend into one another, and with an absolute stellar view of the Bow Valley from the Top of the World six-pack chair and a seemingly endless supply of summit-to-base choices, you'll be hard-pressed to ever leave. Warm up in the morning on lightning-fast fall-line burners on the Frontside or Larch before hitting the alpine bowls off the Summit Platter come afternoon. Once the Backside is warmed up, take a stab at Pika Trees off Paradise Chair for some awesome gladed runs. Lake Louise is known for getting freak late-season dumps, and the best part is that nobody will be around to charge it but you.

Looking over to Larch from the new Ptarmigan Quad.

Lake Louise's Rebeckah Hornung gets a sandwich shot by SBC's Dean Seguin and Jamie "Jimmer" Reekie.

Late-season must: From the Top of the World, take Charlie's Choice around to the base of the Summit Platter for a run of banked hits and high speeds. From there, jump into Playground in the trees to the right for more banks, natural hips and snake runs. From there, mach down Men's Downhill in a race with your buddies all the way to the base area. Total springtime local's choice.

Après: While the Kokanee Kabin is definitely the spot to throw high-fives and get into a few cold lagers at day's end, be sure to hit Temple Lodge on the backside of the resort for a mellow mid-day alternative to the bigger Valley of the Ten Peaks Lodge on the front. There's always a grill firing up meat, plenty of refreshing beverages, and a few neighbourhood Whiskyjack birds to keep things entertaining.

Parties: Spring Music Session with funk rock band Todd Selecks getting underway at 2:30 April 24, 25 at the Kokanee Kabin. Don't miss Lake Louise's season-ending bash, Spring Episode, May 1 and 2, when skiers and snowboarders will face off in events like the Shop Showdown and low-impact, old-dude contest What The Huck!. Off the snow, Calgary-bred Smalltown DJs plus Shout Out Out Out Out and Young Ones will be blowing up the patio at the Kokanee Kabin.

End-of-Season Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Spring Cha-Ching: $75.95 full-day adult ticket, $61.50 half-day ticket. Lake Louise Spring Pass (open to Western Canada residents only) is valid Mar. 14 until closing; $299 adults, $249 mid-week and students.

Doomsday: May 2

Online: skibig3.com
Phone: 1-877-754-7080
Runs: 139+
Rideable Terrain: 4,200 acres
Vertical Drop: 3,250 ft.

Wide-open sunny laps.

SUNSHINE VILLAGE

There's late season, and then there's late season at Sunshine Village. When you think winter's really over, like over in the sense that you're swimming at the lake and any remote thought of snowboarding is but a distant memory, Sunshine pushes on. With a peak elevation of 8,954 ft., it's Canada's highest resort so snow sticks around here for a long time. It's bar-none the best place to get your final fix of snowboarding before it goes kaput! The locals know this, and that's why you'll probably be riding up the chair with some of the most friendly and genuine people you've ever met. Be nice and maybe they will let you in on their stash.

Just when it seems like the sunny days will last forever and the season has run its course, bang—in comes a storm front to bring things back into winter mode. And we're not talking a little April blanket here, it's often a powerhouse well into May that drops enough snow to emasculate the tales of even the most epic mid-winter pow day. Choose wisely and use this time to get into one of Sunshine's trio of controlled freeride zones — Delirium Dive, Silver City and Wild West. Spring usually means a more stable snowpack and, therefore, more likely they will be open to poach.

Stairway to Heaven? Not quite, but close. This set leads into the controlled freeride zone, Delirium Dive.

Sunrise view from the brand-new wing of the Sunshine Mountain Lodge.

Late-season must: From rather humble beginnings, Sunshine has steadily been building up its park program over the past few years into the monster 12-acre beast it is now. With lines of huge tables and a labyrinth of rail options and box layouts, you'll need plenty of time to session everything properly. Good thing they're open until May 24.

Après: The Mad Trapper is the best place to keep on carrying on throughout the spring. If plenty of delicious beer on tap, a rustic wood-beam cabin interior and ample patio space to enjoy the sunis not reason enough, factor in its O.G. cred — this is the original Sunshine lodge from a time when people legitimately earned their turns (read: no chairlifts) and mountain men were truly mountain men (read: beards weren't a fashion statement).

Parties: The final stop of the You Look Good Rider's Cup slopestyle series is coming to Sunshine for the first time on Apr. 24. A month of season-ender events will culminate with the grand-daddy of all spring parties when the 82 Annual (yea, a bit of a legacy) Slush Cup takes place on May 24. It's a day of last-chance riding, live music, and watching brave soldiers hurl themselves into frigid waters. Awesome.

End-of-Season Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Spring Cha-Ching: $76.14 full-day adult ticket. 2010 Spring Pass: $357 adults, $287 Mon-Thurs.

Doomsday: May 2

Online: skibig3.com
Phone: 1-877-754-7080
Runs: 107
Rideable Terrain: 3,358 acres
Vertical Drop: 3,514 ft.

Legit terrain under 10 minutes from Banff.

NORQUAY

Though Norquay closed for the season on Apr. 18, it still deserves a mention here. Simply put, Norquay is the underdog of Banff's trio of resorts. After all, it's far smaller in scale than both Lake Louise and Sunshine and lacks the global appeal and shiny lustre both resorts convey. But there's a reason it's the local's choice. For starters, it's the closest resort to the town of Banff. Out of the house and onto the lift in a matter of minutes is a no-brainer option. It also offers lift tickets by the hour, an attractive hook if you're the type that just wants firm groomers in the morning or soft park laps in the afternoon. Combine all of that with stand-out freestyle features and some of the finest fall-line anywhere, and you'll see why this place is truly underrated.

Online: skibig3.com
Phone: 1-877-754-7080
Runs: 28
Rideable Terrain: 190 acres
Vertical Drop: 1,650 ft.

Up until Apr. 18, Norquay's park was still firing.

A trip to Banff is not complete without running into the obligatory herd of mountain sheep.

Kinky Rail Jam Finals: A Rider's Diary

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:04:00 -0400

Check out this diary entry from Eve Northmore and Richard Roth on the Kinky Rail Jam Finals at Edelweiss Valley, Quebec.

Spring riding in Austria's Zillertal Valley

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:31:00 -0400

While North America is coming out of another late-season dump, spring has definitely sprung itself on the Zillertal Valley in Austria. From our base in Mayrhofen, we rode, bussed and trained to at least six different ski areas — and in typical Alpine fashion, you only need one lift pass to get to any of them.

We stayed at the Hotel Garni Glockenstuehl, a cosy litle place on the edge of Mayrhofen's central village. It wasn't hard to find the popular apres bars — just follow the sound of a techno-remixed oom-pah-pah to find the Speak Easy Arena at the base of the Penhenbahn. For traditional fare, go to Perauer near the base of the Ahornbahn adn know that the bratwurst on the "snack" menu is snack in price only. Mo's is the spot when you need a break from schnitzel and knödel (dumplings). We also managed to ride the Ahornbahn to grab a snack at the Ahornhütte, a mini museum of Olympic and FIS paraphernalia dating back to 1948.

Mayrhofen's mountain motto should be go big or go home. The Penken Peak is home to the Vans Penken Park, one of the biggest collections of table tops and jibs I've ever seen. On the same peak, those who just want speed can try the Harakiri, Austria's steepest piste with an average incline of 78 percent. Mayrhofen's other peak, Ahorn, is best accessed from the village with Austria's biggest gondola, the Ahornbahn, taking as many as 160 skiers and riders up at a time. But don't worry if you're just starting out: Penken and Ahorn, as well as their neighbours Eggalm and Horberg have plenty of easy groomers that made for good spring riding.

We got on the Green Line bus to the Hintertux glacier for some colder conditions, which led to the day's saying being "If this was a powder day...". Hintertux is open year-round and as we were there, they were just building up the summer park. We also took a time out to go see the Ice Palace — a cave filled with naturally created ice columns that was discovered inside the glacier 25 metres deep in 2008. Our guide said it will only probably be open for exploration for another seven years when the glacier's constant motion closes it.

But for the spring skiing, our favourite day was spent on Hochzillertal near the town of Kaltenbach. It was higher than Mayrhofen but lower than Hintertux, making the snow conditions as close to perfect spring riding as we got. No big parks of massive gondolas on this mountain, but with the sunny blue skies and fewer crowds than Hintertux and Penken, it was by far our favourite day on the hills.

A Day Of Splitboarding With Natasza Zurek

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:23:00 -0400

It’s just after 9 a.m. when Natasza Zurek and I arrive at a small turn off on the side of Highway 99 in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, north of Pemberton. We’ve left Whistler/Blackcomb and the valley’s myriad snowmobile accessed backcountry zones behind for the day to search for powder the old fashioned way—with two feet and a heartbeat.

To prepare for the ascent Natasza slides her bindings off the specially mounted plates and breaks her board into two skis. Leaning them on the tailgate of her truck she affixes a set of skins—two board length strips with adhesive on one side and fabric on the other that allows you to glide forward but grips against sliding back. While I fiddle with my binding plates and generally struggle to copy the procedure Natasza points out the ridgeline on the North Arm of Joffre that will be our destination. It looks close enough; we should be up there in no time.

Skinning up.

Although we’re near 1000 metres above sea level a recent rain has created a solid crust. We’re hoping to find fresh snow soon but for now it makes the climb easy going. My natural tendency is to lift my skis like I’m walking but Natasza instructs me to slide my feet to save energy. Once I find a rhythm I’m able to focus more on my surroundings. It’s immediately clear that touring on a splitboard is completely different experience than resort riding or backcountry sledding.

The going is undeniably slow and sweaty but without a mechanical device propelling me uphill it’s close to meditative. A stream babbles between deep fissures in the snow. The squeaking of our bindings blends with the chirped conversation of some hidden birds. Sun streaks through the canopy of needles above. Sweat stings eyes. Lungs burn.

In my state of deep reverie I find myself thinking, ‘Wait, I’m the man. Shouldn’t I be leading this expedition?’ At least I feel like that’s how I’m supposed to think. But as we continue our trek I realize I’m completely comfortable with someone like Natazsa taking charge. After all she’s no ordinary woman. As one of the most iconic female snowboarders she’s represented Canada in the Olympics at Nagano and Salt Lake City. She’s filmed numerous video parts and managed to stay at the top of Burton’s team list for over a decade. And she continues to make her own path, choosing splitboarding as a means to access the backcountry. It’s a decision that’s inline with her personal values but puts her at odds with an industry where careers are sustained by video parts and magazine coverage.

“I like splitboarding because you can really slow down,” says Natazsa as we stop for a drink of water. “With a snowmobile you tend to move around quickly. I like the idea of going slow and appreciating the day and the moments. I also really want to be more conscious about my actions towards the environment. It’s not as easy as it looks though. At first I was thought I could hike up and pinch off a few shots but it’s really hard work. This is my first season so I’m still trying to get into shape and work up my stamina. It’s kind of like a wait and see for me because I haven’t had that much opportunity to shoot yet. But it’s really something that I have to do and at this point I’m just going with what my heart is telling me.”

There’s no doubt her journey will be an uphill battle as will the rest of our day. We’re a little over halfway up and the snow conditions are far from what we had hoped for. Looking at a set of crusted over pillow stacks that would be perfect in good snow is nearly as painful as my burning quads.

Crusty pillows.

Above the pillows we crest onto a plateau and the snow finally begins to improve. The cliff band seen from the road looms in front of us and we switchback through the trees on the left hand side.

First ridgeline.

At the top my heart has barely stopped pounding before Natasza suggest we head one ridge higher. I suppose this is the kind of attitude that got her where she is. Besides the snow looks good and it will add a couple of hundred metres to our run.

Heading for the second ridge.

Standing at our goal we see a massive natural avalanche that has released in the bowl on the opposite side. The scene triggers something in Natasza and after we transform our skis back into proper snowboards she shares the biggest reason she got into splitboarding.

Putting your board back together is as easy as one, two, three.

Working for your runs means you truly savor them. It took us nearly four hours to reach the top but each turn seems a little more memorable. Even though the snow is only knee high the feeling is left etched much deeper in my mind than any 50 centimetre resort day. There’s no sense of urgency to get to a run before anyone else, just the bliss of cutting untracked turns at your leisure.

Back at the bottom we stop for a moment to refill our water bottles in a shallow section of the stream we passed on the way up. As I dip the mouth of my bottle in I’m filled with an exhausted satisfaction followed by a sense of incredible calm. It’s a rare moment to find in an increasingly technological and mechanized world. The stream is laden with tree branches giving the water a slightly bitter but earthy taste. It’s the best water I’ve ever drunk.

Natasza's Splitboarding Tips

Make sure you pack an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Make you’re your buddy is equally equipped. There should be a minimum of two people going out into the backcountry.

Tell someone who will be staying at home, like your mom or a friend (not your dog), where you will be going.

Double check that you’re using the correct skin on the correct ski. I’ve put a skin upside down and had to start all over. The little furries only work in one direction.

Keep your skins as clean as possible from dirt, wax, and snow. Make sure to scrape excess wax off otherwise your skin won't stay on. If that happens you can use ski ties or duct tape. If the skin accidentally falls in the snow scrape the snow off by grazing the sticky side along the edge of one of your skis.

Store your skins by folding each in half, glue side to glue side.

Some skins have the sticky glue along the entire surface of the skin. In that case it is a good idea to use something called skin savers. They help you rip your skins apart much more easily.

Align your skis on your feet with the flat inside edges facing outwards.

Don't lift your skis as you hike. Keep them in contact with the ground and slide your feet forward. You don't want to waste energy by lifting your feet.

If you are coming upon a steeper section of the trail lift up the silver widget underneath your heel called heel risers. They will even out the grade of the slope and make hiking up much more efficient.

Lift up your heel risers without bending down by using the upper hook part of your ski pole handle. You can also use it to bang the heel riser down once you get to mellower terrain.

Don't pee in the skin track. It is unsightly.

Get ready to explore a new world of fun filled adventures!

Designer Profile: Theola Wong

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:59:00 -0400

When she's not lounging around in the hammock in her yard, Theola Wong can be found doing a multitude of other things including; designing, studying, trotting the globe, and being a girlfriend. After graduating in Fashion Design from Blanche Macdonald in Vancouver Wong worked for a handful of snow/skate/surf brands in the area such as Orb/Arson, United Riders and Option/NFA. In more recent years she has done guest design work for The Lifetime Collective and was the Senior Designer for mega brands Reebok and Adidas. We caught up with Wong, currently on business in Asia, to get the run down on being a designer, keeping a balanced life and her upcoming lingerie line.

What is your earliest memory of personal artistic expression?
I’m not sure that I can recall the first end result as an object or item of artistic expression, but I can clearly remember the first time I had a romantic notion about color and space. I was in first grade, standing in a school field where the grass wasn’t as kept as well as it should be, it was yellow, crunchy, and downtrodden by hundreds of small feet. I was watching some boys play soccer in the distance, and I remember seeing their dark heads bob up and down thinking that it looked like an orchestra. Is that normal for a six year old?

If you could wish away a current style trend in snowboarding what would you like to see disappear?
This sounds so ridiculous but allover prints. And the reason it sounds ridiculous is because I could have said the same thing 5 years ago and yet somehow it’s still an issue with assault on the eyes. I feel like we could all collectively as a design community be more clever about use of color and art.

Why did you leave the snowboard world?
I was never as in to snowboarding as I was to skateboarding and surfing, but the product itself is a different area to design as it has to serve a function. That in itself is interesting to me. When you are designing streetwear apparel you have the opportunity to be aggressive in helping people express themselves on a day to day basis, as where in outerwear you have to do just that, but be technical too. I’m not sure that I actually left the snowboard world, because I have since leaving companies that design specifically for the sport, designed a handful of outerwear collections. I somehow keep coming back to it every now and again.

What is your role as a designer?
To create product that is thoughtful, innovative, but yet understandable and saleable. I also think it’s a responsibility to nurture a healthy and thriving creative community where ideas flourish and are supported to come to realization.

Has the role of a designer changed over time?
No, I don’t think so. But I think my personal objective as a designer has changed over time. I used to think it was about just getting your name out there and making rad stuff that everyone loves. While the latter part is true, I also understand now that it’s really more about the team of people that you work with and doesn’t just boil down to a single person.

You live, study and work in Portland. What role does the city play in your life and work?
I was living on the East Coast for a bit after Vancouver, and it was pretty hectic in terms of work pace and life pace which is so awesome but only for a little while. I moved back to the West Coast to be closer to family and friends, two things that are of the utmost importance to me. The Pacific NW in general has such a laid back lifestyle. I still have a chaotic schedule but being able to come home to my incredible boyfriend and comfortable home are the best way to keep grounded. Like right now, I am in Seoul and will be in Tokyo tomorrow, and the first thing I want to do when I get home is crawl in the hammock in the yard with my dude and have some ideas about a dog and then maybe what’s for supper. I like the balance of both of those things, and I am very lucky to have them.

Do your designs tell your story or the story of others around you?
Yes, I like to surround myself with outstanding people and then design things for them. What I mean by outstanding is encompassing of all types of people. Some of the real movers and shakers, some of the savants, and then some of the people who are really good at being quiet, too. I aspire to always make things that are honest, and reflective of the people who are actually in them.

Do you have a defined process that you like to walk through that helps you create?
No it’s different every time depending on what the project is. I feel like you have to be flexible and know that sometimes the best results come from having an open mind. That being said, I think the general rule of thumb is to first gain an understanding of what you are making and why. Who is it for, and what it’s history is, if any at all. Sometimes that information or feeling comes inherently and sometimes you have to dig really deep for it. But however you get there it doesn’t really matter. After that, take a first stab at making it, get it wrong, do it again, and then hopefully comes success!

Do you have a favourite piece or collection that you have done so far?
Every line that I have worked on comes with it’s own set of challenges and varying degrees of reward. My favorites are split between two things. One, being collections I have built that I had absolutely no background or relationship with (like Sport Basketball?) that have allowed me to have a completely objective point of view, and have been received well in the marketplace. This is exciting for me and after those times I feel like I really learned something and have done well with what I had set out to do. The second being things that I have done for my own personal wants and needs, like most recently I have been working a line of lingerie to be branded under my name. The reasons for loving it are obvious.

What advice do you wish someone gave you 10 years ago?
Oh, there is so much advice I wish I could have had, but then maybe if I had it I wouldn’t have listened or it wouldn’t have worked out the way that it has now. Maybe just to stick to my guns and at the end of the day, it’s just a job, however enjoyable. It’s more fulfilling when you are doing the things that feel right.

How would you like your work to grow and change over time?
I hope to keep learning and getting better at my craft. I hope to expand into areas that I haven’t worked on before and just keep moving. One of these days coming up soon, I’ll have an empire.

High 5ives with Raewyn Reid

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

Coming straight out of Calgary, Alberta, Raewyn Reid is a force to be reckoned with. Known for killing it on street features and on the mountain, it's no wonder why her list of sponsors includes DC, Monster, Dragon, Pom Pom Wax and The Source. We recently pulled Raewyn away from the Mountain Lab for a few mintues to give her a High 5ive.

Sights to see in Calgary:
1. Lindsay McHugh playing the mini harmonica
2. Flames Game? Cliche but really fun
3. The Drag Show at Twisted on Sunday night
4. The giant chicken outside of Chicken On The Way
5. The Zoo. I love the Zoo. The Zoo is so fun.

Perks to being on the DC team:
1. Getting to go snowboarding every day
2. Shoes
3. Getting to work with some really awesome people
4. Getting to hang out with Kimmy Fasani and her dog Reese all the time
5. Hanging out and shredding at the Mountain Lab

Songs to shred to:
1. “Grease” - Frankie Valli
2. “The Trooper” - Iron Maiden
3. “Body of Years” - Mother Mother
4. “Cherish” - Madonna
5. “You Make My Dreams” - Hall & Oats

Top 5 role models:
1. Leanne Pelosi: She took me under her wing when I was 14 years old and could hardly even do all of my grabs. She has had my back ever since and is one of my all time favourite human beings.
2. Joanna Majcherkiewicz: Another one of my all time favourite human beings. Joanna rules.. Enough said.
3. Robin Van Gyn: When I was 16, me and Scrobs (Robin) had a little chat and it turned out being one of the most important conversations I have had in my life. She is a pretty wise lady. And really good at snowboarding too.
4. Kimmy Fasani: She is also a really really sick snowboarder and she takes really good care of me when we are on the road. And she has a really cute dog.
5. Oprah: She is a babe!

Plans for the upcoming year:
1. Stay healthy
2. Put out a decent video part
3. Take some good pinhole photos
4. Stay healthy
5. Learn how to hill climb better on my snowmobile

Raewyn busts out a crail

Raewyn rocking out with her cat Yeti

Beating the heat with a bike ride

Killing time at the zoo with the komodo dragon

An Afternoon with Anne-Flore Marxer

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Pro snowboarder Anne-Flore Marxer recently stopped off in Mont Tremblant, Quebec to help judge the Billabong Flaunt It finals. After the awards were handed out, I sat down with her for a few minutes to rack her brain. Here’s what this Swiss Miss had to say about the past, present and future of snowboarding.

Q: How many years have you been snowboarding?
A: For about 12-14 years. I started skiing before I could walk.

Q: How did you first get interested in the sport?
A: For a long time I was skiing with my parents and snowboarding with my friends. As a teen you like to hang out with your friends more and I stuck with snowboarding. All of my family is ski racers so it’s not a surprise that I’m into mountain sports. I’m a rebel. I’m the punk of family so that’s why I snowboard. I never competed. In snowboarding there’s no rules and I can do what I do without racing for a flag.

Q: What was your home mountain growing up?
A: It’s close to Les Portes du Soleil. There was no park but it was fun. We used natural terrain to learn tricks.

Q: What’s the best part of being a pro snowboarder?
A: Traveling and being up in the mountains out of bounds, and riding powder. The freedom and fun. The worst part is airports and laundry.

Q: What are some of the places you’ve visited this winter?
A: In January I went to a NoBoard race in the Kootenays. That’s my favourite place to ride. Then Austria, the best part is the après ski.

Q: What do you like the most about backcountry riding?
A: What I love the most is it’s the opposite of a competition. You have to form a team and it’s an adventure each time. You need to trust the members of your crew. There are lots of risks and danger but there’s no rules and it’s up to you to be as creative as you can and read the terrain. Your memories are created from the moments you share in the mountains.

Q: What are some the changes you’ve seen take place in snowboarding over the years?
A: For me in my small period of time I’ve been snowboarding there have been lots of changes. Most of the time girls weren’t allowed to compete at events like the European Open. Cheryl Mass and I were kicked out [at that event] … but I never gave up. We take the same risks and it costs us the same amount of money to get there ... Now the TTR has equal prize money. Never let someone else bring you down. You can bring change if you’re young and hungry. Now five to six years later, I’m still frustrated and hungry. As I look back thing have changed. You can change things –you just have to be patient.

Q: Where do you hope to go in the future with your snowboarding career?
A: There are still lots of places I want to go and lots of skills I want to improve. I want to go to all the crazy places you never thought to go to. India has some of the biggest mountains in the world and I’ve never seen them. There are so many possibilities.

Q: Name one upcoming female snowboarding you’re stoked on?
A: Sarka Pancochova: she’s definitely the future of female snowboarding. You can tell she loves to ride everything. She’s an all around rider. A lot of my hope is in her.

Q: What advice do you have to offer to today’s snowboarders?
A: Be careful. Take care of your body and know your limits. Listen to your instincts and your body. No one else can do that for you. Also, have fun and go for it. The only limits you have are the ones you set for yourself. And be patient.

Anne-Flore currently rides for Billabong, Oakley, Swatch, Dakine, Neff, Les Ettes and Gummi Love. For more information about her you can visit her website here.

While in Mont Tremblant, Anne-Flored helped judge the Flaunt It finals
and cheer on the riders

Here she hands out prizes to the contest winners

Anne-Flore and I

Megan Ginter wins the 2010 Ride Shakedown at Saint-Sauveur, Jessica Kimura and Marie-Hélène Tremblay tie for first place in the Rail Jam

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

St. Sauveur, QC – Hundreds of spectators gathered at Mont Saint-Sauveur over the weekend to cheer on their favourite riders from the sidelines and grandstands for the 2010 Ride Shakedown.

Friday’s rail jam course was definitely an aesthetic ode to the urban vibe that Shakedown is so well known for. The setup featured a traditional down-flat-down rail on a staircase, and a full cement wall ride built into the side of the elevated deck that was home to a flat rail which also featured a concrete landing. All of which furthered the street feel of the set-up, not to mention raising the risk factor.

Riders had to battle it out in qualifiers and semi-finals, in hopes of landing one of two spots in the finals. That’s right, only the top two male and female riders moved onto the finals. The judges were looking for riders to attack all three of the obstacles in order to move on.

The format allotted each rider two judged runs, with the best trick taking the win. The ladies had trouble with their two runs that actually turned into four or five. Jessica Kimura was unable to find her feet when boardsliding the kink rail and Marie-Hélène Tremblay came up short on the down-flat-down with her attempts to 50-50 the rail. So the judges decided the two girls would share the prize money despite the clear reservations Jessica had over her shared win, due to the fact that she felt it wasn’t right to take a prize with neither girl successfully landing a trick.

“I would have liked it better if we got more than two hits and there should be more people in the finals,” said Jessica. On the men’s side, Forest Bailey claimed the top spot and $5000 for his Frontside Lipslide change-up to Boardslide on the kink rail.

For Saturday’s finals, over 40 snowboarders battled it out during the two and half hour semi-finals and one-hour finals. With the sun shining, everyone was going big in hopes of making it into the 15 man/5 female evening finals and taking home their share of the cash purse.

During the semi-finals, each rider got two judged runs and were required to call out their tricks before dropping in. On the ladies side, both Lynn Neil and Megan Ginter threw down Backside 3’s, while Hana Beaman went for a Backside 540.

The hour-long finals turned into the double cork show for the men. For the ladies, both Alex Duckworth and Lynn Neil put down solid runs. However, in the end, Megan Ginter’s Frontside 720 helped her secure the win. Ginter also claimed the top spot at the Ride Shakedown in Snoqualmie, Washington earlier this winter. For the men, Regina’s own Marc McMorris took the top spot with his Backside 10 Double Cork.

Shakedown 2010 Results:

Friday night Rail Jam

Women's Results - Tie for first place
1. Jessica Kimura, $1,500 (Capita, Union, Coal, Thirty-Two, Celtek, Etnies, Nixon, Electric)
1. Marie-Hélène Tremblay, $1,500 (Capita, Union, Billabong, Von Zipper, Alternative 113, Coal, Etnies)

Men’s Results
1. Forest Bailey, $5000 (Red Bull, 686, Gnu, Drop)

Saturday night Finals

Women's Results
1. Megan Ginter, $5,000, (Ride, Oakley, SPSS, Pow)
2. Lynn Neil, $3,000 (Anakie outerwear, Neiva snowboards, Smith Optics, Wasatch Project)
3. Alex Dukcworth, $2,000 (Omatic, Bench, Oakley, Dakine, Giro, Calex, West 49, RBC Riders)

Men’s Results
1. Marc McMorris, $12,000 (O’Neill, Oakley, The Source, Class 5)
2. Seb Toutant, $3,000 (Ride, O’Neill, Oakley, Red Bull, Universal Boardshop)
3. Eric Willet, $2,000 (Omatic, O’Neill, Vans, Smith, Breckenridge Resort, BOA, Celtek, Meglab Apparel)

Saturday's Finals Winners from left to right: Lynn Neil and Seb Toutant (2nd), Marc McMorris and
Megan Ginter (1st), Alex Duckworth and Eric Willet (3rd).

Ladies 1st place finals winner Megan Ginter

Ladies Rail Jam winners: Jessica Kimura & Marie-Hélène
Tremblay

Roxy Ride Day Photo Gallery

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:31:00 -0400

Roxy rider Robin Van Gyn and a host of coaches came out for Roxy Ride Day to hand out trick tips and encourage riders to have fun and progress their riding in the park. Richard Roth was on hand to snap shots, and you can read about the day in Eve Northmore's Diary here.

Getting set up with a Roxy demo.

Robin and Eve giving tips.

Lining up to session the Dancefloor.

Clare 50/50 grinds.

More 50/50 action.

Tailpress!

Making a plan.

Tailslide time.

Beyond the Dancefloor.

The 50/50 steps up.

Eve, Sarah and Clare.

50/50 over some awesome magazine's logo.

Hands up if you learned something new!

Ending the day with a free snowboard ain't so bad.

Meg and Eve.

Chilled out and stoked for the next park day!

Roxy Ride Day: A Coach's Diary

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:12:00 -0400

For more pics from the Roxy Ride Day, click here.

Utah’s Lynn Neil takes home over $5,000 in the Billabong Flaunt It series finale

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Mont Tremblant, QC: - The fourth annual Billabong Flaunt It series came to close today at Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Girls from Canada, the United States and across the globe came to compete in the seventh and final tour stop in hopes of bringing home their share of the $10,000 prize purse and TTR points. The event kicked off in the Adrenaline terrain park with the slopestyle jam format contest. With sunny skies, the lovely Sabrina Nash and Olivier Jolicoeur on the mic, and the tunes pumping, everyone was having a great time. The setup featured a flat-down box followed by down box and down rail, and two jumps. While most of the girls threw down to 3’s, last year’s champion Molly Milligan came in strong with a backside 540. However, Utah’s Lynn Neil ended up taking the top spot for her Cab 5 Stalefish and Backside 720.

After lunch it was time for part two of the contest: the best trick rail jam. Consisting of a down box and metal down rail, the girls took turns trying to impress the judges. Ontario’s Jenna Blasman consistently rode strong, however in the end Molly came out on top. Thanks to Billabong, Mont Tremblant and pro snowboarder Anne-Flore Marxer for being a guest judge. The Billabong Flaunt It series is sponsored in part by Von Zipper, Dakine, Swatch TTR, Snowboard Canada Women’s Annual and TW Snow Girl.

Slopestyle Results:
1st – Lynn Neil, $5,000 (Anakie outerwear, Neiva snowboards, Smith Optics, Wasatch Project)
2nd – Jenna Blasman, $2,000 (Billabong, Technine, Von Zipper, Sanction)
3rd – Molly Milligan, $1,000 (Sessions, Arbor)
4th – Elin Tortorice, $300 (Ride)
5th – Samm Denena, $150 (Westbeach, Signal, Drop, Kahuna)

Rail Jam Results:
1st – Molly Milligan, $700 (Sessions, Arbor)
2nd & 3rd – Jenna Blasman, $500 (Billabong, Technine, Von Zipper, Sanction)
4th – Samm Denena, $100 (Westbeach, Signal, Drop, Kahuna)
5th – Nicki Selchta, $50 (Salomon)

Dakine Best Trick:
Lynn Neil – Backside 720, $150 (Anakie outerwear, Neiva snowboards, Smith Optics, Wasatch Project)

The girls got up nice and early to register for the contest

Quincy Korte on the flat-down box

Ontario to Tahoe transplant, Natalie Gough

Molly Milligan: the 2009 Flaunt It champ

Ontario's Jenna Blasman

Lynn Neil, the Dakine Best Trick winner

Railjam winners: Jenna Blasman (2nd & 3rd place), Molly Milligan (1st) and Samm Denena (4th)

Slopestyle winners: Jenna Blasman (2nd), Lynn Neil (1st), Molly Milligan (3rd), Elin Tortorice
(4th) and Samm Denena (5th).

Boardsports Against Breast Cancer Silent Auction

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Boardsports Against Breast Cancer silent auction went down last night at the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto. With tons of support from local businesses and industry sponsors, there was something for everyone to bid on. From snowboard outerwear to longboards, yoga classes and a weekend with your very own Mini Cooper, everyone got together to raise money for a great cause. Here are few highlights from the evening.

Auction Item #1: A weekend with your very own Mini Cooper

A Nikita prizepack up for grabs

The event organizers let everyone know about the importance of saving the melons

You Look Good Rider's Cup hits Mount Seymour

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:25:00 -0400

The You Look Good Rider's Cup went down at Mount Seymour on the very first day of spring 2010, and it was spring like up there. The sun was shining, the snow was as slushy as a 7-11 slurpee and the temperature hit 10 degrees.

During practice the ladies were having a tough time carrying speed through to the second of two jumps, but when finals rolled around they were, for the most part, able to send it over the final booter. The park crew at Seymour did an amazing job of keeping the course in good shape all throughout the day, and a long day it was with grom, renegade, amateur and pro categories.

Eight ladies took to the course for the Coors Light Pro finals. All three of the riders who made the podium are Whistler transplants. I wonder what they put in the water up there, or perhaps more appropriately the beer kegs? While the Whistler girls dominated the event, there was also some impressive riding from the likes of Coastal Rider Sara Mikkelson a.k.a. Tall Sara and Brooke Voigt of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Third place went to Tara Hickey originally hailing from Naniamo, BC for her smooth moves and clean landings. Breanna Strangeland formerly of Calgary did a back lip on the Nike 6.0 rail up top and then linked up a pair of 3s to grab second place.

Natsuki Sato who moved to Whistler two years ago from Niigata, Japan took top honors with a nice switch back 5 to crail. This wasn't Sato's first win of the season, but it was definitely her biggest she said. "This was a really fun competition," Sato added, "the weather was good and the jumps were good."

Results:
1. Natsuki Sato $500
2. Breanna Stangeland $300
3. Tara Hickey $200

The top of the course consisted of 3 Nike 6.0 jib options.

The judges vantage point.

Quite the peanut gallery gathered to watch.

Brooke Voigt catechs some spring sun between runs.

2nd place Breanna Stangeland (left) and friend hiking the course.

Peak Season's Stephanie Just in action.

Brooke Voigt with the bs boardslide.

You Look Good Natskui Sato, good enough for first place.

3rd Place Tara Hickey, 1st Place Natsuki Sato, 2nd Place Breanna Stangeland.

Natsuki is all smiles after her biggest win of the season.

Billabong Flaunt It Stops Off at Mt Seymour

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Billabong’s Flaunt It, the all girls snowboard tour had it’s final stop before the tour finale this past weekend at Mt Seymour. Located on the North Shore Mountains of Vancouver, top girls from across BC converged to show their skills and for a shot at the podium. After a lack of snow for most of the season on the North Shore mountains, Mother Nature changed her tune and over one meter of snow dropped into the Mt Seymour terrain park before the contest.

With the park crew working hard all morning to get the course ready, the girls got going on the rail jam to start the day off. The snow definitely didn’t deter the girls from throwing down, as the judges had their work cut out for them to determine the top girls. In the end, it was Molly Milligan who rose the top, with a Front Board down the kink and Backlip on the down bar. Second place went to Claudia Avon and Marie-Andrée Racine came in third.

The afternoon saw continued weather rolling through the park. After a brief break for lunch, the girls were all back up top for the slopestyle contest. Due to some heavy fog, the executive decision was made to turn the slopestyle into a big air event due to lack of visibility. Again, not deterred, the girls came ready to throw down, all knowing that first place brought with it $700, a custom gold Nixon 42-40 watch, and airfare and accommodation to the series finale at Mont Tremblant in two weeks.

Once again, Molly Milligan was not to be denied, as she threw down consistent Cab 5’s over the jump to lock in first place. Not only does she get a paid trip back to the finals, but she also gets a chance to defend her title as last year she won the Flaunt It finales at Mont Tremblant. Asked about going back, Milligan replied, “I’m stoked to be heading back.” Second place went to Claudia Avon, with Taylor Godber bringing home third.

The series finale for Billabong Flaunt It is on March 27 at Mont Tremblant. The first 35 girls to register will have a chance at the $10,000 cash purse at the 3Star TTR event. For more information and registration visit:
http://www.billabong.com/flauntit

Slopestyle Results:
1st Molly Milligan
2nd Claudia Avon
3rd Taylor Godber
4th Marie-Andrée Racine

Rail Jam Results:
1st Molly Milligan
2nd Claudia Avon
3rd Marie-Andrée Racine

Dakine Best Trick:
Claudia Avon

Team meeting

Claudia Avon

Rail Jam winners from left: Marie-Andrée Racine (3rd), Molly Milligan (1st) and Claudia Avon (2nd)

Slopestyle/Big Air winners from left: Marie-Andrée Racine (4th), Taylor Godber (3rd), Molly Milligan (1st) and
Claudia Avon (2nd)

Five Days: Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Everywhere In Between (Part 3)

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:14:00 -0500

Now, Revelstoke being known for good sledding terrain, our good friends refused to let us leave without getting a sled day in. Easier said than done though. We were a crew without sleds and no experience, but the boys were determined to get us all up. One sled rental for two girls, and the rest being doubled up with our most helpful hosts, we somehow got it together and embarked what was sure to be a sweet adventure.

Nat Gough and Alex Duckworth-testing the beacons. Photo by Devon Gamble

Nat and Breanna, after a successful climb up the mountain. Photo by Devon Gamble

As it turns out, it was myself and Breanna on the rental, which just so happens to be the tippiest sled ever built. While we were mocked for tipping it twice on the trail up the mountain, it wasn't until the boys tested it out themselves that they discovered what we had been saying all along. Thankfully, they tipped it as well, which ended all the heckling.

Alex Duckworth, shootin in the chute. Photo by Devon Gamble

Nat Gough's pillow line. Photo by Devon Gamble

And the starfish explosion from the "pillow" that ended up being an uphill deck. Photo by Devon Gamble

Breanna sendin' the waterfall drop. Photo by Devon Gamble

Nat Gough, getting some air time. Photo by Devon Gamble

Going along with the theme of our trip, that being clouds, fog and low visibility, we still managed to have a great time. The slednecks, on the other hand, were not too impressed with the clouds and were forced to hang out in the cabin. We on the other hand, had a great time, sending 4 riders down at a time, while 4 of us drove down the sleds. Riding or driving the sled down, either way it was a win win situation. Ear to ear smiles all day, we are thankful for our Revelstoke friends who were determined to show us a good sled day.

Sledneck party in the cabin. We were definitely the odd ones with snowboard gear.

Alex Duckworth, workin it!

Nat and Alex, doing the switcheroo: One goes boardin, one drives the sled. Fun times either way!

Group pic. The girls with our heroes!

Nat and Bre, a romantic break to take in the sights.

Billabong Flaunt It's Sunday Funday at Sierra

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Billabong returned once again to Sierra-at-Tahoe for the fifth stop on the Flaunt It Slopestyle & Rail Jam snowboard series. With a $2,000 purse, valuable TTR points, a trip to the Flaunt It finals at Mont Tremblant and tons of product on the line, female riders came out from all over the globe – New Zealand, Norway, Utah, Colorado, New Hampshire, even Canada, eh.

     The day kicked off with epic sunny Sierra conditions on the perfect Lower Bashful slopestyle course. The jam format allowed the girls to log at least five or six runs so they could have fun and get pumped without the pressure, upping the ante with each new trick.

     Tahoe locals were ripping but it was Utah’s Wasatch Project shredder Lynn Neil whose stylish runs including a huge Cab 5 to Backside 7 scored her first place, a fistful of cash, tons of Billabong and Dakine product, and the coveted Nixon gold 42-20 watch. Fellow Wasatch Project crew Jessika Jenson took home the Dakine Best Trick for a Nollie Front Cork 720, and Tahoe shredder Nicki Slechta dominated the rail jam clinching first with her Front Board 270 out.

     Flaunt It heads back up north of the border to Mount Seymour in BC this weekend and the series wraps up in Mont Tremblant on March 27th. With a cash purse of $10,000 up for grabs, riders better sign up now!

Sierra-at-Tahoe Results:

Slopestyle
1st - Lynn Neil
2nd - Nicki Slechta
3rd - Jessika Jenson
4th - Kumara Kelley

Rail Jam
1st - Nicki Slechta with a Front Board 270 out
2nd - Erika Vikander with a 270 on and off
3rd - Lynn Neil with a Front Lip 270 out

Dakine Best Trick
Jessika Jenson for a Nollie Front Cork 720

Sierra shred sisters enjoying the sun

The girlrs strut their stuff during the morning slopestyle jam session

Slopestyle winners: Kumara Kelley (4th), Nicki Slechta (2nd), Lynn Neil (1st) and Jessika Jenson (3rd)

Rail jam winners: Erika Vikander (2nd), Nicki Slechta (1st) and Lynn Neil (3rd). Photo: Megan Villa

Travelogue: Leanne Pelosi

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0500

Between filming for Standard, fulfilling sponsorship obligations, coaching for MGT and High Cascade Snowboard camps, and hitting a few contests along the way Leanne Pelosi logs more air miles than the average Canadian family. Come to think of it she probably has pretty solid mileage on her car, truck and sled too, which is why we caught up with her (yeah we don't know how we did it either) for the first installment of the "Travelogue."

Name the last four places you've been to and why you were there.
Nelson, BC—filming at Baldface
Aspen, CO—Winter X Games
Whistler, BC—filming
Vancouver/Whistler, BC—Olympics

What was the highlight of your Baldface trip?
Kimmy (Fasani), Hana (Beaman), and I were filming for Standard. We met the Hick's brothers, a local shred posse out of Slocan. They were really cool and took us to their spots, and let us hit their jumps. The weather was pretty bad, just low cloud and grey, so we couldn't film much, but we had a really fun time. It was a good start to the season to get our powder legs on and huck our meat on some fun jumps.

How did the X Games go for you?
I bruised my heel, that was lame! I'm lucky though, because my friend Vicki works for Sole and I got hooked up with some foam footbeds. I wear two thick foam footbeds and a gel heel cup now. I'll pretty much have a pillow under my foot for the rest of the season. Check them out www.yoursole.com.

What was the worst thing that happened on your travels?
We had the worst luck ever with sleds! First, Standard Films' director, Travis Robb's sled broke down, and he had to get it helied out. It costs like 1,000 bucks. Then Ryan Tiene's suspension blew. Then, Hana's sled broke down in the middle of Brandywine right near Grizzly Lake. Normally if your sled breaks down out there you can get it helied out directly to No Limits, the shop in Squamish, but because of the Olympics it was a no fly zone. It was a long double back, the legs were burning! We doubled from Brandywine to Seagrams and out. It took two weeks to get the sled helied out! Thank goodness she was on another trip in Turkey while this was going on. The following week, I went out with Kimmy and I could smell something kind of weird like her brake was on or seized or something. She said all of a sudden this bright light like a flashlight blasted her in the face and her sled burnt to the ground. Luckily we weren't that far from the parking lot, so we went back to the truck and got a toboggan, and we scooped whatever was left of her sled onto the toboggan. It was such a mess.

But you got some good shots and it was all worth it right?
Actually the weather was quite variable. It's kind of depressing how hard we tried in Whistler. It was always something; sled situation, almost bangers, avy's, etc. One day we were out shooting with Crispin Cannon, and he was checking out a jump landing for us. The whole face looked like an egg cracking, two feet deep. Luckily he didn't get caught in it, he hopped off his sled and the stuff that cracked above him stopped. An hour later, we saw Jake Koia from the Sandbox crew do the sickest cab 10, and get buried to his neck in the landing.

Okay, let's leave the sketchy stuff for a minute now. Did you have a good time during the Olympics?
Yeah my friend Helen got second in the bobsled. It was pretty cool, she actually got a track record but the score is based on four runs and is cumulative, so that's why she ended up second even with the fastest time on the track. I met up with her before the event, and she took me on a tour up at the track. Her parents got me tickets for the final day, so me and a bunch of friends from high school went and cheered her on. We all went to the awards ceremony too. It was pretty crazy hanging out with her in Whistler after that. We'd got to a bar, and she'd get mobbed from paparazzi or fans.

What's your best memory from the last few trips?
We ended up playing hockey in the street in Vancouver's Yaletown during the Olympics, the day Canada won the men's hockey gold medal! Some guy just handed me a stick and we played in the middle of the street. It was classic Canadian style.

What's the funniest story from your travels?
Well this is all hearsay, but it's pretty funny. Jeff [Leanne's boyfriend] was with Christy Chaloux [Transworld photographer] during the Olympics, and she kept telling him that she needed to get gas. He felt that she wanted him to ask why, so finally he did. She told him she wanted gas "because there's a terrorist alert up here for Americans during the games."

So she wanted to make sure she had a full tank in case she needed to make a quick escape?
Hahahaha! Yeah.

What's up next for you?
I'm going to Alaska with Kimmy and Hana. Hana went with Nixon once, but it's going to be my first time. We're supposed to go mid-April, so I hope we can get some good weather and an amazing experience.

Are you nervous?
We're going with Chris Ondo who has filmed for seven years up there with Standard. He's shown us photos of some lines he wants us to do—2,000 vertical foot lines!!! Yikes, we will see!

Leanne sledding in the Whistler backcountry. One of the few bluebird days.

I think those are my tracks!

Leanne and Kimmy getting into the Olympic spirit.

Leanne and friends cheering on their friend and bobsled silver medalist Helen Upperton.

Leanne and Kimmy up at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

Leanne and friends getting a taste of what it's like to be an Olympic medalist.

Five Days: Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Everywhere In Between (Part 2)

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:09:00 -0500

Another game of "luggage tetris" in the Trail Blazer and a mandatory Tim Horton's stop, we were off to Revelstoke, BC. With big shoes to fill after our first stop, we weren't sure what to expect from this highly talked about resort, that being Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR). Sure enough, all the good press and reviews are well warranted. RMR having North America's highest lift-serviced vertical at 1,713m (5,620 ft), it is also known for epic cat, heli and backcountry skiing, all from one village base. Our playground was awaiting us, and we were ready!

Plagued with some more low visibility, it was time to get creative...

Welcome to Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Deep in the powder.

Nat Gough, scopin' out what we called, "the birth canal."

Alex Duckworth. Photo by Devon Gamble

Nat Gough in the Reve trees. Photo by Devon Gamble

Alex Duckworth: Drop it like it's hot. Photo by Devon Gamble

Nat Gough, droppin' in.

Nat Gough in deep. Photo by Devon Gamble

Between the knee-deep powder and the assortment of chutes and cliffs, we knew that our two days was not going to be enough time and are planning a very necessary return visit.

Now what could make any day better than having a superb set up for lodging. Adjacent to the gondola, you will find yourself in one of the nicest hotels, that being Nelsen Lodge. Panoramic views of the mountain from our suite, combined with all the amenities you could ever need (including a washer and dryer to de-stink all our shred gear), we were more than impressed with our accommodations.

Welcome to Nelsen Lodge.

The cozy lobby.

View from our window–gondola directly outside our doorstep.

Breanna, baffled with our 5-star suite—Granite, leather and stainless steel—definitely a step-up from the average snowboarder's quarters.

Two thumbs up!

Our humble abode.

Many thank yous to Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Nelsen Lodge for going above and beyond our expectations.

Be sure check back Thursday for the final installment of Nat, Breanna and Alex's adventure in the Interior!

Industry Insider: Kristy Pakstas

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:15:00 -0500

Raised in Collingwood, Ontario, Kristy Pakstas got her first taste of working in the industry by hanging out at events and doing the odd gig. After college she worked for a snowboard agency and eventually became a subrep for Burton, Gravis, Analog and Rip Curl. After five years, and burnt out on the industry, she decided to take some time off. “It was really fun but also really hard growing up in the industry as a young woman—you have to deal with some pretty big egos.” So she headed as far away from the Ontario scene as she could physically get in Canada—Squamish, BC.

After laying low in Squamish, she took a buying position at Comor and Pacific Boarder in Vancouver. She says of buying, “it was really fun being on the other side of things for a change, seeing what other companies were doing and the innovation in all areas of action sports, not just snowboarding.”

Almost a year into her gig at Comor/Pacific Boarder, Pakstas found herself missing the involvement that came with being a rep and so went to subrep for Hurley’s Amy Earle for Western Canada. And what made her return to repping? “I really felt like I had matured and was ready for the responsibility and freedom that I wanted in my life.” Two years later, Earle went on to another job at Hurley and Pakstas found herself starting her own agency—Afternoon Agency.

The transition wasn’t the easiest at times.“I had the Hurley men’s line for Western Canada and Sabrina Simituk had the women’s. We decided to partner up and share office and showroom space and some expenses—if we had not done that I think it would have been a very rocky first year. It costs a lot more than you think to run your own agency and you have to keep in mind you will not get paid until the product you are selling ships—some companies only pay you when they get paid from the customers—and that’s usually not for three or four months!”

Now Pakstas handles both the men’s, women’s and accessories lines for the whole of Western Canada, sharing duties with her fiancée Bryn Lake from their base in Squamish, as well as help from two other employees. Pakstas handles everything from showing the line at tradeshows and working with the store buyers to heavy duty paperwork like order processing to working with Hurley’s designers in developing product and marketing materials. Most importantly it’s her accounts and the people at Hurley that make her job satisfying (not the paperwork). “The people I get to see and meet are the reason I do this job.”

We spoke to her about the ins and outs of being a woman working in this industry, what it’s like being your own boss and what she finds most challenging about her job:

What made you want to stay working in the snowboard and action sports industry? “I liked action sports because of the people you hang out with are interesting and all come from different walks of life, and most of them are personable and nice. It’s a laidback industry, even though now its more business oriented. The era of the bro-bra reps is sort of over, buyers and stores don’t buy from rep a just because they like them like in the old days.”

What are some of the most vital skills you learned for being your own boss? “Definitely being organized, I am naturally not the most organized, I have ADD, and I find it hard to focus for long periods of time, for a while I thought it was best to be a multi-tasker and do six things at once, but I learned to do one at a time and concentrate on that one task, to put it to bed before moving on to the next one. Also, writing everything down, you hear so much info all day, little things come up for you to do while in a conversation, but once you move on to the next topic it is so easy to forget so I write it down or use a voice recorder on my phone. Managing money is key. You can’t spend paychecks down to the last penny especially when have employees whose livelihood you’re responsible for, make sure you have a cushion saved up.”

What do you like about being your own boss? “The flexibility for sure, having Bryn as a partner we can trade off so he can work the morning and I can work the afternoon, or if I feel like working five hours at night, I can do that and spend the next morning doing something else. And it’s nice to be able to prioritize my time myself, it’s something I had to learn, to manage your own time or else all your work it piles up.”

What do you like about working with Hurley? “It’s a small enough company that I know almost everyone’s names. And it’s exciting to be included in the design process—at Hurley you get your hands into everything, and you have to do everything yourself. Bob Hurley really believes in his company and it is really inspiring to hear him talk about his company. It’s awesome they are involved in the US Open surf event in Huntington Beach. Going to that, you see the mantras drilled into us come to fruition with the kids who are living that life. It’s exciting to see kids at the US Open get excited about the clothes, since you see buyers and industry people all time you don’t get to see the kids who buy it.

What is challenging about your job? “People who still work bro bra and don’t take their business seriously, they still buy stuff because the guy throws parties and gives them free stuff. That is a bit of a challenge since we live in Squamish and have a huge territory. Due to the sheer number of accounts I have it can feel challenging to feel like I have personal relationships with all my clients. And just trying to work past that in such a male dominated industry. Also, trying to stay motivated during the numbers part of the job, the reports, and to stick with it rather than putting it off.”

How often do you travel? “I go to sales meeting four times a year private line showings four times a year. May through June, I go for a three-week long road trip to see my accounts. This year I really want to get to all the accounts I haven’t been able to get to, those outside of the major city centres, this one will be more about scoping stores out, finding new accounts, putting up POP and getting to know our territory a bit more. It’s cool to meet the people who work in stores, so you can get more of a visual of who you’re talking to later at home. We also go to four tradeshows a year as well, and sometimes we go to the ones in the States, each of us from Afternoon Agency trade off and go to different shows.”

What advice would you give to girls looking for a similar gig to yours? “I did a lot of work. At the beginning when you’re just subrepping you are on call 24/7, it’s a lot of work for very little pay. It’s not glamourous, so be prepared for that. Hone the skills you have. If you are personable tap into that and get out there and talk to as many people as you can. Keep a good head on your shoulders and don’t get caught up in the glitzy side of it. A very small percentage of working this industry is partying at tradeshows. Accounts don’t appreciate you coming in hung over. The industry is small and everyone talks and your reputation is the only thing you have. Not everyone will like you, no matter what you do, so be prepared for that. Sometimes you have to be a bitch.”

Sometimes when you're your own boss, you can sleep in.

Other times, you have to work—even when you're on vacation in Cuba.

Women learn to shred at All Aboard's Glen Eden stop

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:23:00 -0500

On Saturday March 6, about sixty women came together with the help of Burton and Glen Eden in Milton, Ontario to learn how to snowboard. Glen Eden was the last stop in a North American tour where free lift tickets, lessons and rentals were offered by Burton on their All Aboard Tour, which the company organized to help get women out on the slopes. So that ladies would have no excuses as to why they couldn't go, food and transport were also taken care of as buses picked up participants at Off the Wall stores in Hamilton and London.

The day started out with a bonus—sunny weather, and once everyone was set up with gear, Hillary from Toronto’s Bikram Yoga Centre got them all loosened up with some snow-ga. Then riders of many generations, including women into their forties, took to the hill with Glen Eden instructors to learn the basics. A Burton Women’s Learn to Ride hill, Glen Eden sets up ladies with women-specific rental equipment for better performance and comfort.

Breaking for lunch, riders were treated to a bbq and chatted about what they had learned and their progress, most agreed they didn’t expect learning to snowboard to be so easy. After brownies and posing for a group shot, some headed back to the bunny hill to work on their turns, while others tried out more challenging terrain with the encouragement of their instructors.

At the end of the day everyone was treated to pizza, cupcakes and a huge raffle of Burton gear, Off the Wall gift certificates and passes to the Bikram Yoga Centre. Two lucky gals won Burton boards and bindings for their next on-hill adventure. However, none left empty handed, with gift bags as goodbyes and some new snowboarding skills.

Snow-ga with Hillary.

Stretching out those muscles before they get a workout on the hill.

Getting some sun and taking a break for lunch.

The Burton chefs flipping some patties.

The ladies and their instructors pose for a group shot.

Hillary and Clarissa from Burton hamming it up with some cold cuts.

Getting ready for pizza at the afterparty.

All smiles after a day of learning to ride.

The winner of a Burton board and bindings hugs/picks up Burton team member and ladies' favourite, Evan.

Everyone left with a gift bag filled with Burton goodies.

Five Days: Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Everywhere In Between

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:45:00 -0500

With so many winter seasons being consumed by competing, it can be difficult to branch out of the contest circuit to experience some of the amazing resorts Canada has to offer.

Meeting up with fellow boarders Breanna Stangeland and Alex Duckworth at the Burton Canadian Open, we knew we had a five-day window to make something happen.

After we got in touch with a photographer and packed up the vehicles, we were on a road trip heading west from Calgary, making sure we delivered Alex, our women's halfpipe alternate and forerunner, in time for the Olympic games.

Glimpse of the Canadian Open.

Our game of Tetris.

Breakfast of champions...cereal and toast!

Our first stop, the "Champagne powder capital of Canada"—Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, just on the outskirts of Golden, BC.
With over 2,750 skiable acres of terrain, 70 inbound chutes, and an average snowfall of 700 cm, Kicking Horse was sure to be a memorable stop!
Having our own guide, Chuck a.k.a. The Man, was key in our successes that day, and we owe many thank yous to him and the resort for making that happen. While the visibility was low, holding us back from being able to experience Terminator Ridge, Chuck still managed to guide us to some epic zones.

Our guide Chuck, giving us the low-down on the vast terrain.

Nat Gough scoping first lines. Photo Devon Gamble

Lights, camera, action!

Alex Duckworth, tree jibbin'.

Breanna Stangeland. Photo Devon Gamble

Nat Gough deep in the Kicking Horse pow. Photo Devon Gamble

Nat Gough slashes in Kicking Horse. Photo Devon Gamble

Nat Gough steep and deep in Kicking Horse. Photo Devon Gamble

Mustache party. Photo Devon Gamble

Welcome to the Red Bull Big Mountain Centre.

Breanna, rather excited for some avalanche 101 (that, and the Red Bull perhaps!).

A 190cm board?! No way would you be sinking in powder with that!

Chuck and Alex, having words in the Mountain Centre.

Special thanks again to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Big Mountain Centre and our awesome guide Chuck for making our first experience at the resort one to remember!

Be sure check back Monday for part two in Nat, Breanna and Alex's adventure in the Interior!

Nor’easter can’t keep the ladies from Flaunting It!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:56:00 -0500

Despite a wicked nor’easter storm that tore through New England and left most of New Hampshire without power, the east coasts best female shredders made it out for the fourth stop on the Billabong Flaunt It Slopestyle & Rail Jam at Waterville Valley resort.

While it was dumping for most of the morning slopestyle jam and the visibility was less than ideal, the girls stepped up and went all out on the Exhibition Terrain Park stomping some smooth frontside 360 melon, backside 360 tailgrabs and switch backside 180’s.

But it was WV’s Academy rider Taylor Owen who ruled the day. Taylor took home $950 in cash, a ton of Billabong and Dakine product, the Nixon gold 42-50 watch and a trip to the Flaunt It finals at Mt Tremblant!

Next weekend the tour is headed to Sierra-at-Tahoe, and registration has already sold out. But if you’re around, come by the Lower Bashful park and meet the girls!

Check out a video and photos from Waterville Valley right here

Slopestyle Results:
1st Taylor Owen
2nd Mary Rand
3rd Olivia Wiggins
4th Amber Marsh

Rail Jam Results:
1st Taylor Owen
2nd Mary Rand
3rd India Stephenson

Dakine Best Trick:
India Stephenson with a BS 180 halfcab off

Stand out rider of the day:
Michaela Aaronson

Spectators gather around to see who will take the top spot

Slopestyle Winners from left: Amber Marsh (4th), Mary Rand (2nd), Taylor Owen (1st), & Olivia Wiggins (3rd)

Rail Jam Winners from left: Mary Rand (2nd), Taylor Owen (1st), &
India Stephenson (3rd)

Olympic Insanity: Photo Diary (part 2)

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:11:00 -0500

The 2010 Winter Olympics completely took over the city of Vancouver over the last two weeks. Mobs of people dressed in red and white could be found everywhere from downtown to Cypress Mountain, Lonsdale Quay and Kitsalano. Anyone who expected to carry on with their normal life was sucked into the madness. If you can't beat them, join them. Residents and visitors alike stood in 7 hour Canadian Mint line ups to look at quarters, watched megatrons in the
middle of Robson Square and sported HBC mittens for 16 days straight. Here, part two in a photo diary of the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Since Cypress has been closed for Olympic events, and Grouse has been busy hosting major media like NBC, Nike 6.0 wanted to do something for local riders. Nike built the Greatest Hits Park up at Mount Seymour which consists of famous rails, like the Vermont Double Set and the Red Ledge, that shredders voted on. Then 6.0 built replicas right in Seymour's Northlands park. Reports from riders like Spencer O'Brien have been nothing but great.

Nike Snowboarding put on two events during the games at the Boardroom snowboard shop. The Aries 2010 Timecapsule will house snowboard relics in Xenon gas like the Shannon Dunn pro model board...

...and the Boozy the Clown costume from the infamous "Whiskey" snowboard videos of the 90's. Attendees of the two events were able to check out the historic items before they were placed into the capsule.

This is the Russian Tall Ship called the "Kruzenshtern." It is one of the tallest sailing ships in the world and has been moored next to Lonsdale Quay. The ship was sailed to Vancouver for the Olympics and will return to Russia after the Closing Ceremony. In all the ship will be out at sea for 6 months straight.

The world's most patriotic seabus captain. This little vessel sails from the North Shore to downtown Vancouver.

By far the most crowded street in Vancouver has been Granville.

This is a British street performer on a unicycle in, yes, a speedo.

Granville Street's Lantern Forest.

A Capoiera performance right in the middle of the street.

This is the Athlete's Village near Granville Island on the west side of the city. Canada's athlete quarters are proudly draped in the biggest Canadian flag ever.

This is the first time I've ever seen a sunglass stand in this city, which is often called Raincouver located on the Wet Coast.

The Molson Canadian Hockey House. Guess what can be found there? Canadian Hockey fans by the hundreds.

The aforementioned 7 hour long line to get into the Canadian Mint to look at....coins.

Game On!

Even the window dressings at Holt Renfrew were putting out the Olympic vibe.

High 5ives! with Jennifer Cunningham

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Originally hailing from the Montreal, Quebec, 686’s Jenn Cunningham left the cold Canadian winters behind and headed south to sunny California. For the better part of seven years, she has worked in house at Westlife Distribution. As the Canadian Sales Manager for 686, her job tasks include working with sales reps and shops, attending events and forecasting trends. We caught up with Jenn to find out what working on the sales side of the snowboard industry is really like.

On working for 686:
1) The number one best thing about working at 686 are the amazing people I have the privilege of working with on a daily basis.
2) This sort of goes back to my first point but we truly are a family at 686 and it is rare nowadays to have that in a company of our stature.
3) The awesome outerwear perks. I always look stylish when I am in cold weather.
4) Working for a company that has a smaller employee base has allowed me the privilege of learning a lot of work tasks outside of just my sales background (i.e. designing, merchandising, photoshoot set ups, etc).
5) Working at 686 has allowed me to travel all over Canada, which has been enriching not only for work purposes but also for myself.

Top Canadian shops:
Naming my top five retail shops is a difficult one for me. I have been working with all of my accounts for over seven years now and they all are special to me. Every 686 dealer is a partner of ours and we would not be where we are today without them.

Tips for working in sales:
1) You have to have a positive attitude and reflect that onto your sales reps.
2) You need to be dedicated and committed to your shops, your reps, and the product you sell.
3) You need to be patient and levelheaded.
4) You need tough skin when difficult situations arise (i.e. feisty shop owners)
5) You need to be independent, self-sufficient, and organized.

Interesting rep stories:
1) Chris Leigh, my amazing West Coast rep, showed up at one of our sales meetings missing his two front teeth. A couple days before the meeting, he got whacked in the choppers with a hockey puck. Moral of the story? Always wear a face guard!
2) Eric Motard, my awesome Quebec/Maritimes rep was once proud owner of the title “Mr. Quebec” a famous bodybuilding award he acquired in his pink Speedo!
3) Bill Moffat, my fantastic Ontario/Manitoba rep, set up a showroom in an old Dollar Store location three years ago to show the line. To save a bit of cash, we all slept in tents in the freezing cold store since the heater did not function. That was definitely an experience!
4) My dedication runs high for my boys. To prove it I once got up at 3 a.m. to drive our full colourway set from Quebec to Ontario (8 hour drive) in an enormous white truck in icy and snowy weather so that Bill could show the line. I then got back into the scary truck a couple of days later and drove all night back to Montreal to deliver the sample set to Eric’s showroom, arriving at 1 a.m. so that he could show the line the next morning. Let me tell you, I will never do that trip again but it was a special circumstance and it was all worth it in the end!

Favourite California hot spots:
1) Vanilla, Santa Monica: amazing cupcake bakery
2) Boss, Los Angeles: incredible sushi and great, friendly atmosphere
3) Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica: I love grabbing a coffee, taking in the rays, and walking down the cobble stone road while shopping at some of my favourite stores.
4) Farmers Market: There are so many farmers markets in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. It is a great way to get fresh products, try local specialties, get some fresh air, and support homegrown produce.
5) The Beaches: I would be crazy not to mention the beautiful California beaches. Where else can you drive five minutes down the road to the ocean and sand? Love it!

Jenn enjoying the snow back home

After a long day at work Jenn enjoys a nice BBQ dinner

Peep Show Webisode 2

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:04:00 -0500

Take a look at the antics the Peep Show crew have been up to over the last month or so.

Olympic Insanity: Photo Diary (part 1)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:25:00 -0500

The 2010 Winter Olympics completely took over the city of Vancouver over the last two weeks. Mobs of people dressed in red and white could be found everywhere from downtown to Cypress Mountain, Lonsdale Quay and Kitsalano. Anyone who expected to carry on with their normal life was sucked into the madness. If you can't beat them, join them. Residents and visitors alike stood in 7 hour Canadian Mint line ups to look at quarters, watched megatrons in the
middle of Robson Square and sported HBC mittens for 16 days straight. Here, part one in a photo diary of the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

The Olympic Cauldron burning bright near Canada Place and the Burrard Inlet. At any given time of the day Vancouverites and visitors could be found getting their photo taken in front of the gigantic flames. There were also volunteers sitting in huge lifeguard chairs directing people from Watefront Centre to the Cauldron over megaphones.

Despite all the flack Cypress got for the bad weather, the venue looked amazing. Murals from artists like Ben Tour (Lifetime Collective) lined the walkways, and the volunteers were extremely kind. There was a 200-stair climb to get into the stands though, like a mini Grouse Grind hike.

These two fans at the Mens' Pipe made me proud to be a Canadian.

After stomping his gold medal victory run Shaun White got swarmed
by Smurfs (a.k.a. Olympic volunteers).

Elena Hight was praying for a good score after her second run in the ladies' Halfpipe Semifinals.

Canadian Snowboard Cross gold medalist Maëlle Ricker with Vancouver 2010's field talent in snowboarding (a.k.a. host) Joanna Majcherkiewicz.

Silver medalist in Ladies' Halfpipe Kelly Clark going huge in the finals.

Slopestyle dominator and native B.C. girl Spencer O'Brien cheering on her Burton teammates.

Mercedes Nicoll was pumped after the run of her life. She ended up 6th overall and was Canada's top halfpipe competitor at the games.

These spectators had the best fan kit ever: a fleece blanket, a butt pad, and a pair of Canadian flags.

Louie Vito cheering on the ladies during the pipe finals.

A look at the pipe before the Ladies' final went down.

Torah Bright and her older brother/coach Benny Bright looking on before she dropped in for her final run of the night.

The Olympic rings, a constant reminder that this wasn't just any old halfpipe contest.

Torah Bright backside 3 on her way to gold.

Flaunt It: A Judge's Diary

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:12:00 -0500

Mercedes Nicoll On Her Olympic Halfpipe Big Night

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:58:00 -0500

At the Calgary Winter Olympics of 1988, Canadian Elizabeth Manley became a national hero after winning an unexpected silver in women’s figure skating. With her sweet smile and the joy she showed on ice, it was no surprise she became so beloved. While Mercedes Nicoll may not have medaled at this year's Olympics, as she rode out of her second run in the final heat of the Women’s halfpipe competition on Cypress last Thursday, she showed that same sweet Canadian-next-door charm. We spoke to her about how she prepped for the run that would get her sixth place and what was behind that big smile.

What did you think about the day leading up to the halfpipe competition? "I was pretty much just really focused, and I was just thinking about my run, and visualizing it and going over it. That was really all I was thinking about."

Do you listen to music while you’re visualizing? "During practice I played with riding with music and I decided for this contest I wanted to ride with music because it mellows me out and gets me to a good place."

What about heading into finals, what were you thinking about? "I was just trying to preserve energy—it was a long day and I was getting kind of tired! Again, I was going over my runs and trying to stay focused and not really think about the crowd and stay in my own little zone."

Did you talk to your coach or family members? "After the qualifiers I got to go see my family and give them all hugs, but right before my runs I kept to myself, I knew what I had to do."

After your first run in the finals you were in fourth, what was your strategy for your second run? "All I was hearing was 'go bigger,' so I wanted to go bigger and I kind of messed up on the drop in—I had a little too much speed and kind of wobbled in. My back five was big and kind of sketchy and I just had so much speed on my frontside five that I fell. I was looking to do a cab nine at the bottom to get a couple extra points, but I didn’t make it down there [laughs]."

Coming out of your second run, despite wiping out, you were all smiles, what was running through your mind? "I was just like, ‘you know what, I made it to the finals, I didn’t fall this time at the Olympics in qualifiers.’ And the crowd was just wild. They were just screaming. There was no way I could keep snowboarding after I fell because the crowd was just so pumped and I was on cloud nine, it was just great."

Future plans—can you see yourself doing another Olympics? "Right now? Yeah. I have to get my life back together. Right after this I am going to go to the European X Games and then the final World Cup. Nothings changed, I am still going to do halfpipe and hopefully make it to the next Olympic Games, as well."

Coming out of a sixth place finish you must be feeling amazing and have more confidence to go into other contests? "I am really happy and I am confident in my riding now. I know what I am able to do. I just want to help to push the sport and get younger generations to enjoy the sport as well."

Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Fast Facts with Gold Medalist Torah Bright

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:05:00 -0500

1. Torah led team Australia into the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 games as the Australian flag bearer.

2. February 18th was a rollercoaster of a day for Torah. In the Olympic ladies' halfpipe qualifiers she took first place ahead of Kelly Clark, and advanced directly to the finals. Then in her first of two finals runs she crashed on one of the first hits and scored only 5.9 points. Because of her low score Torah was forced to go first in round 2. In her second run she stomped her way to the gold medal.

3. Torah's gold medal run was a backside 360, to a switch McTwist 720, then a backside 540, followed by a huge air to fakie, and she finished it off with a corked cab 720.

4. Miss Bright is the first Australian snowboarder to ever win a medal and also the fourth-ever Aussie to medal at the Winter Olympics.

5. Torah's older sister Rowena Bright Hyldahl was also an Olympian. She was an alpine skier and competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games.

6. It's all in the family with the Brights: Torah's older brother Benny also happens to be her coach. He had his sights set on a pro career of his own, but he says "when Torah decided to make a bid for the 2006 Olympics we knew I was the only man for the job. From there our relationship and Torah's career has grown incredibly, and we are both thankful for the opportunity."

7. Torah's younger sister Abish Bright was also a competitive snowboarder, but now is a hair stylist in Australia.

8. Peter and Marion Bright (Torah's parents) told her that they would not be able to come to Vancouver, because they were planning on travelling from their home in Cooma, Australia to the States for Torah's wedding in June 2010 instead. Without Torah's knowledge they watched her winning run from the stands at Cypress Mountain. Once she had stomped her final run her brother/coach Ben pointed out their parents in the crowd, and Torah shed happy tears.

9. Torah's fiance knows a thing or two about snowboarding himself. Torah is engaged to Forum pro rider Jake Welch.

10. In 2006 Torah competed in the Turin Olympics and came fifth behind this year's silver medal winner Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark who took bronze. Many feel that Torah deserved better than fifth in '06, but that the judges didn't understand the technicality of her runs.

Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Riding the Ring in St. Anton am Arlberg

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:41:00 -0500

Four days. Eight peaks. Six villages. This is the Austrian Alps.

On a clear day at the top of Seventh Heaven in Whistler, you can look out at the Coastal Mountains and see nothing else on the peaks around you. In St. Anton, you get to the top of the 2,811 metre Valluga peak, and all you see are chair lifts gracing the slopes. The good news is you can practically ride to all 120 of them on one lift pass.

You can take a train straight into the village. We stayed at the charming Hotel Garni Berghof, a bed and breakfast that sent us out onto the hill full of coffee and Nutella every morning. From there, it was a short walk to the the Galzig ferris-wheel gondola, which goes up to the Schindlergrat chair. From the top, its an easy ride to the villages of Stuben and St. Christoph.

From the top of the Schindlergrat, take the Red 14 run all the way down to Stuben. If you're lucky enough to have some powder, do some traversing to get some fresh lines and stick to the Arlenmähder and St. Christoph chairs until its all tracked out.

From Stuben, you can take a free village shuttle to Zürs to get on "The White Ring": A series of lifts and runs that will take you through four villages and two Austrian states. The entire Arlberg region is on the same network and if you get a multi-day pass, it will cost you less than a day at Grouse Mountain.

After a day exploring, head over to the Mooserwit for a beer near the base of the Galzig gondola for St. Anton's liveliest apres party and when your hungry, recharge for the next day at The Funky Chicken — a terrible name for a delicious restaurant where you can fill up on a half roasted chicken and corn on the cob. But beware: the place serves as a bar and allows smoking (though when we were there, we only saw one person light up), so you may feel a bit ashy after you apres.

And don't worry about the language barrier: just like home, there are plenty of Aussies.

Canadian-turned-Eurobabe Sabine at the top of the Ruefikopf mountain near the village of Lech.

Billabong Flaunts It Way to Blue

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:14:00 -0500

Blue Mountain, ON – Female snowboarders from across Ontario and beyond headed to Blue Mountain, Ontario, today to strut their stuff for the third stop of the 2010 Billabong Flaunt It series. With TTR points up for grabs and $2,000 on the line, impressing the judges was on everyone’s mind.

The morning kicked off with the slopestyle contest in the TELUS terrain park. With the sun shining, free hot chocolate handed out by Brian White of Unlimited Sales and Ontario’s own Jon Roth on the mic, things got off to a great start. The slopestyle course featured various jumps and rails for the girls session during the one-hour jam. Honourable mentions go out Victoria Marshall for throwing down a huge Cab 360 and Jenna Blasman for stomping a Frontside 540. After lunch everyone stepped up their game during the rail jam. With two rails to choose from, most girls opted to throw down stylish 50-50’s on the kinked rail.

Victoria Marshall getting steezy on the Snowboard Canada rail

At the awards ceremony, Jenna, Victoria and Catriona Boyd were crowned the rail jam winners taking first, second and third place. However, when all was said and done Jenna Blasman was able to reclaim her title from last year by taking the top spot in the slopestyle category. Along with bragging rights, she walked away with $700, a gold 42-20 Nixon “Flaunt It” watch, plus flight and accomodations to the series finals. The Flaunt It final 3Star TTR event will go down on March 27 at Mont Tremblant. Joining Jenna will be the top winner from each tour stop, all vying for their share of the $10,000 cash purse.

Now in it’s third year, the Flaunt It continues to raise the bar for female snowboarders. “I think it’s great that there’s a girls only contest. It creates less pressure and they all feed off each other,” Thomas Webb of Unlimited Sales said. White agreed saying, “it’s nice to have the spotlight on the girls.”

The remaining Flaunt It events are set for February 27 at Waterville Valley, March 7 at Sierra-At-Tahoe and March 13 at Mount Seymour. The Flaunt It series is sponsored by Billabong, Dakine, Von Zipper, Nixon, Swatch TTR, Snowboard Canada Women’s Annual and TWSnow.

Slopestyle Results:
1st - Jenna Blasman, $700, flight and accommodations to the finals, Nixon gold 42-20 Flaunt It watch (Billabong, Technine, Sanction, Icarus Shreducation)
2nd - Brooke Voigt, $500 (Billabong, K2, Dragon, 32, Pom Pom)
3rd - Leanna King, $300 (Nikita, Nitro)
4th – Victoria Marshall, Free entry to a Base Camp Billabong Sisterhood Sessions (Billabong, Rome, Von Zipper, Want Beverages)

Rail Jam Results:
1st - Jenna Blasman, $250 (Billabong, Technine, Sanction, Icarus Shreducation)
2nd - Victoria Marshall, $100 (Billabong, Rome, Von Zipper, Want Beverages)
3rd - Catriona Boyd, $50, Free entry to a Base Camp Billabong Sisterhood Sessions (The Boardshop)

Best Trick:
Jenna Blasmam, $100, Dakine Heli pack, Billabong swag (Billabong, Technine, Sanction, Icarus Shreducation)

Standout Rider of the Day:
Erin Slipetz

Stylish downtown Dani Brown

Dani boosting off the 35' bottom jump

Jenna Blasman killing it on the kinked rail

Rail Jam Winners from left: Victoria Marshall (2nd), Jenna Blasman (1st) and Catriona Boyd (3rd)

Slopestyle Winners from Left: Brooke Voight (2nd), Jenna Blasman (1st), Leanna King (3rd) and
Victoria Marshall (4th)

Canada’s Nicoll takes 6th in Olympic Pipe, Torah Bright Wins Gold

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:43:00 -0500

Cypress Mountain, Vancouver, B.C. -- Whistler’s Mercedes Nicoll competing in front of her many friends took 6th in tonight's Olympic Halfpipe competition, one place shy of matching Maelle Ricker's 5th place pipe finish at the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan. Her first run, the only one that really counted for her tonight, saw some 5s and 7s, and some of the biggest air she’s ever had in her competitive life. It earned her a strong first run score of 34.3. She took some risks in her 2nd run with a massive Frontside 540—the biggest this reporter has ever seen her do -- but she over-rotated into a slam into the bottom of the pipe, sadly along with her chances of a medal here tonight.

“Sorry,” she told the CTV news, when they announced her score of 2.9.

Australia’s Torah Bright, who had qualified in first, put together a big, impressive 2nd run for the gold scoring 45 points. U.S.A’s Kelly Clark, who was one of the favourites going into this event, had difficulty in her first run, but moved up into the bronze position after her second run scored 42.2. As expected, she blasted some of the highest airs of the competition.

Hannah Teter, the defending Olympic champ and the most famous out of all these women in the finals due to a recent appearance in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, had a great first run of score of 42.4 which held up through the entire finals to earn her the silver medal.

Teter and Clark’s teammate, Gretchen Bleiler was poised for a win in her second run, but heartbreakingly decked out on what would’ve been her second last hit—a Cab 7. Luckily she didn’t seem hurt. The same wall ended up taking out Elena Hight in her last run, which had been going incredibly strong up until that point with a Backside air, a Frontside 900 and a 900 to follow it up. Her previous 24.6 wasn’t good enough to keep her afloat in the top 6.

Canada’s Sarah Conrad and Palmer Taylor didn’t make the finals, ending up in 18^th and 26^th respectively.

Women's Olympic Pipe podium (L–R): Hanah Teter – silver; Torah Bright – gold; Kelly Clark – bronze.
Photo: Martin Bureau/Getty Images.

Gold medalist Torah Bright of Australia.
Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Canada's Mercedes Nicoll came in 6th place.
Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Here are the full results:

RANK	Bib#	ATHLETE	RUN 1	RUN 2	BEST
1	1	BRIGHT Torah AUS (Roxy)	5.9	45.0	45.0
2	14	TETER Hannah USA (Burton, Anon)	42.4	39.2	42.4
3	12	CLARK Kelly USA (Burton, Giro)	25.6	42.2	42.2
4	7	LIU Jiayu CHI (Burton, Oakley)	39.3	34.9	39.3
5	8	RODRIGUEZ Sophie CZE	34.4	8.3	34.4
6	26	NICOLL Mercedes CAN (Drake)	34.3	2.9	34.3
7	4	SUN Zhifeng CHI	29.8	33.0	33.0
8	15	CRAWFORD Holly AUS	23.9	30.3	30.3
9	28	HALLER Ursina SUI	27.9	18.1	27.9
10	3	HIGHT Elena USA (Oakley)	24.6	16.0	24.6
11	6	BLEILER Gretchen USA (K2, Oakley)	11.0	14.7	14.7
12	22	CASTELLET Queralt ESP	DNS	DNS
13	11	NAKASHIMA Shiho JAP	34.9	15.2	34.9
14	9	PANCOCHOVA Sarka CZE	34.4	24.9	34.4
15	30	BROWN Kendall NZL (Roxy)	33.3	28.2	33.3
16	10	YAMAOKA Soko JAP (Now, Adidas)	30.6	24.9	30.6
17	21	SADAR Cilka SLO (Burton, Smith)	30.1	21.5	30.1
18	16	CONRAD Sarah CAN	17.8	21.4	21.4
19	29	WIIK Lisa NOR (roxy)	23.0	26.5	26.5
20	19	THOVEX Mirabelle FRA	14.6	24.0	24.0
21	23	SINCLAIR Rebecca NZL	14.7	23.7	23.7
22	5	BUAAS Kjersti NOR	20.6	21.8	21.8
23	13	CAI Xuetong CHI	14.1	19.3	19.3
24	27	BRAY Juliane NZL	17.8	15.5	17.8
25	25	PESKO Manuela Laura SUI	12.2	17.5	17.5
26	24	TAYLOR Lauren CAN (Oakley)	12.9	13.7	13.7
27	20	HAUG Linn NOR	11.5	12.8	12.8
28	17	LIGOCKA Paulina POL	10.9	11.1	11.1
29	2	OKADA Rana JAP	7.2	2.7	7.2
30	18	MCKENNA Lesley GBR	5.1	2.8	5.1

Mint day for Billabong’s Flaunt It second stop at Norquay

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This past Saturday February 13th, Billabong’s second event of the Flaunt It tour took place at Mount Norquay in Banff, Alberta. Local riders were blessed with blue skies and mild weather throughout the entire day. The girls were killing it, taking advantage of the jam format to push their limits as the day progressed. Best trick winner Kim Wiersma threw down a back flip-180, and Marie-Andree Racine, the first place slopestyle winner landed some big front 7’s.

After the morning slopestyle jam the girls enjoyed some sandwiches offered by Billabong, and kicked back while enjoying some time in the sun. Nixon was also on site offering hot chocolate with whipped cream and a chance to demo some of their new headphones. The afternoon rail jam was a blast and the girls hit a variety of features to show off their best moves.

Billabong Flaunt It is now heading to Ontario’s Blue Mountain this Saturday, February 20th, and is looking forward to seeing some local east coast talent. There's an official Flaunt It After Party at Rusty’s in the Village with DJ Benzi on the turntables so stop by!

Slopestyle Results:
1st Marie-Andree Racine
2nd Sara Niblock
3rd Christy Prior
4th Karen MCnab
5th Brooke Voigt

Rail Jam Results:
1st Christy Prior
2nd Brooke Voigt
3rd Marie-Andree Racine

Dakine Best Trick
Kim Wiersma - Back flip 180

Stand out rider of the day
Adriane Cairns

Billabong's Brooke Voigt impressing the judges

Christy Prior threw down solid runs all day long

Rail Jam Winners from left: Brooke Voigt (2nd), Christy Prior (1st), Marie-Andree Racine (3rd)

Slopestyle Winners from left: Sara Niblock (2nd), Marie-Andree Racine (1st) , Christy Prior (3rd)

Lifetime's Olympic Pop Up Shop Opens in Vancouver

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Olympic fever hit Vancouver in full force on Friday night where the Opening Ceremony went down at B.C. Place to a crowd of 60,000. Downtown Vancouver was buzzing with proud Canadians, drunken tourists, excited members of the media, anxious athletes, and everyone in between. Lifetime ( www.lifetimecollective.com), the Vancouver based streetwear brand, decided to celebrate the home Games with an Olympic pop up shop launch and party at the Gastown boutique One of A Few.

On an average day One of A Few (owned by Michelle Rizzardo, who also happens to be the girlfriend of Lifetime co-founder Trevor Flemming) is a quaint shop filled with shoes and clothing from local designers or select labels such as, PLV shoes, Ashley Watson recycled leather purses and Carin Wester trousers. On Friday night the atmosphere there was a little different. People were packed into the store like sardines in a tin happily mingling over drinks.

The pop up shop, which was located in an upstairs loft inside the store was filled with Lifetime's Spring 2010 men's and women's collections. As always the current collection has plenty of drool-worthy goods from a cute light weight coat to hoodies with unique details to baggy tees. The colour palate of the collection is simple and inspired by seaside living; soft greens, greys, and whites contrasted by deeper colours like maroon and a rusty orange. It is standard practice for Lifetime to limit the number of colours they use per collection, and one of my favourite traits of the brand. The repeated colour use makes it insanely easy to mix and match items, which means you don't have to feel like a fool snatching up 3 or 4 pieces from the same line. Other stand-out pieces in the Spring collection include a short sleeved hoody inspired by Mexican ponchos, and collaborative winter accessories with artist Paul Wong for his "5" project.

The best part of the night, and also quite possibly the most dangerous—shopping and drinking in combination. Party goers were able to purchase pieces from the new collection that very night.

The pop up shop will be up for the duration of the Olympics (until February 28th), so if you're a Vancouverite or in town for the Games stop by One of A Few (354 Water St., www.oneofafew.com) and check it out.

The Olympic pop up shop is located in Gastown boutique One of a Few.

The Spring '10 Women's Collection. (See the ponchos folded below!)

View of the loft space housing the Lifetime pop up.

My favourite piece in the collection.

Canadian Women's Olympic Halfpipe Team Check-in

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The world will be watching Vancouver kick off the Olympics tonight in an opening ceremony extravaganza. Once that's done, the three athletes who will be representing Canada in the Women's Halfpipe competion will be gearing up for the February 18 appearance. Here, they talk about what the journey to Vancouver has been like and what we can expect at the Halfpipe.

Palmer Taylor

Now that the Canadian Olympic Snowboard team has been selected, competitors feeling the pressure more than ever. After spending years of hard work chasing points, learning new tricks and winning races the Canadian team is stacked with halfpipe heavy hitters who will vie for gold. Alongside pipe veterans Sarah Conrad and Mercedes Nicoll is 17-year-old Palmer Taylor, who is the youngest addition to the team. With the whirlwind of qualifying, Taylor was able to step back and reflect on what brought her to this point.

“Up to this point the qualification process has been going well for me. I was the top Canadian in Colorado at the Copper Mountain Grand Prix where I finished nineth, and at the Mammoth Grand Prix I didn’t do so well, fell both runs and finished twenty-first.”

After grabbing the third and final half-pipe selection ahead of Alex Duckworth she is among the top competitors to join the roster. With the qualification period over, and the Olympic team announced, the Collingwood native no longer has any more hoops to jump through in order to head to Vancouver.

Taylor began training at her local resort Blue Mountain where she concentrated on perfecting competition level tricks. She’s emphatic that her biggest advantage moving forward in this Olympic process was the support of her coach, Jesse Fulton. Fulton took Taylor under his wing while extensively training and educating her on new tricks at Blue. So what does she have prepared for her Olympic run, some new tricks? Playing evasive Taylor would only hint: “it is quite a possibility.” It looks like Taylor is leaving it until the big day to show us her techniques in the super pipe.

While living life out of a suitcase can become tiring, even if the ultimate destination is at the top of the Olympic podium, Taylor continues on with her busy schedule. Still, she isn’t putting too much pressure on herself heading into the games.

“Don’t fall into pressure. Have fun. Ride like you know how to.”

Photo by Mike Weyerhaeuser, JDP Freesport Agency, Ltd.

Mercedes Nicoll

Among the six British Columbia athletes named to the 2010 Canadian Olympic snowboard team by Canada-Snowboard is Mercedes Nicoll. This Whistler native knows the challenges competing for one of the hardest contests to qualify for. After competing at the 2006 Olympics in Torino she recognizes the huge amount of pride it gives one to represent their country. Keeping herself busy on the snow and traveling on the international contest circuit Nicoll took some time to think about her long journey to the Olympics.

“I wish saying stressful could sum it up! It's been a rollercoaster. There was so much pressure starting last season, I didn't deal with it well, had so many contests that I had to do well at, and didn't. Then I just got it off my chest and told my family and friends, I might not be going! That took some stress away. These last contests have been super intense, cause I knew I really wanted to make it.”

Having the Olympics games in her hometown adds a certain pressure to perform, but Nicoll knows how to focus this attention on competing since she’s been entering contests from the age of 14. The support of her close network has been her biggest advantage, “Having my family and friends behind me no matter what happens.”

Nicoll knows how to charge it in the pipe, throwing out big tricks in her runs like backside 540s. Her primary personal aim is to keep her run smooth and consistent, while staying versitile in preparation for the Games by creating new ones. “I've just put together a new run, and I want to throw a back 9 in there as well as a cab 7.”

With the opening ceremony days away, Nicoll looks back on the qualification process, learning a few things along the way. “To live in the now, think about the task at hand, not the outcome!”

Mercedes Nicoll, Brad Martin, Sarah Conrad

Sarah Conrad

Hailing from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Sarah Conrad is the current leader of the women’s team ranking with one top five under her belt. This gave her an automatic berth on the Canadian Olympic Snowboard team. Going to the Olympics on Canadian soil has been a huge goal of Sarah’s ever since Vancouver won the bid seven years ago. Although it has been a long qualification process, it was well worth the wait after ending up as Canada’s top female halfpipe rider in qualifiers. Despite her busy schedule at the X Games, Conrad took the time to reflect on her experience competing.

“Competing is what I've been doing for the past eight years so it really hasn't been that different for me. Canada is basically looking at five select contests and luckily for me, I've been doing pretty well at them.”

Conrad was on the Canadian team at the 2006 Torino Olympics, where she gained valuable experience. Conrad recalls her biggest advantage moving forward, “I've got nothing to lose and there is nowhere to go but up. The energy at these past US Grand Prix contests has been insane, all I want to do is get back in there and learn new runs.” Her familiarity with competition lifestyle has given her the ability to juggle more contests while in preparation for the games.

This month, Conrad made her official debut at the Winter X Games in Aspen where she took the opportunity to warm up for the Olympics. Although she didn’t make the final six women, Conrad placed tenth against many top international riders. The massive set up was a good practice run leading up to the Olympic games, as many of the riders competing there will also be in Vancouver.

“I don't think I really have that much more jumping to do. I've been officially named to the Olympic halfpipe team, so now all I have to do is catch up on months worth of interviews. The final team was announced on Jan 25th right after the final Olympic qualifying event in Stoneham, Quebec.”

In the unique world of halfpipe competition, Conrad is a definite must see. As she prepares herself for the Olympics, she is focused on landing a few new tricks. “I've been playing around with back nines and maybe a couple more tricks to make my run a bit different.”

Providing the most influence on her snowboard career is Canadian halfpipe team head coach Tom Hutchinson and Kris Decoste. After training with a bunch of coaches before the national team, Conrad found a compatible match with Hutchinson who gave her the push to try World Cup events.

“Change is good. We've had some coaching changes in the past year and I think we've finally found a good mix. Its so easy to get stuck in a rut and just be happy with the tricks you have. Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes and a kick in the butt to bring you up to that next level”

Photo: Calynn Irwinn

Rugged Riders Kinky Rail Jam Diary 2

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

Take a peep inside the road diary of Eve Northmore as she finds a last minute videographer, deals with an endless to do list, and is rewarded for all her hard work with a record turnout for Mount St. Louis/Moonstone stop of the Rugged Riders Kinky Rail Jam.

Event Results:

Beginner
1. Alison Abbott
2. Courtney Francis
3. Leslie Sparkes

Intermediate
1. Marena Thomson
2. Heather McGee
3. Taylor Bull

Advanced
1. Jennifer Cusik
2. Catriona Boyd
3. Jessica Woolsey

Best Trick
Jennifer Cusik

K.I.N.K.Y Winner
Catriona Boyd

Check out www.invernoclinics.com and www.ruggedriders.com for more pics and a video posted this week!

Advanced winners circle.

The Intermediate top three with their loot.

Mount Baker 25th Legendary Banked Slalom

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Legendary Mount Baker Banked Slalom is an event with soul. As Gwyn Howat of Mount Baker Ski Area (a member of the famed Howat family and chief organizer of the race) pointed out, it is one of the only races in the world where 60 year olds, Olympians and 10 year olds compete in the same event on the same course. This year, in its 25th year, the Banked Slalom's racers ranged from the legendary Tom Burt to past pros like Temple Cummins and Barrett Christy, to 2010 Olympic hopeful Maëlle Ricker and a group of 10 year old groms.

The LBS' soul comes from its history, and from its tradition of fun. Megan Pischke, who ended up in a respectable 5th in the Women's Pro division, explained that for her the event is as much about spending time with good friends, shredding, and riding the rope tow with her 3-year-old daughter Leighli as it is about the race itself. "I'm not here to beat Maëlle, that's for damn sure," she adds with a laugh. Similarly, Natasza Zurek was excited about all of the good hiking and riding she was able to get in between races. Directly after the finals Zurek and Ricker took off to do laps on chair 6.

Word among the racers was that the course was in prime condition on the morning of the finals. At 11 a.m. seven pro women strapped in for the first of their two final runs. As their names were called the general mood among the ladies was calm and quiet, but as the racers stepped into the start gate looks of intense focus washed over their faces. When asked what was going through her head before she dropped Pischke explained that you never know what to expect with a Banked Slalom course because the conditions always vary, so she decided to "stick with a high line and swoosh her tail."

As the riders made their way immediately back up to the top of the course for their second runs their first run times were announced.
When Ricker's time of 1:49 was called out David Carrier-Porcheron said sheepishly to some female onlookers that he and Ricker had the same time. DCP wasn't alone though, 1:49 was a top 20 time for the Pro Men. Ricker's experience was evident from the get go; her speed out of the gate was unparalleled, and she was as solid as a rock as she made her way through the turns.

The awards ceremony, like the race in it's entirety, has soulful elements. Unlike today's mainstream competitions where the top three
women and the top three men stand on a podium, are lassoed with medals, and sprayed with champange in under half a minute, the racers of the LBS are truly recognized for their accomplishment. In some of the divisions, where racers' times were within milliseconds of each other up to seven riders' names were announced, and they were awarded with prizes. There is also a Craig Kelly award for outstanding contribution to snowboarding in the Northwest.

The prizes are meaningful too. The top three riders in the men's and women's Pro division, for example, were given Pendleton blankets emboridered with the 25th Annual Legendary Banked Slalom logo, belt buckles, handcrafted acoustic guitars (with wood formed by a local woman), and a coveted duct tape trophy. The winner of each division was also given an embroidered Carhartt jacket complete with a lifetime guarantee from Howat.

Inside the White Salmon Lodge the audience, which consisted of racers, photographers, local riders and even grandparents, errupted
with cheers as each name was called. In the Women's Pro division Maëlle Ricker (1:49:88) clinched the gold duct tape trophy for the
fourth consecutive year. In 2nd was Marni Yamada (1:50:98) and in 3rd was Glacier, Washington ripper Maria DeBari (1:54:66). In the Men's Pro division it was Temple Cummins who walked away with the winner's jacket and a grin on his face (1:43:08).

For a complete list of the results check out the LBS site: http://lbs.mtbaker.us/

Spectators at the Banked Slalom.

A sasquatch was doing the announcing.

Barrett Christy rounds the 2nd gate.

Megan Pischke staying solid.

Natasza Zurek on course for a 6th place finish in the Women's Pro division.

Maria DeBari getting cheers from her local fans.

Maëlle Ricker's winning style.

Maëlle Ricker and Natasza Zurek after a few days of racing and pow.

Racers and spectators gather to hear the winners announced.

Prizes and those duct tape trophies.

The top 3 women (L:R) Maëlle Ricker, Marni Yamada and Maria DeBari.

Canadian Open Pipe Finals

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Calgary, Alta. — A total of 47 riders stormed the pipe yesterday in a get-'er-done schedule that saw semifinal action blow through the morning before quickly turning around to start the finals. When the dust settled, Canadians Justin Lamoureux, Sarah Conrad, and Mercedes Nicoll all claimed a spot on the podium and a piece of the cash.

When $25,000 is ponied up, you'd expect to see some legit faces in the mix and tricks in their bags. Though the Olympics are just around the corner, money talks and a tight roster of pipe shreds came for a piece.

The women were first to drop and Kiwi Kendall Brown took the top spot in semis with a run that started out with an alley-oop old school Tai-Pan, followed by back-to-back 540’s, into a stylish Method, finishing with an Air to Fakie, which scored her an impressive 88.17. Canadians Mercedes Nicoll and Sarah Conrad both put down impressive runs, taking second and third respectively, but couldn't oust Brown's run.

In finals Conrad stepped it up and threw down a run with back to back 5s, but Kendall regained her lead with her second run. Brown started off her winning run with a Lein Air, followed by a Backside 5, into a Frontside 540 stalefish, Backside Air, and finishing with an Air-to-Fakie. Kendall had this to say of today’s win, “This was a great competition; it was so awesome to have such a good pipe and so much time to train over the week. It’s my first Canadian Open and I will definitely be back next year.”

It was then the men’s turn to drop-in to the 22-foot pipe at and Iouri “I-Pod” Podladtchikov, straight off a silver medal finish at the X Games, stuck his second run and took first in semis with a solid score of 86.67. I-Pod’s run started off with a huge Fronside Air, followed by a Backside 9, into a Frontside 1080, Cab 7, finishing with a Frontside 5. Fighting Podladtchikov for first were American Ben Watts and local homeboy Dustin Craven, who was boosting huge off the first hit.

Justin Lamoureux, who's heading to the Olympics next week, took the lead early in finals with a technical run made up of switch spins. Though he didn't have the Double Cork like I-Pod and Markus Malin, it was enough to place him amongst the top. Malin had the crowd at COP go crazy when he pulled off a Double Cork 1080 Truckdriver. But it was I-Pod who took the win after killing his second run in finals, starting off with a Cab 1080 Double Cork, followed by a Frontside 1080, into a Cab 720, Frontside 540, finishing with a Backside Air. “I am in the best condition of my life,” he says. “I have had a great season so far. I have already had some podiums in the contest circuit this year, but of course taking first is the sweetest place to be.”

The Canadian Open wraps up today with men’s and women’s slopestyle finals.

Results Halfpipe Women
1 Kendall Brown             NZL
2 Sarah Conrad            CAN
3 Mercedes Nicoll          CAN

Results Halfpipe Men
1 Iouri Podladtchikov      SUI
2 Justin Lamoureux        CAN
3 Markus Malin              FIN

Kendall Brown

Sarah Conrad

Mercedes Nicoll

Women's Podium

Men's Podium

Canadian Open: Slopestyle Semis

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sunny shredding. Smooth sessions. Straight sending. These three elements sum up what went down during men’s and women’s semifinal slopestyle competition on the fourth day of the Burton Canadian Open at COP in Calgary, Alta. The whispers grew more audible throughout the day—everyone agrees the setup is now sessioning tight and the course is bang-on. At 600 metres long, the slope course is made up of a step-up saddle to down box, followed by a down-flat-down kink rail, a log jib, down rail, wall ride, and three booters (two of which are split down the middle by a channel).

A field of 16 ladies got things warmed up in the morning with invited riders like Burton European Open slopestyle champion Enni Rukajärvi and halfpipe Olympians Lisa Wiik and Cilka Sadar making the trip to Calgary for a piece of the action. Jordie Karlinski out of Aspen, Colorado started off her winning run with a Cab 180 to Boardslide, followed by a 50-50 Boardslide to Fakie, Cab 180, Frontside Boardslide on the down rail, Boardslide to Fakie on the wall ride, busting a Cab 5 on the first jump, Frontside Air on the second jump, and finishing with a Backside 3.

Three Canadians are advancing to the finals with local Calgary riders Breanna Stangeland and Brooke Voigt placing sixth and seventh respectively, and Nova Scotia shred Alex Duckworth just making the cut in eighth spot.

After lunch it was time for the dudes to make a go at it. A total of 43 riders took to the course, including Canadians Charles Reid, Matt Belzile, and Mark Sollors in addition to Euro sensations Stale Sandbech, Antti Autti, Seppe Smits, and Marko Grilc. Kick ass weather and a stacked field of rippers meant there was high level of riding unfolding with many shreds taking full advantage of getting steezy over the channels. Add to that the heckling of dynamic duo Daryl “Trini” Trinidad and Calgary’s Brett Sandford, who are co-chairing mic duties for the event, and there were plenty of laughs to go around as well.

In the first run, Brett Esser out of Iowa (not generally thought of as a snowboarding hotbed) impressed the judges with his technical rail skills and huge clean jumps which incorporated multiple grabs in his spins and clean transfers over the channels. But it was 17-year-old World Rookie Tour champion Roope Tonteri out of Finland that absolutely slaughtered his second run, taking the top spot.

Tonteri started out with Cab to Nosepress, followed by a Gap 270 Lipslide, into a 360 tap over the log, followed by a Backside 3 pivot, Back 5 Indy on the wallride, landing a huge Cab 9 on the first kicker, followed by a Front 7 over the channel on the second, finishing with a huge Back 9 Tail over the lower channel.

The top eight ladies and top 16 men are moving on to Sunday’s slopestyle finals. The radness continues tomorrow with men’s and women’s halfpipe semifinals and finals. Come back to snowboardcanada.com to keep up on all things Canadian Open.

Results

Slopestyle Semi-Finals Women
1 Jordie Karlinski                 USA             NIKITA
2 Lisa Wiik                               NOR             ROXY
3 Sina Candrian               SUI             BURTON
4 Enni Rukajärvi                       FIN             ROXY
5 Meri Peltonen                        FIN             PROTEST
6 Breanna Stangeland             CAN             FORUM
7 Brooke Voigt                          CAN             BILLABONG
8 Alexandra Duckworth            CAN             OAKLEY

Slopestyle Semi-Finals Men
1 Roope Tonteri                       FIN             BURTON
2 Brett Esser                            USA             OMATIC
3 Mark McMorris                      CAN             O`NEILL
4 Ethan Morgan                       GER             FORUM
5 Craig Beaulieu                      CAN             CLYDE BOARDS
6 Marko Grilc                           SLO             BURTON
7 Seppe Smits                         BEL             BURTON
8 Janne Korpi                          FIN             KISSMARK
9 Kevin Backstrom                 SWE             BURTON
10 Jon Versteeg                     CAN             NOMIS
11 Trevor Jacob                     USA             NIKE6.0
12 Joachim Krogstie              NOR             BURTON
13 Zak Stone                         CAN             VOLCOM
14 Robby Balharry                 CAN             WESTBEACH
15 Antti Autti                          FIN             NIDECKER
16 Mark Sollors                     CAN             BURTON

Anti Autti

Brooke Voigt

Craig Beaulieu

Jesmond Dubeau

Joachim Krogstie

Jon Versteeg

Mark McMorris

Mark Sollors

Marko Grilc

Matts Kulisek

Robby Balharry

Seppe Smits

Zak Stone