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It's that time again...

That's right. Time for Vancouver's favorite Monday night party to return. This year promises to be one of our best yet. First off we had to say good-bye to the Royal, which shut it's doors in May. Lots of good times were had and we're sad to see it go. On the flip-side we're stoked to have found our new home at the METropole located at 320 Abbott St. They've gone out of their way to make us feel at home by installing a dozen HD TVs and a brand new HD projector and screen. On top that they have a full feature arcade with pool table and foosball.

We were so excited to get this season rolling that we've taken over Mondays already. The Pre-season is going on with no cover charge and $5 doubles so you can get in shape for the winter party season. The freshest beats are calling you to the dancefloor with resident elDJloco on the 1s and 2s.

Stay tuned right here for the latest party info or check us out at our blog:
http://mountainmadnessmondays.blogspot.com
or on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=6360267406


Published On: 9/28/2009
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For video of the Romain Interview, visit http://SlytechProtection.com/blog


Romain Straps it On

Romain de Marchi says: Stop letting the economic crisis paralyze you; don’t listen to the talking heads on TV news; don’t slow down. Your life and the lives of those around you depend on your passion and stoke.

YOU’VE NEVER HEARD ROMAIN DE MARCHI SAY ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE

MAUI, HAWAII – For a moment there I thought I was pondering the intricacies of the Universe, God, and life with Deepak Chopra – the esoteric Indian doctor, author, philosopher – not Romain de Marchi – ball-to-the-walls, huck-myself-down-any-freakin’-thing – snowboard legend.

Prejudiced with images of his suicidal rippings in epic Absinthe films, tabloid sensationalism knocking him as a party freak, and his tattoo covered body, I went into this, our first longer meeting, thinking it would turn out to be another “shoot the shi*t interview” with another fortunate, yet undeserving rider. I got adjusted, hard.

Romain on Travelling

RDM: When I travel I like discovering different philosophies and new cultures. I try to learn more and more the world. TV I don’t think is a good example to learn the world. To me it’s better to be on the terrain and figure out by yourself. That’s what I’m looking for when I go travel: meet new cultures and new people basically.

SWB: How does riding factor into your travels? Can you describe that stoke that you feel?

RDM: Well, I always… when I’m travelling, it’s not really the places you go to, but the experience you share with people. I like the fact that when I go to different resorts, I meet different people and they give me their stoke-ness of wanting to share with me their culture, their mountain and their way of seeing their mountain. That’s what I appreciate a lot when I get to see different places. So, that’s what really stokes me out.

Romain on Fatherhood

SWB: I saw your daughter Annella there. Tell me about her!

RDM: Well, she’s almost 2 years old and she’s growing up by the minute. She’s a fan of Dora as you can see on the T-Shirt and she loves her mama a lot. No, it’s fascinating, I mean, it’s ahhhh, it makes you more mature, makes you go forward in life, to be able to see your kids, the way they interpret life, to see their innocence and their soul. I think it gives you a lot of inspiration! They really inspire me.

SWB: so how did you start to feel in riding after you became a parent? Were there differences in your behavior after you became a parent?

RDM: Yeah, a lot of people said: now that you have a kid your ride should be different, you should be more cautious. Actually for me it went the other way around. I’m more crazy now than before. It really pushed me to go out there and do what I love. Now more than ever, I do it for more and more reason. First it was just for me when I was younger, but now it’s also for my daughter and my kids because I want them to feel my passion and translate that to them, so now I go out there and try to get as stoked as I can, so when I get home they can see how happy I am to do what I love to do and they can feel that. So for me it went the other way around.

SWB: interesting! So she made you live life even more to its fullest?

RDM: Even more.

Romain on the World Economic Recession

RDM: I’m not gonna say it doesn’t affect me. It affects everybody, but, I think that many people live in fear and they’re like “ohhh no, I can’t do this, I can’t do that.” People have been brainwashed with that and they’ve stopped living. I bet if each individual in the world like they did before the crisis, everything would be good, because money would still be spent, people would still be happy and do happy things and the world would still go around. Now everybody is watching TV saying “ohhh no, I can’t do this, because the TV said it’s fear, it’s economic, and it’s the world war, the terrorism and what not…” I think that’s pretty sad that people have been brainwashed like that and have stopped living just because some dude said it on TV. Of course, the economy isn’t as good now, but I think we are as much responsible for it as the people who are leading our country. I think we should keep living and everything is going to be fine.

SWB: ohh man, that’s a great insight. People paralyze themselves by listening to these so-called experts on TV and…

RDM: yeah, it’s been like that for centuries, you know like, create fear so that we can control people. I try to have my own opinion. I know times are hard, but it’s hard for everybody, but you keep living and if you can’t pay the mortgage one day and what not, then well, sell the house and do something else. The world is not going to end just like that. We have many options in life, so it’s not worth worrying about a mortgage or things like that.

Romain on Back Protection and Why Everyone Should Wear One

RDM: For sure it gives you extra confidence. If I hit a rock at least I have the Slytech 2nd Skin to protect my spine.

But I also try not to rely on it too much, because then you forget how your muscles work in your body; they are the first armor, right?

The Slytech 2nd Skin is more prevention. It’s not because I have a back protector that I’m going to launch a bigger thing. Whether I ride the resort or I jump, I always wear it in case something happens. It’s a precaution. It’s not like, “ohhh yeah, I’m just going riding the resorts, so I’m not going to put it on.” No, I put it on anyway.

Whether big jump or not, you know, now that I’m getting older, I got a family, so I kinda need to have that extra protection for me. But I’m not forgetting as well that my body is my first armor. For my state of mind it’s more uhhh… like in a car, you can have one airbag or you can have 5 airbags. Same thing with second skin: I’d rather have more airbags than just 1.

SWB: There are all kind of back protectors out there. What was it about Slytech 2nd Skin to make you choose to use it?

RDM: It’s easy to put on. It’s really comfortable to wear it. The good thing is, the foam they use, it’s really molding your back, so you really don’t feel it. I’ve tried other ones and they’re really uncomfortable. They’ve been using that for dirt biking at first. I feel pretty confident: dirt bikers get more beat up than snowboarders. When they fall, they hit the hard ground! Snow is soft. It makes you feel even better that it’s tested by dirt bike people.

SWB: How were you introduced to the Slytech people?

RDM: What went down is… basically, I got hooked up with Shred and they said, “hey, you want to try the Slytech 2ndSkin?” and I’m like “YEAH SURE!” They sent me some and I went riding and I didn’t feel it. I went riding all day and I didn’t feel it at all, “OK, wow! This is a freakin great product!” You have it on and it’s extra precaution for you and it doesn’t even bother you; it doesn’t even make you uncomfortable when you ride so I was like “yeah right on! This is a great product, so let’s do something with it!”

SWB: Would you recommend a back protector for non-professional athletes?

RDM: Yeah, I would recommend all the protection they can get. Most of the time, beginners just sit on a hump on the slope and if a skier or snowboarder just comes up from behind and BOOM, it could paralyze them. But if you have a back protector, it might save you from that. Helmet, back protectors are key.

As I left that interview, I never thought that I – as a philosophy guy living in Hawaii with all the inspiration I need around me – would have walked away with so much newfound inspiration to go for whatever I could possibly conceive of.

I want to publicly thank Romain de Marchi for sharing the inspiring stoke he collects through his experiences as a shredder, a father, a world traveler and as a free spirit (the snowboarding world’s own mini Deepak). Thanks also for believing in and endorsing the Slytech Back Protector. It took many years to develop and test, and now that it’s available to the general public we hope it will be as universally loved.

About Slytech Protection
The team and riders at Slytech Protection feel that life is best lived with maximum passion, confidence, comfort and protection (comfortable protection). We’re based around a rider's love for shredding and being free, to keep pushing the limits and to give yourself the chance to get up and ride again. Being sidelined with a bad spinal injury is the last thing we want, and so comfortable back protection is the first thing we grab.

Go to http://slytechprotection.com and signup for more inspiring rider tales from Romain and the rest of the shredders.

 

Slytech Protection distributors at www.slytechproteciton.com/contacts
Headquarters:
CERSAL srl
Viale Ancona, 26
30172 Venezia Mestre
Tel.+390412517211
Fax +390412517200

www.slytechprotection.com

###



Published On: 9/4/2009
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The 2008~09 season was incredible. We had a whole bunch of cool and unique guys and girls train with us this season and a lot of returning campers pushing their limits as well. Big backcountry jump days, deep powder runs, terrain park improvement, Core night park action, secret pillow fields, cornices, tree runs...you name it, we did it all. From novice riders sliding boxes and riding powder for the first time to seasoned returning campers grabbing their inverts, sticking larger cliffs and every level and experience in between.Good times, great memories, huge improvement and the end of the season video to prove it. From all of the staff and coaches - A huge “Thank You” to all of the great campers who allowed us to be a part of their winter season! It was an amazing season with all of you guys here and keep riding on.

Published On: 5/25/2009
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Day 1
I was pretty nervous when I left home and took a flight to Vancouver BC. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to snowboard as good as the others, but when I went, you're organized into groups depending on your level. It was silly of me to worry, but when i did go, the campers were pretty chill so it didn't even matter anyways. Well anyways, when I landed in Vancouver, I met so many people at the airport going to Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp. When we all boarded the camp bus/shuttle I met even MORE people. During the evening, we were to meet at the mountain room (a huge room with a big screen tv). There we were introduced to all the coaches and info about the camp, like camp rules, schedual, and activites. When i got to my room, there I met my 2 roomates! They were the same level as me at snowboarding and same age too! They were also in my group which was cool. I made friends really quick.


Day 2-6

The park is siiiiiiiick. They have their own terrain on Blackcomb Mountain, with jumps, rails, boxes, and a tent that you can just chill at if you're tired or hungry. The weather felt like it was 20 degrees, it was so hot! I think that's really cool, the weather being really warm and being able to snowboard. I know what you're thinking, but no! The snow isn't all slush! There's plenty of snow and the groomers of their camp groom it everyday so it's all good. I got a pretty sick goggle tan.


Activites

Out of all the activites, I've got to say that bungee jumping was my favourite! You're there with all your friends going bungee jumping! There's other activities like wakeboarding, paintball, mountain biking, driving range/miniputt, skateboarding, indoor rockclimbing, games room/movie lounge, pool/hot tub at the hotel, tennis/volleyball/dodgeball, or just chilling at Whistler Village!


Overall, this was the highlight of my summer!
 


Published On: 4/25/2009
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My Blog: WSSC- Who We Are
By: WSSC


Who we are:

With our world class private terrain park, professional coaches, hotel accommodation, meals, and activities, Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp is the place to be this summer!
 
 
what's included:
 
• Interactive coaching environment. Our coaches are not only professionals, but genuinely love kids and love coaching. Our coaching groups provide a better opportunity for campers to progress, as your coach will get to know you during the week and anticipate your needs and goals.
 
• Value. Everything is included in the camp price. ALL scheduled activities (extra charge for some optional activities) , ALL meals including dinner, a free camp T-Shirt and a camp video.
 
• Private pipe, race lanes, and park. Our on-hill facility is world class with private pipe, race lane, groomed area, terrain park, and lots of other terrain. Because we limit the amount of campers that we can accept each session, our park is never crowded. This means less time standing around waiting your turn, which is the case at the busier camps, and more time for you to focus on your goals!
 
• Supervision. We don't hold back the older campers or forget about the younger ones. All campers under 19 are supervised 24 hrs by our live-in hotel staff.
 
• Luxury-suites, not crowded dorms or small hotel rooms. The suites are equipped with a full-kitchen, living area, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms and a big balcony to enjoy the beautiful mountain views! There is also a heated pool, huge jacuzzi, basketball court and volleyball net. The resort is located just minutes from the base of the hill, too, so there is no traveling to get to the lifts - they're just a short walk from breakfast!
 
• All meals are included in the price of the camp. Some other camps don't provide you with dinner. This can add-up to $100's of additional dollars to the price of your camp.
 
• No hiking. Our lifts run all day.
 
• Walk to the lifts. Some of the other camps have a 30 minute bus ride just to get to the hill but at our camp you can walk there in 5 min after you eat breakfast at a nice restaurant.
 
 


Published On: 4/24/2009
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My Blog: WSSC- Who We Are
By: WSSC


Who we are:

With our world class private terrain park, professional coaches, hotel accommodation, meals, and activities, Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp is the place to be this summer!
 
 
what's included:
 
• Interactive coaching environment. Our coaches are not only professionals, but genuinely love kids and love coaching. Our coaching groups provide a better opportunity for campers to progress, as your coach will get to know you during the week and anticipate your needs and goals.
 
• Value. Everything is included in the camp price. ALL scheduled activities (extra charge for some optional activities) , ALL meals including dinner, a free camp T-Shirt and a camp video.
 
• Private pipe, race lanes, and park. Our on-hill facility is world class with private pipe, race lane, groomed area, terrain park, and lots of other terrain. Because we limit the amount of campers that we can accept each session, our park is never crowded. This means less time standing around waiting your turn, which is the case at the busier camps, and more time for you to focus on your goals!
 
• Supervision. We don't hold back the older campers or forget about the younger ones. All campers under 19 are supervised 24 hrs by our live-in hotel staff.
 
• Luxury-suites, not crowded dorms or small hotel rooms. The suites are equipped with a full-kitchen, living area, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms and a big balcony to enjoy the beautiful mountain views! There is also a heated pool, huge jacuzzi, basketball court and volleyball net. The resort is located just minutes from the base of the hill, too, so there is no traveling to get to the lifts - they're just a short walk from breakfast!
 
• All meals are included in the price of the camp. Some other camps don't provide you with dinner. This can add-up to $100's of additional dollars to the price of your camp.
 
• No hiking. Our lifts run all day.
 
• Walk to the lifts. Some of the other camps have a 30 minute bus ride just to get to the hill but at our camp you can walk there in 5 min after you eat breakfast at a nice restaurant.
 


Published On: 4/24/2009
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Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Park Updates Now on Twitter!
By: whistlerblackcomb


Follow the Park Ranger updates on Twitter. Get regular updates on new features, changes and events happening on all Whistler Blackcomb Nintendo Terrain Parks. Stay connected to the Parks team as they shape up your favorite jibs, jumps and the superpipe. Follow the Park Rangers at http://twitter.com/whistlerparks



Published On: 3/13/2009
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Pushing for Perfection

Hey Jibbers and Jumpers,
The past couple of weeks in The Parks have been really exciting times for everyone. We've seen lots of sun and snow. Our Parks are now pretty much built to capacity, giving our teams the opportunity to really pimp out our features. We've been switching rails and jumps in and out to keep things fresh. Both mountains are changing daily. The Showcase Showdown this year was a huge success. Big shout out to Brad Broughton from the shop, and his team of volunteers for their help with design and building. The Atomic Supercross is this weekend; results to come.

On Blackcomb
- The Snowcross track has a new line this year that everyone should check it out. The course is open daily.
- The Highest Level, and Choker lines are riding perfectly every day, the lines are dialed right in nicely. The Highest Level is rounded out at the bottom by a massive re-entry platform with an Up-Rail to Wallride. The Choker line finishes with an awesome Quarter Pipe that is Zaugged daily.

On Whistler
- The Bobcat line (right side of the park) has been filled out with an A-frame rail combo, a couple more jumps, and tweaks to the other jibs.
- The Chipmunk line is fully built out as well, with a couple new jumps, and changes to the jib lines Park Events
- The next King of the Rail comp is going to be March 21st. This is event is the last KOR of the season, and may even be moved to the base of Whistler (next to the GLC) this time. So make sure you register
- The following day (March 22nd), will be the Park Rider Series Slopestyle, on Whistler Mountain. The course will be on Whistler's Bobcat line (right side of park). All levels of riders and skiers are welcome so come on up, and ride in this fun event

See you all up here!
- James Sayers









CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS





Published On: 3/13/2009
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...I can never keep a promise when it comes to maintaining online profiles. But after I busted my shoulder from crash landing a jump at Bromley, VT, (oh wait did I just say that out loud?...let me repeat,) BROMLEY, VT, I figured it's time to pay this site a visit. Kinda sad actually, I expected to get hurt more at Mountaincreek, NJ. That goes to show how well design is MTC's terrain park, despite mother nature's way of being stingy with snow.


Published On: 3/12/2009
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Whistler Blackcomb's annual Showcase Showdown went off last Saturday as onlookers crowded into Skiers' Plaza and onto patios to watch the action at the base of Whistler Mountain. After a hard fought battle, Caley Vanular claimed first place in the women's category. Second place went to Molly Milligan and third went to Janelle Prtichard. Meanwhile, Andrew Burns took first in the men's category, while Rusty Ockeneden claimed second place and Mike Osachuk took third.

The six riders, who won a total of $5,000 cash and prizes from event sponsors, including Nixon headphones and Sandbox helmets, will also be featured in Sandbox's next snowboard film "Shine On."

In its twelfth year, the Showcase Showdown has enjoyed another successful transformation and has proven once again why Whistler Blackcomb's Nintendo Terrain Parks are ranked No. 1 in North America.

This year's course was inspired by the mini-parks in locals' backyards all over Whistler. The slopestyle course design, which included rails and industrial-style jib features with happy faces, was a collaboration of Showcase Team Manager Brad Broughton; Kevin Sansalone of Sandbox Films; Steve Petrie master park-builder and designer and builder of the 2010 Olympic Halfpipe; and Whistler Blackcomb's Park Rangers.

For a complete results list visit www.showcaseshowdown.ca. Showcase Snowboards is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. For all the latest gear and apparel, shop online at www.showcasesnowboards.com.













MORE PHOTOS

Published On: 3/4/2009
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King of the Rail Jib Session - Sat. Feb. 14th



King of the Rail is a series of rail jam contests which run on selected Saturday nights under the Magic Chair at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Separate categories for snowboarders and skiers, male and female and adult and youth. Click here for more info about the event and how to register.

Park Rider Sessions presented by TELUS – Sun. Feb. 15th



Park Rider Sessions presented by TELUS features Slopestyle, Rail Jams and Halfpipe. The upcoming Park Rider Session is the Slopestyle being held at the Blackcomb Terrain Park. Competitions open to skiers and snowboarders, all ages welcome. Click here for more info about the event and how to register.



Published On: 2/12/2009
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Mountain Madness Mondays Blog

Check it out. Mountain Madness is going on strong. Check out all the info on our blog. This week is the Launch Energy Gum Party/Australia Day Gong Show. You know it's going to get messy. But That's the way we like it.
nuff said.



Published On: 1/26/2009
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding 2009 Tour Dates Announced by The North Face and Mountain Sports International

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding is the largest big mountain snowboarding tour in the country, with a prize purse of $45,000 and two new world-class venues

 

Registration is now open on www.thenorthfacemasters.com

 

Salt Lake City, Utah, December 17, 2008 – Now in its sophomore year, The North Face Masters of Snowboarding (TNF Masters) has become the largest cohesive competitive big mountain snowboarding tour in the country. A three-stop tour, TNF Masters is designed to cater to the motivation, talent and skill of world-class big mountain snowboarders. The 2009 tour visits Snowbird, Utah, Crested Butte, Colorado, and culminates at the ultimate big mountain competition venue of Kirkwood, California.

 

“The North Face Masters tour is going to be off the chain this year,” said TNF Masters Alyeska, Alaska, 2008 champion Rob Kingwill. “I am excited to be a part of the movement toward giving big mountain snowboarding competition the recognition it deserves. All three 2009 venues are world-class, and I can't wait to see what happens.”

 

TNF Masters features a $45,000 cash prize purse and serves as a qualifier event to the Freeride World Tour. Winners from the Snowbird and Crested Butte TNF Masters events will have the opportunity to compete in the Nissan Tram Face at Squaw Valley, California.

 

"Freeriding, the use of natural terrain, fall line, and innovation from riding style is the essence of big mountain snowboarding,” said TNF Masters Head Judge Tom Burt. “The TNF Masters series is designed around this and that is the reason why I agreed to become the head judge. The terrain will be delivered by Snowbird, Crested Butte, and Kirkwood. All have different flavors of terrain so each will bring its own challenges for the riders, and every rider will bring their own style and innovation to each venue. When the two mesh the best freerider will emerge.“

 

TNF Masters gathers big mountain snowboarding tribes from all around the world. All male and female snowboarding competitors above age 18 are welcomed to participate. Registration is now open on www.thenorthfacemasters.com.

 

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding 2009 Series Schedule

Stop #1 – Snowbird, Utah.                  January 29-February 1, 2009

Stop #2 –Crested Butte, Colorado. February 12-15, 2009

Stop #3 –Kirkwood, California         March 5-8, 2009

 

Fans of big mountain snowboarding can catch same-day coverage of the Semi-Final and Final rounds of each TNF Masters event on www.thenorthfacemasters.com where there are complete videos, photos, athlete profiles, detailed event schedules, registration information and more.

 

For more information please visit www.thenorthfacemasters.com.

 

Special Thanks To:

The North Face

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Primaloft

Snowboard Magazine

Mountain Sports International

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND ATHLETE INQUIRIES CONTACT

Sara Pinsoneault

Athlete Communications

Mountain Sports International

801.349.4650

sarap@mtsports.com

 

MEDIA INQUIRES AND FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Cara Williams

PR, Communications & Media Manager

Mountain Sports International

801.349.4608

cara@mtsports.com

 

Pamela Bennett

Communications Manager

The North Face

510.618.3654

pamela_bennett@vfc.com

 

About MSI

Mountain Sports International (MSI) is a private company, founded in 1997, to develop and produce action/adventure sports events and programming in North America. MSI owns and produces the U.S. Freeskiing Series, the U.S. Skiercross Series, and the Freeskiing World Tour, in addition to several other properties and concepts.

 

MSI provides event management services for Burton, Salomon, and Red Bull and has provided infrastructure and expertise for the NBC Gravity Games and ESPN Action Sports Projects, including the Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark Tour. MSI specializes in matching clients with events for brand penetration into target demographics, developing product identification and loyalty. MSI matches brand and culture, company and credibility to create sought-after events that help to define the action sports culture.

 

About The North Face

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company’s products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.

 



Published On: 1/19/2009
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I love receiving last minute phone calls with the 2 stroke hum of snowmobiles in the background. PortersTahoe.com Team Rider Brendon Drury hit me up and said he and his younger brother were up at Mt. Rose riding around on his snowmobiles in search of some terrain for some snowboarding.



It is always fun riding side saddle getting up to your destination as it can be quite a task. I did bail once off the sled on my belly like a land seal! Out in the backcountry you never know what kind of characters you'll run into as we ran into these slednecks who offered us cheeseburgers, beer and some of that funny smelling "rope".



After a brief chat with these friendly dudes (Brendon snatched a brew), we proceeded to find our zone where we could get some shots. Brendon dropped into a face that was really sunbaked and it was hard to get the spray that we wanted. It was a fun turn but we wanted more.



Brendon got another ride up on the sled and I was scouting a zone trying to find a good place where he could snap a turn. The snow surface had about a 3-4 inch crust layer on it so I had to find an area that was thinner. I found just the spot.
Brendon hiked over to where i was camped out & we planned our shot.



In pure anal photographer fashion...I had to light this shot up. Packing light this time out I had my Lumedyne 400 WS Action Pack, Canon 1D Mark II, Canon 15mm fisheye lens, Canon 50mm 1.4 prime, and my Canon 70-200mm lenses. This is a great 3 lens & one light setup to have out in the backcountry or anywhere for that matter.This is what we got.



Not bad considering the snow only had an inch of crust in this zone. He did break through to the bottom and hit the rock, but in the end it was all worth it. On the way down we had to stop just one more time to take in another epic Lake Tahoe sunset.



Published On: 1/7/2009
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After a week of consistent snow, the riding here in Whistler is back in business! We're into our 5th week of camp and the second group of long term campers are packing their bags and preparing to hit town as we speak.
 
Christmas in the camp houses was celebrated in true Whistler style with wine and cheese, pressies, partying in town and of course, Christmas day spent riding on the mountain... how else would you rather spend your holidays?!
 
We're super stoked that we've been able to take our groups to secret powder stashes on the mountain without getting stuck in long holiday lift lines. Also, now that the upper alpine lifts are staring to open, we're looking forward to some steep pow runs in the bowls and maybe a hike or two for some of the best untracked powder on the mountain. It's that kind of inside local knowledge that means we can ride harder, faster and in deeper pow that anyone else hahaha!
 
The terrain parks are already starting to look good. The Nintendo Park on Blackcomb has a number of hip, box and rail features and a couple of jumps. As more snow falls we'll begin to see the Terrain Garden (beginner's park) and Higher Level (XL) parks take shape. We're also looking forward to seeing the double rainbow stall feature and dancefloor jibs they're building in the Whistler park using the cable reels from the construction of new Peak to Peak gondola.
 
It even looks like there's almost enough snow for our first backcountry jump day to be held in a secret location yet to be revealed... can't wait!
 
Happy New Year form the team at Proride. Hope your new year sounds as exciting as ours!
 
 
Check out our picture diary at Pro Ride Snowboard Camps Diary
 
 


Published On: 12/31/2008
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Yep, there's only 3 days left to enter our Find the Money Line contest.

Pretty easy stuff. All you gotta do is buzz around our new zone map, find the money line logo, and enter to win.

Why Find the Money Line? Because that's exactly what we'll be doing with our Big Mountain Experience trips lined up for later this winter. Pray for some snow and when it comes, we'll be getting lots of it!


Published On: 12/16/2008
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Forty of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders will descend on Squaw Valley USA this winter, where for the first time ever they’ll compete on a legendary section of the mountain during the Freeride World Tour Event wtfhttp://www.freerideworldtour.com> : Nissan Tram Face, anticipated to take place February 28th, 2009.

The Freeride World Tour event at Squaw Valley USA, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, will help set a new standard for freeride competition, attracting some of the best in the sport.  The Tour promises to be demanding for participants and exciting for spectators when for the first time the legendary Tram Face, closed since Squaw Valley opened in 1949, will be open for the pro event.

”The Tram Face at Squaw Valley is legendary terrain that many have dreamed to ride but few have dared to,” said longtime Squaw Valley USA skier Cody Townsend, ranked 5th in the 2008 World Freeride Tour.  ”Having the first ever competition on Tram Face is like the first time Monaco was raced in Formula 1, Teahupoo was surfed and the Masters was played at Augusta. Opening up the off-limits terrain for the competition is a dream come true for anyone that’s driven into Squaw Valley and seen the amazing Face that dominates the mountain.”

Participants arrive at Squaw on February 26, opening ceremonies take place on Friday, February 27 and competition is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to an alternate date between February 29 and March 5. Spectators can enjoy the festive atmosphere with live music and ongoing events at The Village at Squaw Valley plus another village at Squaw Valley’s High Camp.

Riders participating in the Squaw event, which is the second leg of the Freeride World Tour, will arrive in California after showing their stuff in Sochi, Russia. After Squaw, the riders will travel to Tignes, France and Verbier, Switzerland. After this final event, the four Freeride World Champions (ski/snowboard/men/women) will be crowned.

For Freeride World Tour PR and free of rights photos, visit: www.freerideworldtour.com wtfhttp://www.freerideworldtour.com> . For Squaw Valley Central Reservations call 888-685-9245 visit www.squawvacations.com wtfhttp://www.squawvacations.com>  or email vacations@squaw.com

The four events of the Freeride World Tour 2009 are:

 
  1. NISSAN RUSSIAN ADVENTURE - SOCHI, RUSSIA

  Dates: 20-25 JAN 2009, Preliminary contest day: Wednesday 21 January





           2. NISSAN TRAM FACE - SQUAW VALLEY USA

           Dates: 27 FEB-05 MAR 2009, Preliminary contest day: Saturday 28 February





 
    3. NISSAN FREERIDE DE TIGNES, FRANCE
 Dates: 8-14 March 2009, Preliminary contest day: Monday 9 March





 4. NISSAN XTREME - VERBIER 09, SWITZERLAND
 Dates: 20-29 March 2009, Preliminary contest day: Saturday 21 March




Confirmed Freeride World Tour Qualifying Events Include:



THE NORTH FACE MASTERS OF SNOWBOARDING - SNOWBIRD (USA), 30 January -1 February SPYDER BIG MOUNTAIN FIEBERBRUNN (AUT), 5-15 February 2009

THE NORTH FACE MASTERS OF SNOWBOARDING - CRESTED BUTTE (USA), 13-15 February 

WINTER MYSTICXPERIENCE (ITA), 19-22 February 2009

SALOMON EXTREME FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT TAOS (USA), 4-7 March 2009
THE NORTH FACE MASTERS OF SNOWBOARDING - KIRKWOOD (USA), 6-8 March

NENDAZ FREERIDE (SUI), 13-18 March 2009 -

JASNA ADRENALIN (SK), 31 March-5 April 2009

RÖLDAL FREERIDE CHALLENGE (NOR), 22-26 April 2009 (2010 qualifier)

The partners of the Freeride World Tour 2009 events are:




Published On: 12/5/2008
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I'm planning a snowboard trip to New Mexico this winter.  Can anyone tell me where to go?  where not to go?  We like steep terrain and glades, so we're interested in a challenging mountain.  Can't wait for SNOW!

Published On: 12/1/2008
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Amped & ready for our 3rd season of operations, Backcountry Snowcats, is giving you a chance to win a piece of the action. Located on the Hurley Pass north of Pemberton and south of the snowmobiling hub of Bralorne, Backcountry Snowcats has more epic ski & snowboard terrain than we know what to do with, and is always scheming new ways to get you to the goods. Hence the creation of their unique new Private Big Mountain Experience package - guiding small groups of 3-4 riders, with safety training and mountaineering techniques in the mix. Using Snow Cat access, sleds & ski touring to cover more ground, you're looking at an epic weekend of money lines. It’s an experience unlike anything you’ll find at other cat boarding or heli operations, and Backcountry Snowcats is looking forward to hosting the first takers this season.

To launch the new package and wet your appetite for winter, our 'Find The Money Line' Contest could be your ticket to $1000 in Backcountry Snowcats credit this winter. First explore the 15,000 acres of powdery bowls, chutes and glades with the new interactive maps, then Enter to Win.
Not a bad deal eh?

Someone is going to score $1000 towards a trip at Backcountry Snowcats, and you can chose to apply it to the package that suites you best. It’s enough to cover a 2-Day weekend trip, with 2 nights at the Backcountry Snowcats Lodge, snowmobile or Snow Cat rides to and from Pemberton, 2 days cat skiing/riding, and hearty catered meals during your stay. Or bring some friends and put the prize bounty towards a Private Big Mountain Experience or Custom Trip.

Check out our new site, enter the contest, and with any luck you’ll be shredding at Backcountry Snowcats this winter.



Published On: 11/14/2008
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Last Spring, we announced our first ever all-girl board test, and 8 snowboard companies offered us boards for our first ever Fun-O-Meter board test. We took the boards out with groups of girls in Aspen/Snowmass, CO and Hunter, NY to try them out on varied terrain and conditions. What were we looking for? Fun!

Check out our full board test to see which boards sucked, and which women's boards won the Super Fun Seal of Approval!

http://www.shredbetties.com/gear/boardtest



Published On: 10/28/2008
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