Doglotion.com - Freeskiing Community - Winter is Over. Climb a Volcano.

Night Time Ski Touring in Tromso, Norway

AndreCharland — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:20:18 -0400

Rating

From Riksgransen Christian Bjork and I headed further north and west to the coast of Norway to town called Tromso. The sun never sets there so we took a drive around a couple of small islands and found a nice line for an evening shred above the North Atlantic Ocean.

Tromso is on the edge of Norway and just West of the Lyngen Alps. I highly recommend a trip out there if you like ski touring. The runs, views and access are some of the best I've seen anywhere in the world. Tromso is actually the most Northern city in the world with a population of more than 50,000 and has more skiing than you can do in a life time with an hour or two drive.

View Larger Map

If you're looking to plan a trip just get in with Jimmy, he's a great guide. Just wait for the video of our day in the Lyngen Alps.

Last Days La Grave and Chamonix

AndreCharland — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:36:37 -0400

Rating

My last days in the French Alps in 08. Epic conditions skiing with good friends!

I know it's been a few months since I shot this, but figured with all this summer sun we could use some winter stoke! Thanks to Lars, Christian and Mickael aka Boubou! Who's heading south? Send us some updates:)

Stay tuned for some video from touring in the fjords of Norway.

Heli Drop in Riksgransen

AndreCharland — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:12:55 -0400

Rating

So just before the end of May I made to northern Sweden to see what the Riksgransen had to offer.

My good friend Christian Bjork picked me up at the Airport in Kiruna about 24 hours after leaving Vancouver. I found myself in a helicopter 300kms north of the arctic circle and it certainly looked like tundra up there! His buddy Jimmy Halvardsson a local guide had arranged the heli to take us to the triangle run and was prepared with a rope and anchor to get passed the cornice. (yes I know it looks like you should just huck but the crust on top of the snow made that a terrible idea;-))

View Larger Map

Riksgransen is so far north it never gets dark at that time of year, literally the sun doesn't set.

Mt Rainier - Summer ski mission!

Pat Mulrooney — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 12:36:18 -0400

Rating

Rainier has been one of those mountains that's eluded me over the past few spring summer volcano seasons. It was always weather or altitude or something that we couldnt control that would shut us down. This week-end however it would happen! I watched the weather all week before hand and decided on Thursday it would be a go. Danielle, Jordin and Tobin were keen to get up there as well as none of them had ever summited either. So after an exciting traffic bout with the border and I-5, 10 hours later we found ourselves at the White River trailhead. Realizing this would probably be a race from the summit Tobin prepared his secret wax formula.

After the 5km of dirt trail to Glacier Basin we arrived at the inter Glacier and finally prepared the skins. It was now past noon and the full heat of the day was upon us with no shade in site. After a few more hours we finally got our first full view of the route and the final approach to Camp Schurman.

As always Schurman was a little full but everyone was stoked with the great summer weather.

Everything seemed to be lining up prefectly for a summit! The sunset was amazing from camp as Rainier cast her shadow over the Cascades.

After a few hours in the tents we awoke and prepared breakfast. Most mountaineers had left at around 1:00 am and their LED's dotted the route almost to the top. We on the other hand were timing the climb to allow the corn to set up. The ranger had suggested a 3:00 pm decsent.

At 5:30 am we were roped up and on our way up.

The route to the summit was in perfect shape with very little traversing. We spent the next few hours weaving our way around the seracs and icefall to the final 4 summit bergshrunds.

At 1:30pm we arrived on the summit! A little windy and hazy but we all felt pretty good and were pumped to be on Columbia Crest at 14411ft.

It looked like we would be in for a perfect run all the way down to camp! No blue ice!

After our 6000ft and still another 3500ft one to come we only one thing left to do. Enjoy a cold crisp Rainier Beer!

Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmulrooney/sets/72157605929961357/

Another Teaser Comin' At Ya - Journal

J Dogg — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 20:11:20 -0400

Rating

Jeff Thomas has been up to no good putting filming Theory-3 / Poor Boy Productions newest ski film JOURNAL. Shot on location at Red Mountain, Mt Baker, and Whistler Blackcomb.

Watch the TEASER>>>

Teaser Season - Starting with MSP

J Dogg — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:32:32 -0400

Rating

It's that time of year again. Just when summer is properly kicking in, out come some ski movies teasers. We'll keep you up to date with them as them come in, and collect them all on one ski movie teaser page.

First off, MSP is already claiming the best film of the year, no, ever, with their new flick "Claim".

Watch the MSP 'Claim' Teaser.

“CLAIM” features several longtime MSP all-stars as well as a few
newcomers, making up an A list roster including Mark Abma, Ingrid
Backstrom, Rory Bushfield, Chris Davenport, Simon Dumont, Stian
Hagen, Hugo Harrisson, James Heim, Eric Hjorleifson, PK Hunder, CR
Johnson, Shane McConkey, Jon Olsson, Sean Pettit, Chris Rubens, TJ
Schiller, Colby West, and Jacob Wester.

“CLAIM” is shot in high-definition on location in Whistler,
Chamonix, Courmayer, Valdez, Aspen, Chatter Creek, and additional
destinations worldwide.

Watch for the World Premiere to hit Whistler September 14.

Dana Flahr Helment Cam Alaska

J Dogg — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:45:06 -0400

Rating

Here's some hot AK action by Dana Flahr. Saaaweeeeeeeet! If only we had spines like that on Gaper Day, the 'Bigfeet' woulda been off the hook.

Avalanche Decision Making Survey

J Dogg — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:38:28 -0400

Rating

CAA needs our feedback, here's the scoop... The Canadian Avalanche Centre, in conjunction with Simon Fraser University, is seeking survey participants for a study on out-of-bounds avalanche decision making. Findings from the study will be used to develop tools for communicating avalanche risk and assisting out-of-bounds decisions making.

The study includes an online survey with questions about experience and background, typical skiing/riding partners, perceptions of avalanches and ski patrol and an interactive ‘pick a run’ exercise.

All participants will be entered in a prize draw for:

One Ortovox S1 avalanche transceivers
Two Black Diamond AvaLung backpacks

At the conclusion of the study interested participants will be emailed a personal analysis sheet that includes a comparison of your avalanche hazard consideration to other study participants.

The survey can be found at: http://www.outbounds.rem.sfu.ca

Your support for study would be much appreciated. Please pass the link onto to anyone you know who would be suitable for this study.

Helmet Follow Cam in Corona Bowl

AndreCharland — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:42:47 -0400

Rating

Good news: my cheap flip video camera can double as reverse helmet cam

Bad news: The last day of Whistler for 2008 was cold, icy and uneventful.

Thanks to Jamie, Lotte and Danielle for being troopers though.

Alaska - World Championships - Highlight Video

J Dogg — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:13:47 -0400

Rating

Here's the highlight video from the Finals at the World Freeskiing Championships in Alyeska. PS - Whistlerites Brett Crabtree and Jen Ashton to the World Tour titles this year! Yeeeaaaaaah.

Last Park Standing at Echo!

Echo Mountain — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:46:24 -0400

Start: 2008-04-26 04:44

Timezone: Etc/GMT-8

Saturday, April 26, Echo Mountain will hosting its grand finale, Last Park Standing! This is the last comp of the season and is sure to be a blow out celebration of the 07-08 season with live music, the sponsor village, and much more. There will be an amateur rail jam to kick it off at 9am, followed by a pro slopestyle competition at noon! With more than $12,000 in cash and $4,000 in prizes, be sure you don’t miss out on the best comp this spring! Pre-registration only, online at www.echomt.com!

World Tour Final Stop: Alyeska w/ Videos

J Dogg — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:42:46 -0400

Rating

Just in case we get too busy skiing this weekend to report on all the hot action at the Freeskiing World Tour Finals at Aleyska, here's where you can catch the videos. They'll run Snowbird videos until there's something to show from Alaska. Here's a super mini version for small people with small eyes, everyone else can click the link below.

Watch The Video Full Screen>>>

Go Crabtree Go! Go Crabtree Go!

Snowbird US Freeskiing Nationals: Photogs, Hotdogs, & PT Cruiser

Holly — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:16:17 -0400

Rating

I arrived at the base of West Baldy and set up camp on he photog hump at the bottom of the venue at 9am. I as tired. North Baldy had been destroyed from the qualifier and skiing down with a backpack full of PBR tall boys, hotdogs and oh yeah, camera gear was no easy task when sleep deprived.

I had decided it was a good idea to sleep 4 hours Thursday night so I could get in a day of deep pow at Mount Baker on Friday en route to the Seattle Airport. This made for wet gear upon a late arrival to Salt Lake and lesser sleep Friday night. But who cared, I had made it to watch the finals with photog Re Wikstrom and we had packed a good picnic. It was my Spring Break '08 baby. My slogan: Girl Gone Wild. The catch: I felt nauseous.

My phone rang at 10am. Brianne Taylor had landed at SLC airport in full ski gear and was getting into her rental car. Or should I say red hot PT Cruiser. "Take the second Snowbird entrance and drive all the way to the front, park it valet," I had told her at the end of the directions to the Snowbird. The whole thing was so awkwardly funny.

Brianne made it up to the venue just in time to help Re and I polish off some more tall boys and take on hotdog duty so we could continue snapping shots of competitors. In my sleep deprived confusion I realized my memory card was full and switched it quickly for another one.

Where it went I don't know? In the snow? In the hotdog? Lost forever? Rookie photog move. If someone finds it let me know. it has the women's super final runs on it. so apologies to all the women out there, I failed you. Please don't hate me. For the rest of you enjoy the pictures.

Words n' some photos by Holly Walker

RIP John Nicoletta

J Dogg — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Rating

At approximately 3:45pm this afternoon, 27-year-old John Nicoletta of Aspen, Colorado, died due to injuries sustained during a fall while competing on the first day of the Freeskiing World Championships at Alyeska Resort, Alaska. Nicoletta was the 47th competitor of the day down the Headwall below Alyeska Peak.

Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol reached Nicoletta within seconds of the accident and evaluated his injuries. After stabilization, he was transported via toboggan and helicopter to the Alyeska Aid Room where he was unable to be revived despite efforts by local physicians, paramedics, Girdwood EMS and the Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol. Time of death was reported at 4:45pm.

Contrary to initial press stories, Nicoletta had a loss of control after a 20-foot cliff drop and was propelled into an exposed rocky area.

A veteran freeskiing competitor, Nicoletta was an accomplished, well-known, and extremely respected athlete. An experienced skier, he has appeared in ski movies, been a featured athlete in television interviews and recently finished second at the Telluride Freeskiing Open in February 2008. Mountain Sports International extends our deepest sympathies to John Nicoletta’s family, girlfriend, and friends. This is a deep blow to the freeskiing community.

After discussion with the competitors this evening, the decision was made to continue with the event tomorrow. Athletes will make the hike to the top of the peak together in a celebration of John’s incredible life and love of big mountain freeskiing.

Echo's End of the Season Bangers!

Echo Mountain — Wed, 9 Apr 2008 17:07:27 -0400

Start: 2008-04-09 09:03

Timezone: Etc/GMT-8

Evergreen, CO – April 9, 2008: Contests and cheap passes are at your fingertips. Echo Mountain is offering you the best season pass and lift ticket deals around. So save your money for the things you want and purchase the pass that you need.

$129 Season Pass: It’s as simple as it sounds. Echo Mountain is offering this discounted pass with unlimited access to the 2008-2009 season, for only $129. It’s your ticket to avoid traffic and get up to a mountain faster. For a quick purchase, follow this link: http://echomt.com/echocart/products.php?cat=1. (While supplies last)

$20 Lift Ticket: This ticket pertains to the shredders who already own a season pass to a different resort. We are open until May 4th, so if your mountain is closing too soon, head on down to Echo and we’ll help you get a few more days in. It’s only $20 for a full day of riding the most unique and fun terrain in Colorado.

End of Season Contests: If it’s the contests that you’re interested in, you’re in luck… Echo Mt. has a lot in store for you:

- The Jockey Intergalactic Pond Skim: Goes off this Saturday, April 12th. Echo’s turn to show what a real pond skim looks like with our signature twist.

- The College Battle: The battle begins on April 19th. Representing your college has never been this fun…ever.

- Last Park Standing: Set up for April 26th. You can always count on Echo Mountain for your last chance at good shredding and prize winning.

Check out these events by clicking this link: http://www.echomt.com/upcoming_events.php

If you are interested in what Echo Mountain has been up to all season, follow this link to Echo TV http://www.echomtnpark.com/podcast/echopodcast.html . Enjoy!

Dana Flahr in Alaska - TGR In The Making

J Dogg — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:25 -0400

Rating

Looks like Dana has been up to no good in Alaska this spring. Be jealous. Be very jealous...

Deal of the Century!

Echo Mountain — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:51:50 -0400

Start: 2008-03-31 05:50

Timezone: Etc/GMT-8

As all the area resorts are getting ready to close their doors on the 07-08 season, Echo Mountain is gearing up for sick spring riding! With two comps to go, Echo is not letting up on the season. For the month of April, bring up your season pass from any other mountain, and get a day pass to Echo for just $20 bucks!

For more information visit www.echomt.com

Jockey's Intergalactic Pond Skim at Echo Mountain!

Echo Mountain — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:50:36 -0400

Start: 2008-04-12 05:48

Timezone: Etc/GMT-8

Echo Mountain will be hosting Jockey's 2008 Intergalactic Pond Skim on Saturday, April 12! As many know from last year, this comp rips! Echo will a add feature in the middle of the pond for skiers and riders who want to step up their game. There will be sweet prizes, including a $1,000 first place prize, for those who skim with style. Jockey will provide new underwear for all contestants who enter, and if that doesn’t convince you to come up and enter, what will?

Snowbird Men's Finals Part 2

J Dogg — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:30:49 -0400

Rating

Check the vid from the Snowbird Men's Super Finals

Cold Smoke - Shredding on WB

J Dogg — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:18:33 -0400

Rating

This is actually Jamie sneaking into Matt's account and uploading this video from a couple weeks back on Blackcomb. Looks like good times.