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TGR Premiere Went Off In Whistler 2008

J Dogg — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:12:58 -0400

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3pm Wednesday afternoon - 27hrs to showtime and the Under the Influence DVD is in the back of a couriers truck, somewhere between the US boarder and Whistler. Future is uncertain.

11:59pm Thursday night - 2 blindfolded finalists are 7 shots deep into the contest, spinning blindfolded in disarray, wondering which of them is about to take home a pair of ROSSIGNOL S7's.

How did it come to this? What happened? Why is the room spinning, and why is there ketchup on my pants?

Back to 6:49 pm Thursday evening - 11 minutes to showtime and the Gaper Day DVD has just finished burning on a laptop in the lobby, right under the nose of unsuspecting movie goers, yet to be tested and previewed by nobody.

7:28pm Thursday - Somebody is probably fearing for their life as the last few DVD's get projectiled into the crowd, and the feature film - TGR's Whistler premiere of Under the Influence - is about to begin.

That much we can be certain of, the rest is a bit of a blur of ridiculous big mountain spines, pillows, double drops, straightlines, freebies, snowblades, stretchies, heli's, beers, athlete props and more. Simply put, Doglotion.com's night was packed with the TGR Whistler premiere, Gaper Day world premiere, and Fear & Loathing in Whistler after party at the Longhorn, and it didn't suck.

The show kicked off with a Gaper Day double header. TGR shredder Dana Flahr showed his hilarious take on what went down on the last day of Whistler Blackcomb's season, followed by Reed Purvis's masterpiece of rock skiing, worm turns, puddle skimming and debauchery.

Out came the swag and prizes, and local shredders Dana Flahr, Ian McIntosh and Kye Petersen were in the crowd to represent and pump it up.

When the main flick started, jaws dropped and the big mountain gnar began. TGR definitely knows their niche, and when Seth Morrison disses the jibbers he's been stuck with the last few years, the crowd let it out, setting the stage for an hour of the most big-mountain-packed footage we've seen to date. The local boys totally kill it, even giving legend Jeremy Jones a run for his money. And when the show wrapped, butts were glued to seats until the very last credit rolled.

Then off the Longhorn for some after party sillyness and of course the Rossignol ski giveaway, which proved even rowdier than anyone saw coming. You kinda had to be there, but picture an improvised game of musical shots, with rules changing every minute until a very lucky guy ended up with his face deep in a whipcream topped shot and a new pair of ROSSIGNOL S7's in his hand.

Kudos to the runner up, half his size, for given'er until the last round. She would have taken it too, but a confused and delirious judge (cough, Tobin) told her we couldn't change it into a flashing contest. Dare to dream.

Until next year, when another sold out TGR show comes to a theatre near you...

Thanks...

Huge thanks to Millennium Place (Dennis, Lina, Lynn, Lindsay et al) and the Longhorn Saloon (Harrison & staff) for making it happen, and to our local event sponsors SUREFOOT, WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, COMOR SPORTS, RECCO, and last but certainly not least... ROSSIGNOL who threw down for the grand prize skis. Oh ya, and of courser to TGR, for making really really rediculously good looking movies.

Faction Ski Design Contest

J Dogg — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

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Think you have what it takes to design a fantastic ski topsheet? Have a painting or drawing sitting in the corner that you think would look wicked strapped to your feet?

While there are strong examples of cultural crossovers between sport and design in the areas of skateboards and snowboards, skiing has long been designs long lost ugly cousin… but there are a few brands out there trying to bridge this gap, including Faction.

They've got a contest in the works that could earn you a new pair of skis (that you designed!), world notoriety, and $500!

Get the details at http://www.factionskis.com/competitions/ and then get off your butt and design somehting. Think "urban jungle".

MSP World Premiere Went Off in Whistler

J Dogg — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:52:15 -0400

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Thousands of Whistlerites were innocently enjoying a hot late summer weekend, when WHAM, their world's were turned upside down, and ski movie premiere season began outta nowhere. Kicking it off once again was MSP's world premiere of "CLAIM, The Greatest Ski Movie... Ever!".

The house was packed, a sold out crowd of 2000+ at the Telus Conference centre, and the stoke was in the air. Most of the athletes were in the house, afterall, they all live here these days. Mark Abma, Eric Hjorliefson, Sean Pettit, Ingrid Backstrom, Rory Bushfield, James Heim, Chris Rubens, and Hugo Harrisson – all made it out to sign posters and body parts and enjoy the show.

MSP clued into the fact that people are taking skiing way too seriously these days, and tapped into what Doglotion has been shooting at for years... putting the 'free' back into freeskiing, the 'pow' back into powder, and the meat back into the mash potatoes. Er, uh, something like that. You get the point, and so did the audience.

Doglotion's favourite highlights?

Deeeeep opening pow at Monashee PowderSnowcats

The return of saucerboy

Whistler kid Sean Pettit slaying it

The return of the 'bail segment'

Heimer being heimer

The return of monsieur Harrison

Dumont's world record

Davenport billygoating down Europe's most famous peaks

and the crazy frenchman speed-riding in Chamonix. WTF?!?

What Was Missing?

Wicked flick all around, not much to complain about, but if you pull our finger...

More Whistler action? That booter on 7th Heaven was absolutely retarded huge and steep, would've been fun to get the lowdown on it.

No saucer-base? That would have taken saucer boy to the next level!

The missing athlete? Starts with S, ends with E, and has 'arah Burk' in the middle.

“CLAIM” was filmed in high-definition on location in Whistler, Chamonix, Courmayeur, Valdez, Aspen, Chatter Creek, and additional destinations worldwide.

Was it the 'greatest ski movie ever?'. Well with things like Warren Miller in the Backcountry and The Man Who Skied Everest, it's a hard title to own, but that's not the point. They CLAIMed it, because they could, and because it was fun.

Don't take our word for it. Pump your fist, rattle some cages, and go check it at a premiere near you, or just buy it at www.mspfilms.com and watch it daily until the snow flies.

Matchstick Productions latest film was sponsored by: Whistler/Blackcomb, Helly Hansen, Subaru, Rush HD, Red Bull, Salomon, Powder Magazine, Volkl, and SBC Skier Magazine. Additional thanks go out to local partners the Adara Hotel, Nita Lake Lodge, Tantalus Lodge, and Mountain Life Magazine.

MSP Premiere Coming to Whistler

J Dogg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:57:58 -0400

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You've seen the teaser, and it's looking pretty sweet. The World Premiere of MSP's latest ski flick will once again be held in our hood, Whistler, BC. It's hitting the big screens this Sunday night at the TELUS Conference Centre.

Be there!

Tickets: $15.

Time: 7:30pm doors/9pm Show

Tickets are available:

Helly Hansen Westin

115-4090 Whistler Way, V0N 1B4

#604.932.0142

More info at www.MSPFilms.com

Quicksilver Sold Rossignol

J Dogg — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:01:23 -0400

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Quiksilver, Inc. announced Wednesday that it has received a binding offer for the acquisition of 100% of ski and snowboard equipment and clothing maker Rossignol Group. The offer is made by Chartreuse & Mont Blanc, headed by Bruno Cercley, a former CEO of Rossignol, returning the company to French ownership.

Chartreuse & Mont Blanc is majority owned by Macquarie Group and supported by a non-voting minority interest by Jarden Corporation, owner of skiwear and ski equipment brands K2, Marker, Marmot and Volkl.

The proposed transaction value is €100 million, nearly USD $147 million at the current exchange rate. This amount is comprised of €75 million in cash and a €25 million Seller’s Note. It is subject to a financing condition and customary working capital adjustment.

Quiksilver plans to use the net proceeds from the contemplated sale to repay existing indebtedness. The proposed transaction includes the sale of the Rossignol, Dynastar, Look, and Lange brands of winter sports equipment and apparel and is consistent with Quiksilver’s intention, announced in January 2008, to sell the Rossignol Group to reduce its exposure to the winter sports equipment manufacturing business. Quiksilver first acquired the Rossignol Group in July 2005.

Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive and President of Quiksilver, Inc., commented, “This offer is a compelling transaction for Quiksilver and represents the culmination of a thorough sale process. Once completed, we can fully concentrate our efforts on our core apparel and footwear brands Quiksilver, Roxy and DC.”

The transaction is expected to close in Fall 2008 following receipt of regulatory approval and completion of required employee consultation procedures.

New Zealand Breaking Snowfall Records

J Dogg — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:05:01 -0400

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Damn. Good season to be chillin' in New Zealand. It just keeps snowing, and snowing, and snowing. Far better than when we were there a few years back, but hey, we won't hold a grudge.

Turoa just officially announced they have the largest snowbase ever recorded on a commercial snowfield in New Zealand.

Not too shabby. It sounds like there is plenty more on the way, and it's wide-spread throughout both islands. It's a good winter to be in New Zealand.

8 Climbers Die in Mont Blanc Avalanche

J Dogg — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:15:12 -0400

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Not the kind of news you want to hear from the ski & mountaineering mecca of Chamonix, but 8 climbers recently died in an avalanche while climbing Mt Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak. Avalanche danger was assessed as low, as expected in late summer, but the particular spot the avalanche struck was known for being prone to avalanches.

Apparently dozens more climbers could have been killed if the avalanche had hit a different time. Get more details on the fatal avalanche on the Telegraph website.

3 Deaths at Perisher

J Dogg — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:26:58 -0400

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Australia and New Zealand have been enjoying plenty of precip this year with a great snowpack, but things turned sideways at Perisher this weekend. 3 separate unrelated skier deaths occurred, including two avalanches and a tree collision.

A local Australian paper has more details about the recent accidents.

TGR Vancouver Premiere 2008

J Dogg — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:53:52 -0400

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Get ready to rumble... TGR's latest film 'Under the Influence' is premiering in Vancouver soon...

When: Thursday October 16th, 2008. Doors 8pm, Show 9pm

What: TGR 'Under The Influence' ski film premiere & after party brought to you by Mountain Madness & Doglotion.com. Mad swag and giveaways.

Where: The Royal

Tix: $10. Buy in advance to guarantee your ticket. Available online soon at Clubzone.com.

Mark your calendars, start training for the after party, and we'll see you there! Local shredders Dana Flahr, Ian McIntosh, and Kye Peterson should be there to sign boobs, high five, and all that action.

Bonus: ROSSIGNOL SKI GIVEAWAY!!! Rossignol knows how to kick off the party, and is throwing down a pair of Bandits at the after party.
Be there to win.

Local Sponsors:

TGR 'Under The Influence' Teaser

J Dogg — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:42:51 -0400

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OK, so we've been showing teasers the last few weeks, and there's plenty more to come. But this is the one that counts. TGR's new flick 'Under the Influence', coming to the big screens this fall.

Mark your calendars, Doglotion is bringin' y'all the Whistler premiere October 2nd, and Vancouver Oct 16th. And rumours of a fund-raiser show in Squamish are already circulating. Stay tuned, and get ready to bring it.

Level 1 'Turbo' Teaser

J Dogg — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:06:30 -0400

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Another teaser comin' at ya. Level 1 Productions look like they've put together an epic!

Saas Fee Freeride - Summer Shredding

J Dogg — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:04:18 -0400

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This year’s Saas-Fee Ride 08 turned out to be quite an event. With the mountain being closed the day before due to bad weather, there was no chance for the Ride team or competing riders to test out the newly constructed kicker by the Saas-Fee Bergbahnen’s snowpark shapers. It was a tense moment when the riders started to session the big air kicker. It was described by the riders as whippy’ having a lip that whipped the riders steep into the air and then into a hard and fast landing, making everyone hold their breath in anticipation.

After a request from the rider’s, Ride staff and athletes came together to a decision to re-shape the kicker. It was a nice moment showing the strong bond, relaxed attitude and ambience between all the riders during the task. In the short amount of time given, they finished off and the riders headed to the top of the park, judges to their tent and the camera crews to their filming positions. The next obstacle was the high winds that started to gust up the valley. The banners and flags of event sponsors visually showed the strength of an incoming storm. It was an exciting and tense start.

However, against all odds, the riders and event staff proved a level of professionalism and camaraderie that made the obstacles seem like nothing. The sky was deep blue, the stunning glacier was pure white, and the ambience between the riders, staff and audience was sociable and exuberant. To add to it, there were 57 riders in all that turned out to Europe’s only summer Freeski competition. The start list was hot! Style was the order of the day, and all the riders were grabbing their skis and tweaking out for maximum points.

Volkl team rider JP Furrer (SUI) had some new grabs to show the crowd; double tail grabs, spread double nose grabs (in inverts) and insane superman front flips. Henrik Harlaut (SWE) was up to his usual mischief, spinning switch 10’s like he could do them in his sleep, and not holding back on the tweaked grabs either. Paddy Graham was putting in a noticeable performance as well, and his flat spin five had all the other competitors cheering. In the women’s, Virginie Faivre (SUI) was also looking strong, throwing stylee 3’s and 5’s to put her at the top of the women’s field, but local Swiss rider Evaline Bhend and Katrien Aerts (BEL) were also looking strong, throwing down 3’s with ease, and going for some technical grabs, like the double japan.

With the last minute re-shape of the kicker and the high winds, there was no room for error. Unless the landings were text book perfect, the riders were not going to get into the top 10. There were a lot of crashes due to the difficulty factors thrown in with the kicker, but the riders who came out on top proved why they were at the top of their game. The top 10 however were still a tough choice for the judges with such a high quality of riding and tricks.

The final started with a bang as Volkl team rider JP Furrer (SUI) went straight for a switch 900 double tail grab, tweaking his skis so hard that he took on the appearance of a contortionist. Unfortunately he couldn’t quite hold the landing, but it was nonetheless obvious that this was turning into another classic Ride event. Sweden’s Henrik Harlaut then charged at the kicker and launched one of the most styled switch 1260’s we’ve ever witnessed. Then came Benedict Mayr (GER) with a textbook switch 10 with a tweaked out tail grab. Paddy Graham (UK) stuck to his guns and went with the flat 5, with a bow and arrow grab.

Although the 5 is not as technical a trick as the others the technicality of the grab made up for it, and his style was impeccable. Simon Ericson pulled a switch 7 that sent him half way down the landing, and the judges were already scratching their heads with only half the field gone. In the end no-one managed to eclipse Henrik’s switch 12, and for the third year running he took the title. He was closely followed by Benedict Mayr (GER) and Paddy Graham (UK) in third.

In the women’s event former Ride event winner Virginie Faivre (SUI) who was riding strong couldn’t replicate her qualifying form due to a knee injury in the comp, leaving it wide open to the other two girls. Eventually it was Katrien Aerts (BEL) who took the first place with a styled 360 double japan, followed closely by Evaline Bhend (SUI).

All in all it was a great day, and the riders had put on a real show for the spectators. Winners Henrik Harlaut, Benedict Mayr and Paddy Graham will remain in Saas-Fee with the Ride Freesport film production crew to hopefully produce one of the best Ride TV shows yet. Saas-Fee remains the perfect terrain and resort to host the Saas-Fee Ride and with this the event organisers had pulled off another successful competition. We are all eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Ride event calendar.

Faction's New Ski Line

J Dogg — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:43:58 -0400

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Faction skis is comin' at you with some new boards for 2008/2009. Here's the scoop right from them...

We Are The Faction Collective! Purveyors of the finest freestyle/freeride skis out there; as well as softgoods and accessories for the rebel-stylee winter warrior in all of us

Snap! - this year we’re dropping some revolutionary downhill motion machines onto the market – two new freestyle and freeride products to get you down the hill with more style, speed and flair than ever before – in addition to our expanded lineup of incredibly versatile, design-o-licious fat twins.

Bing! – the “Royale”. Not a hint of cheese and the most versatile rockered ski on the market. 183cm tall, competely flat underfoot, rockered front and rear with traditional sidecut and a huge 120mm waist to make landing switch off that pillowline as fun as arcing it on fresh corduroy…and unlike other rockered play skis out there this ski is stiff enough to be used all over the mountain, in all conditions…

Pow! - the second dollop is the new & improved “Thirteen”. Weighing in at 194cm, 112mm waist and a mahoosive 46m radius sidecut, this baby is long, fat and straight. Someone say ‘bomber’ I hear?! This ski is not for the weak hearted - designed by our Pro Team riders led by ex-IFSA World Champion Ryan Oakden, expect to see this ski on the first lift then off in a cloud of snow… and that’s all she wrote…

Bam! - Comrade Tony McWilliam, Faction owner and lead designer said: “These skis represent the pinnacle of ski design. Together with our all-mountain twins, expanded fat-ski lineup and new women’s line called the “Heroine”, The Faction Collective has one of, if not THE most comprehensive lineup of freestyle and freeride skis on the market – each one of them designed with the full input of our team riders. Also, expect some new Artist Initiative graphics and some revolutionary new projects in the coming months… We’re looking to change the way that the industry looks at ski design as well as the responsibility that ski brands themselves have towards the community and the environment. You have been warned.”

In other news we’ve also partnered with Rage Films out of Oregon, USA to bring you one of the most revolutionary ski films in the last ten years. Launching this fall, “Such Is Life” brings you footage from new team prodigy Mark Dvorak, as well as coverage of a week with the Faction Pro Team out in the sled-neck accessed wilderness that is Bralorne, British Columbia (Canada)… expect to laugh, cry and wet yourself all in one… stay tuned for more details as we launch our 2008/9 range of skis this winter with parties at select resorts throughout the French and Swiss Alps …

Check out www.thefactioncollective.com for more info as it comes to hand.

World Backcountry Freeride Jam Wrap Up

J Dogg — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:48:59 -0400

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On Saturday April 19th, The North Face Canadian Ski Mountaineering Championships turned out to be the toughest race yet. But the difficult course and conditions did not deter a record number of competitors participating in all three races at this years’ 2008 National Championships.

The North Face Spearhead Passage

Weather dawned clear and cold with starting temperatures around –18C with a steady wind. The new course this year offered up some serious surprises including a boot pack climb up Exhilaration couloir which tops out at over 45 degrees.

The colder temperatures played havoc with freezing hydration systems and some competitors had limited or no water for the entire 26km, 4 + hour race! A total of 41 racers competed with a sprint finish for the top two competitors, Aaron Chance (CAN) and Andy Traslin (CAN). Both men are members of Canada’s national squad and have been battling it out all season. Andy came across the line first but suffered a time penalty which meant he lost the race by an incredibly close 21/100ths of a second! After 3.5 hours of racing! A young Riener Thoni (CAN) came in third with a very strong performance. Clearly one of the up and coming new stars for the Canadian team. Riener’s father, Rudi, and mother, Patricia also competed on the weekend. A remarkable family effort!

The top women were Melanier Bernier (CAN) (1st), Julie Matteau (CAN) (2nd) and Erica Janakova (CZ/CAN) (3rd). Both Melanie and Julie are members of Canada’s national Ski Mountaineering team. The competitors loved the course additions with its more difficult technical climbs.

The North Face Whistler Dash racers competed on a shortened version of the same course. So conditions were not much easier for them. Their 11k course saw a number of new comers and some very fast times lead by Steven Ziff in 1st, Dave Crew 2nd and Andre Munck in 3rd. There were 12 competitors in the Dash race. Top women were Carolyn Swertka (USA) up from the Jackson Hole in her first ever race. 2nd was Emelie Steinberg (CAN) and Birgitta Nieport (DAN) in 3rd. An international field in the citizen’s race!

Sunday saw an early start for competitors in The North Face Whistler WindUP as they shook off the tired legs and lungs from Saturday and hammered up the steep 1200m climb from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse. The young legs of Riener Thoni was the class of the day with a time of 1:08:57! 2nd was Matt Thompson (CAN) and 3rd was Javier Garcia (ESP). Matt chose to use snowshoes for this race and showed the snowshoers on a steep and hard course could keep pace with the skiers only 6 minutes behind Riener.

The women’s field was lead by Melanie Bernier and followed by Lina Augattis (CAN) and in third, Birgitta Nieport. Melanie posted a fast pace at 1:30:34. Amazing performance after a hard day of racing the day before.

Total racers competing was 76, an new high. A very successful weekend of racing which is continuing to establish the Spearhead Passage as one of the most difficult and most favoured stops on the North American schedule.

More at http://www.wbfj.ca/

Ed Viesturs & Stetson Canadian Arctic Trek for Earth Health

J Dogg — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

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On April 25th, Talus-sponsored athletes Ed Viesturs and John Stetson will embark on a 150-mile expedition into the Canadian Arctic. The world-renown adventurers will cross-country ski the entire Canadian Arctic Trek for Earth Health pulling sledges throughout North Baffin Island. The challenging expedition is scheduled to last nearly 20 days with daily progress reports being made via satellite phone and posted on the web.

Viesturs and Stetson believe that people cannot be healthy if the earth is unhealthy. “We live in a fish bowl,” says Viesturs, “and we need to keep our little home clean.”

The Canadian Arctic Trek for Earth Health will allow Viesturs and Stetson to see first-hand how global climate change is affecting the pristine artic environment. This will be highlighted by speaking directly with the native Inuit communities found in Pond Inlet and how climate change is affecting their lifestyle and sustainable hunting tactics.

Additionally, this expedition will prepare Viestus and Stetson for a future 600-mile, unsupported expedition to the South Pole. Due to the length and conditions of the pending expedition, meticulous planning and preparation are needed.

Viesturs and Stetson are both decorated adventurers with widespread experience in extreme conditions. In May of 2005, Viesturs completed his 18-year dream of becoming the first American and only the fifth person in the world to ascend the 14 tallest mountains (all over 8,000ft) without supplemental oxygen. Included in this feat, Viesturs has ascended Mount Everest six times.

Stetson is a renowned sled dog musher with more than 20 years of experience and has logged nearly 80,000 miles by dog sled. No stranger to inclement weather, Stetson is the two-time champion of the John Beargrease sled dog race and has competed in temperatures 40-degrees-below-zero.

During the Canadian Arctic Trek for Earth Health, Viesturs and Stetson will be equipped with the ColdAvenger™, a high-performance cold weather face mask made by Talus Outdoor Technologies. Talus is a proud sponsor of the expedition.

Talus is honored to provide athletes with the tools to “Stay Out Longer” while continuing their efforts to promote sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility. Talus supports CoolEarth, an international sustainability effort to protect rainforests for carbon sequestration (www.coolearth.org), and educational programs such as Globalwarming101 (www.globalwarming101.com). Join us in making a difference in our planet.

Whistler Shredder Crystal Rose-Lee Wins World Freeskiing Championships

J Dogg — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:55:16 -0400

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The final stop of the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series and the Freeskiing World Tour wrapped up today at Alyeska Resort, Alaska. The emotional day of competition began this morning as nearly 200 competitors hiked to the top of Alyeska peak to pay tribute to fallen competitor John Nicoletta of Aspen, Colorado.

A memorial took place on the peak where competitors shared their favorite stories and memories of Nicoletta. Before the first competitor left the start gate a large group of Aspen athletes foreran the venue in unison and dedicated it to their lost friend.

With half the field of competitors unable to complete their runs yesterday, the decision was made to run the remainder of the field this morning. Incidentally, four out of the top five overall male competitors ran yesterday including Jake Cohn of Telluride, CO, whose run included a high speed straight-line with a sizeable cliff-drop. Cohn finished fifth with 34.69 points. Luke Nelson of Fernie, B.C., finished fourth with 35.75 points just ahead of Aaron Schmidt also of Fernie, BC. Schmidt, who ran today, pioneered a new line which he skied with authority, earning him 36 points overall. Craig Garbiel of Kirkwood, California, skied an incredibly fast run, gaining precious line score points by skiing through exposure, to finish second with 36.25. Kent Hyden of Alta, Utah, executed four perfect cliff drops with no hesitation. His speed and aggressive line choice earned him a total of 36.63 points, which put him on the top of the podium.

“I was looking up the venue this morning and had an idea of what I wanted to ski,” overall winner Kent Hyden said yesterday. “Right before my start, I looked down at my line and was able to see my take-off and where I would land I figured and I knew that as long as I had enough speed I would be alright. It worked out pretty well.”

The international women’s field represented five nations and was one of the deepest in history. Ex U.S. National Ski Team member Crystal Wright of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, skied a technical line with a few impressive cliff-drops, skiing into the bowl with controlled speed, which earned her 29.88 points and fifth place overall. One of the youngest competitors in the event, 19 year-old Jacqui Edgerly of Aspen, Colorado, impressed the judges with her extremely fast run, earning her 30.88 points and fourth place on the day. Former Freeskiing World Tour champion Jess McMillan finished third overall with 31 points just ahead of Janina Kuzma of Fernie, BC, who skied her exposed line with confidence, landing her in second position overall with 31.75 points. Tour veteran Crystal-Rose Lee of Whistler, BC, made quick work of the venue, skiing a fast, technical line littered with cliff-drops, which earned her the first position overall with 32.25 points.

“This was the most nervous and weird I have ever felt in a competition,” said third place finisher Jess McMillan. “I always ski to ski another day, and after yesterday, the weight of that was heavy. Today I wanted to ski for myself, for John… and for the sake of skiing. I didn’t really care how I did, I just wanted to make it down to the bottom and it feels really good to be down here.”

Although the awards ceremony will take place tomorrow, overall tour winners were released this evening solidifying a Whistler, B.C., sweep of the Freeskiing World Tour as Brett Crabtree won his first title and Jen Ashton claimed her fourth. The Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series titles went to Josh Daiek of Kirkwood, CA, and Crystal-Rose Lee of Whistler, B.C. Log onto www.usfreeskiing.com for a complete list of tour results. For Sickbird buckle winner and The North Face Young Gun winner, please log onto www.usfreeskiing.com tomorrow.

Mountain Sports International presented a live webcast of the Subaru Freeskiing World Championships. Check out highlights at www.usfreeskiing.com, which features state of the art video and photo player technology. The daily uploads of video, photos, news and results are available after each day concludes.

VIEW FULL RESULTS>>>

Simon Dumont World Record Quarterpipe Highest Air

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

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Skiing prodigy and X Games star Simon Dumont accomplished the unthinkable today, establishing a new world record for highest air on a quarterpipe as he launched 35 feet into thin air at his home resort of Sunday River in Maine.

On the world's tallest quarterpipe (38-feet tall and 78-feet wide) custom-built by Snow Park Technologies, and with a representative from FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski ) appointed by Guinness Book of World Records on location to document the record-breaking moment, Dumont beat previous record holder Terje Haakonsen's 32 feet 6 inches during his last day of attempts.

Soaring a breathtaking 73 feet above the ground -- more than a seven-story building -- this hometown hero sent the intimate crowd of family and friends into a frenzy as they witnessed the record-breaking moment.

"I wasn't sure how this would all go down today with the wind and some healing injuries I've been nursing," says Dumont. "As I was dropping down the hill into the run-in it just hit me that this would be it -- the rest is history."

Making the attempt had been on Simon's mind for several years, but once snowboard legend Terje Haakonsen set the record in 2007 going 32 feet 6 inches high with a backside 360 at The Arctic Challenge in Oslo, Norway, Dumont knew he wanted to be the first to break it. So in 2008, Dumont turned to Red Bull and Sunday River to bring the project to life.

Although Snow Park Technologies has built countless quarterpipes over the years, this was the first developed specifically for both a single athlete and the Guinness Book. "Building a quarterpipe for just one athlete exactly the way he wants it is unique for us," says SPT's Corley Howard. "I'm super excited to be a part of this project ... after seeing Simon get huge airs in the halfpipe at the X Games, we were hoping he'd go for the record." After two days of framing the quarterpipe with a snowcat, and three days of precisely hand shaping the 38-foot wall from the top down, Howard along with fellow SPT builder Jeremy Carpenter had done all they could do. It was time for Simon to get to work.

The project began Tuesday morning when Dumont arrived on site directly off a flight from Sweden. Dumont began hitting the quarterpipe in the early afternoon when he reached heights as high as 28 feet, before drifting in the air and falling nearly 66 feet onto the snow below. Dumont's hard hitting landing caused him to bruise his heel and aggravate an existing knee injury. After seeing the doctor, Simon returned to the hill on Wednesday, but was plagued by his injuries and was forced to recuperate for the rest of the day. Thursday was disrupted by high winds forcing the entire staff to delay their flights in order to provide Simon with one more opportunity to attempt the World Record.

At 9 a.m. Friday morning Simon showed up with his game face on and was ready for his final attempts. After an hour of repeatedly hitting the quarterpipe, at 10:12 a.m. EDT Dumont hiked an additional 15 feet up the hill to gain more speed. Simon crouched into a tucked position going 55 mph down the in-run and not only launched 35 feet into the air, but spun a 900 in the process (a trick where the athlete spins 2.5 complete rotations in the air).

And what better place to carry out this history-making moment than Sunday River, New England's premier ski destination located in the Mahoosuc Mountains of western Maine, where it all began for Dumont. "Simon grew up here in the town of Bethel shredding the slopes at Sunday River so we were thrilled to help him bust the record," says Alex Kaufman, Communications Manager for Sunday River. Marketing Manager Nick Lambert continues, "Sunday River is best known for our snowmaking and for the large amount of ski terrain we have to offer, both of which helped make the resort the right location for this event." As far as this quarterpipe being the tallest freestyle feature ever built in the world, here at Sunday River, Kaufman comments, "We're all about putting the snow we make all year to good use in the spring. Simon going for a world record at Sunday River was pretty darn good use!"

So, with the mission accomplished for 21-year-old Simon Dumont, what's next on the horizon? "I plan to go film for the rest of the season, then take a good vacation this summer before refocusing on next year," says Dumont.

Snowbird US Freeskiing Nationals - Day 1

J Dogg — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:33:10 -0400

Rating

If things keep up the way they are, some of our favourite Whistlerites will be on the podium. Here's what's going on at Snowbird so far...

After two days of intense qualifying rounds on Snowbird's West Baldy, the roster was whittled down and the slate wiped clean for athletes who qualified for today’s official start to the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals. This event is the fifth stop on the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series and second stop on the Freeskiing World Tour. In total, 84 male and 31 female competitors advanced to today’s Silver Fox competition venue.

Leading the women’s field, which is one of the deepest in freeskiing history, is Emily Teague of Telluride, CO, with 35.50 points. Second place on the day is 18-year-old competitor Colby Adams from Breckenridge, CO, with 35.25 points. In third place with 34.88 points is Snowbird local Alaina Heustis. In total 16 women advance to tomorrow’s finals on North Baldy.

"I'm stoked on the group of girls here," said today’s second place finisher Colby Adams. "It's always fun when the intensity is raised. Whether you qualify or not, it's just fun."

Men’s tour veteran Kevin O’Meara of Squaw Valley, CA, cleanly executed several huge cliff drops to lead the men’s field with 41.63 points. Whistler, BC’s Mathieu Gagnon-Theriault sits in second with 39.13 points, and in third is Brett Crabtree of Blackcomb, BC with 38.38 points.

Tomorrow’s finals will take competitors back across the valley to the North Baldy section of Snowbird. This legendary venue is the perfect proving ground for the best freeskiers in the world to push their limits as they chase the World Tour and Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Tour titles as well as the $12,500 event prize purse.

Don’t miss the webcast of today’s action at 6 pm MST on www.usfreeskiing.com. MSI will present live a LIVE webcast of the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals final and super final rounds beginning at 10am MST tomorrow, with a re-broadcast airing at 6pm MST. The webcast will also be aired on partner sites www.powdermag.com, www.backcountry.com, www.newschoolers.com and www.biglines.com

Log on to www.usfreeskiing.com for event photos, news and results after each day concludes.