WhiteNoize The Noize from the UK snow scene
Billy Morgan
BWA
Camps 1
Rider: Danny McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 2
Contents 05 EDitors letter / contriibutors 06 News / competition 08 Rider Profiles 12 highlights 18 Billy Morgan - Interview 22 Katie Ormerod - interview 26 Becky Menday - Interview 32 Pat Sharples - Interview 36 fulham to fernie - feature 40 British Winter Athletes Interview 44 5 of the best... aPPS 48 A day at ISPO 52 sNOW cAMPS - rEVIEW 56 Diary 3
Rider: Danny McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 4
Editors Letter The lifts are stopping, the bars are closing, season passes have expired and the seasonaire’s have all packed up and gone home. Winter 2012 has ended. What an awesome season it was. Rarely is the term ‘too much snow’ acceptable but this year that may have actually been true!
Contributors Front Cover - Rider: Richard Clark Photographer: Sam Kerr
Many European resorts were crippled, some for several days but epic powder was waiting for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time! You’ll notice our highlights section isn’t as packed as usual - the majority of the outdoor Scottish events were cancelled which usually fill up our winter pages. It would seem the snow skipped the Scottish mountains for the majority of the season, luckily they’ve been treated to a late season dump. Now everyone’s home for the summer we can look forward to a summer full of competitions and jams. This issue marks our 4th issue and our first birthday! Exactly a year ago we launched our first issue and we’d like to thank everyone that’s been apart of making every one! We hope to continue and improve with every issue! Bring on the summer! Harri Bennett - Editor
e Richard Clark e
e Wallace Wainhouse e e Andrew Donnelly e e Chris McCormick e e Samantha Rogers e e Ross Welch e e the-brits.com e e Will Bremridge e e Sam Mellish e e Billy Morgan e e Katie Ormerod e e EUANB e e Becky Menday e e Pat Sharples e e Nick Tuckwood e e Felix Robinson e e Alex Waters e e Maverix e e Our Camp e e Just Snowboards e e Rachel Lilley e e Jake Terry e
Contact Send your contributions, photos, comments, queries, praise and abuse to Editor@whitenoizemag.co.uk Follow us on twitter - @WhiteNoize_Mag and find us on Facebook Find all the issues at www.WhiteNoizemag.co.uk Download the App from itunes - search WhiteNoize 5
News e Cheaper summer prices come into effect at Hemel Hempsted Snow Centre 1st May 2012. Check www.thesnowcentre.com for more info. e From the 1st May 2012 SNO!zone Braehead will be Snow Factor! Major developments are planned for the main slope including a permanent Park & Freestyle Academy. e UK Sport, the nation’s “high performance sports agency,” has announced an award of up to £348,450 to British Ski and Snowboarding to be invested in their athletes’ preparations for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.
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e Katie Summerhayes takes silver at Aspen Slopestyle Open. e Kidsgrove Ski Centre in Staffordshirre has been given permission to expand the size of its existing slope to 100m in length and 60m wide at its base. e Part of Sheffield’s Ski Village was destroyed by fire in the early hours of 29/04/12.
Rider: Matt McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 7
Rider Profiles Name?
Chris McCormick Setup: Head J.r Caddy skis, Head Mojo 11 bindings, Head Raptor boots and Head Team poles. Sponsors? HEAD, Animal, SNO!zone, Librance, Bawbags, NMG photography and Planks. Local slope? Bearsden Ski Club and SNO!zone Scotland. Dryslope or Indoor, why? Indoor for rails because the rails in the indoor centre’s tend to be pretty sick but dryslope for jumps all the way as my home slope Bearsden, in my opinion, has one of the Best dryslope kickers in Britain. When and how did you get into skiing? About 6 years ago, my Dad had always skied so I got lessons and loved it. Then the new freestyle slope at Bearsden opened and seeing some of the stuff guys were doing on it gave me that extra push to start freestyle and as soon as I did I was hooked. What did you get up to this season? I managed to get away twice this year, once to Jasna in Slovakia where I got to practice my technique a bit and hit some sick pow and then to Laax, Switzerland for the Brits which was great. I learnt some new tricks and got 2 silvers and a bronze. Apart from that I was just training at Bearsden and 8
SNO!zone and doing all of the regular local comps. What are your plans for next season? If I do well enough in school then hopefully I will be going to Saas Fee for 2 weeks in the summer for a training camp. I would also quite like to try and do an FIS comp or something a bit out of Britain to really try and get out into the European/International side of things. Favorite trick? Cork 7 Mute. Any new tricks you want? Double Cork 1080/1260. Favorite resort? Laax Switzerland.
Who’s your inspiration? James ‘Woodsy’ Woods. Most stoked moment? Getting 1st at 2011 Westbeach Bearsden in the under 16s category or being asked to do this interview! What do you love about the UK scene? So many people are really trying to push freestyle skiing and show that it’s not impossible to become pro even if you started out as a dryslope/indoor rider. It would be really great if one day Britain were considered as one of the main feeders to the international freeski scene.
Rider: Chris McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 9
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Rider: Ross Welch Photograph: Samantha Rogers 11
e Highlights
Once again The Brits landed in Laax for another week of snow, competition, music, fun and parties. This years music line up included the likes of DJ Yoda, Mr Thing & Yungun and Dj Cheeba who rocked the week long event and made it into the party it always is. From the 18-25th March snowboarders and skiers from across the UK came together to battle it out for the prestigious Brits titles in Slopestyle, Big Air, Half-pipe and Boarder/Ski Cross.
Kids Women 1 - Ayla Thidling 2 - Shea Drury 3 - Cerys Allen
Kids Men 1 - Glen Ironside 2 - Nathan Gray 3 - Tomski Robinson
Youth Men 1 - Michael Rowlands 2 - Luke Feneley 3 - Ethan Prince
Youth Women 1 - Alex Thidling
Youth Men 1 - Jake Terry 2 - Joe Cockrell 3 - Bradley Gaulter
Junior Men 1 - Edward Salisbury 2 - David Bilsland
Master Women 1 - Sarah Marriott
Trespass Skiercross Championships Kids - Womens 1 - Madison Rowlands Youth Women 1 - Molly Summerhayes Overall Women 1 - Pamela Thorburn 2 - Liz Stevenson 3 - Becky Hammond 4 - Vickie Pullin Men Kids Men 1 - Kyle Wood 2 - Mason Ferebee 3 - William Fenely 12
Trespass Snowboardcross Championships
Master Men 1 - Peter Wozencroft 2 - Robert Davies Overall Men 1 - Gregory Samuels 2 - Thomas Bankes 3 - Laurence Willows 4 - Alexander Harris 5 - Rob Mills
Junior Women 1 - Robyn Krise
Overall Women 1 - Maisie Potter 2 - Kate Foster 3 - Sarah Marriott 4 - Vickie Pullin 5 - Marlies Neuner
Junior Men 1 - Ross Rushmere 2 - Michael Hawkes Master Men 1 - Jude Rushmere 2 - Michael Hawkes 3 - Sam Jones Overall Men 1 - Thomas Bankes 2 - Kyle Wise 3 - James Foster 4 - Jamie Barrow 5 - Myles Mcneany
Photograph: Will Bremridge Image courtesy of www.the-brits.com Dare2b Freeski Half-Pipe
Dare2b Freeski Half-Pipe
Women 1 - Janina Kuzma 2 - Em Lonsdale 3 - Anna Vincenti 4 - Becky Hammond 5 - Madison Rowlands 6 - Molly Summerhayes 7 - Rowan Cheshire
Women 1 - Kate Foster 2 - Katie Ormerod 3 - Becky Menday 4 - Maisie Potter 5 - Nathalie Silkstone 6 - Ayla Thidling 7 - Cerys Allen 8 - Bradie Zimmer-Collins
Men 1 - James Machon 2 - Peter Speight 3 - Murray Buchan 4 - James Webb 5 - Tyler Jay Harding 6 - Chris McCormick 7 - Rob Machon 8 - Michael Rowlands 9 - Byron Haywood- Alexander 10 - Daniel Smith
Men 1 - Henry Shackleton 2 - James Foster 3 - Dan Wakeham 4 - James Phillips 5 - Max Thidling 6 - Matt Corry 7 - Fin Bremner 8 - Jude Rushmere 9 - Nathan Gray 10 - Sam McGrath
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e Highlights Protest Slopestyle Ski Championships Womens 1 - Chloe Hardy 2 - Madison Rowlands 3 - Molly Summerhayes 4 - Rowan Cheshire 5 - Anna Vincenti
Mens 1 - Lucas Hegland 2 - Nathan Connolly 3 - James Machon 4 - Michael Rowlands 5 - Rob Machon 6 - Jake Lloyd 7 - Ross Welch 8 - Ollie Powell 9 - Chris McCormick 10 - Grant Donald
British Ski Big Air Championships Womens 1 - Molly Summerhayes 2 - Madison Rowlands Men 1 - Lucas Hegland 2 - Tyler Jay Harding 3 - Peter Speight
4 - Nathan Connolly 5 - Ross Welch 6 - James Machon 7 - Cal Sandieson 8 - Chris McCormick 9 - Edward Salisbury 10 - Michael Rowlands
Photograph: Will Bremridge Image courtesy of www.the-brits.com 14
Protest Slopestyle Snowboard Championships Women 1 - Katie Ormerod 2 - Becky Menday 3 - India Stephenson 4 - Nathalie Silkstone 5 - Sabrina Burnham 6 - Sam Rogers 7 - Ayla Thidling 8 - Amy Ram 9 - Cerys Allen 10 - Shea Drury
Men 1 - Jamie Nicholls 2 - Nelson Pratt 3 - Matt McCormick 4 - Rowan Coultas 5 - Henry Shackleton 6 - James Phillips 7 - Jason Molyneux 8 - Max Thidling 9 - Sam Turnbull 10 - Jamie Trinder
British Ski Big Air Championships Women 1 - Katie Ormerod 2 - India Stephenson 3 - Ayla Thidling 4 - Maisie Potter 5 - Shea Drury 6 - Becky Menday 7 - Nathalie Silkstome 8 - Bradie ZimmerCollins 9 - Cerys Allen 10 - Vaila Chapman
Men 1 - Sam Turnbull 2 - Jamie Trinder 3 - Henry Shackleton 4 - Craig Howie 5 - Fin Bremner 6 - Nathan Onions 7 - Matt Corry 8 - Matt McCormick 9 - Luke Dutton 10 - Sam Bibby
Photograph: Sam Mellish Image courtesy of www.the-brits.com 15
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Photograph: Will Bremridge Image courtesy of www.the-brits.com 17
Rider: Billy Morgan Photograph: Richard Clark
Billy Morgan Cast your mind back to the start of the season… the very beginning, its usually a quiet time, seasonaires are normally just getting settled, the snows just starting to get nice, everyone’s getting their snow legs back, the action doesn’t usually start until after the Christmas break. Not this year, a certain Triple Rodeo made sue of that. The UK’s own Billy Morgan stomped that famous Triple Rodeo mid Dec and captured not just the UK media but the world media. We chat to him about what went down and what he’s been up to since. So, that triple rodeo... What was going through your mind at the top? Haha that triple! At the top before I dropped in I didn’t have much time to stand about, the shapers had just appeared to reshape, I’d kinda got myself pumped and thought about it enough so I snaked the que and went for it before they closed the jumps. 18
And after you landed it? I couldn’t really believe it to start with, it all happened a bit quick, it brought back memories of my first doubles, that feeling is probably the reason I love snowboarding. How did you train for that, getting yourself to the point where you thought you could do it? I didn’t really train for the triple but I’d had been riding really good that day and done a bunch of big double’s and when Ben said now would be the time to try it, I agreed. I asked Hamish and the rest of the guys what they thought and decided to do some more dubs and get it done. Do you get the fear at the top of the kicker? How do you over come that? Yeah I was super scared, but had full concentration on what I had to do and no time to think about the negatives as the shapers were about to close the jumps.
What was it like being in the spotlight and receiving all that media attention? It was pretty strange, it wasn’t until a couple of days after when people had seen it that I noticed a difference, people were giving me hi5’s in the lift lines and shouting triple kid at me, it was embarrassing sometimes. Then the BBC and ESPN wanted interviews, it was pretty scary. What’s its been like since, do you get a lot more invites and sponsorship requests? Not really, its pretty cool but I don’t think a one off trick helps that much, if i did it in a competition then maybe I would get more invites. I was supper happy and my sponsors were stoked with the video. What’s your new goal now that you’ve mastered the triple rodeo? Well I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered it, I only did it once haha, my goal is to get more doubles under my belt in different directions and get them super consistent so I can take it to the comps. When/how did you first get into snowboarding? I learnt to snowboard on Dendix at Southampton alpine centre in 2006, it was a super gnarly slope with some pull out jumps and a box, there was a local comp and I did pretty well and gave me the motivation to do a season in 2008, I headed out to Avoriaz to started getting on the real thing. How did you progress to level you’re a today? I’m now on my 5th winter away now, I did three seasons in Avoriaz riding which brought my skills on a lot after and winning big air at the British Championships, I started doing more comps. Last year I headed state side to Northstar in Tahoe with the Westbeach team. This year I have had enough help from my sponsors to join the British team and do some serious comps and training, I’m hoping this will push me to where I need to go.
and didn’t rotate, landed on my back and felt the crack, hehe, but its not over yet! I’m almost better and am going to head out to Morzine mid April hopefully to catch up on some fun shred and get back into things slowly. Highest and lowest point of this season? I think the highest point was the 3 weeks out in keystone, had a real good bunch of people with me, I was riding real good, learnt new tricks and was in the states which is always bon. I really cant wait to go back out there next year! The lowest I think was when I got back to my hotel room after breaking myself at the Brits, was hoping for a rad week and got knocked back down. I was by myself all day just being annoyed that id busted myself so stupidly. What are you up to this summer? Well I’m off the to The Board Test in March for testing and a last chance to get some shots for next season and hopefully some good training sessions. Then back to the UK for a bit to see my homies, skate and chill. New Zealand will fit in somewhere in the summer too, never been there so am super stoked to go shred the southern hemisphere! Any plans for next season? Not yet, I’ll be back in the competition circuit trying not to get injured! With the run up to the Olympics I think I’ll be doing different comps. Should be exciting. Is there anyone you would like to thank? I’d like to thank my friends, family and my sponsors: Quiksilver, Ride, Monster energy, Routeone, Grenade gloves, Sterling socks, Treeline chalets, Airhole and Dragon and you.
Interview by Harri Bennett
How has the rest of your season been? Awesome, had a pretty good time getting around to comps, didn’t get any podiums but was really happy to get middle of the field at the O’neil Evolution and WSC. After that I went out to the Burn River jump, overshot it and bruised my heal really bad which left me off for 3-4 weeks. Then I went out to the Brits for a good time shred and compete there, I had 3 hours riding and managed to crack my pelvis. I was stood on the top of a wallride and decided to try a frontflip off it into the transition but somehow popped out way too much 19
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Rider: Henry Shackleton Photograph: Richard Clark 21
Katie Ormerod At only 14 years old Katie Ormerod is already a big name in UK snowboarding! This season she’s been all over Europe bagging podiums left right and centre, including the prestigious Burton European Open. Signed to the Roxy team with the likes of Aimee Fuller and Basa Stevulova, Katie gets to travel the world cruising the best resorts and riding with some of the world’s top riders. Age: 14 ponsors: Roxy, Bliss by Level gloves, Burton S
The International comps are by far the best because they help improve my riding so much by being able to see the standard of girls who get to ride on mountains every day, I get to meet new people from all around the world and if I get on the podium, it’s the most amazing feeling!
boots & Sno!Zone
When and how did you get into snowboarding?
I first strapped into a snowboard when I was five years old; but I was still Skiing a little bit, so I really started getting into snowboarding when I was 6 as I have a local dry slope 10 minutes away from my house and my whole family were snowboarders so I didn’t want to be the odd one out on Ski’s.
How does it feel when your up against some of the worlds big names?
Where and how do you train?
It feels amazing, especially when I got into the night final at the Roxy snow pro and I was up against the worlds best...Aimee Fuller, Jamie Anderson, Cheryl Maas and Kjersti Buaas!
I train every week at SNO!zone in Castleford and at my local dry slope at Halifax but as I am sponsored by Roxy, they take me all over Europe and America to train on the real stuff which is really cool because it has really progressed my riding. I also train at Gymnastics 4 times a week to improve my muscular strength and the awareness of my surroundings.
The Roxy team seems like a real tight knit bunch of girls and you look like you have a lot of fun when you’re all together, what’s it like being in the team?
You’ve got an amazing list of accomplishments from both UK and international events, how do each compare? The English comps are really fun
It’s great fun and we’re all such good friends! We have such a laugh-especially with Aimee and Basa Stevulova! It’s also really great because we all support each other and encourage each other to learn bigger and better things, so it’s really nice. Also, Lesley Mckenna is an amazing coach and I wouldn’t have progressed so much without her help!
because I know everybody and the all the venues so I can ride with friends as well as competing. 22
You suffered a real bad injury at the beginning of last year, how’d you get over that?
Well I broke my shoulder in quite an awkward place, so it took what seemed like forever to heal. I had to go to the physio for many weeks until I could actually start moving it again. It was really awful not to be able to do sport for so long :(
was awesome!
Future snowboarding plans and aspirations? I hope to go the Olympics and
make it to the X Games one day and live the dream by becoming a professional snowboarder!
Favorite trick? Front flip off a box Any new tricks you want? Cab Under-flip
I get to meet new people from all around the world and if I get on the podium, its the most amazing feeling! Highlights from this season?
Coming 3rd and 2nd in the Junior Burton European Open Slopestyle and Halfpipe events in Laax and also making it into the final of the Roxy snow pro and coming 9th overall!
Got any plans for the summer?
Not at the minute; but maybe I’ll go somewhere like Les Deux Alpes for a week or two.
How do you manage school and snowboarding?
This school year is quite important because it’s the first GCSE year so I need to be at school for certain exams; but other than that, I’m allowed to go abroad whenever I want as long as I take all my school work with me! My school is really supportive which is also really cool!
If you could only pick one favorite memory
from snowboarding what would it be?
When I was having an epic powder day with my friend Rowan, it had been snowing heavily for days and the snow was sooooo deep, I’ve never seen powder like it! Riding in waist high powder
Interview by Harri Bennett Images by EUANB courtesy of Katie Ormerod
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Rider: Katie Ormerod Photograph: EUANB Image courtesy of Katies Ormerod 25
Rider: Becky Menday Photograph: The World Rookie Fest Image courtesy of Becky Menday
Becky Menday We catch up with 13 year old Becky Menday, as one of the UK’s rising snowboard stars and part of the GB junior snowboard team she already has long list of wins and plans for many more! Age: 13 Sponsors: Protest, Sno!zone, Head, Dragon, DVS, Nooka, Skullcandy, Celtek, Boarders Boards.
When and how did you get into snowboarding?
I started 4 years ago, I watched my Dad snowboard at Milton Keynes indoor slope and really wanted to give it a go.
Where and how do you train?
I try and train each week at Sno!zone in Milton Keynes, although it is more like having fun than training and I get to learn stuff off Thom Boddington (FBBB) there and he is really cool. I also try to get away to the mountains as much as I can, usually on GB Junior camps. I also have weekly trampoline sessions and I am starting up weekly fitness sessions as well. 26
What have you been up to this season?
This season has seen me having to do lots of short trips for comps in Europe. So far I have only had about 7or 8 days of mountain time this whole season, that’s due to the late arrival of the snow in Europe and financial reasons. But in that time I managed to get a 4th place in the Groms and 6th overall in the World Rookie Fest in Livigno in Italy, then a 1st place in the Groms and overall in the Protest French Fries Rooke Fest in Avoriaz in France and then finally 7th place in the Junior Burton European Open in switzerland. So really happy with those results but hoping for a bit more time on the mountain, I have a week training with the GB junior team in Switzerland before the Brits and then the week of the Brits itself so that will be good.
What’s it like being part of the GB Junior Snowboard Team?
Well myself and my friend Katie are actually ‘Elite Juniors’ on the GB Snowboard Team and that gives us the opportunity to be able to train with the main GB Freestyle team, but I have not been able to sort out a session yet. I have also received a silver GB passport that allows me to have
Rider: Becky Menday Photograph: The World Rookie Fest Image courtesy of Becky Menday 27
discount on all sorts of things including Hotels and that is really useful. But it is really amazing and great fun to have training sessions with the GB Junior Snowboard Team in both the UK and Europe. We have some great coaches and have done some really fun cross training events such as indoor rock climbing. This all helps us bond together as a team and support each other while riding, encouraging each other to do better. It has also helped and been supportive with regards to my school and having time off to compete and train.
What’s it like competing the big international events, how does it compare to the UK events?
UK events are great because you soon get to know everybody who is riding and can shred with your friends. Everybody is really supportive and encouraging and the events are different and very creative. International events on the other hand are a bit more daunting and with people from all around the World everything feels more focused and intense. But riding a slope style course on the mountains is amazing, the sheer size of everything and amount of kickers is scary but really cool. I have also had the chance to make friends with other girls from USA and Europe
and that is really cool, and as I do more comps in Europe I have a chance to catch up with them and shred after the events.
Which riders do you look up to most?
I have to say Jenny Jones she has always been so nice and encouraging, but Aimee Fuller is really awesome. However I was initially inspired by Laura Berry after watching her on a kids programme on TV.
How do you manage school and snowboarding?
My school have been really supportive with regards to my snowboarding, I was awarded the Gifted and Talented award last year and being a member of the GB Freestyle Team has really helped when I have needed time away. However my school are very strict and I have had to make sure that I keep my grades up, they also email me the work that I am missing while I am away. Next year will be tougher as I start on my GCSE’s and I will have less time away. However my head teacher does keep grabbing me to do assembly’s and stuff, so there is always a pay back ha ha.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Two things stand out as my proudest achievements so far, the first is my 3rd place in the Burton European Open 2011 as that was my first major podium. Also my first place overall in this year’s World Rookie Fest in Avoriaz, as I was so pleased with my run and it was a great feeling to be first.
Plans for next season?
I hope to still be at all the major competitions next season, definitely at as many UK ones as possible. Would love to get the chance to go to Breckenridge in USA to do some training and grab as much mountain time as I can. Keep riding and just try to get better and better and have loads of fun.
interview by Harri Bennett
Images courtesy of Becky Menday
Photograph: Jools Smith 28
Rider: Becky Menday Photograph: Jools Smith Image courtesy of Becky Menday 29
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Rider: Danny McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 31
Pat Sharples With a life dedicated to all aspects of skiing and a successful pro career behind him, Pat Sharples turned his skills to coaching. That decision has undoubtedly made the UK scene what it is today. Starting the Grom Camps and being coach to the Salomon team, Pat has developed the skills of some of the best UK freestyle skiers including James Woods and Katie Summerhayes. This Season he was given his toughest challenge by being made head coach to the brand new British Freeski Team.
How did you go from being a pro rider to a pro coach? I have always wanted to be a coach, even when I was a pro skier. When I first finished competing moguls and started doing big mountain skiing and New School, I was just as excited about coaching New School as I was doing it myself and that’s when myself and my good friend Warren Smith set up the British Freeski camps to coach kids, that was over 10 years ago now.
How has it been building up the British Freestyle team from scratch?
This is the hardest thing I have ever done that’s for sure! I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but this new job starting the GB Freeski team up from scratch has been my toughest challenge ever and we still have a long way to go but I couldn’t be more excited how its all going! I’m really lucky to be working with some amazing people who are helping me in every way they can 32
and are always super supportive.
You play a huge role in the UK Freeski scene, especially in the development of young talent, what is it that you love so much about the sport and keeps you so passionate?
I truly love and believe in what I do! What keeps me so passionate is seeing how passionate the UK kids are about our sport and just how far they are willing to go. For many kids, their lives revolve around skiing and to be involved in that and to help and guide them is really special, I’m very lucky to have my job!
How does it feel to be involved in the progression of some of the UK’s best Freeskiers?
Incredible! The most special thing for me is I have been working with most of our top athletes since they were little kids and I have had a big part of their development from the very start. I could not be more proud of where we’re at with our athletes. I don’t think many people would have ever believed in a million years that British skiers would
be competing at the highest level and winning X Games medals.
What goes down during a training session with your team before a big event? This winter is the first year we have had a proper training schedule and we were based in Breckenridge Colorado. Each athlete has their own goals and performance plans which I plan with them individually. Before a comp we try and focus on the tricks they will be adding to their runs whether it be in the Halfpipe or Slopestyle and try and get everything consistent.
We have plans to have two different camps this year. There will be the regular Salomon Grom Camps where anyone can attend no matter what age and what level and we will also have the pro camps which will be for invited riders only and this will be for talent we will help try and develop and take to the next level.
What do you enjoy doing when your not coaching?
I love hanging out with my wife Vanessa, family and friends. Many of my super close friends are my ski friends and athletes anyway.
What keeps me so passionate is seeing how passionate the UK kids are about our sport and just how far they are willing to go. Obviously its not just training on the mountain, its a lot of hard work in the gym too and I have to say my athletes are incredibly motivated when it comes to this and they all work super hard.
What do you and the team get up to during the summer months? We will be based in Europe for most of the summer then heading to NZ in August. We will also be focusing on a lot of strength and conditioning training, trampolining, fitness as well as working on new tricks, ski technique etc.
You must sometimes feel like you live in airports during the winter month’s, does that take a strain?
This year has been the busiest year of my life for sure, I feel a bit like Tom Hanks in that film the terminal! This year has been made much harder as Vanessa my wife has been pregnant and I have only seen her for about 9 days since January so I’m officially the worst husband in the world! Haha luckily she is 100% behind what i am doing and totally understands.
I’m really into scuba diving which really helps me relax and chill out. We have recently moved into a new house and I’m looking forward to doing work on it and we’re having a baby in a few weeks, so I guess that’s going to take up all our spare time which I could not be more excited about!
What do you love about the UK snow scene?
The UK scene is like a big happy family and I’m super proud to be apart of it. I love the fact we come from a county that most people don’t expect to be interested in snow sports but I feel we have just as a big a passion for our sport as any other country, maybe even more so! The people involved in the industry is what makes it so special.
Interview by Harri Bennett Images courtesy of Pat Sharples
The Grom Camps have always been a great success and this year its been promised they’ll be even bigger, what are the plans?
The Salomon Grom Camps have been a huge part of the development of British Freeskiing so we want to make these bigger and better for this year. 33
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Rider: Joe Sexton Photograph: Richard Clark 35
Rider: Nick Tuckwood Photograph Dan Hall
Fulham to Fernie Part III The Season from First Chair to Last Call A puff of grey smoke rises from the ridge line, silhouetted against the mid-afternoon sun. A boom cannons around the valley and reverberates in my head. White clouds shroud the bare cliffs of the chute and another avvie glides gracefully but mercilessly down the head wall and into the upper bowl. Avalanche control is in full swing. A snowpack made unstable from the killer combination of rain and sun resulting in a brutal and natural category four that has closed half of Cedar Bowl for the final three weeks of the season. So big that I can see the debris quite clearly from my garden 10kms away in which I now sit, writing in just a tshirt. Spring is here. The hill has now closed. The season is over. What an incredible season it has been! We last parted ways with my quandary over what sacrifice to make at the Mogul Smoker – a party intended to make sacrifices to the Grizz in order for a good snow season. I sacrificed a toque (or beanie, to those who unlike myself have resisted the adoption of Canadian dialect!) which I had had since I was 16. Twelve years of memories up in smoke as well as a fashion travesty, if I am completely honest! All of
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us, however, sacrificed warmth, dance moves and a fair few brain cells. Raving all night in the depths of a Canadian woodland in temperatures of -12 is not for the faint hearted. And despite the many lost causes on the night, a lost cause it was not, because boy, it has snowed this season. Never in my wildest daydreams while sat at my office back in the summer did I foresee what would occur. Yes, I knew Fernie had legendary powder, that was my very rationale for coming here. And yes, the start of January was hard as we went two weeks without any fresh snow. Disillusionment and disheartenment were endemic amongst the first timers, while the locals sat back making what we greedy, impatient newbies assumed were idle promises of “it’ll come”. How abashed we were when on January 17th the Grizz pointed his musket to the sky and 90 centimetres fell in 18 hours, the 24 hour total smashing through the fabled metre mark with ease. And this wasn’t just any snow. A “normal” cubic metre of snow weighs somewhere between 700 and 800 kilograms, that day a cubic metre of snow weighed just 400 kilograms and for the next week, made for some of the most incredible riding ever to be had. Even the hardened locals had
to profess it was possibly the greatest day in Fernie’s history. The snow came more steadily and more humbly after that – well, only in Fernie could you call 20cms a modest dump. The realisation of just how mythical and spoilt the Lizard Range is for snow came while sat in a hostel in Kicking Horse, rolling our snow-snobbish eyes at each other as the locals there were going crazy about an “epic pow day” because the weather forecast called for 10cms overnight. That said, we were on the back of yet another legendary fall in which we’d had 100cms in 48hours. Only now, as I write this in the warm spring sun, am I beginning to recognise just how ludicrous it was to have so much snow and just how lucky we were. Moreover, how much the office-based-me who first wrote for WhiteNoize back in June, would have kicked my own arse for being such a spoilt, arrogant brat and dismissing 10cms of fresh as mediocre. While on the subject of work (for want of a very tenuous link) I have a confession. You may remember my rhetorical adaption from Baz Lurman two issues ago when I asked “maybe I’ll work, maybe I won’t” and how lyrical I waxed in the last issue about the job. As it turns out I have in fact both worked and not worked, handing in my notice at the start of February to allow for two and a half months of solid riding. The whinging in my first article about sacrificing to save money vindicated by the freedom it gave me to have the option of doing so. It has given both the experience of working for a ski hill and being a snowbum, which I love in equal measure. There is no denying, however, that riding all day every day has seen me improve. Match that to consistent powder (allowing for fearless landings) and friends who make you step it up and I have seen progression way beyond anything I ever thought to be capable of. Despite Fernie not having a kicker-line, my original goals of a back 1, and then “maybe a 3” have been achieved and surpassed. Learning snowmanship in how to build wedges and run-ins in the slackcountry has meant sessions in which the powder has been soft and accommodating to the most gnarly of landings. So much so that I have been trying backflips without fear (achieving a modest success rate) and gapping cliffs into pillows I never even dreamed I would attempt, let alone land. I’ve even forced myself to ride switch on the groomers, which despite being far from mastered and to many a simpler skill than rotations or inverts, is possibly the achievement I am most pleased with. Even now I am reliving each and every hit and drop in my head; what an enchanting addiction… And an addicition is what it is. Already I am lamenting the season being over and planning for the next one. My application for a second visa has already been submitted to the embassy and my original feelings of “just one season” now very much in the depths of
history. I’m also considering applying for a Japanese visa… it’s good to have options, right? I try not to live with regrets but there is one I feel I must share. While this mini-series has only ever been about sharing my experience on the snow there is one point I would like to preach. I wish I had done this sooner. That’s not to say I wish I had done it as my “gapyah”. I am glad to have worked in the rat race as it has given me a far greater appreciation of what it is to have chased the powder and lived the dream. But I do wish I had done it sooner, if only by a couple of years. The thought of spending next winter back in an office is more than disagreeable. There is a whole lot snow to ride in this world but a whole lot of Visas that can only be applied for until you’re 30 years old . Our generation will never know retirement, so what’s a couple of years out while you’re young?! If any of you reading this have ever so much as toyed with the idea of spending a season in the white stuff then do it. Don’t hesitate. The anarchy and adventures I’ve enjoyed this season will live with me forever. The memory of each run, each howl of delight and each and every person I’ve ridden with and/or shared a beer with is stowed with revere. Alas, romanticising runs a very real risk of instilling a wistful melancholy which is very much the “elephant in the room” for all of us right now. It’s hard to keep the spirits up and the sadness at bay when in the back of our minds we know that the time is coming when we must part ways and begin our next adventures. As Mike from Croydon said during a final post-hill pint “The strange thing about the bond you create with people during a ski season is that you don’t truly start to feel close to them until it’s time for one of you to depart.” Of course, we all ripped him mercilessly at this moment of sensitivity but if I’m honest, it was only to cover our own emotion at how true and accurate this was. Recognition that a season isn’t just about gargantuan snowfalls and fresh lines; it’s about the diverse and amazing people you share it with. So… that’s it. Four resorts, 105 days of riding, 1142 centimetres of snow, one VERY cold pond-skim experience and six months later my first season has finished; sort of. Such is the call of the snow I am off to Whistler for the last few days of their season and an August trip to Bariloche in Argentina has also been booked. An almost-endless winter is beckoning and I am stoked. So go on. Do it. Lose yourself in a season and get addicted to the white stuff. Send it!
Words by Nick Tuckwood
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Rider: Danny Larsen Photograph: Richard Clark 39
British Winter Athletes British Winter Athletes is a cause we should all be supporting, set up to help the UK’s young, promising winter athletes train and compete, its one of the few non profit organisations helping the future growth of our sports. We catch up with the founder Felix Robinson and give you the low down on BWA. Tell us exactly what it is that you do: British Winter Athletes is a not for profit organization which has been set up to support young and talented winter athletes. We believe in promoting the youth of tomorrow, today! Just because we have no mountains or snow all winter round does not mean that Britain’s are not good on the snow and ice. Our aim is to raise money for the future of winter athletes so that any talented child aged 8-18 can have access to the fund regardless of current sponsors. They will be able to apply for help for their training, as long as they are on the performance pathway to compete at national or international levels. This idea has been steadily developed throughout the year and after contacting all the disciplines in the youth Olympics the general consensus was that everyone thought it was a good idea. What made you set up BWA? It was during a discussion with Pat Sharples, it is so hard to source funding for training and the lack of support available to the majority of kids out there at grass root level, I just thought what if we could set something up that could help; there was no harm in trying.
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How do athletes go about finding funding without your help? Funding is a hard one, a lot of coaches will put their athletes forward for funding, and others will have to search the Internet for local government backed funding. How hard is it? Competition for funding is fierce and you will get a lot of rejection letters, but you just need to keep going and eventually you may get lucky. What happens to those who can’t get the funding? Sadly a lot of athletes who struggle may drop out of competing and ride for fun, and others will have to self promote to find funding. What makes you so passionate about what you do? From learning the hard way! My own son was 9 and had started seriously competing the freestyle snowboarding scene, I realized that without funding he wouldn’t be able to attend the comps he needed to gain experience. There are so many talented kids out there and it’s so disheartening when they can’t do certain comps because of funding issues. Sponsorship is becoming harder to source due to the recession and you can see how great these kids will be they just need a break. What kind of response have you had? The response has been amazing; so many companies have said they would help. Sir Robin Cousins has sent me over details of companies he thinks will help us and, at the Ski Show in London, Jenny Jones was thrilled to hear someone was going to try and help grass root kids and has offered her support if we need it along with Graham Bell and many others. Zoe Gillings, Professional Snowboarder and Pat Sharples, Head coach and manager of the British & Olympic Freeski team are our two official ambassadors and they have come onboard because they believe in supporting the youth of tomorrow today!
We saw you covered alot of the Youth Olympic Games. What was your evolvement at the YOG? This all happened randomly, we were initially told off for using the official YOG logo on our BWA Facebook page, however from that they wanted to know what we were doing and embraced it. They sent us stickers, hoodies and t-shirts and asked us to promote from the UK. We did a few interviews and they promoted us on their facebook site, then during the YOG we liaised with athletes Team GB and BBC correspondents to provide up to the minute results and information for everyone to read, it was an exciting time and so proud to be asked to be part of it. How come you had to cancel the Football Tournament in June? We had found a location and everything was going well, until the grounds changed management and we were asked to foot a bill of around £20k in the event ticket sales didn’t go well, with a further £6k for a stage for the evening. We had to be realistic, we are a group of 4 people trying to make a difference and help kids we are not a massive organization YET!!
government is forced to address this issue !! http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/19082 Is there anyway people can get involved? We are always in need of Volunteers, Telemark Skier Jasmin Taylor has just joined us, Robert Path s hopefully joining us and he will be updating us with the latest results and goings on within his discipline, if anyone thinks they can do this for us they should email volunteers@ britishwinterathletes.com The same goes for anyone who thinks they can assist us looking for funding or organizing events please, please get in touch. Interview By Harri Bennett
Images courtesy of BWA
Whats the e-petition all about? The aim of the e-petition is to raise the profile of British Winter Athletes. Support from the government for initiatives by British Winter Athletes and others is vital in order to provide funding for future winter Olympiads. It is essential that the Government works with private structures and such organisations to support them. This is what it says: Support our Winter Athletes, by BRITISH WINTER ATHLETES The success of British Winter Athletes at the Youth Winter Olympics in 2012 and the Winter Olympics in 2014 depends upon sustainable funding. We call on the Government, funding bodies and charities to work together, increase the available resources and support our athletes. Please go to the link and sign up so the
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Rider: Jamie Anderson Photograph: Richard Clark 43
5 Of the best... Snowboard Apps What they say :- iTrailMap 3D lets you see yourself on a 3D mountain, record your tracks and upload them to the web. It also records stats like vert and distance. The app was designed for skiers and snowboarders. But it works great for mountain biking and hiking also. What we say :- This is a great App, download the resort you are riding, kick off the GPS and track your days runs. At the end of the day, check your top speed, altitude and distance travelled. You can even upload to a website to save your runs. Developer :- Big Air Software, LLC Platform :- IPhone Ipad Ipod Touch Price :- £2.99 Link : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/itrailmap-3d-skisnowboard/id294066800?mt=8
REALSKI
What they say :- REALSKI® is the first augmented reality (AR) trail map application for ski resorts. REALSKI® requires the iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 since it utilizes the compass, camera, and GPS features to overlay ski runs and key points of interest for some of the most popular mountain resorts across North America. What we say :- This is really the future of snowboarding apps, hold the app up to see what runs are available near where you are on the mountain, its like a sat nav in your pocket. Currently limited to US resorts, but worth a look at the demo. Developer :- RTP, LLC Platform :- IPhone Ipad Ipod Touch Price :- FREE Link : http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realski/ id341922362?mt=8
ESPN Winter X Games Aspen
What they say :- The ALL NEW Winter X Games Aspen app for iPhone and iPad puts the most exciting event in action sports right at your fingertips with instant results, stunning video highlights, personalized schedules, blazing WatchESPN integration and much, much more. What we say :- Even though the X Games is now over for another year, this app is packed full of Video highlights, results and great insights to the games. Worth downloading to watch shaun Whites epic winning run in the half pipe. Developer :- ESPN Platform :- IPhone Ipad Ipod Touch Price :- FREE
Link : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/espn-winter-xgames-aspen/id382281290?mt=8 Crazy Snowboard
What they say :- Download the #1 mobile snowboard game in the world with more than 12 million players! Also check out our new platform game DIVERSION. What we say :- Cant make it out on the hill today ? Kick back and chill out playing this game. With loads of fantastic levels to play and a great sense of speed, tweak out and grab that board, but most of all, a good bit of fun for less than a quid. Developer :- Ezone.com Platform :- Android, IPhone Ipad Ipod Touch Price :- FREE – Android - £0.69 - iOS Link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ezone. Snowboard http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/crazy-snowboard/ id294919686?mt=8
Shred Tunes
What they say: Ever wondered what that song is on a snowboard DVD, shred tunes is the answer. What we say: Allows you to download tunes from popular snowboard DVDs right to your phone/ ipad from itunes. Great tunes to shred to if your on the mountain or in the dome. Developer :- iphonemobileapp.co.uk Platform :- IPhone Ipad Ipod Touch, Android Price :- FREE Link : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/shred-tunes/id421222608?mt=8
Words By Andrew Donnelly
iTrailMap3D
To celebrate the launch of the WhiteNoize App, we thought we would take a look at whats out there already and give you an idea of the best.
Rider: Matt McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 45
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Rider: Danny McCormick Photograph: Wallace Wainhouse 47
A Day At ISPO Whilst most people are fast asleep and only the keenest of riders are up getting ready to make the most of this amazing winter season we’re having in Europe, I somehow find myself stood outside Munich airport in -15 degrees at 5am in only a pair of jeans and a shirt. I know it is meant to be cold at this time of year, but -15 in the centre of Munich, really? I’m told its a freak weather front that has come in from Russia by the man stood next to me... I am waiting for a shuttle bus that will take me 28 miles to the Messe Munchen Trade Centre for the 2012 ISPO Munich. ISPO is a leading European sports trade show, in fact it’s the biggest business to business trade show this side of the planet for anyone and everyone in the snow industry. It’s a sneak peek at next years styles, colours, hardwear, softwear, concepts, ideas, material, you name it. So I thought I would go and check it out. When I arrive, I realise this really is quite a serious event. Despite the time, now 6:15am, the place is buzzing. Outside there’s a purpose built park with RedBull and Monster Energy sponsored banners everywhere. There’s piste bashers on display, a whole host of out buildings, some shaped like igloos, some winter chalets and a dramatic light show highlighting the ISPO entrance. I have yet to even notice the enormous industrial warehouse behind this outlandish display that actually contains the event itself.
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huge indoor demo area. I only have one day here and I know straight away it isn’t enough time to see it all. Here, you need weeks. So I immediately aim for the areas that hold the most interest for me, I want to know what’s new. All the usual suspects are on show with some of the most flamboyant stands you could imagine. Emporio Armani have an enormous black stand that is surrounded by security with access only being granted to the best of buyers. Everything is secret. It’s a strange feeling as all the stands are designed to draw you in, yet most of the big ones stop you at the door. Yes, I said it... the door. These stands are closed, they have doors. The only other stand that has gone quite mad with the security is Kjus. It appears people in this part of the industry are highly anxious at this time in the financial crisis. No one wants to leak any ideas, yet they all have to sell. So buyers are the only people granted access to these secret areas.
Just to give you an idea. Imagine the NEC in Birmingham or the O2 Arena in London on steroids, and then you have the building I am now standing in. There are maps, guide books, and staff directing you at every turn. At one point I think I need my GPS to find myself let alone the various stands I want to visit.
This is a bit too much for me, I want to see something more fun. I walk through to the next hall, here I found the snowboard world. For those of you who love snowboarding and that way of life, this is like heaven. There is another hall parallel which is exactly the same but for the skiers out there!
ISPO has everything. Everything from halls full of Asian skiwear and sports manufacturers, to fashion shows from the major ski brands to a
These two halls have every snowsport brand that you can think of, some huge stands, some smaller. If you don’t have a stand here and you
are in this business, then you are almost certainly walking around in here somewhere. Colours are beginning to get a little more interesting with manufacturers and brands going away from what I call the standard ‘recession dull’ colours and lifting things a bit with a lot of oranges and bright green colours for 2012-13. Designs are still plain and simple, and to be honest a little boring. There were a few smaller brands who caught my eye, on the ski side there was Nudge Clothing who are Britain’s only freestyle outerwear brand. They’ve gone for a fresh look with bright, bold design features and a great size range for those who like it tall and steezy and for those who like it tighter too. Another brand I love is Picture Organic Clothing who are pushing the ‘green’ message in the production of high quality outerwear. The designs for next year are yet another evolution from the last, with the bioceramic layer offering better balance to those who wear it, somehow the technology is built into the suit. The designs are uplifting, the colours are fun and both brands are strong. Both brands seem to have a grasp on the idea of evolving the sport, and i t becomes clear these new companies are producing the fresh styles and pushing things forward On the snowboarding side, Analog still continue to ‘Design Unlikely Futures’ using different materials and really mixing things up. Look out for their stuff next year, it’s looking seriously good. These guys are leading the pack and I don’t think any of the other brands have caught up yet. Freestyle skiing is really on the up, the ski hall is full of people, it’s buzzing with industry players looking for the new catches. Whilst the snowboarding hall seems relatively quiet. The hall is packed with kit and equipment but there’s just not that many people in there. Perhaps its just the timing, perhaps Monday is a day for the skiers (today is Monday) and tomorrow may be better for the snowboarding hall. As I speak with people on various stands, the feedback is the same. More and more young people are choosing two planks over one. Of the bigger brands, Armada have some amazing looking designs for next year, as do Salomon. Line are continuing with their own unique style and if you want a sneak peak, just check out the Line Travelling Circus.
My personal favorite are the new Liberty Skis. The stand here in ISPO is simple, sugar free shall we say, no clutter, just the skis on a plain background. They look great, all the designs are fresh, they continue to push their bamboo core technology and let me tell you, these skis are light, seriously light. The park enthusiasts will love the Liberty LTE. T They have two all mountains skis, the Morphic and the Helix, both look banging, but if you want BIG then check out the Liberty Mutant. I’m not kidding, this ski is fat. When buying new gear there are so many options. How do you really choose? Is it by the look of the ski? By the pro rider who has just ridden the sickest line or hit the biggest jump? Is it brand loyalty? I don’t know. I tried three freestyle skis when I started and the best of those I stuck with and now I just get the next one in line when I need a new pair. The best way is to get to Demo sessions and try for your self. Its already 3pm and I have probably only seen 10% of this event. I’m not kidding, it is the biggest trade show I have ever been too, and considering we are in a recession, there is no real sign of the industry slowing down. Perhaps that holiday to the Bahamas is on hold for the time being and you only go out once a week now, but it appears people will still find a way to go skiing. I could go on for hours about the kit, gad gets, the displays, there is so much to see and for me, getting a sneak peak into the industry development is super exciting. All the companies here are pushing forward, developing their products, and evolving the industry so you and I can enjoy what we love the most. So go play safe and play hard. Please note, everything in this article is written by me. It does not represent anyone else and it is purely my opinion.
Words by Alex Waters
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Rider: Ben Kilner Photograph: Richard Clark 51
Snow Camps Camps are a great option for those wanting to improve their skills whilst having an awesome holiday and sharing new experiences with new, like minded people. It can however be a difficult decision choosing the right one for you out of the masses of options out there. We’ve compiled a few of the best out there all run by UK shredders. 52
Image courtesy of Maverix
Our Camp is for snowboarders wanting to progress in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Their aim is to inspire you to push your riding to the next level. Our Camp is aimed at riders that can already cruise comfortably around the hill and feel ready to hit the park. There will be a BASI teacher/coach there to assist you with your technique. Team coaches include sponsored riders; Gilly Seagrave, Laura Berry and Jenny Jones to help inspire and coach to reach your personal goals. Here’s the basics about what’s on offer for campers on a week stay: • 7 nights luxury accommodation (with hot tub!) • Transfers to and from Geneva • Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and Cakes • Sumptuous 3 course evening meals • as much wine as you can drink! • 6 full days with an instructor and Our Camp Pro’s • Small group sizes • Video Analysis • Tech How-To upon request - board servicing etc • Yoga sessions/stretching upon request • Goodie Bags from Camp sponsors Prices start at £830, check out the Our Camp website for more info and camp dates. www.ourcamp.co.uk
You’ve probably already seen Maverix at one of the UK domes, they offer a range of courses for both snowboarders and skiers, all year round at all the major domes including sessions covering rails, kickers and flat land skills and prices start at £49. They also offer both summer and winter European camps, this summer their out at Les Deux Alpes and have three week long course dates: 23rd June - 30th June 30th June - 7th July 21st July - 28th July Maverix work on keeping the coaching ratio low and the amount of personal attention high, you’ll have one key coach for your session, the owner of Maverix and the current national Royal Air Force freestyle coach James Streater. • • • • •
Just Snowboard Camps are based in Morzine and offer various camps including freestyle, back country, performance complete beginners and all girls camps. Coaching is provided by the Mint Snowboarding school with help from the Quiksilver snowboard team. Their aim is to get you riding and keep you progressing, whatever your level and focus. Included in your package: • 7 nights luxury half board accommodation • 6 nights 3 course dinner with wine • 6 day full Portes du Soleil lift pass • Coaching in small teaching groups • Ride with the Quiksilver team • Quiksilver Goodie Bag • LibTech Demo Centre • Proffesional photoshoot • Video coaching • Off The Hill activities • Transfers
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Coaching will focus on 20% piste, 80% park. 5 full days of coaching, 1 personal riding day. 6 day lift pass including in all our accommodation options. Free board setup clinic with hot wax (facilities permitting) courtesy of Bluebird Wax (worth £27). On piste and evening video analysis with top level photography as required. Additional off slope training opportunities including focused trampoline and static jib training. Access to special snowsport product discounts to get you equipped for next season. Special team activities everyday including opportunities for mountain biking, rafting, luge, golf, etc. Transfers available for a small additional fee. Free access to local facilities including swimming pool, trampolines etc with our resort partners.
Prices start from £499 dependant on accommodation and board options. For more information on both UK and European camps check out their website info@maverix.org
Check out the Just Snowboard Camps website for further information and course dates. www.just-snowboard.com 53
Image courtesy of Rachel Lilley
BoardnLodge Snowcamps sponsored by Animal. Pila, Italy Rachel Lilley gives us the low down on her time at BoardnLodge. “As I arrived at Geneva and dragged my board bag through the arrivals hall, I was greeted by my fellow ‘campers’. We were all stoked to be there and spent the two and a half hour transfer swapping tales of past snowy escapades. The Mont Blanc Tunnel delivered us into Italy and onto Pila in the Aosta Valley. After a stomach churning journey up to the resort we arrived at our digs for the week! Hotel La Chance is a new luxury property, a short walk from the lifts, and provided a great base for the weeks slopeside antics! With a spa complete with sauna, steam room and hot tub, we were able to rejuvenate in style after each epic day of riding. As this was my 3rd snowcamp with BoardnLodge 54
I knew the drill. With 30 campers this year the camps are now bigger than ever and it was definitely true - the more the merrier! The vibe on the camps is electric with the company founder, James Kellow and his team of coaches (headed up by Westbeach pro Steve Addicott), on hand to get everyone excited about the weeks freestyle tuition. My goal was to stomp a frontside 180 and I did thanks to the coaches. As its Steve’s home resort they know every inch of the mountain making sure you get the most out of each days riding. I’d definitely recommend a BoardnLodge Snowcamp to anyone wanting to improve their riding and meet some great people! We had complete newbies all the way to really competent riders. Really helped everyone progress! “ Prices start from £820 per person and include transfers from the airport, accommodation, meals, 6 days coaching, 6 day lift pass, video analysis.
www.boardnlodge.com
Synergy Snowsports Davos, Switzerland Jake Terry fills us in on what he got up to on a Back Country Camp with Synergy Snowsports. “Dad drove me to city airport, we had breakfast before I set of to Davos on my own (I’m 13). I didn’t mind the flying, I was a bit nervous of the 3 train trip from Zurich to Davos, I had all the information written down, it was all really easy. I got to Davos it was snowing really hard, I phoned Donnie (owner of Synergy snow sports), to let him know that I had arrived, Davos was bigger than I thought, The next morning I woke upto about 30cm of fresh snow, Donnie readjusting my set up to suit the conditions better, I havn’t riden a lot of powder. The first day was so much fun, the trip was more about snowboard development, and Donnie
really knows his stuff, teaching me how to get the best from my equipment, then making me write it down in the evenings for future use, day two was even better 75cm of fresh snow, and a blue bird. Donnie kitted me up with a transeiver, a little bit worrying where was he taking me? All the guys at Synergy know the Davos / Klosters mountains like the back of their hand, local knowledge of the secret spots, meant we just had non stop fresh tracks, I can honestly say I had the best days snowboarding of my life, with all that pow who wouldn’t. I love my freestyle, but now backcountry and power is where it’s at, with Synergy snowsports coaching, the knowledge and expertise that the Synergy team shared with me, I am now a stronger more powerful rider and I can now get a lot more from my equipment which will improve my freestyle, thanks guys, I had a great time, see you soon. Jake Terry” Prices start from £546 and include 7 nights B&B, 7 day full area lift pass, 5 half days of lessons. www.synergysnowsports.com
Image courtesy of Jake Terry 55
Diary 05-11/5/12 -The Snowboard Test - Kaunertal, Austria -
The biggest and best Snowboard test returns to Kaunertal glacier for another year of unrivalled fun!
12/05/12 - SNO!down - SNO!zone Castleford -
The third annual SNO!down and first comp to hit Castleford in 2012! Open to skiers and snowboarders of all standards with a bag full of prizes to be won! www.snozoneuk.com
19/05/12 - Scottish Indoor Freestyle Champs - SNO!zone Braehead - The indoor leg of the championships! www.snowsportscotland.org
09/06/12 - Southern Freestyle - Bracknell Ski Centre -
Southern freestyle is back for another year - this session is a jam format and open to all! southernfreestyle.co.uk
11-20/06/12 - Southern Freestyle - Bracknell Ski Centre The skiathon is taking place at all the UK domes and is being held in aid of Disability Snowsports UK. www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/skiathon 56
16/06/12 - Go Big Or Go Home - Bearsden - Go Big or Go
Home returns to Bearsden for another awesome session!
22-24/06/12 - SCUK Summer Bash - Tamworth Snow Centre - 10th annual Summer Bash from the SCUK crew - think
camping, snow, beers, music and good fun!
30/06/12 - Natives Job Fair - London -
Thinking of doing a season but need a job to get you by? This is the place to meet employees before you head out to resort.
07/07/12 - Strawberry Jam - Chatham Dry Slope Jam event with loads of prizes and features to play with www.facebook.com/events/361116953934273/
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WhiteNoize For advertising contact: Editor@WhiteNoizemag.co.uk
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