Method Mag Issue 24.1

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1 COVER 241.indd Wszystkie strony

FREE

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a film from the mind of Burton Team Rider Niels Schack.

COMING SOON

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ONLINE NOVEMBER 15TH

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L A Y E R S

NITRO SNOWBOARDS : “LAYERS” THE UNINTENTIONAL CULTURE OF SNOWBOARDING A PABLO FILMS PRODUCTION i RED BULL MEDIA HOUSE FEATURING KNUT ELIASSEN EERO ETTALA MARCUS KLEVELAND HAILEY LANGLAND SU YIMING CAI XUETONG MARK MI MARCO HAUG RETO GURTNER RETO POLTERA GIAN SIMMENS CELIA PETRIG MARKUS KELLER DAVID BABACAR DJITE LUCAS BAUME JOE STANCO CHARLES BECKINSALE LAURIE BLOUIN WASTED YOUTH KARL JOST KEITH MARTIN CHRISTOPHER RYAN CURRAN DARCY SHARPE SEB GRONDIN BENNY URBAN NILS ARVIDSSON SIMON GSCHAIDER DOMINIK WAGNER BENNY PELLEGRINO JEREMY JONES BOB PLUMB BRANTLEY MULLINS BRYAN FOX HUNTER GOULET CHRIS GRENIER HOODS TO WOODS BRIAN PAUPAW OMAR DIAZ LJ HENRIQUEZ DAVE SPRUILL NEIL HARTMANN TARO TAMAI GRIFFIN SIEBERT CHRISTY PRIOR

* PABLO FILMS

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AND NITRO SNOWBOARDS e JUKKA METSAAHO k KNUT ELIASSEN w FFF ^ YVES ARDELT x ANDI AURHAMMER KNUT ELIASSEN JYRI PAAJAMMA FLORIAN MOSER

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JILL PERKINS, 50-50 PHOTO: T BIRD

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HELLO

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ould you notice if this was written by AI? Would you care? It ROVING REPORTER: THEO ACWORTH seems to be getting rather good at generating images and words theo@methodmag.com these days, which are the two things my entire career is based on. ONLINE & OFF-PISTE EDITOR: Should I be concerned? Probably. Should I be paying more attention to it? JUSTIN DUTILH Almost certainly, but to be honest I haven’t used it much, besides that one justin@methodmag.com time I asked it to generate images of Shrek snowboarding at the Olympics and CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: JOY DUTCH Shaun White being eaten by a polar bear. joy.dutch1@gmail.com I hope AI allows humanity to one day enter a post-scarcity utopian era where winters are stable, the powder is deep, and we’re all free to ride as much as we want because those clever machines solved all of our problems and we no longer have to rely on a financial system to survive. Fingers crossed we don’t destroy ourselves and our planet before we get there, eh? But the big question remains. Would AI write better editorials than me? That, is a matter of opinion.

Unbeknownst to most of you, I’ve been hiding a wide range of swear words on this page throughout my tenure at Method. If I am eventually destined to lose my job to AI, I hope it will at least have a sense of humour and get the same kick out of doing pointless shit that I do. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens there. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the mag!

ONLINE EDITOR & BRAND MANAGER: WILL RADULA-SCOTT will@methodmag.com

Theo x

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Joy Dutch, Spencer Schubert, Flo Corzelius, Joe Simpson, Asgeir Höskuldsson, Elio Fumagali

ART DIRECTOR: MACIEJ PRZĘŻAK mjwp3.com PRODUCT AND BUYERS GUIDE MANAGER ALEX ROBERTS alextroberts@gmail.com ONLINE AND MERCH GRAPHIC DESIGNER AGATA SZKARLAT agata@method.tv CONTENT SUBMISSIONS content@method.tv

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Theo Acworth, T-Bird, Tatu Toivanen, Eero Ettala, Jack Dawe, Benjamin Littler, Oli Gagnon, Alex Roberts, Elli Thor Magnusson, Markus Rohrbachker, Thibault Viard, Jérôme Tanon, Remi Petit, Francois Marclay, Stephan Jende, Ashley Rosemeyer, Simon Pettai, Brandon Huttenlocher, Thomas Stöckli, Jusse Komsi, Alberto Cantù, Giovanni Ripamonti, Steve Robert, Michael Cordey CEO/PUBLISHER - SALES & ADVERTISING Chris McAlpine chriso@methodmag.com CFO/IT MANAGER: Steve Dowle steve@methodmag.com PRINTERS: TUIJTEL Industriestraat 10 | 3371 XD PO box 18 | 3370 AA Hardinxveld-Giessendam | NL DISTRIBUTION: Rhenus Logistics Eektestraat 2, 7575 AP Oldenzaal The Netherlands HALLDÓR HELGASON, FS 50-50 PHOTO: THEO ACWORTH

What would you even call this thing? Rainbow-c-multi-bumpy-kink-rail? It’s almost laughably gnarly. There’s also the potential river landing if you come off the outside too early, which Halldór did, several times. Good thing we extended the bank by about a meter, using a base of reeds in the water (harvested locally

by Eiki) with snow blocks on top. He battled this thing all day and, like the true king he is, took it down with style and grace. He’s been driving past this rail for ten years, and we could literally see a decade of mental weight lifting off his shoulders in the moments after he rode away. This one was really special to be a part of, and I’m psyched that this shot has ended up on the front of the mag.

EDITORIAL

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METHOD MEDIA LTD Method Media Pantiles Chambers 85 High St Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XP England Tel:(+44) (0) 871-218-9978 Copyright 2023 Method Media Ltd. No liability is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor are any guarantees given by the magazine. Copyright worldwide of original material is held by Method Media Ltd and permission must dicks be obtained for any use, transmission, storage or reproduction. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the publisher. Method Media Ltd assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. Thanks for choosing Method Mag, we sure hope you like it!

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THE ESCAPE, WATERSLIDE PHOTO: TATU TOIVANEN

24.1

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Obsessed with performance

Rooted in adventure

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Committed to our planet

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NO BINDINGS? NO PROBLEM. JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE LIFE OF SPARROW KNOX. PHOTO: THEO ACWORTH

HOLY SHIT

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5 things you could hide in your pants 1.

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Coins Looseboy stickers Lots of snacks Paintbrush Little tools

5 things you always have in your bag 1.

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I don’t have my own bag But if the homie lends me one Headphones Work gloves Screwdriver

5 recovery tips after a heavy slam 1.

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Get up Go home Put sauna on Sleep Go back and get the clip.

5 things about Salomon 1.

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A childhood dream Nice team Abstract Marco Morandi Best boots

5 people you’d love to film with 1.

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There is one of them Eemeli Kyllönen

5 favourite people to ride with 1.

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Koreville Eemeli kyllönen Joona saikkonen Juuse komsi Rene rinnekangas

5 guilty pleasures 1.

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Studio Ghibli Iisalmi tähti grilli Rocky Balboa Bounty bars @kidsgettinghurt

5 things about your 2006 Volkswagen Touran 1.

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The best place to listen to music Airplane tables A lot of space A lot of electrical problems Bone thugs and harmony CD

HEAVY BS 180 SW 50-50 PHOTO: EERO ETTALA

5 THINGS: KIRIL RIKKILA

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PHOTO: JACK DAWE

- SPIRALING MIKE RAVINFINITY A collection of thoughts, poems and drawings (scribbles and rambles) from the last infinity... 88 Pages of pure hope.

“These things were all sitting in there in my head, like, yo, what’s going on? What are we doing? So I wrote this poetry book over the last four years. It’s nice to have a place to put it all, otherwise it starts compounding. I think the books came out awesome. I don’t know about any of the writing in any of ‘em, though. I’m at a point now where these poems are like my snowboarding. I can’t be so worried about what people think. These are my thoughts. My friends will read it and get it, but if someone doesn’t, all I can be is vulnerable.

If anyone needs one, hit me up, and I’ll send you a copy, for a price.”

Mike Rav @mikerave

Writing and drawing by Mike Ravelson / curated by Colton Morgan / published by Hatteras printing / Edited by Amber Nolli PRODUCTION VALUES

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PHOTO: BENJAMIN LITTLER

Naima Antolin is a highly creative and delightful human being, both on and off the board. She also makes a mean tofu curry. Big love from Method for feeding us when we came to visit SLC! Scan the code, hit play, and soak in the tunes that Nai is feeling right now.

METHOD MINI MIX: NAIMA ANTOLIN

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Quality products since 1993

MIKKEL BANG

NFX MAG / 30 YEARS // LL RED ION Dragon by Marchon ©2023 Marchon Eyewear Inc.

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Flo Corzelius provides us with his recommended reading list, the contents of which will inform and expand your perspective on the forces that drive and direct the currents of our societies.

FACTFULNESS

BORN A CRIME

Number one on my list of must-reads. This book is eye-opening, entertaining and will change the way you see the world we live in – in a positive way.

A hilarious insight into what growing up in the townships of South Africa looks like – told by my favourite comedian.

POOR ECONOMICS

PROMISED LAND

If you have ever wondered why the poor do certain things the way they do and how we might finally be able to end poverty – then listen to these two Nobel Prize winners.

If you are interested in politics and have ever wondered how certain decisions come about, dive into the story of one of the better story tellers and presidents of our time.

DIE KLEINSTE GEMEINSAME WIRKLICHKEIT

HARRY POTTER AND THE HBP Despite recent happenings concerning the author, this is THE story of my childhood. I still listen to the audiobooks whenever I feel a little lost, sad or when I simply need to have some distraction.

Unfortunately this is only available in German as of now, this book has helped me to understand science and studies better than five years at university.

RICH DAD POOR DAD

UTOPIA FOR REALISTS

Money. A topic that people many are uncomfortable talking about, despite the important role it has whether we like it or not.

This book will help you lose this fear, take things into your own hands and to start to develop a healthy relationship with money.

This is for the dreamers, optimists and all of those who dare to question our obsession of endless growth – for a better world, for all.

BOOK CLUB: FLO CORZELIUS

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PARKER SZUMOWSKI PHOTO: OLI GAGNON

HOLD FAST TWEAK HARD

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WORDS: JOY DUTCH ILLUSTRATION: JUSTIN DUTILH

deas are like buttholes, everyone has them - but some of them fucking stink. Up until fairly recently, I thought that T-Bars fell squarely into the putrid balloon knot category. I always actively avoided them where possible, taking the long route to bypass these doubleended dildos of satan. This may have been thanks in part to a horde of bad experiences throughout my early days snowboarding - it can be a pretty gnarly learning curve, right?

I’m having flashbacks to getting dragged up the slope on my stomach, refusing to let go, feeling the burning shame that accompanies being shit at something that 5-year-olds can do.

However, a recent ride has flipped a switch in my brain. I was on the T-Bar in Kaunertal, yes the T-Bar (if you’ve been to Kaunertal you know exactly what I’m talking about). It’s steep, it’s always busy, and I’m pretty sure the last time it was groomed was pre-covid. I had mounted said T-Bar amongst a gaggle of lycra-clad ski racers and was halfway up the slope when I felt a sudden tingling sensation take over my body (this may or may not have been due to the T-Bar jerking unceremoniously into my nether regions). The earth tilted on its axis, time seemed to slow down, it was my lightning bolt moment - a rare speck of clarity in this clusterfuck of a booze-addled life.

T-Bars are kind of rad?

Ok hear me out, I know they’re not exactly the snowboard equivalent of flying first class but there’s something quite poetic about being dragged up a mountain by the sheer strength of your groin, no?

There are a few factors in the formula here and they mostly have to do with rider placement.

Please see below for explanation.

Regs, goofy – Surely the original snow-based Romeo and Juliet moment, you’re face to face and locked in for the foreseeable future. You get the opportunity to gaze lovingly into the eyes of your homie or whichever lonely stranger sneaks in next to you as you trundle up the slope. Bonus points if you give them a lil’ peck on the lips.

Regs, regs / Goofy, goofy – Perhaps even more romantic. Now you can swoop in and spoon your T-Bar buddy, or if you’re really lucky you’ll take the little spoon position and get to feel their warm embrace from behind. Bonus points for wrapping your arms around them and living your own Titanic moment.

Skier, Snowboarder – This one does hinge slightly on who you end up sharing with but it can either signal the start of a glorious friendship or several minutes spent staring uncomfortably at the side of a bollock-faced stranger’s head. It’s a 50/50 scenario but I’m a gambling woman so I’ll take those odds.

Height difference – This does come into play when riding a T-Bar and can work in your favour, or leave you getting lifted off your feet via your genitalia (which, according to a documentary I watched recently, some people are very into, each to their own, eh?). But as a person who sits on the shorter end of the spectrum, I usually find myself being ripped upwards through my privates.

It’s not comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, but at least I’ve got a companion for the next however many minutes I spend partially suspended in the air.

The tides have well and truly turned, and God help me I’m not too proud to admit I now get a slight thrum of excitement coursing through my body as that reverse crucifix comes swinging jauntily around the corner headed straight for me. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that T-Bars are rad. No further questions.

JOY’S DIVISION: IN DEFENSE OF THE T-BAR

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s snowboarding in danger of extinction? Well, it might be… it is a fact that our globe is changing. Winters are more unpredictable, temperatures are unstable, glaciers are melting fast, and many more facts will threaten the sport in the future. BUT! The soul of snowboarding is very vivid, and the family of Funky Snowboards can prove it!

Every year, towards the end of April, hundreds of inhabitants of the Boot and the Alps gather in Livigno for the most eagerly awaited event of the year: THE GUARDIAN! The event includes an epic parallel banked slalom and a spectacular hip and quarter-pipe jam session. A succession of music and entertainment between live bands and DJs goes along with the show. In such a manner, every year, the winner of the knockout race on the banked slalom is chosen as the new guardian of the spirit of snowboarding, the best-performing shredders are crowned with various prizes, and the entire community celebrates our beautiful passion for snowboarding.

WORDS: ELIO FUMAGALLI PHOTO: ALBERTO CANTÙ, GIOVANNI RIPAMONTI HAPPENINGS: THE GUARDIAN

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W24

| MIKE BASICH | SAM MCMAHON

INTRODUCING THE NEW

NX2-241

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WORDS: SPENCER SCHUBERT PHOTO: T-BIRD

I

spent most of my season at home in SLC this year. Brighton was having the best winter ever, and there was no reason to leave. With no snow in Europe, I saw a tonne of Euro homies come through and eventually, we would get into the friendly back-and-forth about the subtle differences between our snowboarding and cultures (instead of the big political ones).

I thought it would be fun to write this in a Europe-based magazine and get some points on the board.

The Bar We can get into drinks later, I’m talking about the chairlift bar. Every time someone from Europe comes and rides a US resort, they always reach to pull down the bar on the chairlift, but in the US, there isn’t any enforcement on using them. The ones with foot support can be a bit tricky with snowboards, so I usually opt out. For how lax Europe is, and knowing how many people sue in the USA I can’t believe it’s not the opposite way around. Maybe there’s something I don’t know?

SOAP BOX: USA VS EUROPE

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vs

Street Spot Kickouts Getting the boot from a spot is definitely situational, but I think it’s known that it’s much more strict in The States. It’s always about liability, or maybe people just can’t worry about themselves. One time in Finland, I was watching my friend hit a spot at a school during a school day.

The kids came out for recess, and because I’m American, I went to hide, only realizing it was totally fine. I was drinking a beer, and when I got back to where I was, it was gone. Thinking I really had messed up, I approached a teacher and apologized for having a drink but also that it was missing.

I came to find out that the kids had moved it into the soft snow to keep it cold for me. That was awesome. If that happened here, I’d be writing this from prison.

accepted. There are a few exceptions in the US, but for the most part, Après turns to Afters, and it’s a much more trashy look. You’re either drinking a Coors light out the back of your Subraru WRX with the speakers bumping some woke rap, or you’re in a yelling match on the deck of Big Bear with the guy in the muscle shirt with a gun on it. Freedom baby!

Après I love how romanticized the “Après -ski” is in Europe. From amazing views, Aperol spritz and music, it’s really a whole vibe. Even in the snow domes you can have a taste of the Alps, where day drinking is totally

Snowboard Style Actually nvm...

The Last Letter in the Alphabet This is more The World vs USA, but it’s about the Z. How do you say it?

Is there a D on the end? If so, that’s dumb. You shouldn’t be able to spell a letter, unless it’s with other vowels.

I.e., B can be Bee. D is Dee. EL. EF, and so on. Why is it ZED?? USA wins this one, and I’ll prove it. Who is married to Beyonce? It’s not Jay Zed, is it? Pop Culture has the W.

[ed. shots fired from over the pond. At least our ankles don’t hurt each time we ride the chairlift]

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RIDER DRIVEN SNOWBOARDING

SCOTT STEVENS TM-2 BOOT | LASHED INSULATED JACKET | SWEEPER PANT

THIRTYTWO.COM

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I

t’s hard to put a finger on it, but there’s something that glues all of these riders together. A certain feeling. They’re all really separate individuals, but they bring a certain energy, and it just makes sense to have them on the Lobster team. Even if they hit totally opposite stuff, they can all connect and have a good time together. They also really seem to be on the same vibe when it comes to partying.

For this project, we had dates locked in for one trip each month, and we had the locations open so we could go where the snow conditions were actually decent at that time. This format also helped with the planning of the budget. We couldn’t afford to be out filming constantly for a full winter, so this was a pretty good compromise. In the end, it was five main trips, and then there were some side street missions going on at the same time as some of the pow trips. So maybe it was nine trips in total. And we blew the budget, of course. I think it was already done in March.

The whole winter, everyone was hungry to go after it. We knew how much time we had to play with, and everybody pretty much sent it as hard as they could on those trips instead of taking a lot of days off or sitting out spots. Almost everybody went on the same trips, so you see some of the spots a few times, but I think it adds to the feel of a team movie. You don’t want to have the feeling that everybody has just been on their own mission and sent in clips at the end of the winter. Otherwise, you don’t have an actual vibe of people riding together.

I think it’s a pretty good balance in the movie right now.

Getting thrown into this group of individuals as a filmer has been a wild roller coaster of emotions. There’s a great mix of seasoned veterans, free spirits and up-and-coming youngsters on the team, but they all seem to have this one thing in common, and I kept repeating this sentence to myself over and over in my head throughout the season:

SHEETS FOR THIS STORY FILLED OUT BY THE CREAM TEAM PHOTOS: THEO ACWORTH, ALEX ROBERTS, ELLI THOR MAGNUSSON, WEITSE THOMAS TEXT ON LAST PAGE: ÁSGEIR HÖSKULDSSON

WE ARE LOSERS 2

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WITH A HORDE OF CREWS IN TOWN, BUCKY STEPS UP AND SLAYS THE LEGENDARY DRAGON RAIL.

KUSKE ALSO HIT THE SPOT.

WE’RE

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IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW.

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LOSERS 2

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EIKI, STILL BLOWING MINDS.

WE’RE

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EIKI TAKES DOWN THE LEDGE OF DEATH 20 YEARS AFTER FINDING IT.

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FRONTBOARD FROM THE STARFISH.

WE’RE

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TRANSITIONING FROM THE STREETS TO THE BACKCOUNTRY.

LOSERS 2

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SPARROW ALSO KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT SLAYING MONSTERS.

LOOSE DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE TO DESCRIBING THIS GUY.

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WE’RE LOSERS 2

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ALL HAIL THE KING.

SPOTS. SECOND ANGLES AND SLAYING E. SIFFI GETS IT DONE WITH STYL

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CREAMY SHAPES.

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INTERVIEW: THEO ACWORTH PHOTOS: MARKUS ROHRBACHER

So before we get into things, you’ve been out for a little while with a back injury. When did it happen?

January 7th. I herniated two disks and bulged two discs in my lumbar.

It’s not an uncommon injury with snowboarders and also humans in general. But with that is a pretty wild and long healing journey. I’m not saying it’s gonna be a lifetime injury, but it’ll be a lifetime pursuit of strength, knowing that my annular discs are weaker than normal humans.

weird mentally and socially. If you break your leg, there’s a pretty clear understanding of what you need to do. If you walk to the store with a cast on your leg, people get it. Back stuff, you don’t really see it. It has made me more empathetic. Even being in the airport, where you’re usually going a million miles an hour. Being fucked up enough that someone going by you too close and fast can freak you out. But I’m healing.

Was this trip the first time you have been riding since the injury?

Yeah. I wouldn’t say I really snowboarded, though. I rode down the hill, but that was about it. It I’ve heard injuries like that are was great, but such a mental thing. crazy painful.

Maybe a little too soon if I’m being It’s a very invisible injury, kind of honest. But I think it was more too NITRO CAKE WEEK

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soon for the travel than the riding.

The travel really fucked me up. I looked like a serial killer, getting up every 45 minutes to whatever open space there was on the flight to do exercises. Baby pose and stuff like that, which sort of looks like you’re praying. It doesn’t make people feel safe on a plane.

Facedown in the galley at the back.

It’s a great image in my mind.

It definitely shows me how little of a fuck I give about what people think of me because I was very comfortable just doing some weird exercises five feet away from people in sweatpants and Gucci tops.

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UNSHINE, SLUSH AND GOOD TIMES. THAT WAS THE PLAN FOR THE NITRO TEAM GATHERING AT KLÄPPEN, SWEDEN. NATURE, OF COURSE HAD OTHER PLANS. THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE GOT MUCH OF THE SUNSHINE OR THE SLUSH, BUT TRUE TO NITRO FORM, THEY DEFINITELY GOT THE GOOD TIMES. BRYAN FOX, COMING OFF A RECENT INJURY, SHARES HIS INSIGHTS ON THE TRIP.

So how many people were on this trip? Seemed like a pretty big gathering.

I’m not sure, but it felt like at least 80 [ed. apparently it was 55, so some of them must have been really loud]. We had ten rooms with loads of space in each. By far the biggest trip I’d ever been on in terms of humans.

How was it stepping back into that atmosphere after being absent for quite a while with your injury?

Amazing. It’s the thing that I think we take for granted in this industry and community. Just how many like-minded people there are. After spending so much time alone and doing PT and 24.1

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thinking about snowboarding, it was amazing to be around that many snowboarders again. It’s clearly infectious when you’re one of such a large group who all enjoy doing the same thing. But Nitro is unique, as far as the big board brands are concerned. I guess Eero [Ettala] and Marcus Kleveland are big superstars, but also not really. It just feels like everyone on the team is respected the same amount and treated equally. Everyone is sharing rooms, eating together and just on the same playing field. It’s pretty corny, but it does make it feel very much like a family. And that’s to Knut’s [Eliasson] credit. He’s pretty into that vibe. It was great.

Knut mentioned you got ‘the whole cake’ in terms of weather for this trip. [ed. hence the story name] Yeah. So the Americans got there two days late and missed the only two sunny days. We got pretty much the worst weather you could have for a spring park shoot, but it was really fun.

For me, it was perfect. We had some slow-motion powder days and did the classic Knut ‘get everybody to ride down the hill at the same time’ thing. It feels cheesy, but then you see the photos and the footage, and it’s amazing.

WITH BRYAN FOX

13.09.2023 15:04

Nitro does seem to do the whole ‘gathering’ of snowboarders really well. It always looks so fun.

Knut is definitely really good at creating that kind of atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and excited. And with the ‘sickness’ ending, this was the first real time that everyone had been together again for a long while. So that was kind of freeing.

What was the collective energy like on the trip?

I was in the American house, and I don’t know why, but it turned into the party house. Party/the adult house. It felt like we were the party place but also the place where we would cook for everyone. Even the people who weren’t in our room. So the vibe was great because there were a million people around all the time, but it was also a very full-on week of socialising.

Normally, I’d be annoyed at so many people being in our house, but because of jet lag, we were sort of superhuman, so we’d stay up until 4 or 5 every morning we were there. It is a joke, but some of the crew also take it seriously that they want America to win. Win on the hill and win in the party. Unlike most brands, there are only six or so American riders on Nitro, so we consider ourselves the underdogs against the Euros and play that up pretty hard.

I’m favourable to the nude approach.

Some people would be, and some wouldn’t be. Being in there with six dudes, the nudity would definitely feel more real. With one other person like Basti [Kuhn] or Eero, it’s chill to be penis out.

TORGEIR BERGREM

I don’t get why anyone would want to wear anything in a sauna. You just get even sweatier, but not in a nice way.

I’ve been to Japan a lot, and the onsen culture there is so religious about no clothing. It’s nothing sexual, it’s just about purity. Same with saunas.

I don’t want to sit there and bake in a plastic pair of shorts. I just try to feel the vibe. If everyone is clothed and you show up naked, it could be viewed as disrespectful.

they have these tiny little saunas in every single apartment. We’d hit it I was on my own in a hotel sauna every night and sometimes twice a in Italy and some people came in, day. They were probably two-person DOMINIK WAGNER saunas, and at some times, we’d have about six people in them, which was pretty funny. The sauna is great. We need things that don’t allow you to have a phone with you when you do them. I love that about surfing. It’s not an option to be connected, and I feel like saunas are similar in a social way. If there’s an awkward pause in a conversation, you can’t pick up your phone to look at it. So they feel like a disconnect from reality, and you normally end up having pretty cool You’ve also been hitting the sauna conversations with whoever you’re in pretty hard, I heard? there with. So I was thankful for that.

Yeah, that was pretty nice for me.

Once I got cleared for heat and What was the clothing situation? movement, saunas and cold plunges I know some Americans can get a became a big part of my healing bit uncomfortable about collective journey. It’s so great in Scandinavia, nudity situations.

NITRO FAMILY

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SIMON, BRYAN, YUTO, SAM

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and I was getting weird looks from them, and I just had no idea why. I discovered afterwards that they prefer to keep their clothes on, so I guess I was just the weird, naked guy. Knut also mentioned that one of the sauna things fell off the wall in one of your apartments?

Oh yeah. Luckily no one was in there because that would have been really gnarly. I think the apartment building was brand new, and we were probably working some of the kinks out. We heard this gnarly crash in the bathroom. We went in there, and the whole sauna full of rocks had just ripped off the side of the wall. We’d only got out ten minutes beforehand.

It would have been gross. Scalding rocks on naked skin. No one would have died, but if one of those things had landed in my lap…

Gnarly.

So it was a good trip. I had a different perspective personally because my CELIA PETRIG

SAM TAXWOOD OVER THE RAINBOW

saying it right, but it’s more like an end-of-the-year party than a work trip. And a couple of the dudes on the Nitro team are my best friends, so it’s an actual paid vacation.

I know what you mean. The kind of thing where the conditions don’t really matter and you’re just there having a good time with a good group of people.

Yeah. And I’m old enough where I’ve been on the other side of planning trips like that, so I also have so much respect for those dudes who put that much effort in to get everyone there.

It’s gnarly.

winter was pretty slow and hard, and I obviously didn’t snowboard much.

Normally, I’d say the takeaway is that these trips are such a nice icing on the cake of a long winter. Outside of our industry, people maybe would scoff at us or couldn’t relate to this, but when you chase storms pretty much from November to May or whatever, by that time, you’re pretty physically and mentally exhausted from the relentless travel. Just searching for the next storm, trying to film and do all the shit you want to do. A trip like this is a sweet moment to just enjoy yourself and snowboard culture and the community. I don’t know if I’m 24.1

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SIMON GSCHAIDER WITH BRYAN FOX

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GABRIEL ALMQVIST ON HIS WAY TO THE NEXT RESORT

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“IT IS A JOKE, BUT SOME OF THE CREW ALSO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY THAT THEY WANT AMERICA TO WIN. WIN ON THE HILL AND WIN IN THE PARTY.”

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WITH WITH BRYAN BRYAN FOX FOX

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NILS ARVIDSSON

SIMON & LUDDE

DOM & EERO

I heard that the AK stop of NST aired while you were all together.

How was it having Jared [Elston] and Hailey [Langland] on site to watch it?

The vibe was super fucking fun. We had everyone in one little apartment screaming at the TV. Both Jared and Hailey did pretty well, which was cool. When Hailey lost, I was sitting next to her and she was saying that it was pretty embarrassing. And I told her that I empathised with what she was saying but to take a step back.

Everyone here is celebrating that you’re even in this contest. It’s pretty fucking cool that a brand like Nitro has that much representation in the biggest backcountry contest there is. You know what it is, collective energy in those moments is really NITRO CAKE WEEK

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fun. And as snowboarders, we don’t get it a lot. I like watching football [ed. the one with the ball you kick with your foot, not the egg you catch with your hands] and you get so invested in someone else doing something, and we don’t really have that in snowboarding. We were all just in there rooting for everyone.

I guess that kind of shared sporting experience isn’t so common for us.

At least not from our side of the snowboard community. I couldn’t even name five competitive halfpipe riders these days. I just don’t really watch that side of snowboarding. I feel kind of bad saying that out loud, but I just don’t. So it was cool to just be a full fan for a night. And Hailey is so kind and sweet, just saying thanks

and being humble about it, and then you’ve got Jared over there like, ‘Yeah motherfuckers!’ And wanting all the attention. It was funny to feel both of those vibes.

The bs 360 king. Were there any particular rider standouts for you on the trip, on or off the board?

I was really impressed by this new Canadian kid Mateo Massitti. I’m also a really big fan of Dominik [Wagner] and those kids. Eero too. His body doesn’t work, but he always shows up and gets tricks. He’s smart about it. He’ll pick a feature and go get a shot on it. [Sam] Taxwood is always going to do something impressive, even if he’s psycho hungover. The weather was so shitty, and I didn’t really see too much riding, to be

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“NOW IT’S FUNNY, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS ON THESE TRIPS, I FIND MYSELF SITTING THERE, EVEN AT 3 IN THE MORNING, JUST THINKING WHAT A FORTUNATE EXISTENCE I HAVE AND THAT THIS IS MY JOB.”

YANNECK KONDA

BRYAN & PERLY

honest. Simon Gschaider might have won overall. He was definitely trying every day and every night.

stuff, but hopefully it works and gets people excited to go snowboarding with their friends, you know?

He is a beast.

So yeah, we did all the classic Nitro crap. The funny thing is that everything we do in this industry is manufactured and scripted-ish.

People are taking photos and filming and writing about it, and just with that consideration, everything is kind of manufactured. Even when it’s not, none of us are just doing it purely to live it. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be documenting it. So some part of what’s going on is Knut doing his best to get people together to have a good time, but also to promote a certain type of snowboarding. So it is contrived and your standard Nitro

I think there’s some wisdom in that statement somewhere…

I guess what he’s just doing is caring.

Caring about our experience and how it looks to the outside world, and I love that. I love being a part of that. Especially now that I’m just fucking ‘old’. There definitely would have been times in the past when I’d complain about all the other things I could have been doing instead of stuff like this if there was good snow somewhere else. But now it’s funny, no matter what happens on these trips, I find myself sitting there, even at 3am in the morning, just thinking what a fortunate existence I have

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and that this is my job. Hopefully you get it before it’s too late, right? And I’ve never really been injured. This back injury was the first real halt in my 25 years of snowboarding. It definitely gave me some perspective on shit like that.

It’s always good to remember that our lives are somewhat of a holiday compared to many people. Ok Bryan, I think we can wrap things up there. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.

Just make sure there’s some part of this that says that Team America was victorious.

WITH BRYAN FOX

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Pic: Miriam Lottes | Blue Tomato Team Rider: Yanneck Konda

Snow | Surf | Skate online & in >80 shops in eight countries

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HASN’T THAT SPOT BEEN HIT ALREADY JAKE? WORDS: JOE SIMPSON PHOTOS: THIBAUD VIARD

JOE AND JAKE SIMPSON’S FORMATIVE YEARS ON SNOW WERE SOMEWHAT ISOLATED FROM ‘THE SCENE’, ALLOWING THEM TO DEVELOP THEIR UNIQUE FLAVOUR OF SNOWBOARDING UNBURDENED BY WHAT ANYONE ELSE MIGHT THINK OF THEM. THEY’VE BEEN GRINDING IN THE STREETS FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS AND HAVE PUT OUT SOME AMAZING VIDEOS, BUT AT SOME POINT, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, THE UNWRITTEN RULES STARTED CREEPING INTO THEIR LIVES. AFTER A RECENT TRIP TO THE NOTSO-SECRET STREET MECCA OF LA-CHAUXDE-FONDS IN SWITZERLAND, JOE WEIGHS IN ON THE INTRICACIES AND POLITICS OF SNOWBOARDING IN THE STREETS.

W

e had been hearing about La-Chauxde-Fond for years. All these big crews had been, there are spots everywhere, and the locals are pretty chill. We’d wanted to check it out for a while, and it just so happened that our Spy team week was based a two-hour drive away, and it was dumping on the weekend. Even after some words of warning from friends that all the spots had been destroyed, we decided to go check it out.

It can be a fun challenge going to a place someone has told you not to go to, like extra fuel to stoke the fire of clip-getting. “Spiteboarding”, as The Bombhole might call it. It can also be difficult. If you aren’t quite in the right mindset, it can get pretty de-motivating quickly.

You feel like you’ve driven down the same roads and looked at the same spots you know have been slayed by some big names over the years.

The crew was formed of Jake and myself, Mehdi Soltane, and Tom Cordier. Thibault ‘Titi’ Viard shooting photos and Method’s very own Justin Dutilh also joined us for a couple of days to get some behind-the-scenes action. Jake and I are far from accomplished street riders, but we’ve been doing it for a few years now and have acquired some bits of knowledge, and definitely have a bit of an ‘Unwritten Rule Book’ which has been formed from interactions with people we’ve looked up to in the scene.

The first time we ever hit a rail outside of a snowpark was at Les Deux Alpes mid-station.

As we were clumsily setting up the spot, the postland crew turned up and started helping us out/laughing at us. I’ll never forget them telling us that “Speed is the key”. Anyways, the little bits of knowledge that people give you are like little pieces of gold, and they can make street trips so much smoother. Sometimes people aren’t super forthcoming with these tips and rules, so when we discovered any new ones, Jake and I would go over them together, talk about what we agreed on, what we thought was going a bit far and stuff like that. Mehdi, Tom and Titi had never been on a proper street trip before, so they were full of fresh energy, and they didn’t have any of the little rules in their heads because they didn’t know about them.

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MEHDI, ROOFTOP ROLLERCOASTER.

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There are so many of these rules, and it can be a minefield to navigate through them.

I believe some are superimportant. They set the standard for filming street snowboarding, and it’s obvious why they exist. For others, it’s not so clear, and that’s where it comes down to personal experience and what you like to see in snowboarding. Here are some examples:

TOM’S FANCLUB.

TOM, ABD? IDC.

Our parents always told us to watch out for the Unwritten Rules in life because although they can be great guidelines, they can also hold us back and stifle fresh ideas and innovation.

It’s a hard one because I also really care about some of these rules. Some are there because it makes a spot a bit more legit or more difficult. Some are there because it just makes a shot look nicer, like clearing the backs of the stairs but leaving snow on the flats. It looks nice on video and still looks safe to the rider. The great thing about Unwritten Rules is that you can choose to follow them or not. A downside of not following them is that the snowboard community might get upset or at least not take your video seriously.

So, the trip starts, and the usual problems put us on the back foot from the get-go. Airbnbs fall through, and the police take all of our IDs at the first spot, so we’re in the system from day one. Sick. That shit tends to get me stressed, and when I’m stressed, my creative mind doesn’t work so well. On top of all that, the first days were mostly spot sightseeing.

We’re driving around and shouting out names and tricks at all the spots: “Oh shit, that’s where Gesme did that gap backlip!”, “That’s where Dario did the gap boardie gap!”. It’s really fun for a bit, but we are here to film our own video, and we don’t want to hit all the same spots as everyone else. Tom and Mehdi didn’t know or care. They hadn’t watched so many snowboard videos and were doing it more for the feelings and pure love of it.

There’s something to admire and value in that, I think.

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After the first day blues, we got into a good rhythm and found some spots we hadn’t seen yet.

La-Chaux-De-Fond is a crazy town.

It had a massive watch industry boom in the late 1800s and then crashed after the Second World War, so it had that once-hadmoney-but-definitely-does-notnow feel to it. We’d have arguments with the traffic police about a bit of snow on the road, and then the residents would be hyped that we were hitting the rail next to their house. Most people were actually stoked on what we were doing, although we did get one lady screaming at us and flipping us the bird, which made for a great shot.

The town isn’t that big though, so it’s easy to feel like you’re going in circles and you’re seeing all the same spots. By day four, the

snow took a hit, and so did our motivation. I tend to focus on new and different spots because that’s what I personally like to see in videos. If I know a spot has been ridden, unless I have a really different idea that could work, I normally don’t want to ride it.

However, if you ride a known spot in a completely different way, I think that’s sick. All the intricacies of what people do and don’t like are so interesting. I have definitely not done certain tricks because I know some people don’t think they’re cool, and that’s kinda weird. What do we care? Why limit ourselves because of what someone else thinks? And what makes a trick cool in the first place?

As the week went on, it got me thinking about whether or not trying to create rules for this “sport”

we call snowboarding is ridiculous or not. Having Mehdi & Tom with us gave Jake and I a refreshing view of the whole “street-snowboarding” game. We were looking at a rail, asking what had been done on it, and Mehdi just didn’t give a fuck. He just wanted to ride the spot and do a trick, and he did not care that someone else might have done the same thing or something similar. Is he wrong?

Should we care? What if he does it better, or it’s filmed differently? This is the shit that can get my head in a mess. I find it so interesting that we have all these restraining rules for an anti-establishment activity which we do with almost complete freedom.

I will happily jump over a fence that says “DO NOT ENTER” to get to a rail, but will then say, “Oh wait, someone already rode this spot and did the thing I wanted, so there’s no way I’m going to hit it now”. WEIRD.

JAKE SIMPSON BENDING THE RULES, AS WELL AS JUMPING THEM.

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JOE SIMPSON JUMPING OFF GRID.

UNWRITTEN RULES

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We got kinda deep into these rules for a few years, maybe trying to reach a level of respect from our peers that we felt we didn’t always receive. All that did was take us away from the things that attracted us to snowboarding in the first place, almost holding us back because we were trying to conform too much to what other people thought. After all, we are a bunch of ‘grown-ups’ that slide down things on pieces of wood, looking for a ‘cool spot’ to do tricks on.

Creating rules for that feels silly.

Our trip ended up being a success thanks to everyone pushing through and staying hungry till the end, and it changed my mindset towards the rest of our trips that winter. I tried to listen more to what I wanted to do and not worry too much about what other people might think.

I reckon ignoring rules is what pushes our community forwards and keeps it fresh.

The ‘Unwritten Rule Book’ is a necessary part of our snowboarding community, keeping the balance between what is cool and what is not.

It is ever-evolving and super harsh sometimes.

But as a non-tangible thing, handed around through word of mouth and endless conversations about snowboarding, it does a pretty good job of keeping it “cool” or “core’”.

We need to have some sort of standards, otherwise anyone could do anything, but we also don’t want to stop upcoming kids from expressing themselves and doing stuff that they think is sick because you never know where innovation might come from. Trying to balance the rules you think are important and those that aren’t isn’t easy at times, but breaking the rules also feels pretty damn good in snowboarding, and real life.

Anyways, I’m just a snowboard nerd who loves these conversations and thought I would add my two-pence-piece on the subject. I guess it comes down to your personal opinion, so you can spit in my face next time you see me if you don’t agree with anything I said <3.

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W

E LIVE IN A WORLD OF CONTRADICTIONS. PEOPLE, LIFE, AND SOCIETIES ARE JUST BUILT ON ONE PARADOX AFTER THE OTHER. HOW CONFUSING. AND EVEN IF WE’RE OFTEN IN OUR OWN BUBBLE, WELL, WE, ‘THE SNOWBOARD PEOPLE’ ARE ALSO PART OF LIFE, THE WORLD, AND SOCIETY. BUMMER. Being aware of this, I’ve often been trying to find clues on how we as snowboarders should behave and act when it comes to important ethical subjects such as our environment, equity, safety, and more.

Because snowboarding is all about having fun, isn’t it? What’s the opposite of having fun? Being serious. Having fun vs responsibilities.

Huh, it’s like facing the challenges of being a teenager all over again…

Is it a dead-end, though?

Safety, for example, is a really heavy one. Do we really want to associate big traumas and death with the funnest thing we do in our lives? It is a huge part of the picture though, and it’s very hard to avoid it. We often have quite shocking reminders of it in our snowboard community. We desperately need clever ways to address that matter without killing enjoyment of the shred. One person has found some secret ingredients to get on this path of serenity. His name is Victor Daviet, and he manages to take these things seriously without taking the fun out of snowboarding one bit.

INTRO & INTERVIEW: JUSTIN DUTILH PHOTOS: JÉRÔME TANON [UNLESS STATED] GRAPHICS: JF DUTILH GEOGRAPHISME

I’ve been snowboarding for 22 or 23 years and I still have the passion for it. I stopped riding a week ago, and I’m already thinking that I could go to Les Deux Alpes! Around me, it feels like some people got fed up with it, but I still grow my love for it. I always find something fun in it, whether it’s in the park, splitboarding, or recently getting into carving. Even on some shoots that could be less exciting, I always have the yearning to go, and that’s cool. This feeling could pass, and I’m happy I still have it.

Yeah, especially when it’s associated with working.

Well, I don’t call this a job. [ed. from the mouth of one of the most professional snowboarders out Hey Vic, how’s it going? there…] Still to this day, I don’t even Royally as always! think I’ve started really working Do you think snowboarding is fun? *laughs*. People around me will say Clearly yes! Snowboarding will that I work like a maniac, but for me I always be fun, even if it pushes haven’t started yet. you to your mental breaking point sometimes. When you’re filming a Now do you think snowboarding is video part, for example. Someone dangerous? looking at you battling a trick from Yes. Clearly, it is. If you’re a jibber the outside can think snowboarding you fall into stairs, it’s dangerous. We isn’t fun, but it actually is when you have friends that have had serious push yourself and land the trick. traumas. For park riding it’s the same, especially with the level of riding

HOW TO SAFELY SHRED THESE DAYS

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VICTOR NEVER FORGETS TO FASTEN HIS SEATBELT

getting higher and higher. Young riders today have to be so on point with their mind and bodies for them not to die. In the pipe, it’s getting crazy as well. And in the backcountry, it’s the same thing. Plus, there are a lot of elements which are pretty difficult to identify. A snowpack isn’t easy to understand, for example. If you have a massive park kicker in front of you, it’s easy to see the dangers. In the backcountry, there are a lot more hidden risks. It could be an avalanche, a cornice, or a serac. There are a lot 24.1

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of signs that are harder to describe.

So yeah, snowboarding is dangerous in general and even more so in the backcountry.

When, how, and why did safety matters become so important in your snowboarding life?

It happened naturally, in fact. I come from the southern French Alps where I started riding with the small local snowboard club called Asnow Gap created by Laurent Jaubert, the owner of the Atmosphere shop. He

sponsored local rippers like Bruno Rivoire, Brynild Vulin, Gaby Bessy and Jean-Jacques Roux. We were in our little bubble over there. It was very relaxed, pretty loose even. It was basically a bunch of snowboard buddies that would go out every day in a minibus and go ride powder without any form of danger awareness or basic avy skills. Then I started to ride park but every Sunday we would go build our own kickers in

A CONVERSATION WITH VICTOR DAVIET

13.09.2023 15:14

the backcountry because our snowparks were so shitty. That’s how I got into BC, actually. On Sundays, we would go try to catch some more air and try new tricks. So very early on I was already spending a lot of time in the mountains, and honestly, I think it’s a miracle that nothing happened to me back then. I remember some sessions where there would be so much snow, and we would do stupid things like breaking cornices without being aware of the risks we were taking.

Speaking of awareness, do you think that over time this notion of risk awareness was building up in you subconsciously?

Yeah, for sure. Because later on, when we got a bit more serious with backcountry riding filming for Rip Curl videos or Harakiri, we would be with older riders, but no one really had any training. We would pretty much learn the basics ourselves. We would get better at things like always having your avy gear on you, deciding how to shape your spot, checking out your surroundings, understanding the weather forecast, and so on. It was kind of like selftraining from being in the mountains. With my pals Thomas Delfino, Victor Delerue, Arthur [Longo] and Valé [Ducourtil], we all learned on the job without any training.

By reading the instruction on your DVA’s basically… *laughs* Yeah pretty much. Then the first avalanche experience I had was in Kazakhstan for the very first Almo video in 2012. It was quite something. So I’m 21 years old, and I get there, and I see dudes trying to trigger avalanches with fireworks… *laughs* Wow, very festive! *laughs* Yeah. I suggest you search “Almo, Kazakhstan, avalanche” on Facebook, and you’re in for a treat! So we witnessed these local safety procedures with quite amazed eyes. These guys were so loose! After five or six tries, if nothing happened, they would decide that the snow was stable. These dudes were the Fireworks Squad from the town of Almaty in the valley. So they show up with a plastic tube which they put their fireworks in and then try to aim in the right direction. *laughs*. That was from another world! So they aim in front of them. Boom, it explodes, and it triggers an avalanche. They’re like, okay, there’s an avalanche, but quickly they realize it’s coming straight at them because they launched their firework vertically. So they all climbed on this lift post that was next to them. Carnage. The avalanche had taken away their sled, and all their equipment, but they were safe, thanks to that post. *laughs*.

Then a couple of minutes later, somebody shows up and asks for our help because another avalanche happened somewhere else in the resort. So we go with Morgan [Lefaucheur], Sylvain [Bourbousson], and Jérôme [Tanon], we get there first, where a massive avalanche caught two unequipped ski patrol dudes, and HOW TO SAFELY SHRED THESE DAYS

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HEAD IN THE CLOUDS, BOTH LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY.

one of them was underneath. Turns out they didn’t really know how to backcountry ski. It was in Kazakhstan 10 years ago. That’s when it became tough. We searched for hours, with the help of the army and everything, and at one point Jérôme dug him out.

He was dead, of course. So that was my first wake-up call. The avalanche was so big we didn’t know where to search at first.

Wow, what a story. Years of recklessness, and bam, it happens right in front of you. Even until the very last moment before this tragic event, you guys experienced this light-hearted moment with the fireworks story.

Yeah, so weird. Then two years later, I was filming in Alaska with Absinthe.

Around that time, we were hitting a lot of backcountry kickers, but we started doing more freeride lines as well. And I always thought to myself that if I had a trip to Alaska planned, I would get prepared with at least two months of riding a bunch of lines and 24.1

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stuff. So the whole crew is in Whistler, and conditions are shitty. That’s when Vlad [David Vladyka] steps into our room and says: “Okay guys, conditions here are shit. It’s looking good in Alaska. We’re going. Who’s down?” Mat [Crepel] and Victor [Delerue] instantly said yes. I took a minute, but I said yes as well. So that’s how I got parachuted to Alaska. *laughs* Take that, preparation! *laughs* Yeah, and the whole crew was there. Wolle [Nyvelt], Mike Basich, Manuel Diaz, Jason Robinson, and Romain Demarchi.

A heavy crew. It was the first time I was filming with Justin [Hostynek] too. The boss, you know? After a few days of waiting for the forecast, we get out there on pretty much a perfect day with fresh snow that fell with just a bit of wind. The other riders scored some lines and the day goes pretty well. They don’t send me straight into it you know, I’m the rookie here. After these guys, I pick a safe line, I get up there, and my radio

dies. The guys in the heli are waving at me with their feet to tell me that my radio doesn’t work and that I should drop. I drop, and on my second turn, the whole face just goes… So I bomb hill the whole thing because it’s the only option I have. It goes pretty well until I explode at the bottom of the face where I have to jump this crevasse full speed, followed by the avalanche. It catches me up of course, and I decide to trigger my airbag and I stay at the surface. So wow, yeah, that was my first personal avalanche experience. It ends pretty well, though. And it happened in front of all these Absinthe legends I didn’t know, so the moment for sure left a big impression on me.

Yeah, heavy first timer…

Yeah, so the guide comes to dig me out. I realized a bit more what was going on, and I wasn’t really in shock.

I stayed pretty aware of what had happened the whole time. I took a 30-minute break then Victor and Mat convinced me to get back on the A CONVERSATION WITH VICTOR DAVIET

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HOW TO SAFELY SHRED THESE DAYS

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SMACK THE LIP, WAAPAH! PHOTO: STEVE ROBERT

the heli with Bode Merril’s crew that day.

Bode, who I’d spent an entire month with the previous summer. And suddenly my friend was under 1.5m of snow… For this rescue, we were in the best conditions possible. We were 10 trained pro riders, mountain guides with us, and a helicopter to pick up everyone and do the evacuation as fast as possible. And still, it took 7 to 10 minutes to dig him out and when we did, he was purple and almost gone. On top of that, he didn’t make any mistakes, you know? I think it was his third time riding that face, but when the heli dropped him off on top of his line, a pocket of snow left and took him into this massive avalanche before he even grabbed his gear. So there he goes without his board strapped in or even his backpack on, naked pretty much. That’s when it hit me hard. I told myself, “Dude, you’ve been doing this for 10 years now, are you out of your mind or what? If you don’t do anything about this, we’re all going to die, or at least a few of us will.”

UPSIDE DOWN ON THE HILLSIDE PHOTO: STEVE ROBERT

horse straight away, which I did, and we ended up having a pretty cool session that day. Yeah, my first personal avalanche was pretty memorable.

Then two years later I went back to Haines, Alaska, with Transworld. I get caught again, and I trigger my airbag but nothing too serious. I remember there were pretty shitty conditions, and I’m not even sure we were filming actually. And just a bit later, we got called for a rescue because an avalanche happened on the face next to ours. The Heli picked us up straight away to bring us on site. You see, we were sharing 24.1

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A CONVERSATION WITH VICTOR DAVIET

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THOMAS DELPHINO PHOTO: RÉMI PETIT

PHOTO: THOMAS CORDEY I tell you, at that time, if the same thing happened in Avoriaz or anywhere else, there was no need to grab your shovel, you can go straight to the funeral… I tell you, that day, we shovelled like animals. It’s the first time I felt so close to my animal instincts in order to get your buddy out of there, you know? So it took me two years to really do something about it. I probably needed time to deal with the aftermath and the No. That’s probably why I’m still here shock too. I had some projects going today doing what I do. I’ve always on as well. But yeah, two years later been a sender whenever I felt it we decided to truly get trained like and the conditions were good. I’ve we wanted and the first edition of the decide not to go on a very sketchy never been that person that would Safety Shred Days happened, and powder day, or not to go on this face take unnecessary risks. There are have been going on ever since. or whatever, some people will say moments where I know I can switch you’re a grumpy old snowboarder or to this “À branler” mentality only Wow yeah, that does sound like a killjoy or something. *laughs* because I feel comfortable and I have some life-changing experiences. previously analyzed the situation. I’m Actually, with all these events Looking back at it, would you more of a thoughtful snowboarder happening and you slowly having say that you still sometimes take than a daredevil. this “danger awareness” growing stupid risks? Do you still act very in you, did it ever feel like it was spontaneously whenever there’s Don’t you think it’s fascinating how taking away some fun from it? a big dump, especially at the some people can get away with Aaah. Well, that’s the thing. We beginning of the winter season? that attitude? train so we can have the most fun Yeah, for sure. However, there are Yeah well, it is, but never for a long snowboarding. I shared with you some signs or flags that, over the time, I noticed. There are quickly some tragic events that can be really years and through these trainings, some injuries or some close calls, you’re kind of always aware of. But so it never lasts. After a few years, it the goal is to try to avoid this sort of usually calms down. However, I admit escalation of excitement that comes that some of them can take massive with every big snowfall. It’s difficult risks and control everything about it, because I think most of us literally get and that’s freakin stylish! into a trance state when it snows, and I’m the first one to do so!

hard to deal with emotionally for a lot of people. It wasn’t too bad for me, but it can be really hard. We all know people around us that have lost loved ones, and I wish that no one goes through this in their life. This is what can take away the fun from snowboarding. But to get trained all together, to learn about our difficult surroundings, and to do it in a light-hearted way in order to avoid accidents and have even more fun in the end, that’s what keeps the fun in it. Safety is clearly a subject that can break the fun part of things, but we need to flip things over. To me, that’s why we should be more interested in safety. So we can have more fun in the end.

Cool, I was afraid you’ve become a grumpy old snowboarder nowadays *laughs*. *laughs* No. But you know what?

When you get more knowledge on some things, and let’s say you HOW TO SAFELY SHRED THESE DAYS

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MAT CREPEL PHOTO: RÉMI PETIT

That’s good, it kind of means you’re still a snowboarder and a normalish human being *laughs*. You guys used to have this crew called “À branler” that we can translate nicely as the “Careless” crew.

Your motto back then would be something like “Either a make or the hospital” which sounds better in French somehow *laughs*. Have you ever been a full sender though?

Like with an ‘all or nothing’ kind of mentality?

You’ve become a bit of an activist over the years, putting time and effort into solidarity causes with Riders for Refugees, Snowboarders of Solidarity (SOS), and of course, safety causes as well with the Safety Shred Days (SSD). Would you say ethics has taken a larger scale in your life than before?

I’ve always been educated on these values through my family. My mom would welcome refugees at home

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and would always be there for her kids, and here for our friends as well.

She’s truly a generous person. But I never really set myself up to do these things. It all came to me naturally.

Like Riders for Refugees was already there, and you simply decided to help them out a bunch?

Yeah exactly. And it’s like for Snowboarders of Solidarity (SOS), it was also something quite unexpected, once again related to snowboarding. That story is simply insane, and it has been a tremendous life lesson for me. For a while, it was the only thing that was on my mind. It was impossible for me to do something else or even think of

managed to save the life of 15 people through snowboarding… One more reason to get back to the community.

It’s a bit scary to describe it like that That’s why the Safety Shred Days *laughs*. also came naturally. I realized that Yeah, but it’s not like avalanche there was nothing adapted to our training or something. community to help us become safer out there. This community has given so much to me already. Everything I have today, my day-to-day life, my whole life, I owe to that piece of wood we call a snowboard. I felt like I had to give back something positive to snowboarding somehow, and that’s what I found. I’ve done a bunch of video parts, I’ve enjoyed myself a lot, but in the end, what’s the most important thing that I will leave to

PHOTO: RÉMI PETIT

VICTOR PHOTO: RÉMI PETIT

something else. My life mission was to save these 15 Afghan snowboarders that had reached out to me for help because suddenly their lives were in danger because of snowboarding.

I met them in Pakistan sometime before for an event where everyone was just thinking about having fun riding. And a few months later, the Taliban took over the country again, and they got into a situation where they weren’t in a safe place anymore.

That’s when they reached out. It was pretty difficult for me to handle, but we managed to get all of them safely into Europe in the end. And thanks to the snowboarding community, actually. It’s crazy to think that we 24.1

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snowboarding, you know? Compared to the Safety Shred Days, I think these video parts are not that useful.

I noticed you forgot to mention the “shred” in your Safety Shred Days description. *laughs* Yeah I know, but you’ve been there and you’re aware that one of the key principles is not to be scary or try to get people off the mountain because it’s dangerous.

It’s quite the opposite. The goal is to inspire people to ride in a more aware mode. To be out there with a bit more knowledge about these safety matters. We don’t say no. We say drop in fully committed but with more experience to help you have more fun for the longest time possible and try avoiding any drama that could ruin your day, your season, or even your life. Unfortunately, something bad that can mark you forever can occur in the blink of an eye.

PHOTO: FRANÇOIS MARCLAY

Yeah, maybe, but I don’t think you realize how important these video parts are. For the culture and to inspire others to get out there and shred as well.

I realize that, but it’s not as concrete as these gatherings that we’ve been doing.

Okay, safety first! Can you describe what the Safety Shred Days is?

The Safety Shred Days is an early season gathering to train on risk management and mountain rescue.

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How did you come up with the SSD formula, and what was your mentality when you first put it together?

In the beginning, it was really for my friends and myself. Then it quickly got into doing something for other riders as well. I wanted to be trained by mountain guides that spoke to us, freestyle snowboarders. So yeah, I wanted to gather everyone and get suitable guides because I wondered why we never really got trained. Simply because it was 250€ per day, and you would be trained by backcountry skiers that would never understand us and whom we would maybe not even really listen to. Today we managed to create an event where it’s super cheap to be trained with staff that can talk to us, and it will always be as light-hearted and fun as possible.

No, but once again, we don’t want people not to do dangerous things anymore. However, during the SSD, they will get better at managing their risks and analyzing their surroundings. They will share their experience and learn from others too, and that’s pretty precious. On top of that, they will learn how to put themselves in a safe spot and learn how to rescue others if something happens. You can’t learn everything in one weekend anyway. But even for me, I say to myself if I remember 15% of what I’ve learned here, maybe one day I’ll be close to a 100%.

And it’s a good way to update your skills at the beginning of the season as well. We forget so fast, and at one point you want to be as good as possible if needed. Not for you but for your friends.

How did everyone respond to the event at first?

The very first edition was a success!

It was very simply organized in just a couple of months before we did it.

It was a pretty handmade event, you know? We were all staying in this chalet, and it got pretty loose actually.

Of course, we had some party times.

At one point Enzo Nilo stole some bottles from the closed bar *laughs*.

the years?

We stayed with the same formula as at the very beginning. Now it’s even bigger with people from all over. I always try to keep planning fun things that are important for me, like banked slaloms, best tricks, backcountry sessions, hockey games where we destroy each other, and big parties like this year where our president blacked out completely *laughs*.

Plus, you seem to get powder delivered every time. That doesn’t sound as easy to plan though… *laughs* We got lucky every time, How did you evolve the SSD over I guess.

*laughs* I guess the shred will always reappear somehow… Put some alcohol in the mix and safety quickly vanishes… *laughs* Yeah I guess. No, but it was mad fun. We didn’t even do the banked slalom we had planned because it snowed like a meter, so we just rode all weekend. Everyone had a huge smile on their face at the end of the event. *laughs* No wonder, it does sound like the perfect safety training event ever! *laughs* Yeah, well it got me pumped to organize some more, that’s for sure. It’s still as fun today, actually!

If not, it would be hard for me to give so much time to plan everything and all. It takes so much time, you know?

But it’s totally worth it. Everyone is behind me, so that’s amazing. Riders of course but the resorts as well, and brands too. It wouldn’t be as cheap without these partners, so that’s rad!

That doesn’t sound too safe *laughs*. I did a couple of them and I can testify that you do have loads of fun in these events. Even if things can get a bit serious sometimes with the training, there are a lot of those lighter moments. Congrats on creating such a light event about safety without it becoming What do you think riders really get somehow superficial! from it? They’re not gonna stop Yeah, thanks. riding steep lines or stop jumping 10 meter cliffs without wearing a And you end up spending so much helmet after the training, are they? time on your board during these events. Maybe that’s your secret HOW TO SAFELY SHRED THESE DAYS

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to keeping it the most casual and fun possible. As long as there’s this much snowboarding in the mix it will always stay fun for sure.

But you know, it’s no secret really.

I’m the first one out there that gets trained at these events, and I’m the first one that wants to ride as well…

When you come to the SSD, it’s 50% training and 50% snowboarding.

That’s pretty much it. Yeah, and like I said, I organize all this in my free time, so I might as well make it as fun for me as possible, you know? I want to ride and maybe learn a thing or two in the mix. I don’t want to be brainwashed at all.

Speaking of riding, there are loads of moments when we all ride together, including the instructors.

I wonder how these professional mountain guides react when they see a big crew of loose riders shredding all over, flipping on every side hit they see, and who can’t help themselves from spraying every jerry that comes across them?

Well, they simply think we are lucky as hell… Let’s put it this way, they have the knowledge of what can happen regarding negative scenarios, and

they know their statistics. They’re simply happy that we haven’t experienced something really bad yet and they want to help us avoid these bad scenarios.

Something that stuck with me during this year’s training is that avalanches are not the highest risk of major problems out there, but even more so for us, freestyle snowboarders, it’s traumas.

Statistically speaking, I mean. Is focusing more on traumas a path you want to take for future events?

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BRAINFREEZE.

I consider that’s what we lack most as experienced and pro snowboarders.

So we started getting trained on these subjects. Also for me. Normally if you do the avalanche training every year, you get a little better every time, but at one point, you don’t learn that much. However for us, even in the Alps in a not-so-remote spot, you can quickly get isolated if the weather turns or something. And basically, we are the first rescue people on site when there’s an accident. And if the official rescue squad takes a while to arrive or can’t come for whatever reason, we better be ready. So still with the same philosophy, we want to be able to continue snowboarding as we do, but if someone hits a tree or a rock, we want to be ready to handle it and avoid the worst. Because unfortunately, we’re still stupid, and we will keep on doing stupid things *laughs*.

way is to come to the SSD with your crew?

Yeah, but not necessarily. Your crew will change, you know? You don’t always ride with the same people.

And in a group, you always consider what you’re gonna do based on the least experienced rider there. But for sure, ideally, you want everyone in the crew to have some basic experience in safety. At least for your own safety *laughs*. Let alone that everyone should show up with a beacon on a pow day, of course it’s very important to know your crew. Things can quickly go south if something happens and you overestimated some of your snowboard pals…

What’s the importance of the crew in all this? Because in the end it mostly gives you clues on how to behave in a group. Whether it’s your friends or anyone that might get involved in your snowboard experience. Would you say the best

What’s the best advice you can give to people to get more prepared out there?

Buy avy gear, use it, and don’t forget to read the instructions *laughs*. No, but seriously, simply spend some time out there and respect your

environment. If you play by certain rules out there, nature might respect you in return.

The last words are yours: The mountain has no brain.

Use your own.

What’s the most you’ve learned over the years? And how do you feel it helps your snowboarding now?

It came little by little, and every time I add a new card to my game. I guess it made me a bit more intelligent about Would you say the SSD mostly my riding. I definitely earned some applies to mountain people? Or can conscience and awareness regarding it also be useful to street riders, for snowboarding and our environment. I example? guess I grew up somehow.

For learning how to handle traumas and taking care of an injured person, In order to shred as long as for sure, yes. All the avalanche stuff, possible. maybe less.

My goal exactly.

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LAURA WITH ISSUE 1 OF ‘WE’RE ALL MENTAL’ PHOTO: LUKE TOKUNAGA WE’RE ALL

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Community (noun): a unified body of individuals WORDS: JOY DUTCH

C

ommunity is a curious concept. It’s a word, it’s a feeling, and most importantly it’s an overarching sense of kinship and support. A quasi-holistic hivemind that allows people to bond over shared experiences, locations, or hobbies. At its core, it could even be defined as ‘friends helping friends’, as Laura Rogoski does with her mental health support network, ‘We Are All Mental.’

As Laura found out the hard way during bouts of serious injury and subsequent recovery, access to healthcare, especially non-physical aspects, can be exhausting, expensive, and at times, nearly impossible to navigate. After being t-boned by a car on her motorcycle, Laura’s mental health began to spiral in a way that directly contrasted with her physical recuperation. Down the line, this was a contributing factor to Laura checking herself into a treatment programme to deal with her issues with alcohol.

“I had this assumption going into recovery, that everyone would have like no teeth and be crazy-looking drug addicts. But it wasn’t like that at all. I started learning what I consider now to be basic, fundamental skills I was never taught in school and had never considered before then. Things like how to ask for help, and how to give help, how to set boundaries, how to take care of myself. And I thought ‘Wow, I wish I had known about some of these skills before’. And I wish that it didn’t cost $3,000 to get help and learn these things. I wanted to share everything with my snowboard community because most people I know would benefit from something like the program I went through.”

“Before my treatment because of all my injuries with the motorcycle crash, I had had people I didn’t know DM’ing me like, “Hey, I just broke my femur, what should I do? I’m devastated”. And I thought, yeah, I do have a lot of experience from all these surgeries and coming back from them, and I want to be able to share that with people.

So I thought fuck it, I’m gonna make this mini-magazine. My plan at the time was to make one little magazine.

It would be focused on recovering from injuries and highlighting how our mental and physical health is so intertwined.”

Mental health references such a broad spectrum; it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing and doesn’t just include the ‘negative’ facets. The perceived connotations behind the term ‘mental health’ often leave people feeling like it’s something to be ashamed of or hidden, a taboo subject that isn’t for public consumption. Something to be battled in private, behind closed doors, or sat alone in doctor’s waiting rooms.

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That’s where We’re All Mental steps in. The name itself looks to subvert the paradigm of what ‘mental’ looks and sounds like. As Laura explained to us, “It came from a piece of artwork I was making for the first magazine: a crow, sitting on a phone, looking all crazy.

I was trying to illustrate the feeling of being exhausted but still trying to connect with someone on the phone. I wrote “We’re all fucking mental” in my chicken scratch next to the drawing and it just kinda stuck.”

“I’ve done a lot of reading on the power of language and language usage. And one of my goals is to reduce the stigma or the negative associations with having a bad day. The root definition of the word ‘mental’ is just having brain power and thought and cognitive ability. So then, ‘we’re all mental,’ to me, just means we all have ups and downs. Like, we all have cognitive functions. And everyone’s emotions are on a rollercoaster or a spectrum of some sort.

Acknowledging that if you’re having the worst day ever and you’re feeling absolutely crazy - you’re not alone in that. Other people have experienced that. As humans, we all are going to deal with really good times and really bad times.”

The framework and support network that We Are All Mental offers looks to provide safe places to strengthen feelings of belonging, deepen connections, and normalize talking about our struggles and asking for help. It’s a safety net of friendship that aims to span the globe to try and prevent anyone from slipping through the cracks and spiraling unnoticed.

“The idea that you’re a burden if you ask for help is something that I’ve touched on because it’s just not true. When you ask people for help, you’re allowing them a window to give, and giving is a gift in itself.

So you know, if I call someone and say, “Hey, do you have time to talk?” they might have been having a really shitty day. And me reaching out to them and asking them for support might make them feel a little special and a little more useful.”

It’s not just learning how to ask for help, but also how to better offer support for people or notice the warning signs in yourself and others who are struggling. We Are All Mental aims to provide easily accessible resources to anyone and everyone without fear of judgment, regardless of where you are on your own personal journey.

One of the beauties of the Internet is its ability to connect, and while We’re All Mental hosts in-person events, one of their most popular offerings are their twice-weekly Mental Meetups via Zoom. These hour-long calls offer an opportunity to share, vent, talk, laugh or even cry with a group of like-minded people from around the world. They can be done completely anonymously and there’s no expectation to participate, the only thing that is asked of attendees is to respect the privacy of others in the group.

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BIG BS 5-0 IN MINNESOTA PHOTO: STEPHAN JENDE

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The We Are All Mental ‘Zine was created by Laura and first released in 2021 with 200 copies printed, the demand has since scaled more than 5 times for Volume 2. Now distributed across the US and Canada (with plans to expand), the project is a creative smörgåsbord, filled with relatable articles and stories, easily-digestible advice and workbooks, and engaging artwork from people in the snowboard community.

As well as a useful tool in We Are All Mental’s resource arsenal, it’s an imaginative outlet for Laura and the others involved.

“If it feels like I’m reading a textbook, I find it hard to relate to. I had all this information that I wanted to share with people, but I wanted it to be something that people actually wanted to read. It’s one thing to read something and it’s another thing to understand something. So I thought, okay, if I put a bunch of artwork in it and write in the way that I speak, you know, not perfect grammar with some swearing, then maybe people will actually get the feeling and absorb it. With the artwork, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. So I went at it creating artwork specifically trying to capture different things I was feeling.”

Moving forward, Laura’s goal is to scale We Are All Mental, and allow it to grow legs and flourish outside of its current physical capabilities. One way to achieve this is turning We Are All Mental from an LLC into a non-profit organisation.

This allows them access to increased avenues of funding, which in turn will lead to more programs being available and a wider ability to connect people with healthcare providers and health insurance. Physical and mental health are so interconnected, and a decline in one can lead to a spiral in the other. In a community like snowboarding where the activity that binds us is inherently risky, injuries are unfortunately common and the comparison of battle scars can be a frequent ice breaker.

ISSUE 2 OF ‘WE’RE ALL MENTAL’

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It may have started life with snowboarding but this organisation has transcended the sport. If you’d like to get involved or donate to the running of the site and magazine please visit weareallmental.com or hit up them up on Instagram @_were_all_mental

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There’s no ticket to entry for We Are All Mental, anyone and everyone can be a part of this community. As Laura says, when you break it down we are indeed all mental, and none of us deserves to feel isolated or alone. Whether you’re looking for tips on recovery, a place to make new friends or somewhere you can unload and vent, there’s space for you here.

Warning signs to look out for in yourself and others (PSA: this list is by no means fully exhaustive or should be used as a substitute for professional care):

Changes in behaviour Increased recklessness No plans for the future Excessive worrying or fear Avoiding friends and social activities Changes in eating or sleeping habits Extreme mood changes Overuse of substances UK: Samaritans 24-hour hotline - 116 123 Netherlands: de Luisterlijn - 088 0767 000 Sweden: Mind - 90101 Germany: TelefonSeelsorge - 0800 111 0 111 Switzerland: Dargebotene Hand - 143 US: Mental Health America - 1-800-985-5990 or 988 Canada: Wellness Together Canada - 1-866-585-0445 Jamie Blain Memorial Foundation - www.snowboardingsaves.com WE’RE ALL MENTAL

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WORDS & PHOTOS: THEO ACWORTH

I

should start things off by saying that this wasn’t actually the worst trip of my life. The universe threw us a bunch of curveballs resulting in me only having two shooting days instead of ten, so it was definitely the shortest amount of time spent shooting versus time travelling, but not the worst trip ever. It should have been so simple. Two RVs from Best Caravan Finland, a sick crew and ten days on the road. What could go wrong there? As it turns out, a lot.

The crew is Niels Schack, Sami Luhtanen, Will Smith, Antti Jussila and Tobbe on the camera. They leave Helsinki on the morning of March 19th. My flight lands in the afternoon, and I plan to catch up with them by train and start shooting the following morning.

When I get to the station, I discover a train strike. It’s grey, raining, and it smells like cigarettes and despair.

I eat a doughnut and a bag of blue sweets, and instantly develop a headache.

After some internet research and a call with Niels, I discover several things. The train strike is running indefinitely, there are no more buses today and two of the three tomorrow are already sold out. We also only have one RV instead of two, and it hasn’t even been collected yet.

Sami has to drive back to Helsinki tomorrow afternoon to get it. I could hang around and get a ride with him, but I decide not to rely on his timings and book myself the morning bus in the hopes of still being able to shoot something in the afternoon. I hate missing out on spots, so I want to get there as fast as possible. Antti says his girlfriend can give me his spare keys and I can stay at his place downtown, so at least I don’t have to pay to spend the night somewhere.

That night, I eat alone in a Japanese restaurant around the corner from his apartment.

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leaves, plenty of time to find the platform, or so I thought. The bus station is located within a multistorey shopping centre, with no clear signs and nowhere obvious to get information. I fucking hate shopping centres. Why would someone hide a bus depot inside this nightmare?

Down two escalators, I find a group of platforms numbered 22-45.

I’m looking for number 7, which is nowhere in sight. Somewhere, my bus leaves without me. As mentioned, the other two buses are sold out already (not that I even know where they depart from). Another call with Niels informs me that Sami will be in Helsinki at 2 pm. It seems like I won’t be shooting today, but at least I have a ride later and will link up with the crew tonight. More spots missed, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

While trying to find a spot for lunch, I accidentally find platform 7. It’s located on the other side of the shopping centre, around a corner, and down a secret tunnel to another floor. 2 pm comes around, and there is no word from Sami. 3 pm, he calls me. He’s just returned to his place and will leave soon to collect the camper. 4 pm, he calls me. His car is dead, and by the time someone can come to fix it, the camper rental place will be closed. It turns out it’s located an hour outside of Helsinki and not on any public transport routes, so I can’t get to it before it closes either. This is insane. More shooting time lost.

We arrange to meet there at 9 the following morning, and I return to Antti’s place. Luckily I still have the key. I console myself with a visit to a second-hand clothing store, get a 25-minute neck and shoulder massage, take photos of strangers on trams, eat a burrito, and then fail to sleep until 3 am. Doubts are creeping in. Should I just go home?

No. I want to shoot with this crew. It will work.

A pre-booked Uber takes me to the camper spot for 9 am. Sami arrives

20 minutes later wearing purple sweatpants and a pair of slippers.

I’ve already signed the papers for the RV and had the chemical toilet explained to me. The rental lady is visibly confused as Sami unloads power tools, snowboards, and a winch into the camper’s spacious cargo hold. Our 3-hour journey takes longer than 3 hours. During the drive, I realise that we can’t comfortably fit six snowboarders in an RV and will need to book additional accommodation. It seems like this won’t quite be the carefree road trip we’d planned, but oh well. It is what it is.

Light snow begins to fall as we finally link up with the crew. They have an Airbnb at a summer holiday resort located 45km from the Russian border. As we drive in, I see a sign that says ‘Welcome to Paradise’. I am somewhat sceptical of that claim, but paradise or not, at least we’re all together.

Through the fence surrounding the pool area, we see a bunch of very homemade-looking sculptures and waterslides. I don’t know what they’re made of, but I suspect it’s harmful if inhaled. There are some big mushrooms, a boat with a topless figurehead, and a giant crocodile slide, which I name the WOPodile.

You go in through its ass and come out through its mouth. You don’t find things like this too often, I can see endless options for shots on it and am fired up. It also turns out that the caretaker of this place is from the same town as Sami, and we obtain permission to ‘jump over things’.

Ok, it’s on. We have unique-looking spots, no risk of being kicked, and a lot of snow on the ground. As we prep spots for the morning, Sami discovers a ladder buried in the snow. Apparently he’s been looking for one for a while and is visibly delighted. I take this as a good omen.

Then Tobbe tells us he’s starting to feel sick. During the night, the snow turns to rain.

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ANTTI JUSSILA ON SHROOMS.

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• • • • • •

The following morning moves slowly.

Sami sleeps late in the camper and then potters around the apartment.

He’s wearing a glow-in-the-dark Mercedes t-shirt, has had an unlit cigarette in his mouth for half an hour and is flipping a knife in his hands, catching it on the blade more often than the handle. He’s softly-spoken, has a good sense of humour, and regularly mentions lizard people.

Niels is looking after us with food and tunes. He is a young man with an old soul, and there are many things going on inside his head. Antti and Will are sitting on the sofa. Antti is easygoing, pragmatic, and doesn’t seem stressed about too much. Will is always down to put in the work for those willing to do the same for him, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He shows us time-lapses of paintings he’s done on his iPad. He’s an amazing artist, and I marvel at the things he creates. I don’t really know Tobbe yet, but he tells us he is feeling

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worse than he did yesterday. He’s down to film, but won’t be shovelling and will try to stay inside as much as possible. Fair enough.

We start with Antti’s mushroom.

Thanks to the rain, our boots punch through the snow to our knees as we bring the winch over. A small snow bridge needs to be constructed for the inrun, but the winch works, and he gets his trick pretty fast. It takes me longer to get my photo, and I’m reminded of why I don’t like flashes.

Tobbe moves inside the camper, which Sami has driven in through a back gate and right up to the spot.

Sami seriously loves it and is taking every opportunity he can to drive it.

Tobbe is tucked up in the bed in the back, and he looks cosy.

FEET FIRST ONE PERSON AT A TIME NO STOPPING ON SLIDE NO HORSEPLAY NO LOOSE JEWELLER NIELS SCHACK ONLY

it’s surrounded by a giant pile of spiky debris. It’s either been hit by a hurricane, or someone started demolishing it and gave up halfway through. Niels has to winch around a corner, then gap into the slide. It’s not the hugest gap, but if he fucked up the speed and came up short, he would be falling onto an actual pile of spikes, like something from an Indiana Jones movie. Sami removes some of the deadliest-looking bits with his electric chainsaw. In case you didn’t know, Sami loves his tools.

After several speed checks, Niels goes for it, lacing it perfectly while wearing a sparkly pink trucker cap.

He stomps several more, then eats absolute shit at the bottom of the slide after I ask him for one more from another angle. I feel terrible about Up next is Niels’ spot, the heaviest this, but luckily he’s ok. of the trip. It’s a gap into a wavy slide. The slide is intact, but the starting platform is in ruins, and

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Behind us, Will has been busy prepping his pirate ship and its topless figurehead. It’s wearing an expression I can’t quite identify. He calls it his ‘Chebby Lady’. Will has a savage style and quickly puts down a few tasty backtails. I love shooting weird spots like this and am stoked with the photo we get. Darkness is rapidly approaching, and behind us, Sami is prepping a roof drop to a wooden double kink rail, which is gnarly and definitely sketchy. He almost smashes his chin on the rail after slipping out, and the spot is abandoned. I had a sick photo and it’s a shame I don’t get to use it, but at least Sami hasn’t smashed all of his teeth out, or broken his neck.

WOP SPRING ROADTRIP

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The following morning Tobbe is feeling much worse. He tells us he can’t even stand up for too long and definitely won’t be going outside to film. Niels is looking after him with pills and French fries. Antti and Sami go to the shops, and Will and I try to make the most of the day by shooting some photos. He’s eyeing up the WOPodile, wanting to ollie on and wallie off its snout, and we set it up.

Antti, like the champ he is, returns with a fillet of warm smoked salmon.

Will says he doesn’t like salmon and doesn’t want any, but it turns out he actually does like it a bit.

you get to ride a giant crocodile?

Tobbe doesn’t want to come outside.

He doesn’t want his camera to come outside, either. After some negotiating, we obtain his camera and the fisheye, and after several attempts and cut heads by Sami, Will gets an amazing clip. Sami then handplants the crocodile for me, resulting in another photo that I love.

It’s now totally dark, and we retreat inside our cabin and catch the last half an hour of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on TV, starting from the bit where Ron is riding around on the chess set. Antti makes After a couple of test hits, we quickly us some delicious soup for dinner, realise that his trick is sick, and needs Niels is enamoured with it and to be filmed. I mean, how often do interrogates him about the recipe.

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SAMI GETS AQUAINTED WITH FINISH WILDLIFE.

WILL TAKES ON THE FEARSOME WOPODILE.

At some point that evening, we have a meeting to discuss what we’re actually doing for the remainder of the trip and come to the conclusion that the whole thing has been overwhelmingly underwhelming.

Sami and Antti both say they’re starting to feel sick. After some suspicious last-minute points from Dumbledore, Gryffindor wins the house cup.

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AKA THE WORST TRIP OF MY LIFE

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The following morning Antti leaves with Will to go back to Helsinki.

Tobbe is still in bed, and so is Sami.

Niels wants to do something with the day, and convinces me to go swimming with him in a semi-frozen lake. Unfortunately the sauna next to it is closed. Niels moves gracefully through the water and looks like he does this sort of thing all the time. It’s a bit more of a challenge for me, but I didn’t scream, and I’m happy I did it.

The rest of the day is spent playing cards and watching Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets.

At some point during the evening, Antti calls and tells us he’s just tested positive for covid. Ah. Tobbe’s illness suddenly makes more sense. Niels and I are both feeling fine, Sami isn’t making a big deal out of it, but he says he’s also feeling worse than he was in the morning. Tobbe is definitely not improving and wants to go home.

We decide to call it and bail out the following day. Niels is sad, he had high hopes for this trip and was emotionally invested in its success.

He never even got to sleep in the camper. I’m sad too, but considering everything else that’s gone wrong, I can’t say I’m surprised. At least I had two-ish days to shoot and have enough photos to make this article.

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We plan to keep our eyes open for spots on the way back to Helsinki.

Maybe we’ll find something to hit quickly so the day isn’t a total waste.

Tobbe and Sami will drive in comfort in the camper, and Niels and I will be in the less comfortable but far more infamous WOP Hiace. We pull out of the resort, and Tobbe and Sami immediately drive in the opposite direction we’d planned. We call them.

They do not intend to find spots and want to go home as fast as they can.

Niels is bummed, but I can’t say I blame them.

On the drive back, we stop at a nearby castle and take a lap around the ramparts, but decide the entrance fee for the main halls was a bit too high for our budgets, so we buy some commemorative coins instead, and then have lunch in a nearby restaurant. The Hiace lights were left on by mistake and the battery was dead when we returned, but luckily we get a jump without too much hassle and are able to continue on our way. The landscape the highway takes us through is very grey and very boring. During the drive we reflect on life, reommend books to each other, and I learn about Niels’ potentially problematic love of expensive jewellery and designer bags.

Darkness falls as we cruise into the cobbled streets of downtown Helsinki. After some Chinese food I am dropped back at Antti’s apartment and Niels continues on into the night to find Sami, who’s at a sauna somewhere in the city. Niels finally got to spend a night in the camper. It was on the streets of Helsinki instead of the open road, but in light of everything else that happened, we’ll take that as a win.

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JOEY LEON, FRONTBOARD x FRONTBOARD= SPOTHEAD PHOTO: ASHLEY ROSEMEYER

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PHOTO: ASHLEY ROSEMEYER

MAGGIE LEON, BOARDSLIDE FOR THE FAMILY DOUBLE PAGE

ANDY JAMES FINDS THE MIDDLE WAY IN JAPAN PHOTO: ANDREW FAWCETT

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MARK CARTER & FRIEND PHOTO: JACK DAWE

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Rider owned since 2011

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JOEY OKESSON, HALFPIPE CONSTRUCTION IN SESSION PHOTO: BRANDON HUTTENLOCHER

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GABRIELE „GWELI” TORRINANI, DOUBLE OVERHEAD PHOTO: THOMAS STÖCKLI

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KENNY POLLU, POW SURF THE STREETS PHOTO: SIMON PETTAI

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JOONA SAIKKONEN, BETWEEN TWO RAILS PHOTO: JUUSE KOMSI

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JEFF RICHARDS, REPORTING LIVE FROM BRIGHTON, UTAH PHOTO: JACK DAWE

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AYA SATO | EXCAVATOR SNOWBOA RD

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THE LANDSCAPE COLLE C TION WITH A RT BY PETER SUTHERL A N D

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BOARDS & BINDINGS BUYER’S GUIDE 2023/24 THIS PAGE: NICHOLAS WOLKEN PHOTO: AARON SCHWARTZ

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PREVIOUS PAGE: LORENZ VYSLOZIL PHOTO: KRISTIN LUDWIG

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

DO YOU REMEMBER THE LAST TIME YOU STEPPED INTO A GROCERY STORE AS YOU WERE STARVING HUNGRY, OR POSSIBLY JUST REALLY STONED? You’re aisle-hopping without a plan, and with little to no regard for your empty bank account. Bags of blue candy and suspiciously orange cheese snacks are calling your name, and even though you’re not

sure exactly what’s in them, the reduced-price sandwiches nearing their expiry date look kinda tempting.

Anyway, we’re close to leaving the long journey through the snowless months of summer behind us, and the pre-season is a time of expectation and excitement. Similar in ways to the feeling of hunger that led to entering the supermarket mentioned above. A word of warning

before you read the following pages: They are filled with the latest and finest gear in the industry. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a cart full of rad stuff by the time you arrive at the cashier. Lucky for you, no expiration dates exist on any of the following products!

- Method

*Unless marked otherwise, the products in this guide are unisex, but these are just guidelines. If you like the look of something, ride it! These brands know their gear better than anyone, and all product copy is provided directly by them.

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CANDLE RAIN BY PAT MOORE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Versatile, powerful, unique PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 149, 153, 155, 157, 158w, 159, 161 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Camber

BRYAN IGUCHI PRO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Stable, versatile, rideability PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Big Mountain / All-Mountain LENGTHS: 153, 156, 158w, 159, 162, 163mw, 167 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Taper PROFILE: Camber

DRAFT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, playful, versatile PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park / All-Mountain LENGTHS: 147, 150, 153, 154w, 156, 158w FLEX: 4 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Camber WOMENS

SWOON CAMBER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, charging, effortless PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Big Mountain LENGTHS: 143, 147, 151, 155 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Camber

www.arborcollective.eu

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

RIKSGRÄNSEN “DANIEL FRANCK 153” KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fun, responsive toolbox, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain Freestyle LENGTHS: 149, 153, 157 FLEX: 7/ 10 SHAPE: Twin Tip PROFILE: Camber

RIKSGRÄNSEN 157 “ROSE” KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fun, responsive toolbox, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain Freestyle LENGTHS: 149, 153, 157 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin Tip PROFILE: Camber

NERA 159 LTD KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, responsive, fun PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain Freeride LENGTHS: 156, 159 FLEX: 7/ 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camber

NERA 160 WIDE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, responsive, fun PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain Freeride LENGTHS: 160w, 163w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camber

www.atlantissnowboards.com

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THUNDERSTORM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, powerful, genderless PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Big Mountains LENGTHS: 144, 148, 152n, 154, 156n, 156, 156w, 158, 159w, 161, 162w FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Traditional camber with 3BT

MOODBOARD

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Freestyle, park, fun

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park

LENGTHS: 140, 143, 146, 149, 152 FLEX: 4 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Traditional camber with 3BT

BEYOND MEDALS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fresh, aggressive, cool PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 151, 154, 156, 158w, 159, 161w, 164w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Traditional camber with 3BT

BATALEON 20Y BOARD KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Goliath, freestyle, fun PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 153, 156, 158w, 159 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Traditional camber with 3BT

www.bataleon.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

BLOSSOM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Aggressive, performance, park PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park, Big Jumps, Rails LENGTHS: 149, 152, 155, 158, 162 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camber

WOMENS

REWIND

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, jibby, soft

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park, Rails, Jibs LENGTHS: 141, 146, 149, 152 FLEX: 2 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Pure Pop Camber

FAMILY TREE GRIL MASTER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Versatile, forgiving, Grilo PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain into Powder LENGTHS: 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 155w – Also 130 Gril Master Smalls FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Directional Camber

SPLITBOARD

FAMILY TREE HOMETOWN HERO SPLIT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Aggressive, adventure, accommodating PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Backcountry, Powder LENGTHS: 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 168, 158w, 162w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Freeride Directional PROFILE: Directional Camber

www.burton.com

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AERONAUT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, responsive, classic PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 153, 155, 157, 159, 161 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: ALPINE V3 Profile (Traditional Camber)

ULTRAFEAR REVERSE CAMBER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, playful, jib-centric PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle

LENGTHS: 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 153w, 155w FLEX: 5.5 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: PARK V2 (Flat/Rev Hybrid)

SPRING BREAK RESORT TWIN KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Everything, freestyle, energetic PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort / Park LENGTHS: 154, 156, 158, 160 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Resort V2 Twin (Hybrid Camber) WOMENS

SPACE METAL FANTASY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Soft, playful, easy-going PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort / Park LENGTHS: 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 145w, 149w, 153w FLEX: 4/ 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Park V2 (Flat/Rev Hybrid)

www.capitasnowboarding.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

TEAM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Responsive, powerful, fast PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain and Park LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin Blunt PROFILE: Smooth Classic camber

BATTLE RUSTY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Floaty, versatile, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Powder, Park and Street LENGTHS: 155w, 159w, 163xw FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Smooth Classic camber

TAO OF DRAKE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, free-spirited, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park and Street LENGTHS: 145, 148, 150, 154, 154w FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE:Twin Tip Blunt PROFILE: Skate camber

DFL

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, poppy, performing PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain and Park LENGTHS: 145, 148 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin Blunt PROFILE: Smooth Classic camber

www.northwave.com/snow

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DERBY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, floaty, fast

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 155, 158, 161 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber

RADICAL KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Versatility, lightweight, fast PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Terrain, Freestyle LENGTHS: 148, 151, 154, 154w, 157w, 161w FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Hybrid camber

SPARY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, lightweight, fast PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park, All-Mountain LENGTHS: 148, 152, 156, 159 FLEX: 5/ 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Flat

MIAMI KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Versatility, lightweight, fast PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Terrain, Freestyle LENGTHS: 143, 146, 149, 152 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Hybrid camber

www.funkysnowboards.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

RCC3 KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, powerful, freestyle PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle / All-Mountain LENGTHS: 154.5, 157.5, 159.5, 158w, 162w FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Asym Twin PROFILE: C3 Camber

GREMLIN KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Floaty, poppy, aggressive PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 148, 152, 155, 158, 161 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: C3 Camber

WOMENS

LADIES CHOICE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Jamie Anderson’s Go To anywhere, everywhere.

Preferred terrain:

Freestyle / All-Mountain LENGTHS: 139.5, 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 151.5, 153.5 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Asym Twin PROFILE: C2x Hybrid

HEADSPACE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Forest Bailey’s freestyle vehicle.

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle / Park LENGTHS: 149, 152, 155, 155w, 158 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: C3 Camber

eur.gnu.com

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HOVERCRAFT 2.0 KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Nimble, floaty, stable

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freeride / Powder LENGTHS: 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Freeride PROFILE: Directional Rocker

FREECARVER 6000S KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Precise, grippy, friendly PREFERRED TERRAIN:

On-Piste

LENGTHS: 150, 154, 158 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Freeride PROFILE: Full Camber

STRATOS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, versatile, energetic PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 143, 146, 149, 152, 155 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Freeride PROFILE: Directional Rocker WOMENS

TWEAKER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, stable, poppy PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle / Park LENGTHS: 149, 151, 154, 156, 157w, 159, 160w, 162 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Full Camber

www.jonessnowboards.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

ANTIDOTE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Swiss Knife

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Pow, park, piste LENGTHS: 145, 148, 151, 154, 157, 158w, 159, 161w, 163, 164w FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Twin with 3d contour in the nose PROFILE: Camber

PASSPORT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, powerful, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Pow, Piste, All-Mountain LENGTHS: 146, 149, 151, 154, 157, 158w, 159, 161w, 163, FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: directional PROFILE: Camber, rocker in the nose and tail

BROADCAST KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

All-Terrain Weapon

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park, Piste, Pow LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 162, 158w, 163w FLEX: 7/ 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber with Rocker in the tail and nose

AFTERBLACK

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Park, All-Mountain slayer PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park, Piste, Side Country LENGTHS: 149, 151, 154, 156w, 157, 159w, 160 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Hybrid Camber

www.k2snow.com

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PENCIL KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, controlled, effortless PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain, Groomers, Powder, Trees, Everything :) LENGTHS: 138, 147, 153, 159, 164 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional / Half-Moon Tail PROFILE: Float Camber (camber under foot with early rise)

CAFÉ RACER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Stable, powerful, carver PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Groomers, Powder LENGTHS: 144, 150, 156, 159, 164 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Full Camber

PIN TONIC KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast-charging, surfy, floaty PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain, Powder, Groomers, Slush LENGTHS: 164, 172 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional / Pintail PROFILE: Float Camber (camber under foot with early rise)

OTTO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Freestyle-carving, poppy, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain, Park, Groomers, Side-Hits, Powder, Trees LENGTHS: 153, 157, 161 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Float Camber (camber under foot with early rise)

www.koruashapes.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

OFF RAMP KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, freestyle, street PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle / Park LENGTHS: 151, 154, 157, 157w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: C3 Camber

LIB RIG KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Austen Sweetin’s Dreamboard PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 160w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: C3 Camber

EJACK KNIFE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

3D engineered, powerful, floaty-slasher PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 154, 157, 159, 159w, 162w FLEX: 6-7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: C3 Camber

APEX GOLDEN ORCA KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Ultralight TECHNO POP carbon construction PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 153, 157, 161 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: C2X Hybrid

eur.lib-tech.com

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AIRMASTER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful and fun

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort

LENGTHS: 150, 154, 156, 158, 162 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: 3D low camber

SHIFTER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Rides like butter

PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park LENGTHS: 146, 150, 154, 158 FLEX: 4 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: 3D low camber

CREAMER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

The creamiest board

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 155w, 158w, 161w FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: 3D mellow camber

SENDER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast and dangerous

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort

LENGTHS: 153, 156, 158w, 161w FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: 3D Dynamic Camber

www.lobstersnowboards.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

GAMMA KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Cruisey Asym Twin

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Backcountry Freestyle LENGTHS: 153, 157 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Asym Twin PROFILE: Camrock

GAMMA APX KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Carbon-Infused Asym Twin PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Backcountry Freestyle LENGTHS: 153, 157 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Asym Twin PROFILE: Camber

VENUS PLUS

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Big-hearted, versatile charger PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 139,143,147,151,155 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber

* $10 per board sold goes to breast cancer charity Keep-A-Breast

THRUSTER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Powerful, versatile turner PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 147, 150, 153, 156, 159, 159w FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber

www.nidecker.com

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ALTERNATOR KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, purposeful, Elston + Siebert PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Terrain Vehicle LENGTHS: 157, 160, 162w FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: True Camber

TEAM PRO MARCUS KLEVELAND KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Freestyle, powerhouse, Pro-caliber PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park

LENGTHS: 155, 157, 159 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: True Camber

T1 X FFF KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Street, legendary durability, speed PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park and Street LENGTHS: 149, 152, 152w, 155, 155w, 158, 158w FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Cam-Out Camber

OPTISYM

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

For everyone, friendly, fun PREFERRED TERRAIN:

The Entire Mountain LENGTHS: 138, 142, 146, 149, 153, 156, 159 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Aysm Twin PROFILE: Cam-Out Camber

www.nitrosnowboards.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

DEEP FAKE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, powerful, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain, Powder LENGTHS: 144, 148, 151, 155, 157w, 159, 161w, 162, 165w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Hybrid Extra Camber

SHADOWBAN KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

One board for everything!

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Everywhere LENGTHS: 147, 151, 154, 155w, 157, 160w, 161, 164w FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Hybrid Standard Camber

ZERO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fun, smooth, unisex

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain, Park LENGTHS: 142, 147, 151, 154w, 155, 157w, 159, 161w FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Asymmetrical Twin PROFILE: Hybrid Standard Camber

SATURDAY

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Every day on the Saturday is a weekend PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Everywhere LENGTHS: 138, 142, 146, 150, 154 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Hybrid Standard Camber

www.ridesnowboards.com

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RENE-GADE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Otherworldly Finnish Precision PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Rene’s Backyard, the streets of Helsinki, X-Games’ Podiums LENGTHS: 153, 156, 157w, 159, 160w FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Fusion Camber

STALE FISH KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Pow Day Destroyer

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Pow fields, cheese wedges, chuckin’ clouds LENGTHS: 151, 154, 157, 160 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Free-The-Ride Directional Camber

WOMENS

HYPE

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Approachable, pressable, NEW PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Lapping park, cruising groomers, giving viiiiiiibes LENGTHS: 139, 143, 147, 151 FLEX: 4 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Fusion Camber

AGENT PRO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Super charged sender PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Ollieing slow signs, sending it deep LENGTHS: 151, 154, 155w, 157, 158w, 160, 161w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Fusion Camber

www.romesnowboards.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

HUCK KNIFE PRO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Lightweight, responsive, poppy PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park and Pipe LENGTHS: 149, 153, 156, 156w, 159, 159w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Hybrid – Rock Out Camber

NO DRAMA

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, precise, agile

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park and Pipe LENGTHS: 139, 143, 146, 149, 152 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Hybrid – Rock Out Camber

ABSTRACT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, nimble, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle

LENGTHS: 138, 143, 147, 151, 153, 155, 155w, 158, 158w, 162 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Hybrid – Rock Out Camber

DANCEHAUL KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Versatile, agile, poppy PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Anywhere

LENGTHS: 143, 147, 152, 154, 157 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Tapered Directional PROFILE: Hybrid – Rock Out Camber

www.salomon.com

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MACRODOSE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, floaty, spiritual

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freeride and beyond perception LENGTHS: 158, 162 FLEX: 8 / 10 SHAPE: Directional and tapered PROFILE: Powder camber

MYSTERY LUNCH KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, direct, blunted, PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park

LENGTHS: 153, 157, 161 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Traditional camber

UNDERTAKER KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, floaty, smooth PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-mountain LENGTHS: 151, 154, 157 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Long nose twin PROFILE: Modi “M” Camber

WOMENS

VANILLA KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Smooth, poppy, delicious PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain & Jibs LENGTHS: 139, 144, 149 FLEX: 3 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Transform camber

www.simscollective.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

ATV KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Stable, powerful, butteryness PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 155, 157, 159w, 163w FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Camber with 3D nose

HAPPY PLACE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, playful, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Freestyle, park, street LENGTHS: 135, 142, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 155w, 156, 158, 159w, 163w.

FLEX: 4 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: CamRock

SPECTRUM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Jibby, surprisingly solid PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park, street, pow LENGTHS: 148, 151, 153w, 154, 157 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camber

SPLITBOARD

VERTICAL SPLIT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Turn, burn & slash

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Backcountry / Touring LENGTHS: 151, 158, 162 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber with 3D nose

www.slashsnow.com

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CADET KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Precise, powerful, agile PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort / Backcountry. Every condition from Hardpack to Powder LENGTHS: 150, 154, 158, 162 FLEX: 6/ 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber, lifted nose

HORIZON KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, responsive, reliable PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort / Park LENGTHS: 143, 147, 151, 155, 159 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Camber

DEEP REACH KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Float, fast, glide

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Powder, groomers, slush LENGTHS: 149, 153, 156, 159, 162 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber, lifted nose

EXPERIMENT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, float, glide

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Powder, smooth groomers LENGTHS: 148, 155 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Directional, fish PROFILE: Flat camber, lifted nose

www.unitedshapes.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

THE VUFO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, poppy, playful

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 153, 156, 156w, 159, 159w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: True Twin PROFILE: Camber

THE WERNI STOCK KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast-carving, balanced, snappy PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 157 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber

CONTINENTAL DIRECTIONAL KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playfull, fast, easy

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 149, 152, 156, 159, 162 FLEX: 5/ 10 SHAPE: Directional PROFILE: Camber

MOTHERBRAIN KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Powerful, surfy, fast

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 156w, 159w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camrock

www.vimanasnow.com

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LA HACHE 10TH ANNIVERSARY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Poppy, smooth, trustful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Terrain

LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 162 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin-directional PROFILE: Camber early rise

ARVINE WMN 10TH ANNIVERSARY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Smooth, stable, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Terrain

LENGTHS: 141, 145, 148, 151, 154 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: Twin-directionnal PROFILE: Camber-rocker

SALAZ LTD LIO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Precise, poppy, banger PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park & Street LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159 FLEX: 6 / 10 SHAPE: True-twin PROFILE: Camber-rocker

NATION KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Mellow, playful, easy

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Slopes & Park LENGTHS: 142, 145, 148, 150, 153, 155 FLEX: 5 / 10 SHAPE: True-twin PROFILE: Flat camber

www.westsnowboarding.com

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BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 24

YES. PYZEL COLLAB KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Stable, poppy, fun

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

All-Mountain LENGTHS: 148, 150, 154, 155w, 158, 160w, 162, 164w FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional Twin PROFILE: Camber

STANDARD UN..INC DC KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Floaty, fast, powerful

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Backcountry LENGTHS: 149 (new size), 153, 156, 159, 162 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Directional volume Twin PROFILE: Camber

BASIC UN..INC RDM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Fast, lively, poppy

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Resort riding LENGTHS: 149, 152, 156w, 158, 159w, 161 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camber

JACKPOT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Stable, poppy, quick

PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Park

LENGTHS: 152, 154, 156, 158 FLEX: 7 / 10 SHAPE: Twin PROFILE: Camber

www.yesnowboard.com

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CYPRESS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Powerful, supportive, stable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: New plant based BioStrap,

Ultra Grip Toe Strap, Cast Alu Buckles.

HEMLOCK

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Poppy, playful,control PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Co-Mold Ankle Strap, Cast Alu Buckles, Patented Bow Straps.

SPRUCE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, comfortable, effortless PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight Base, Nylon Buckles, Patented Bow Straps.

SEQUOIA

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Powerful, supportive, stable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: New plant based BioStrap, Ultra Grip Toe Strap, Cast Alu Buckles.

WOMENS

ACACIA KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, comfortable, effortless PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight Base, Nylon Buckles, Patented Bow Straps.

SAPLING KIDS

KIDS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, comfortable, effortless PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 3 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight Base, Nylon Buckles, Patented Bow Straps. www.arborcollective.eu

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

ASTRO FULLWRAP

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Aggressive, All-Mountain, shredding PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Conquer All-Mountain terrain with top-tier

control and support for aggressive shredding.

ETNA

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Powerful, comfortable, versatile PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Elevate board performance, embrace all-mountain terrain, and ride with lasting comfort and confidence.

BLASTER ASYMWRAP KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Precision,customizable, comfortable PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park / All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Personalize your fit for dynamic park, resort, and backcountry riding.

DONNA KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

WOMENS

Comfortable, fun, versatile PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park / All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Comfortable flex, tailored for women, extensive customization for optimal fit, hassle-free entry for seamless shredding.

FLY

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: New, versatile, comfortable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Fly is an affordable, adaptable

binding for all terrains, blending control and freestyle seamlessly.

GATA

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

New, Comfortable, Adjustable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Gata is engineered for daily use with full adjustability, affordability, and premium standards. www.bataleon.com

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AXTION

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Team driven, performance PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Flex Control Driveplate, Dual

Band ankle strap, uni-body nylon chassis, solid asymmetric highback, Grip Form toe strap.

AXTION FOREST BAILEY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Performance, comfort, reliability PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Flex Control Driveplate, Dual Band ankle strap, Grip Form toe strap, uni-body nylon chassis + solid asymmetric highback.

TRANSFER

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile performance, dominance PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Flex Control Driveplate, Dual Band ankle

strap, two piece chassis + slightly asymmetric highback, Grip Form toe strap.

STYLIST KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

WOMENS

Lightweight, reliable, comfortable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Flex Control Driveplate, Dual Band ankle strap with soft power band, asymmetric solid highback, Grip Form toe strap.

LOGIC

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Dynamic, soft, freedom PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freestyle FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Flex Control Driveplate, Dual

Band ankle strap with soft asymmetric power band, urethane highback, Grip Form toe strap.

COR PRO KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Powerful, supportive, reliable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freeride FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Carbon Fiber Flex Control Driveplate, Dual Band ankle strap, new cored out highback, canted footbed. eur.bentmetal.com

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

CARTEL X (EST AND REFLEX)

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, versatile, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Heel Hammock for true heel lock, B3 gel cushioning, smooth glide buckles, tool free strap adjustment. Available in EST (for Burton Channel) or Re:Flex (for channel or inserts).

LEXA X (EST AND REFLEX) KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

SPLITBOARD

WOMENS

Lightweight, versatile, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Heel Hammock for true heel lock, B3 gel cushioning, smooth glide buckles, tool free strap adjustment.

STEP ON SPLIT

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Step On Touring PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry/Touring FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Built for splitboarding with

ride and tour modes. Works with splitboard (puck mounting) systems.

STEP ON GENESIS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

WOMENS

Hiback suspension, comfort, Step On PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Step On performance and convenience, kickback hammock delivering hiback suspension and comfort.

WOMENS STEP ON KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Hiback suspension, comfort, step on PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Step On performance and convenience, kickback hammock delivering hiback suspension and comfort.

STEP ON GROM

KIDS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Step On for Groms!

PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain resort FLEX: 3 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Step On performance and

convenience for smaller riders. This is the most connection points for any other kids binding in this small kids size range. www.burton.com

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RADAR

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Powerful, freestyle, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: Big Jumps, Backcountry and Piste FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Carbon composite highback mixed

with the alloy baseplate makes this our stiffer freestyle oriented binding.

SUPERSPORT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Secure, performance, freestyle PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Snowparks, Freeride, Backcountry FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The lightsaber baseplate combined with the grandmaster heel strap makes this a very secure yet forgiving freestyle binding.

RELOAD TAO

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Freestyle, tweakable, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN: Snowparks, Street, Piste FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: This unisex binding with softer

highjack and smaller ankle strap makes tweaking your grabs super easy.

FIFTY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Affordable, comfortable, flexible PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: This is the perfect binding for everyone at a price point that’s truely hard to beat.

FIFTY - RUSTY TOOTHBRUSH COLLAB

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Affordable, comfortable, flexible PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry, Piste, Jibbing FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Fun, tweakable binding at a price

point made for the masses.

JADE

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Flexible, comfortable, freestyle PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain, Freestyle FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The perfect do everything go everywhere binding for women. www.northwave.com/snow

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

NX2-4-1

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, premium, performance PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Limited Mike Basich / 2-4-1 colorway of this all-time Flow favourite.

WOMENS

OMNI KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Performance, comfort, style PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Aluminium wing connection of hiback to baseplate creates a unique comfortable feel.

FUSE HYBRID

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, powerful, direct PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeride FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The do-it-all workhorse of the Flow line gets a graphic overhaul – performance thankfully unchanged.

FENIX PLUS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Loose, compliant, super comfortable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Park FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: ExoKush strap and mid-soft baseplate create a unique surfy sensation.

FENIX

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Minimal, lightweight, efficient PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Asym Highback, ExoFrame Strap, Axis Baseplate combine to deliver a punchy performance package.

MAYON PLUS

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Loose, compliant, super comfortable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Park FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: ExoKush strap and mid-soft baseplate create a unique surfy sensation.

www.flow-bindings.com

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MERCURY KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Responsive, comfortable, maneuverable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain Freeriding FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Control Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps.

ORION

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, playful, precise PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain Freeriding FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology,

Progressive Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps.

METEORITE SURF SERIES

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stable, comfortable, tweak-able PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Dynamic Flex

Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps.

WOMENS

AURORA

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, playful, precise PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain Freeriding FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Progressive Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps.

WOMENS

EQUINOX

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stable, comfortable, tweak-able PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology,

Dynamic Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps.

YOUTH

YOUTH ASTEROID

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stable, comfortable, versatile PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Dynamic Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps. www.jonessnowboards.com

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

EDITION

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Precise binding, smooth PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, Groomers, Side Hits, Resort FLEX: 5/ 10 MAIN FEATURES: Well rounded All-Mountain Freestyle

binding, straps and highback made out of Beans.

WOMENS

PATH

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Aggressive and powerful PREFERRED TERRAIN: Powder, Groomers, Sidecountry, Resort FLEX: 9 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: All-Mountain binding, straps and highback made out of beans.

PROGRAM

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stiff, direct, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: Powder, Groomers, Sidecountry, Resort FLEX: 9 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: All-Mountain binding, straps and highback made out of beans.

WOMENS

NETWORK

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, Groomers, Side Hits, Resort FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: All-Mountain Freestyle binding, straps and highback made out of beans.

BOND

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, Groomers, Side Hits, Resort FLEX: 7/ 10 MAIN FEATURES: All-Mountain Freestyle binding,

straps and highback made out of beans.

WOMENS

ALBANY

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, Groomers,

Side Hits, Resort FLEX: 6 / 10

MAIN FEATURES: All-Mountain Freestyle, straps

and highback made out of beans. www.k2snow.com

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CRUSHER

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Effortless and fun PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Crusher is a straight forward binding built for freestyle riding.

HALLDOR PRO

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Serious and fun PREFERRED TERRAIN: Resort FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Halldor Pro bindings

are fully spec’d out for all-mountain freestyle riding.

EIKI PRO

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful and fun PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Eiki Pro bindings grant

total freedom for creative and innovative freestyle riding.

www.lobstersnowboards.com

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

SUPERMATIC

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Automatic, universal, dual-entry PREFERRED TERRAIN: Truly All-Mountain FLEX: 7.5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The game changer. Fully automatic,

works with any boot, in all conditions. Unisex.

KAON PLUS APX

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Aggressive, mid-stiff, plush PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freeride FLEX: 7.5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Glass/Nylon hiback for response,

maximum coverage & comfort from ExoKush straps. Matches Biomimicry boards perfectly.

KAON-X

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, performance, value PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: A Nidecker team favorite loaded with tech, offering playfulness, comfort and response.

KAON-W PLUS

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Aggressive, mid-stiff, plush PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freeride FLEX: 7.5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Glass/Nylon hiback for

response, maximum coverage & comfort from ExoKush straps.

WOMENS

KAON-W

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, performance, value PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight materials, epic

performance, buttery buckles and peerless comfort.

YOUTH

PRIME

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Forgiving, engaging, dependable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Full-spec binding for younger riders

that packs high end performance into a smaller size. www.nidecker.com

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TEAM PRO

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Pro-Choice, responsive, freestyle PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park / All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Nitro´s most professionally qualified freestyle binding because of its snug fit, responsive straps, and overall durability!

PHANTOM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

New, lightweight, performance PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: New ETP-U footbed, new base frame, Vibram outsole, and molded straps, the most comfortable response all day!

TEAM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Team-Approved, snug-fit, durable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: New injected molded 3D Optiframe ankle strap with air Dampening, and cable reinforced connectors.

ONE X DRINK SEXY

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Park, style, surfy PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park / Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Yung Doli Approved,

WOMENS

Symmetric Highback, Air Dampening, 3° Canted Footbed, Cable Reinforced Connector, Premium Comfort Ankle Straps.

TEAM PRO WOMENS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Pro-Choice, responsive, freestyle PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park / All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Nitro´s most professionally qualified freestyle binding because of its snug fit, responsive straps, and overall durability!

COSMIC WOMENS

WOMENS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Freestyle, support, comfort PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park / All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Affordable durability built to make progession easier and days more fun.

Asym Women´s Highback. www.nitrosnowboards.com

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

A-10

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: High-end, powerful, stiff PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain, Powder FLEX: 10 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Aluminum Chassis, Carbon Slimeback

Highback, Three-piece Ankle Strap, a high-performance machine designed to level-up your riding.

C-9 KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Aggressive, control, performance PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 9 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: For the rider who rips everything in front of them. Nylon highback, Three-Piece Ankle Strap, Minimalist Toe Strap with Overmold.

A-8

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Precise, versatile, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Designed for all-mountain

performance with Nylon Highback, Reversible Strap, Minimalist Toe Strap with Overmold.

A-6 KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Responsive, lightweight, durable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain, Park FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: All around performance, responsive feel of aluminum underfoot with Slimeback Highback and Two-Piece Ankle Strap.

WOMENS

CL-4

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, comfy, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain.

FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Take your riding to the next level with Slimeback Highback, One-Piece Ankle Strap and Minimalist Toe Strap.

SPLITBOARD

A-BC

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, durable, reliable PREFERRED TERRAIN: Splitboarding.

FLEX: 9 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Built off the Voile Speed Rail system using custom engineered RIDE components with Aluminum Chassis, Nylon Highback and Minimalist Toe Strap 2.0. www.ridesnowboards.com

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KATANA

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Adjustable, iconic, perfection PREFERRED TERRAIN:

Absolute Park, Jackson Hole, first chair at Stowe FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The cult classic, hyper adjustable, devilishly light best seller is upgraded with our new UltraFlex Pro ankle strap.

TRACE

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, reliable, new

WOMENS

PREFERRED TERRAIN: Down rails, deep day and everywhere in-between FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Built on our new HeelWrap platform for reliably smoothy riding and fool proof performance.

HYDRA

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, reliable, NEW PREFERRED TERRAIN: Down rails, deep day and everywhere in-between FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The Women’s version of our new HeelWrap platform bindings, the Hydra is a smooth flexing easy rider.

390 BOSS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Tweakable, lightweight, classic PREFERRED TERRAIN: Boosting sidehits, crankin

carves and tweakin crails

FLEX: 4 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The OG freestyle workhorse gets

upgraded with our new UltraFlex ankle straps for next level comfort and tweakability.

CLEAVER

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Carbon filled charger PREFERRED TERRAIN: Sending cliffs, charging steeps

and haulin‘ ass FLEX: 9 / 10

MAIN FEATURES: The ultra-responsive, carbon filled warbird gets upgraded with our new UltraFlex Pro ankle straps for next level performance.

WOMENS

BRASS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsible, agile and stylish PREFERRED TERRAIN: Lapping with the crew, slashin’ pow and handling business FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Built for slaying whatever the day brings, newly upgraded with our UltraFlex Pro ankle straps for comfort. www.romesnowboards.com

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

HOLOGRAM

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Precision, comfort, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Shadowfit technology provides

a natural, secure, and comfortable connection, harmonising your boot and binding.

DISTRICT PRO TEAM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Stable, playful, natural connection PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Shadowfit technology provides a natural, secure, and comfortable connection, harmonising your boot and binding.

HIGHLANDER

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Energy transmission, response PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Shadowfit technology provides a natural, secure, and comfortable connection, harmonising your boot and binding.

DISTRICT KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Playful, forgiving, natural connection PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Shadowfit technology provides a natural, secure, and comfortable connection, harmonising your boot and binding.

WOMENS

MIRAGE

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, forgiving, natural connection PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Shadowfit technology provides

a natural, secure, and comfortable connection, harmonising your boot and binding.

QUANTUM KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Power, response, natural connection PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freeride FLEX: 8 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Shadwofit technology provides a natural connection with a carbon injected highback and baseplate for ultimate response. www.salomon.com

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ALL SPLITBOARD BINDINGS

ARC ST

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, surfy PREFERRED TERRAIN: Trees and powder FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Cutout baseplates, Pillow

Line Straps, medium flex Asym Highbacks, ST Tech, T1 Binding System.

SURGE ST

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stiff, powerful PREFERRED TERRAIN: Steeps, big mountain FLEX: 9 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Solid baseplate, Pillow Line

Straps, stiffer Asym Highbacks, ST Tech, T1 Binding System.

ARC ST PRO

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, surfy PREFERRED TERRAIN: Trees, powder FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Cutout Baseplate, ®Pebax Pillow

Line Straps, carbon-infused medium flex Asym Highbacks, ST Tech, T1 Binding System.

SURGE ST PRO

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stiff, powerful PREFERRED TERRAIN: Steeps, big mountain FLEX: 9 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Solid Baseplate, ®Pebax

Pillow Line Straps, carbon-infused stiff Asym Highbacks, ST Tech, T1 Binding System.

www.sparkrandd.com

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BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 24

FORCE

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Durable, comfortable, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The #1 men’s binding in snowboarding.

Fully redesigned for the 2024 season.

ULTRA

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Soft, cushioned, surfy PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freestyle FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The most cushioned and

comfortable men’s snowboard binding ever developed. Just ask Gigi Ruf.

STRATA

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Flexible, comfortable, fun PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Union’s #1 men’s park and

freestyle snowboard binding.

WOMENS

TRILOGY

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Durable, comfortable, responsive PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 7 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The #1 women’s binding in

snowboarding. Fully redesigned for the 2024 season.

WOMENS

ULTRA

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Soft, cushioned, surfy PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain / Freestyle FLEX: 5 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: The most cushioned and

comfortable women’s snowboard binding ever developed. Just ask Jess Kimura.

WOMENS

LEGACY

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Flexible, comfortable, fun PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Union’s #1 women’s park and

freestyle snowboard binding.

www.unionbindingcompany.com

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THE SCANDO V2 MOON BLUE KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Responsive, light, unbreakable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Enhanced edge to edge precision without interfering with the boards natural flex.

THE SCANDO V2 PURPLE DUST KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Responsive, light, unbreakable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Enhanced edge to edge precision without interfering with the boards natural flex.

THE SCANDO V2 SEA GREEN KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Responsive, light, unbreakable PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-Mountain FLEX: 6 / 10 MAIN FEATURES: Enhanced edge to edge precision without interfering with the boards natural flex.

www.vimanasnow.com

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AUSTEN SWEETIN

photos: Tim Zimmerman

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”THIS ISN’T FLYING, THIS IS FALLING, WITH STYLE!” BUZZ LIGHTYEAR HALLDÓR HELGASON PHOTO: THEO ACWORTH

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a film from the mind of Burton Team Rider Niels Schack.

COMING SOON

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a film from the mind of Burton Team Rider Niels Schack.

COMING SOON

COVER 241 INSIDE + 35 + 10 mm.indd Wszystkie strony

20.09.2023 13:23

2

4

.

1 COVER 241.indd Wszystkie strony

FREE

15.09.2023 12:42