European Open

Photos: Stadler

As any skier knows, weather in March is predictably unpredictable, as was the case this past weekend at the European Open in Laax, Switzerland.  Although some competitors had flown in from halfway across the globe, the weather conditions were unwelcoming to say the least.  Violent winds, heavy snow, and white-out conditions rendered the weekend a total bust.

Gearing up for the Arctic exploration superpipe qualifiers

Saturday's slopestyle event was canceled due to the whole "not being able to see the jumps" situation.  In lieu of the slopestyle comp, a rail jam was held on Saturday.  A stacked list of pros who are normally throwing down on perfectly manicured parks and pipes were forced to get creative on a small stair set jib.   Kaya Bamba Turski rounded out the womens’ podium with a solid array of switch ups and 270’s.  Katie Summerhayes from England took second and Ashley Battersby walked away with first place after stomping a rock-solid 270 on 270 off .  On the men’s side of things, it was JF Houle who stole the show with a nosebutter 450 on to 270 off on the down bar.  Tom Wallisch and Samuel Favret joined JF on the men’s podium.

Kaya Bamba preparing to switchup the down box.  Photo: John Vandervalk // newschoolers.com

Meanwhile, Matt Margetts was busy learning about the inner-workings of his knee after casually slicing it open during a botched tails-first switch 270 on attempt in the public park.

Marge’s knee smiles for the camera.  After 28 stitches and a couple weeks of rest, Matt will be back on snow.

 

 

Anais Caradeux sneaks a quick practice run between gale force wind gusts.

Lousy weather couldn't keep Kevin Rolland from busting this huge flair during practice.

On Sunday, the high winds and poor visibility left the competition organizers with no choice but to nix the superpipe event as well.  It looks like everybody’s going to have to wait for this week's European X-Games to find out who’s got the gusto to take the top spot in the slopestyle and superpipe.  The event kicks off on Wednesday with the men's superpipe qualifiers and finals.  Don't miss it!

Antoine Choquette Jibbing Night!

Avec un sourire jacker, Antoine Choquette agresse un rail secret dans un endroit secret en filmant
avec ESK.

Blurred Chronicles pt. 1

Our sales and marketing rep from the Rockies was kind enough to share with us this instructional and educational video.  Even though this has been on the web for a couple months, we can't get enough of it, and decided it's probably worth a Thursday blog post.  In the Blurred Chronicles Episode One, you'll learn loads of relevant and enriching things like:

+Adolf Hitler can't ski park
+Road sodas are legal, as long as you don't get caught
+Canadian tuxedos are always cool
+Skiing on grass (not that kind of grass, Kevin) is a good idea
+Dogs love to wear sunglasses
+Skiing behind cars is a good idea
+Hucking 60'+ front flips is also a good idea

This short edit is arguably one of the most wholesome things I've seen since the Guatemalan Persuader.

Win Orage Gear in the VholdR Top5!

Not up for an Oscar this year? No problem. We've teamed up with CountourHD and Libtech to outfit the Top5 POV cinematographers who upload clips tagged with 'skiing' on VholdR.com.

The first place winner will receive a head to toe outerwear setup from Orage and a pair of Libtech Narrow Ass Snowboards. Runners up with receive Orage lifestyle gear from our upcoming Spring 2010 collection that's about to drop in stores and online next week.

For entry details visit http://vholdr.com/video/top5-skiing-challenge. Submission deadline is April 29th.

Go Canada Go!

FollowUs.tv Ep6: Park Peuf Bosses

Fini les compétitions et le stress voici un épisode assez relax avec des images de ski de bosses et de freeride à La Plagne, et une bonne session de big air à val d'Isère.

FollowUs.tv Ep6: Park Peuf Bosses

Casabon Ice Fishing Accident

Phil Casabon was injured last week during an ice fishing trip in glacier bay with Henrik Harlaut and Level 1. There's a chance he might be back on his feet by the end of the season so we wish him a speedy recovery and a shitload of fish!

Check out the full story here: http://bit.ly/a1lwWC