FREERIDERS Close encounters with the world's top riders

Page 20

Haines, Alaska The line that has given me the most satisfaction was the one I did filming for Standard Film in Haines, Alaska. I had already been to Alaska, but it was the first time I went to film for one of the largest international production companies, and it was natural for me to feel the pressure. That morning I was in the group with Mathieu Crepel and Xavier de Le Rue. They had already surfed some lines but the snow was not good and the morale was low. During the afternoon we had planned to ride quite a steep line but in the same area there was another group that wanted to film the same lines: the bad mood was tangible, but I wasn’t in a bad mood, in fact I felt it was going to be a good day for me, I was motivated and confident. The other group was made up of Yes Snowboards, they were no beginners, but in the end they decided not to shoot because the descent was too steep and they noticed the snow conditions, not to mention the crevasse to jump over three quarters down the line. Having given up the line I was so happy to have a chance, and that’s what happened. The best line I have ever surfed. Every now and then the best things in life come from situations which don’t seem to go as they should. You must always follow your heart, always!

Anne-Flore’s line

How to get there To get to the area in which we filmed, you fly to the States and then with a national flight you reach Juneau in Alaska and then with a small plane you reach Haines which is 110 km away. Best period The best period is from end of March to the beginning of May. Usually in April it is possible to find the best snow and weather conditions. You cannot expect to go to Alaska for a week and to ski there seven days. It is possible to find windows of bad weather where the helicopter doesn’t fly for ten days. Patience is your best companion when travelling to Alaska. Helicopter Operators There are a number of companies who offer packages in hours, both by helicopter and by plane, as well as offering other services

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Anne-Flore riding the steep spines covered in powder, Haines, Alaska (ph. di Mathieu Crepel)


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