British Snowboard Tour Hits Halifax

After a great British Championships in Laax, Switzerland the British Snow Tour is back on UK soil and looking forward to kicking off its first event, the Quiksilver Big Air Championships in Halifax this weekend - 5th & 6th July 2008.

With a massive local scene and arguably the best snowflex kickers in the UK, Halifax looks set to be an epic first event and new addition to this year’s Tour. The Schools Tour Team, along with local rippers, Jamie Nicholls, James Box and Wayne Taylor will also be visiting two local secondary schools before the event to spread the word and encourage more kids to get involved by dishing out 200 FREE beginner lessons.

The Quiksilver Rail Jam will get the day’s competition off the ground followed by the highly anticipated Quiksilver Big Air Championships where the UK’s best will throw down the most insane tricks over the 10m kicker with the hopes of winning the coveted title. The Quiksilver lesson academies will offer 200 beginners the chance to take their first turns for FREE during the event, whilst our demo sponsors K2, Ride, DC Snowboards and LINE and K2 ski’s will be laying on their full range of hardware kit to test drive.

Quiksilver British Artificial Big Air Championships Schedule:
Saturday 5th July, Halifax Snowsport Centre
• 9am-4pm: Quiksilver Big Air Championships plus Rail Jam (snowboard)
• 11am-4pm: FREE Snowboard Lessons with the Quiksilver Snowboard Academy
• 5pm-8pm: FREE Demo testing, courtesy of K2, Ride, ‘brand new’ DC snowboards and LINE and K2 skis
Sunday 6th July, Halifax Snowsport Centre
• 9am-4pm: Quiksilver Big Air Championships plus Rail Jam (freeski)
• 11am-4pm: FREE Ski Lessons with the Quiksilver Ski Academy

The competition is based on open entry for all abilities and ages and continues to offer competitors the chance to gain prestigious TTR World ranking points. To book your spot to compete or to take part in one of the FREE beginner lessons up for grabs go to: http://www.britishsnowtour.com

The schedule for the rest of the tour is as follows:

Chatham Sat 12 Jul 2008 to Sun 13 Jul 2008 ( British Dryslope Slope Style Championships)
Norfolk Sat 19 Jul 2008 to Sun 20 Jul 2008 (British Dryslope Snowboardcross Championships)
Castleford Sat 20 Sep 2008 (British Indoor Slope Style Championships)
Milton Keynes Sat 27 Sep 2008 (British Indoor Big Air Championships)
Glasgow, Sat 4 Oct 2008 (British Indoor Boardercross Championships)

Chatham Event Coming Soon

It’s all about the steeze next weekend 12th & 13th July when the 2008 British Snow Tour heads ‘Eastside’… to Chatham, for the Animal Slopestyle Championships and Big Air Jam. The schools tour will also continue its quest to educate the kids in the ways of the UK shredder by visiting two Chatham schools on 10th & 11th July and giving away 200 FREE beginner lessons.

Over 100 of the UK’s top freestylers including local ripper Cody Heirons will be destroying the slopestyle course over the weekend which will be made up of: a 42ft long, 5ft high rollercoaster rail, a massive flat down kink rail shipped in from a US snowpark, a brand new C box, a variety of kickers and a huge 60ft battleship box. A relaxed big air jam kick starts each day’s competition whilst new sponsor SUSO’s FREE juice samples, Tony B’s tunes and James Thorne’s heckling on the mic will be sure to keep everyone entertained! 

Demo sponsors, K2, Ride, DC Snowboards and LINE and K2 ski’s will be laying on their full range of hardware kit to test drive on Saturday evening and for anyone wanting to make a night, weekend, summer holiday of it, Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre are offering competitors and spectators the chance to pitch up and camp onsite for only £5 per night.

Animal Slopestyle Championship Schedule:
Saturday 12th July, Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre
• 9am – 6pm: Animal Slopestyle Championships and Big Air Jam (snowboard)
• 12noon – 4pm: FREE Snowboard lessons with the Animal Snowboard Academy
• 5pm – 8pm: FREE demo testing, courtesy of K2, Ride, DC Snowboards and LINE and K2 Ski’s
Sunday 13th July, Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre
• 9am – 6pm: Animal Slopestyle Championships and Big Air Jam (freeski)
• 12noon – 4pm: FREE Ski lessons with the Animal Ski Academy

The competition is based on open entry for all abilities and offers competitors the chance to gain prestigious TTR World ranking points. To book your spot to compete or to take part in one of the FREE beginner lessons up for grabs go to: http://www.britishsnowtour.com

The remaining tour stops in full are:

Chatham Sat 12 Jul 2008 to Sun 13 Jul 2008 ( British Dryslope Slope Style Championships)
Norfolk Sat 19 Jul 2008 to Sun 20 Jul 2008 (British Dryslope Snowboardcross Championships)
Castleford Sat 20 Sep 2008 (British Indoor Slope Style Championships)
Milton Keynes Sat 27 Sep 2008 (British Indoor Big Air Championships)
Glasgow, Sat 4 Oct 2008 (British Indoor Boardercross Championships)

Burton Scrap Metal Returns

Photos by Josh Knox

Burton have announced that one of the UK’s freshest indoor comps will be returning this year and adding some new stops to the tour. The Burton Scrap Metal will be visiting Tamworth, Braehead and Milton Keynes, bringing with it some of the coolest obstacles you’re likely to ride on these fair shores.

The aim of the Scrap Metal is to encourage creative snowboarding by putting the riders in front of obstacles that are not your common-or-garden jibs and rails. Taking inspiration from parks like Bear Mtn and Park City over in the States (not to mention Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge!) we can expect to see some cutting edge features made out of cars, gas pipes, fridges and whatever else catches the shapers’ eyes down at the local junkyard.

The competition itself will be a slopestyle format, with a jam session to qualify and two-run final at each of the venues to sort out the winners. Rude Chalets, Analog, Gravis, R.E.D and Anon Optics will be handing out the prizes so you can be sure they’ll be banging.

Dates for the Scrap Metal Tour are:

Tamworth Snowdome 4th October
Braehead SNO!zone 11th October
Milton Keynes SNO!zone 31st October

Anon Wakesurf Invitational

Apologies for the lack of updates recently - anyone would think we spent Monday afternoons watching Andy Murray at Wimbledon. In fact we’ve had much more urgent and important things to do, such as ditching the office for a spot of wakesurfing. Mwah ha ha ha ha ha…

The inaugural Anon Wakesurf Invitational took place at the Princes Club lake in deepest darkest Feltham yesterday (basically, turn left just before a jumbo lands on your head at Heathrow). The idea was to pit two snowboarders, two surfers and two skaters against each other to prove once and for all… well I’m not sure what it was supposed to prove but it was a nice excuse for a barbecue and a giggle.

Wakesurfing is essentially like wakeboarding, only the board doesn’t have any bindings and the boat is ballasted in one corner to produce a standing wave behind it. Once you’re standing up you can ditch the rope and surf along within high five distance of your heckling mates on the boat. In short, it’s bloody brilliant.

The day began with everyone giving it a go….

Jo Chastney, ripping it up

Sparrow Knox a.k.a. Mowgli.

Little Will – the look on his face says it all!

Tom West – via con dios bra!

Then in the afternoon the competition began in earnest. Anon/Analog gathered six riders from their skate, surf and snow teams and each pair took turns behind the boat. Points would be awarded for length of ride, riding sans rope, plus any other radical manoeuvres.

Let battle commence!

First up were the snowboarders…

Little T - Ex-President…

Chris Kightley – Young, dumb, full o’ cum…

David Hasselhoff eat your heart out!

Next came the surfers…

Laid back in the brown room.

High five? Surely he should be hanging five…

He’s just showing off now.

Stepping off the board and onto the boat - and the crowd go wild...

WIPEOUT!

And last but not least we have the skaters…

Check out the classic skater tan...

Makes it look effortless doesn’t he?

Tom Knox, “spreading the stoke”

All that was left was to award the prizes. Surprise surprise, the surfers won – I think the clue was in the name really wasn’t it? 2nd place went to the snowboarders, while the wooden spoon was reserved for those skate punks. See, everyone knows skating is a piece of piss.

Spraying the old lemonade...

Check out the trophies – three Kryton heads!

Until the next time… hang loose!

Snowboarding Down Everest

Dentist Neil Harris, from Oxford House Dental Practice in Milton Keynes, is facing the challenge of a lifetime by ‘Snowboarding Down Everest’. Well OK not the real mountain, but the equivalent height at the SNO!zone at Xscape Milton Keynes, IN SCRUBS!!!

On the 22nd August he will start the first of his 295 runs that will make up the 8850m height of Everest in order to raise money and awareness for two charities that he is closely linked with.

The international charity Mercy Ships www.mercyships.org.uk provides much needed medical aid to countries in Africa, such as Liberia and Sierra Leone, two of the poorest countries in the world. Oral health charity Dentaid www.dentaid.org refurbishes donated UK dental equipment to provide dental surgeries to needy communities worldwide.

Speaking about his charity challenge, Neil said: “I thought about a sponsored swim - been there, a sponsored walk - done that, snowboard down Everest - now that would make a great T-Shirt!

“I have had the privilege of serving with Mercy Ships as a dentist for a couple of weeks each year for the last five years and it is an amazing charity. As it says on their logo, they bring ‘Hope and Healing’ to the poor and they don’t come much poorer than some of the countries I have been out to with Mercy Ships.

“One of the most amazing things is that all the crew on the ship are volunteers; in fact they even have to raise their own money for crew fees and travel. So you can imagine how much of the money donated to this charity goes directly to the work. I could bombard you with facts and figures about what they achieve, but just seeing the smile on a mother’s face, when her baby has had a life changing cleft lip repaired by the surgeons in one of the operating theatres on the ship, says it all. So I am looking forward to going back out to Liberia in October to help again in the dental clinic the ship has set up for the local population. Did I mention there are only 3 licensed dentists in Liberia – for a population of over 3 million?!”

“I’ve also had links with Dentaid for a number of years, ranging from donating equipment from our practice to be refurbished for needy projects, to taking part in fundraising events. In fact Oxford House Dental Practice has won a number of prizes in their ‘Dress Up 4 Dentaid Day. Fundraising events like these enable Dentaid to carry out their vital work improving the world’s oral health. As well as supplying equipment and instruments Dentaid also train indigenous workers so communities are benefited by their work long term. Dentaid also educate local people about the importance of good oral health and are involved in schools programmes in Uganda and Cameroon where children are educated, screened and treated if necessary.

“In my time I have treated patients dressed as Superman and Scooby Doo! It’s great to think that some of the equipment I use out in Liberia is only there as a result of the work of Dentaid back in this country.

Speaking about what he hopes to achieve by ‘Snowboarding Down Everest’, Neil continued: “I have three hopes for this challenge. First, that people will become more aware and interested in Mercy Ships and Dentaid. Secondly, to raise as much money for them as I can. And thirdly, not to break anything!”

In addition to his dental work, Neil is also a part-time snowboard instructor at SNO!zone where he has been training for the event.

To donate please go to www.justgiving.com/boardingformercyships and/or www.justgiving.com/boardingfordentaid

For further information, please contact:

Neil Harris

Win a free month Riding @ SNO!zone!

Whitelines and SNO!zone are giving you the chance to win, and win big.

Over the next 7 weeks we are offering not one, but two lucky people the chance to win an unlimited riding pass at the SNO!zone of your choice throughout the month of August. That’s right, not just once a week, not twice, but any time you bloomin’ well please you can head down to your local SNO!zone and ride for free!

“So what do we have to do to enter?!” I hear you cry. Well, all you have to do is Email your favourite photos from last season to

That’s it! Once the pictures start rolling in we will showcase the best every week @ http://www.whitelines.com

Remember we are looking for the photo that sums up your season, indoor, outdoor whatever. It’s worth writing a few words on why you’ve chosen it and you never know, this could have you on your way to free shredding for a whole month.

So what you waiting for email your photos now.

One Love rails for Manchester

Two spanking new rails have been kindly donated to the CHill Factor E thinks to Ian at Oneloveofboardsports.com check out the pictures below and if they float your boat get to the slope on friday where they will have their maiden voyage Ian is working on having them available all summer, good work fella.

MJ tastic box

Shotty Flatdown

FBBB @ Tamworth

Right about now the FBBB crew are in the middle of an epic tour of the UK. Saturday saw the roadshow hit Glasgow and with three more destinations still to be laid waste the fun is far from over.
But first we are going to cast are minds way back to the beginning of June and check out the Tamworth leg of the tour.

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Win tickets to lots of fun events.

We all know snowboarders have bugger all to do over the sunny (fingers crossed) months, well you no longer need fear for your sanity as www.mpora.com is running a competition with an energy drink called relentless.

You can win VIP tickets that will basically fill your summer calendar, ensuring that those snowy winter months will be back round in the blink of an eye.

EVENTS INCLUDE

Relentless Wakestock
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Friday June 27th - Sunday June 29th
2 VIP tickets

Relentless Wakestock
Abersoch, Cardigan Bay, North Wales
Friday July 4th - Sunday July 6th
2 VIP tickets

T in the Park
Balado, Kinnross-shire
Friday July 11th - Sunday July 13th
2 VIP tickets

Rip Curl Boardmasters
Newquay
Monday August 4th - Sunday August 10th
2 VIP tickets

Reading / Leeds Festival
Reading Festival
Richfield Avenue, Reading
Friday August 22nd - Sunday August 24th

Leeds Festival
Bramham Park, Leeds
Friday August 22nd - Sunday August 24th


2 VIP tickets to one of the sites
British Superbikes
Brands Hatch
Friday October 10th - Sunday October 12th
2 VIP tickets

WHAT’S UP Mike Austin

Mike Austin used to be a werewolf beut he’s alright nooooowwwww.

Where are you right now?

I’m just on my lunch hour from work .

When are you snowboarding next ?

Well on Tuesday I rode at Tamworth it was alright all the TSA boys were down Stu Edwards and the others they will filming for their new tour video. So i might ride some more indoor then I’m of coaching in august with Freestyle Concept camps.

What does coaching entail is it hard work or just a jolly?

Loic the camp organiser asked my advice and I said that if it would be best catered to individuals goals so after an hour or two of intensive coaching it would be good just doing laps and working on building people’s confidence riding together.

So quite a relax session style vibe?

Yeah, that way you can offer advice at the run in and encourage people who want to step up to bigger rails and hits, giving tips as you go.

When and where is it happening?

I’m heading out on august the ninth, a month or so to go yet, It’s in Saas Fee which has a massive glacier I have never been there before so I’m excited to check out the park. I told Loic i wanted to visit there so I am pretty stoked he sorted it out. I think because the Demonium chalet company is based out there and they are helping to sort the accommodation that probably had something to do with it as well.

What the accommodation gonna be like?

Well after speaking to Loic he told me that we will be staying in apartments of 4 to 5 so it will be pretty cosy , everyone who wants to focus more on the riding and less on the late nights will be well catered for.

Is there other stuff to do after snowboarding ?

Well it a new resort to me but I know there are all the usual activities, Trampolines, bikes, swimming skating and when the sun goes down there are some good bars to visit.

Is there going to be a international flavour to this camp ?

Last year there were a good few French guys there and Tonton Holland and Morgan Lefaucher are lined up to attend, offering their expertise so I’m sure that will draw in some Euro’s i know ill be stepping up for some tips off those guys. Let’s not forget Seb Kern will be there drawing in the British crowd as well.

Do you have tricks you want to learn when youre there?

Yeah I suppose 9s I guess front 9’s and rodeo 9’s

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Looks like Mike has them dialed already!

What factor sun cream will you be wearing?

Mate always have high factor sun cream on, also i will be wearing my Airhole bandana, they are a new company coming in to the uk basically funky designed bandanas with a hole where your mouth is for fresh air or i guess smoking, they were started by Kale Stevens and some of the Whistler boys, about two or three years ago.

So two weeks out there, then what plans for next season?

Well more than likely Morzine , although i got to find a new job or raise some money to finance a season not working, Which probably won’t happen so I need a new job.

Well cheers for chatting to us and have fun in Saas Fee.

Cheers.

Check out mike in Whitelines 2008 Jib Vid.

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Skull Candy Rail Comp video

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Check out isnowboard for the full video.

British Snow Tour dates announced

British Snow Tour dates for your diaries:

Dryslope Events:

5th & 6th July 2008 – Halifax, Quiksilver British Big Air Championships
12th & 13th July 2008 – Chatham, Animal British Slopestyle Championships
19th & 20th July 2008 – Norfolk, Trespass British Snowboard/Skiercross Championships

Indoor Events:

20th September 2008 – SNO!zone, Castleford, Animal British Slopestyle Championships
27th September 2008 – SNO!zone, Milton Keynes, Quiksilver British Big Air Championships
4th October 2008 – SNO!zone, Glasgow, Trespass British Snowboard/Skiercross Championships

To book your spot to compete on the British Snow Tour, which is open to all ages and abilities and offers each competitor the chance to gain prestigious TTR World ranking points go to: britishsnowtour

Burton Bejing park opens

Burton and Mellow parks have opened there terrain park at the Bejing, Qiaobo Ice and Snow World. Check the photo’s.

Slush Documentary now available

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Dalik Fodda Bodda

At Whitelines we dont need much of an excuse to post an image like this, send your submissions to

Please save this girl from becoming Dardik Fodda

Airblaster Grab Off

Travis Parker’s company, Airblaster has held it’s first ever ‘Grab Off’, an inspired competition which iliminates the need to spin 10’s and 12’s as the riders are judged solely on the tweak and style of their grabs. there are tons of pictures to look at on the airblaster website, here are some of our favorites.

Future is History

Trawling the world wide web this morning we came across this bit of news, sad times.

“Transworld Business received word today, June 12th, from several ex-employees of Future Snowboarding Magazine (FSM), that the company has closed its doors and will discontinue its print and online operations effective immediately.

According to our sources, who wish to remain anonymous based on the timeliness and delicate nature of the matter, the company informed its entire staff at its Solana Beach office today that their employment was terminated and the magazine was closing. The reasons for the decision by FSM’s parent company, San Francisco based Future US,were cited as financial.

No further details are available at this time. Transworld Business will update this story as more information becomes available. We wish the best to all former Future staff.”

Future is history

Snowpark open dates

Snow Park NZ kicks off the 2008 season Wednesday 18 June welcoming skiers and boarders to get their first turns and jumps in and enjoy a pie and a stubby or can of V as they board the lift for their first ride up the mountain.

Sam Lee, Snow Park NZ manager is looking forward to the coming season, “We have been busy over the summer months developing much of the terrain park and new services for our guests. The field looks great and I am looking forward to the riders and skiers having fun out there especially during the newly introduced night sessions.”

The snow guns have been cranking for the past two weeks and combined with good snowfalls throughout May and June the groomers have developed a good solid base for the season.

Unlike regular ski fields a more technical approach to the grooming is required to ensure the jumps and features are defined and safe before the mountain can open. As the Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated terrain park resort, it is important to guarantee a high standard product for the customers.

For the 2008 season Snow Park NZ has made many improvements to its world class features, including expansion of the park with a new Slopestyle lane incorporating skilfully crafted intermediate jumps and jibs and a redeveloped Half Pint Park for novice riders and skiers. Snow Park NZ will also offer, for the first time, night skiing and riding which gets underway in July.

The delay is possibly due to one staff members poor sense of direction

The season opening has been postponed from its original date to ensure the park is at its peak. The small delay will allow for extra snowmaking at the weekend and improved conditions for shaping the park.

Cantona’s king of the beach

We’ve just received word that the French resort of Tignes is playing host to the ‘Beach Soccer European Championships’. “A beach? In Tignes? WTF?!” Yep, that’s exactly what we thought, but apparently the lake up there is home to the highest beach in Europe. Between 4th and 6th July the 8 qualified teams, which includes – wait for it – the UK(!) will therefore be battling it out in the mountains for this most Brazilian of competitions. Coaching the French team will be none other than Man Utd hero/Leeds Utd traitor Eric ‘The King’ Cantona, and the press release tells us to expect some “full-blooded matches” including “all the usual Cantona moves”. So that’s kung fu kicks into the crowd we presume? Followed by a press conference full of philosophical hogwash about seagulls. As the White Lines crew knows only too well, there was only ever one ‘king’ in a number 7 shirt, and that was Kenny Dalglish…

Snow Camp movie premiere

Snow Camp is a UK charity which aims to enrich the lives of disadvantaged young people in the nations capital by taking them on the trip of a lifetime snowboarding. Last season trip was an amazing success and as part of the project, a video documenting the fun and frolics was created and is now ready to see the light of day. So in scenes reminisent of the Oscars, the Ritzy in Brixton will play host to throngs of london youths as they flock to relive their snowy adventures.

TTR Timetable

The Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour has announced the provisional Star levels and dates for the 5 – 6 Star events in 2008/2009. Find all events, dates, and locations for the 5-6 Star calendar of the 08/09 season below:

BA= Big Air SS= Slopestyle HP= Halfpipe

Swatch TTR 6Star Events MEN

Nokia Air & Style, BA, 29.11.08, Olympic Stadium / Munich, GERMANY

Nissan X-Trail Jam, BA, 14.12.08, Tokyo Dome / Tokyo, JAPAN

Burton European Open, SS/BA, 09-16.01.08, Laax, SWITZERLAND

Billabong Air & Style, QP, 29.01.08, Bergisel Stadium/Innsbruck, AUSTRIA

Honda Session, SS, 05– 08.02.08, Vail, USA

Oakley Arctic Challenge, QP/SS, 17– 22.02.08, Oslo, NORWAY

Burton US Open, SS/HP, 16.-22.03.08, Stratton Mountain, USA

Swatch TTR 5Star Events MEN

Burton New Zealand Open, SS/HP, 29. 07 – 02.08.08, Snow Park, NEW ZEALAND

Burton Australian Open, SS/HP, 02– 07.09.08, Perisher Blue, AUSTRALIA

Burton Canadian Open, SS/HP, 01-07.12.08, Coda’s Olympic Park / Calgary, CANADA

Air & Style Europe, BA, 20.12.08, Tba

O’Neill Evolution, SS/QP, 05.-11.01.09, Davos, SWITZERLAND

Rock the Spot, HP, 12.-15.02.09, Bardonecchia (TO), ITALY

Crans Montana Champs, SS, 04.– 07.02.09, Crans Montana, SWITZERLAND

Nissan X-Trail Asia, HP/SS, 24.02.-02.03.09, ALTS Bandai/ Fukushima, JAPAN

World Superpipe, HP, 06– 08.03.09, Park City Mountain Resort / USA

Swatch TTR 6Star Events WOMEN

Roxy Chicken Jam Europe, SS, 13.12.08, Kaprun, AUSTRIA

Burton European Open, SS/HP, 09-16.01.09, Laax, SWITZERLAND

Honda Session, Rail, 05– 07.02.09, Vail, USA

Burton US Open, SS/HP, 16-22.03.09, Stratton Mountain, USA

Roxy Chicken Jam US, SS/HP, 28.-29.03.09, Mammoth, USA

Swatch TTR 5Star Events WOMEN

Burton New Zealand Open, SS/HP, 29.07 – 02.08.08, Snow Park, NEW ZEALAND

Burton Australian Open,SS/HP, 02– 02.09.08, Perisher Blue, AUSTRALIA

Canadian Open, SS/HP, 01.-07.12.08, Coda’s Olympic Park / Calgary, CANADA

Roxy Chicken Jam Japan, SS/HP, 21.-22.02.09, JAPAN

Nissan X-Trail Asia, SS/HP, 24.02-01.03.09, ALTS Bandai/ Fukushima, JAPAN

World Superpipe, HP, 06– 07.03.09, Park City Mountain Resort / USA

Stay tuned for further updates on the complete calendar and to find out what else will be new on the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour next season.
Not looking too far ahead, the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour will kick off down under. As always, you can expect great events and unbelievable snowboarding performances by the best riders on this planet. Keep checking http://www.ttrworldtour.com for updates from downunder.

Find a list below of events that will be part of the TTR Southern Hemisphere season:

Burton New Zealand Open, 5Star, SS/HP, 29.07 – 02.08.08, Snow Park, NEW ZEALAND

Billabong Snow Stock, 3Star, BA, 14– 17.08.08, Snow Park, NEW ZEALAND

Stylewars presented by Oakley, 4Star, SS, 25– 28.08.08, Falls Creek, AUSTRALIA

Burton Australian Open, 5Star, SS/HP, 02– 02.09.08, Perisher Blue, AUSTRALIA

Stepchild Media Online

Stepchild Snowboards are a pretty media smart company and a new fangled video player has been long overdue. Well the time has come and Stepchild have stepped up and got with the program, literally.

www.stepchildsnowboards.com/media has been born and already has some nice moving images for your viewing pleasure, but be sure to check back as over the coming season it is going to see regular updates from the guys as they venture round the globe in search of the fluffy stuff, not only that but ‘Child Support’ last years movie will soon be available, yeeehaa.

Here a little of what you can expect from the Stepchildren including JP and Simon Chamberlain hiting up the park and Stian Solberg and Shin Campos Shredding the BC backcountry. and be sure to check out our interview with Shin Campos here.

Goofy versus Regular

More Snowboarding Videos >>

BC Interior

More Snowboarding Videos >>

TSA Summer Dryslope Tour

The 2nd of June witnesses the start of The Snowboard Asylum Summer Dryslope Tour 2008.

The tour will head to 18 of the countrys best dryslopes and indoor slopes to document the talent of British grass roots snowboarding. The end result being a FREE DVD available from all Snowboard Asylum stores.

If you’re a keen dryslope rider and fancy getting yourself into the British snowboard movie of the year then come along.

A selection of brand new 08/09 demo kit will be available to test and on slope demos from some of the best Snowboarders in the UK.

We will see there

The TSA crew.

Confirmed dates for this years tour are as follows,

Mon 2nd June - Bearsden - 6pm-close
Tue 3rd June - Bellahouston - 6pm- close
Wed 4th June - Aberdeen - 6pm- close
Fri 6th June - Braehead - 7pm- 11pm

Sun 8th June - Kendall - TBC
Mon 9th June - Rossendale - 6pm- close
Tue 10th June - Halifax - 6pm- close
Wed 11th June - Sheffield - TBC
Thur 12th June - Castleford-01 - 7pm- 11pm
Fri 13th June - Castleford- 02 - 7pm- 11pm

Tue 17th June - Tamworth - 8.30pm- Midnight
Wed 18th June - Swadlincote - 6pm- close
Fri 20th June - Milton Keynes - 7pm- 11pm

Sun 22nd June - Christchurch - 5pm- close
Mon 23rd June - Plymouth - 6pm- close

Wed 25th June - Calshot - 7pm- 9.45pm
Thur 26th June - Chatham - 6pm- close

Shaun White goes digital

Step two of the three point plan to world domination states “Become a digital superstar via the medium of computer games”. Shaun White is following this plan to the letter and building on his global superstardom he looks set to step up from plain old hero to living legend.

The new Ubisoft game ‘Shaun White Snowboarding’ aims to replace the X Box classic ‘Amped’, as the snowboarding game to have. All kinds of fancy technology mean you can ride all over the place hucking yourself off everything in sight.

So it’s time to stick your board on Ebay, buy a X Box 360 and never come out of your darkened room.

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Check out more promo video’s at www.shaunwhitesnowboarding.com because they are quite good.

Qiaobo get a Burton Snowpark

In one of the most exciting strategic moves in the Chinese snowboard market to date, Burton has signed as the title sponsor of The Burton Qiaobo Mellow Park, a brand new indoor year-round terrain facility.

With the country’s top park firm, the snowboard industry’s most recognizable name and a state-of-the-art indoor snow dome, the landscape of Chinese snowboarding will be forever changed this June 14th when Qiaobo Ice and Snow World unveil their brand new Burton Mellow Park.

“The drive behind the project is to get more people on the snow riding and having fun,” comments Steve Zdarsky, Mellow CEO. “With Burton as our partner and their LTR program in effect, the new park is really going to draw the crowds. Besides, we are all just super stoked we can now ride in Beijing year-round!”

Indoor facilities are becoming more accessible in non-winter friendly environments around the world.  The park, located just outside the city center, will boast a kicker line, wallride as well as rail and box combinations.  “The park will be as sick as we can make it” explains Marco Huang, Park Designer. “The snow in Qiaobo is surprisingly good, and the management is stoked to have a new Mellow Park, so it’s going to be a fun area for all levels of riding”.

Mellow is the owner of many events including the TTR 4 Star Red Bull Nanshan Open as well as many international standard parks around the country. With nearly every single advancement in Chinese snowboarding on its long list of accomplishments, Mellow Constructions is the only partner of choice for snowboard marketing and events in China.

More Kelvin Grove shots

Here are some more shot curtosy of www.stevenmckenna.co.uk showing just how much effort went into making sure the Kelvingrove session went off. they had 6 lorry loads of snow to shift by hand, pheww good work fella’s, Also check out what Damian Doyle had to say about the day.

Damian Doyle @ Kelvin Grove

So Mr. Doyle you are having a couple of days off after a busy weekend eh? 

Yeah, thought I’d take the time to chill before I start work on the York Street Session. Last week was pretty hectic!

So it was the biggest street session yet, how long does something like that take to prepare beforehand?

Yeah, biggest yet. Different from all the others too, with it being in a park. Hull was a lot harder to setup having to get all the scaffolding side of it sorted first but this one was a dream location. The perfect spot to get speed and put in a decent rail line. It takes a couple of months to sort out actually getting the event confirmed and being able to use the park.  A lot of the events needs come together in the last few weeks, like confirming the trucks and barriers...etc… There was myself and Campbell and Marty up in Braehead sorting things out between us

Although 50 tons of snow sounds a lot I was still surprised how much coverage you managed to get. How many truck loads were there?

I thought we’d struggle to get that much of the slope but in the end I reckon we had about 70tons. We managed to get 7 truck loads over, the groomers put in the hours for that one!  I bet they did, did the warm temps help it pack down better, working on the theory that wet snow is heavier snow?  Did you have to refresh it halfway through the day?  It lasted better than expected, not sure if the temps helped, we just went with the theory that we couldn’t have too much. We made sure to put the most depth down on the landings and main wear patches and placed reserve piles next to the sides so we could top up throughout the day. As long as you don’t spread out the snow too thin it lasts well, that and shit loads of salt too.

What does the salt do for you?

I’m not sure on the actual science behind it but it helps bond the snow together and makes it almost icy. Melts it and then re-freezes it. We bought two Asda’s out of salt so I bet they wondered what was going on.

Ha ha. At Cas I remember you were famous for making sure all kickers in fact all transitions were all snow even if it took all week to make them, I notice in the photos there a wedge for the box. Obviously it’s because of minimal snow but would you now consider using them at the slope? 

Nah, I don’t think so. They work great for the outdoor stuff but we’ve got the guys who can push snow inside so should use it. That way you’re always taking off snow even when it wears down. We use em for the rookie stuff though...they work well for that, take them in and out in 10 mins and never wear down to the point that the get ons are exposed and make new riders hang up.

Was that the first snow only urban kicker in the UK using no scaffolding? 

Nah. I don’t think so? We didn’t have any scaffolding at all but I wouldn’t claim it. It was more an afterthought to put in a little back flip kicker for the crowd pleasers, we had loads of snow and Timbo (one of the shapers) suggested it.

Good old Timbo

Yeah we were stoked how well it worked and the crowd love it don’t they

There were a lot of fresh faced youngsters hitting up the rails, the Scottish scene is flying high at the minute is that all thanks to SNO!zone Braehead?

The kids were killing it. Pretty much all of those guys are from Glasgow and a few from Edinburgh. It’s maybe not all down to SNO!zone as they had the basics from the dryslope centers but I’m sure we’ve helped. It’s the only slope near that has the park nights every Thursday and Friday and it’s so good to just lap rails and get your tricks down. There are some good kids coming through there. 

Who was killing it for you this weekend?

Tough one to call! Little Marcus Deans was pretty steezy, he’s getting good. Monkey was on one as well. I love watching him ride. Then there was Jonny Russell getting tech and it was sick to see Matt Leigh getting his tricks back after his ACL op. Good to see the girls pushing it too, Clare Frost has come on so much this winter. Everyone rode well; I think the atmosphere got everyone amped.

Yeah everyone looked to be enjoying themselves evens the youths drinking cider. Maybe they will be at the slope next week? Is that the goal for events like this?

Ha ha The “Neds”!!! That’s what they call chavs up there. Wicked. Some of them were pretty entertaining to watch.  Yeah, that’s definitely the main goal, get out there and show people how good it is to snowboard and ski. If the kids/adults get stoked watching it and then come along to the slope we’ve done a good job. Get’s more people into snowsports!

Amen brother. So what’s next?

The York Street Session is up next on Sat 14th June. We’re in St Sampsons Square right in the city centre so it will be banging, such a rad location. This one’s a scaffolding set-up and two rails for the riders to session. We’ve got live DJ’s and MC Ferg from Burton fame is hosting this one.

Ah MC inside out coat superb… Anything else you want to mention

Ha ha. He’s pretty flash! I’d just like to say a big thanks to all the people behind the scenes that make these sessions happen and work hard on the day.  We’ve got all the info and dates for events on the SNO!zone website and I am sure you’ll have em up on Whitelines too!

No Doubt, cheers for your time Damian and keep up the good work.

Kelvin grove Rail session

Make your way through the west end of Glasgow in May and the last thing you expect to see in its main park is seven truck ‘ s each loaded with over ten tonnes of snow. This was the setting for the latest and most unique SNO!zone outdoor event to date!

Kelvingrove park, normally host to Glasgow’s student population and topless male sunbathers, was transformed into a three-hit slopestyle park in temperatures of 18 degrees plus. You might think that this may make a recipe for watery disaster, but with Damian Doyle’s reputation for pulling the UK’s best urban rail events out of the bag, we knew we were set for an amazing day from the word go.

Following the success of SNO!zone’s Hull Street Session, Damian has been on the look out for the next big event space leaving everyone asking him “Where will it snow this summer?”.

For the Glasgow event, an 80 metre grass slope in the heart of the park was commandeered and packed with kickers, boxes, rails and a huge log stall to encourage some of the UK’s finest riders to throw down in a 6 hour head to head jam session and competition. The big guns were out to play with newly crowned women’s Slopestyle & Big Air champion Claire Frost riding well, along with Castleford’s Jonny Russell and Analog new boy Matt Higgson. With two thirds of the 30-strong crop of riders coming from Scotland, this was a chance for established locals Pete Weir, Craig Howie and Mark Watson to once again prove their reputations as some of the steeziest rail riders the UK has to offer.

The Scottish scene has seen an explosion of talent in the past two years with the construction of SNO!zone Scotland at Xscape Braehead along with a number of Snowflex establishments up and down the country. When the opportunity arises for the riders to show off this new found talent you need look no further than Glasgow’s own Danny McCormick and Marcus Deans who have marched their way through the recent West Beach series and stamped their mark proudly as the next generation of UK’s strongest riders. Following this they were quickly picked up by both Rome Snowboards and SNO!zone to give them the support they deserve and help them develop within the scene.

The Kelvingrove Park Session did not disappoint with the pair riding a hard session and rightfully earning themselves a place in the rider judged final. Jonny Russel and Murray Buchan walked away with the top places in the Standing Sideways and SNO!zone Park Session Comp while Rome’s own Stuart “Monkey” Horsham picked up special mention for pushing himself with the most tech runs of the day! Despite the Scottish Cup final taking place at the same time, it seemed that every news crew in Scotland had left the football and descended on the park, safe in the knowledge that with its 600+ steady crowd and a host of DJ’s, beat boxers, skiers, boarders and a penguin, Kelvingrove was the place to be.

Keep and eye out for a further five urban SNO!zone Sessions at locations up and down the UK this summer!

Check out an interview with Damian Doyle about the weekend’s fun

Words By Campbell Orr
Pictures by stevenmckenna.co.uk

“Killing It” May winner

Congratulations to Ed Castle-Henry from Kings Langley in Hertfordshire, he is the proud winner of a fresh pair of Nike 6.0 sneeks after his snowboarding footage from Hemel ski slope made editors choice in our monthly heat.

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Shin Campos - Summer Holiday

Shin Campos has been at the top of this sport we love for years now with no signs of slowing down. We caught up with him in a rare free moment to find out what the future held for this Whistler legend.

Firstly how has your winter been? Where did you spend it and have you been on any memorable trips?

My winter was great basically hanging around BC in the Whistler area and quite a few trips to the interior of BC. Some secret snowmobile zones. Oh yeah I also went to Russia for a couple weeks which had real poor conditions but all good nonetheless.

Have you been filming for any movies?

I’ve really stopped filming for video segments. That being said most times I’m out shooting photos etc. there’s always a video guy with us and now with the HD phenom they can film whenever and not feel bad about using up film. Sooo actually looks like I will get some footage in a couple movies. The Sugar Shack production crew is probably going to use some stuff.

When filming and shooting does the pressure to land stuff make riding less fun?

Only time I get burnt out is when the jump or cliff is done, I mean landing wise. Also in the spring when the snow is retreating and its just slushy and crappy I’m not really into heading out there for any days of “gotta get a shot”

Without being offensive you are one of the older riders on the scene how do you keep stoked on riding? Do you ever wake up saying “not snowboarding again”

No I never wake up and go I’m done with snowboarding! I still love those early winter powder days and love the seasons too. As well there’s huge satisfaction going out on a day with your crew to get some sick photos or shots. I still love that part and I also would rather make less money doing something you love then grinding out a 40+ hour workweek.

Anyone of mature years can find aches and pains a big turn off, do you have any tips for keeping fit for riding?

Keep active for sure. Not just snowboarding but hitting up other sports as well. I spend a lot of time mountain biking which I find is a huge cross training thing. It’s almost as fun as snowboarding sometimes with lots of gnarly stuff to get into.

So now the winter is all but over what are your plans for the summer?

Mountain Biking, doing some renovation work on my house, maybe work on some TV/Movie industry stuff (I do this in the summer sometimes “gripping")
Head down to South America to guide this snowboard specific freeride tours. Its a new idea that myself and Powderquest tours came up with.

Tell us about your involvement with powder quest

We came up with this snowboard specific tour idea after I’ve been down there a couple times hanging out with them. I thought it would be a good idea to have a pro snowboard guided tour something a bit less structured and fun. We could give a bit of tips on terrain evaluation and then also maybe coaxing them a bit above their comfort zone but still keeping it safe. Then at night we’d go have some great steak and wine dinners and talk about life, travels and share stories. Keeping it high end and also maybe having a couple other surprise guests come drop in for a few days of riding too. Check out www.powderquest.com

And after the summer what plans do you have for next season and beyond, any trips or projects in the pipeline?

After summer plans are still up in the air. I have lots work to do on my house but also I plan to head for surf trip! I’m also spending a lot of time with another project company I’ve partnered up with . “Whistler Creek Productions” is a new production company aimed at more commercial shoots in the Whistler area. My partner and I want to be known as a one stop shop of enquiry. Not only can we help a prospective client find a location but we can organize budgets, manage workers, handle logistics like permits and tax issues, and produce that given job. With the Olympics coming soon there is starting to be a lot of interest and medias coming here in search of Whistler as a spot so if we can get some of this ...great!
Check out our website: www.whistlercreekproductions.com

Cheers for your time Shin and enjoy your summer in the southern Hemi.

Gnar Jam 2008

We return with another Gnar Jam on the 31st of May so get ready to party…

Three years since Gnar Chicken and Tea launched onto the UK scene with female-focused snowboard events, its founder Alexa Hohenberg and her Gnar crew are returning with a highly anticipated event at the Tamworth Snowdome on the 31st of May. “The time is right to get everyone together and celebrate not only how far British female snowboarding has come, but also the many friends that made along the way”.

The Gnar Jam returns on the 31st of May with four great new sponsors: Oakley, Vans, Avalaan and Snowboard Club UK.

“We are very proud to have these great brands on board. Their support is vital to giving you guys a great night and some great prizes. Like past events you can win great product for categories such as ‘most stylish’, ‘most creative use of slope’, and your usual suspects of ‘best jibbers’, both male and female. We want to push the boat out with this event welcoming the ideas of our sponsors, community and the crews we ride with. Definitely expect something different on the night… that includes music, art, riders from the movie “SnowBalls” and some damn good partying!”

For more information about Gnar Chicken and Tea please see the website www.gnarchickenandtea.co.uk

Superpark 2008

Superpark has been hosting some of the best riders in the world, and it’s no wonder when you see the size of these kickers, who would’nt want to risk near certain death just for the thrill of it.. er...yeah.

The Jeff Height Mammoth Superedit

Evan’s elph edit

The Chris (brother of Pat) Moore edit

Maverix summer camps Blog on Whitelines

This Summer see’s the Maverix inaugural summer camp and just to rub our noses in it and make sure we know exactly what were missing they are going to be regularly updating a blog on whitelines with diaries, photos and video.

We caught up with James Streater the brains behind the outfit to find out more about the camp.

Hi bud how are things going, busy I guess

Not too bad. The mad rush is almost over

Yeah then you can get to enjoying yourself

Exactly, I cannot wait

You are doing three weeks of camps is that right? When are they?

Starting 21st June, and ending on 12th July.

Where are you going be staying and how many guests are you having each week?

Well we have partnered with Titan Lodge, who have a sweet chalet in town. Camp numbers are not massive due to it being the first year. We are currently splitting about 20 people over the 3 weeks, with a few more bookings to be confirmed.

Guess that makes for better instruction. More one on one time

exactly Super high focus on service and strength of coaching. All the coaches have actual qualifications and experience in teaching freestyle. They can throw down and break down the tricks for the guests.

And what level riders are you expecting

Generally a more mature crew. Ages range from 16-32 with most hitting the low twenties.

So as much emphasis on early starts and riding a full day as there is on getting drunk.. What time can you ride until?

Yeah. Their ability level is primed for success, as most have not done too much freestyle. Generally dome driven. I guess with summer riding, it is more focused on achieving results, otherwise you might as well head to Ibiza. You will be able to ride till 1.30-2.00pm each day.

For people who have not been to Les2alps what can they expect from the park set up?

Obviously you have the largest shreddable glacier in Europe. You have great pistes to develop freestyle moves, so people do not just have to lap the park. The park is one of the best in Europe with options for the beginner to the seasoned pro, and the layout works to keep a safe split between those ability levels so people do not feel pressured.

It’s true the glacier is MASSIVE!

So on a board there is more manmade and natural terrain than anywhere else . What about off your board, what’s there to do in the afternoon then?

There are something like 70 plus other great things to do. Obviously the luge and devil karts are some of the favours. We hope to organise some little trips off for some white water rafting etc to broaden to holiday experience. I think we will also be spending some time by the pool. Plus I should have a personal sports massage guy over to make sure that those oldies get the attention they deserve to keep them riding all week. That’s our week 1 and 2 bonus for people. We will see how it goes and expand if it is popular.

One of the many off snow activites.

I guess the next question is the cost

Very competitive compared to other camps. £499 for half board, board test, 5 days of coaching, goodie bag etc.

And what are the options for travel. Is it driveable? If flying where is the best place to fly to?

People can drive, it is approx 10 hours from Calais. You can fly to Grenoble or Lyon. Transfers all lead to Grenoble station and a coach can be picked up there, or we can organise transfers through our chalet for guests if they want it.

Is there anything else you wanted to mention?

If things go well this season, then we may expand into the Spanish market and start to organise a ski off shoot as I have some great coaches crying out to start that area.

World domination is the plan then?

Yep. But still keeping numbers low for each off shoot.I do not want a camp with tons of people. It Loses the vibe somewhat.
It sounds cool James we look forward to your blog which much excitement. Now back to packing your bag.

Check out the Blog here. and to find out more about the camp go to www.maverix.org

www.scottmcmorris.com

One of th UK’s best snowboarders has finally got with the noughties and built himself a website (or rather his bro has). On it you can check out all his video sections, press coverage and keep up with his daily dealings via the medium of blog. All sounds a bit good eh? Be sure to make his brothers hard work justified and check it out. www.scottmcmorris.com

TSA Summer Tour 2008

The 2nd of June will witness the start of The Snowboard Asylum Summer Dryslope Tour 2008.

The tour will head to 18 of the country’s best dryslopes and indoor slopes to document the talent of British grass roots snowboarding. The end result being a FREE DVD available from all Snowboard Asylum stores.

If you’re a keen dryslope rider and fancy getting yourself into the British snowboard movie of the year then come along. A selection of brand new 08/09 demo kit will be available to test and on slope demos from some of the best snowboarders in the UK.

Confirmed dates for this years tour are as follows,

Mon 2nd June - Bearsden - 6pm-close
Tue 3rd June - Bellahouston - 6pm- close
Wed 4th June - Aberdeen - 6pm- close
Fri 6th June - Braehead - 7pm- 11pm

Sun 8th June - Kendall - TBC
Mon 9th June - Rossendale - 6pm- close
Tue 10th June - Halifax - 6pm- close
Wed 11th June - Sheffield - TBC
Thur 12th June - Castleford-01 - 7pm- 11pm
Fri 13th June - Castleford- 02 - 7pm- 11pm

Tue 17th June - Tamworth - 8.30pm- Midnight
Wed 18th June - Swadlincote - 6pm- close
Fri 20th June - Milton Keynes - 7pm- 11pm

Sun 22nd June - Christchurch - 5pm- close
Mon 23rd June - Plymouth - 6pm- close

Wed 25th June - Calshot - 7pm- 9.45pm
Thur 26th June - Chatham - 6pm- close

Queenstown gets a dusting

With impeccable timing, mother nature blanketed Queenstown ski areas Coronet Peak and The Remarkables with heaps of new snow over the past 24 hours. Just two weeks out from opening day on 7 June, this snow dump marks a great start to the region’s winter season, said Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie. “We’ve received 40cm of snow over the past 24 hours and it’s still snowing lightly. We’re all getting pretty excited about opening day and the big reveal of our fantastic new base building and deck,” he said.

Snowmaking at Coronet Peak is scheduled to start next week, following commissioning of the new system.Across the valley, The Remarkables has received 20cm of snow in the past two days. Ross Lawrence, Ski Area Manager at The Remarkables, said it’s a promising sign. “We’ve had a lovely thick blanket of snow, not just a stormy dusting. Winter is sending the right signals; it’s definitely on the way,” said Mr Lawrence. Coronet Peak is scheduled to open on 7 June, The Remarkables on 21 June and Mt Hutt on 14 June.

JP Walker Interview

More snowboarding videos on SnowboarderMag.com

Biggest and best Snow-Camp to date!

Youth charity Snow-Camp have returned from their latest adventure in the French Alps, having taken 120 disadvantaged young people and staff from across London on the experience of a lifetime. The 2008 trip was the biggest Snow-Camp to date, with youth projects from across the capital benefiting from Snow-Camp’s unique blend of skiing, snowboarding and life-skills sessions, focussing on key issues for young people.

Snow-Camp Director, Dan Charlish, said: ‘We are really encouraged by the continued success and growth of the project, and the positive impact it has on young people. It is always rewarding to see the positive changes in young people through the experience of a completely different environment and through overcoming the challenges of learning to ski and snowboard. The life-skills sessions were full of stories of young people finding new strength and courage within themselves, developing new skills and growing in confidence and self esteem. It makes it all worthwhile.’

Snow-Camp 2008 had the same focus of taking young people from urban estate environments to the fantastic scenery of the Alps, teaching them to ski or snowboard and working intensively with them through the life-skills course. Taking young people from across the capital also enables Snow-Camp to challenge gang culture, as young people from different areas of London realise their many similarities and learn to work together over the week.

The young people who attended this year are now looking forward to getting back together for the Snow-Camp movie premiere in July, when the film of the week will be shown at Brixton’s Ritzy cinema. ‘It’s a fantastic evening,’ says Dan Charlish, ‘not only for the young people, who get to see themselves in action on the big screen, but also for all the staff, volunteers, supporters, companies and funders who help make the project happen.’

The charity has also recently launched its sister project, Snow-Camp London, using dry ski slopes and snow domes as a basis for summer programmes supporting young people. Associate Director Liv Cheasty said: ‘We are excited about the potential of the new Snow-Camp London project. We can now run programmes all year round, reaching many more inner-city young people. The first pilot courses were a great success, enabling 90 young people to learn to ski, complete the life-skills courses, and have a fantastic experience – so we have big plans to expand the project this summer!’ More support still needed!

Snow-Camp is now looking for more support to develop the project. To get involved or to make a donation please contact Dan Charlish on 07930 695384. For general information, photos and to watch the most recent Snow-Camp movie, check out their website at www.snow-camp.co.uk

The Oakley Design Brief competition

The Oakley Design Brief presented by Daydream Network is a unique opportunity for the UK’s top young designers and artists to customise an exclusive Limited Edition pair of Oakley sunglasses.
www.oakleydesignbrief.co.uk

Launching on May 19th 2008, The Oakley Design Brief presents artists with a unique and challenging canvas. Over a 2-month period entrants can download the design template from www.oakleydesignbrief.co.uk and submit their treatments directly to Oakley, to be judged by a panel of experts. The most outstanding design will have the distinction of being produced as the UK’s limited edition Artist Series and join the elite global line up including Art Chantry, Todd Francis, The London Police, Frank Kozik and Naomi South.

A final exhibition will be organised with Daydream Network to showcase the exceptional artwork submitted and announce the winning UK artist series design.

In 2007 Oakley built on their legacy of ground breaking product design by introducing their first artist designed sunglass; a collaboration with Seattle based Art Chantry, infamous for his artwork in the early 90’s grunge music and cultural scene. Since then Oakley has worked with select graphic artists and designers to create the Oakley Artist Series. The collection has been an opportunity to work creatively with artists that share the brand’s own design philosophies of innovation, invention, style and performance without limitations or concern for controversy. 

For information on the Oakley Design Brief, the current Oakley Artist Series and to enter the project please visit www.oakleydesignbrief.co.uk

The BIG spring clean

It’s always a sad sight when the snow has melted to see all the rubbish that people have left behind on the mountain, so the Ski Club has decided to take action and is launching the Big Spring Clean in Scotland as part of its Respect the Mounatin campaign…

The Big Spring CleanHelp the Ski Club clean up
We’re asking mountain users in Scotland to come and lend a hand on Sunday 01 June by picking up litter dropped during the ski season. The event takes place at either Cairngorm Mountain or the Nevis Range and you’ll get free tea and cake.

It’s a fact that one cigarette butt pollutes upwards of one cubic metre of water, a coke can takes over 200 years to decompose and even orange peel will not disappear in less than a year.

All these items, and many more, are found on ski slopes across the world. The ‘Big Spring Clean’ is the next step in the Ski Club’s Respect the Mountain campaign and an opportunity for people to have a fun day out in the mountains whilst contributing to the well-being of the land by picking up as much litter as possible.

Raising awareness
The event, as well as helping the sustainability of the mountains and the wildlife, aims to raise awareness about responsible tourism and send a message to skiers, hillwalkers and all mountain users about the seriousness of dropping litter. Similar projects run in the French Alps have seen shocking results with twenty tons of rubbish being picked up by volunteers in forty-one resorts in 2007.

Caroline Stuart Taylor, Chief Executive of the Ski Club explained the reason behind event: “Since the launch of our Respect the Mountain campaign in 2004 the Ski Club has been proactive in educating and raising awareness about what people can do to try and safeguard mountain environments. The ‘Big Spring Clean’ will help to raise awareness in our own country, promoting sustainability in the Scottish resorts and encourage mountain users to do their bit to help preserve their mountains.”

THE DETAILS
The ‘Big Spring Clean’ is taking place at Nevis Range and Cairngorm Mountain on Sunday 01 June between 11am-4pm. Meeting points are at the bottom of the gondola at Nevis Range and the Ranger Base, Coire Cas at Cairngorm. Volunteers will be given bin bags, gloves and litter pickers at the meeting points. There will also be a prize for the person picking up the most litter plus free tea and cake for all volunteers.

Whitelines Buyers Guide

****BUYERS GUIDE OUT MID OCTOBER****

Last week saw the biggest and he best (sunniest) board test ever, Kaunertal was the host once again and the Whitelines machine rolled into town, determined to test, photograph and video more product than ever before. News of the test and the range of product available for testing had got around and the world and his bananna where trying to make it to Kaunertal for a shred and some pork.

Kaunertal was chosen for the test for a second year running for precisely two reasons, An epic park and the best snow conditions this side of alaska.

With more than a trillion peices of hardware to photograph over four days there was a lot of work to be done and photographers Russ Shea and James North played a blinder keeping there lenses in focus even when there eyes were’nt

More Bindings!!!

New to this years workload, some bright spark had the idea of creating video reviews for some of the choice products coming to our shores in 08/09. We managed to knock out 100+ so keep you eyes trained on your favorite retailer website for inside info from the reps and riders.

****BUYERS GUIDE OUT MID OCTOBER****

Park Session - Kelvin Grove

This month sees the first of the SNO!zone park session at kelvin Grove Glasgow, with 50 tons of snow and 3 rails it’s gonna be bangin, we will let SNO!zone honcho Damian Doyle tell you all about it.

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Burton Global Open Series 08/09

The Burton Global Open Series announced dates for its 2008/2009 international snowboard competition series, which will kick off in New Zealand this summer. Below are final dates and locations for all 2008/2009 Burton Global Open Series competitions.

Burton New Zealand Open July 29 – August 2, 2008 Snow Park, New Zealand

Burton Australian Open Sept 2 – 6, 2008 Perisher Blue, Australia

Burton Canadian Open December 1 – 7, 2008 CODA’s Canada Olympic Park

Burton European Open January 9 – 16, 2009 Laax, Switzerland

Nissan X-Trail Nippon Open February 24 – March 1, 2009 ALTS Bandai, Japan

Burton US Open March 16 – 22, 2009 Stratton Mountain, USA

The all new BGOS website is launching this week and will include new features such as rider profile pages featuring rider snapshots, bios, current BGOS standings and event results per rider. Riders can now register for both the New Zealand Open and Australian Open, visit www.opensnowboarding.com to check out the new site and for more information about both of these events.

West Coast Invitational

A $10 000 prize purse awaited the winner of the West Coast Invitatinal the last event of the season at Mammoth mountain. Future snowboards were there to document the bangers, cheers fella’s.

More Snowboarding Videos >>

Southern Hemisphere TTR

The Swatch TTR Event applications are over and we are looking forward a new season of amazing snowboarding performances – with an incredible prize money of over $2.500.000 USD up for grabs at events worldwide over a 10-months period.

The Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour kicks off downunder where it has been growing steadily since the start of the Tour with some hugely successful events and unexpected record-breaking moments. Who knew that Australia even had mountains!

With the season’s first snow already on the ground it is setting up to be the best southern hemisphere tour to date. 2008 will see the introduction of two new events to the already solid southern hemisphere event line up. The Boost Mobile Sno Sho at Perisher Blue, Australia and the Billabong Snow Stock in Snowpark, New Zealand, have applied to be a part of the Swatch TTR Tour and, if accepted, will join the Burton New Zealand Open (5Star in 07/08), Oakley Stylewars (3Star in 07/08) and the Burton Australian Open (4Star in 07/08) bringing with it more prize money and more event possibilities for international riders travelling downunder.

The Southern Hemisphere Tour starts in New Zealand with the BNZO. Held on Snowboarding’s holy ground, Snowpark, The Burton New Zealand Open has a long history and the park builders from Snowpark never disappoint. With one of the world’s best halfpipes, a perfect slopestyle set up and a massive quarter pipe the BNZO is always a must for transition riders. As the first stop on the Burton Global Open Series (BGOS) the NZO is a must for all riders wanting to start the northern hemisphere tour with practice and TTR points under their belts.

Following the NZO, the Tour stays in Snowpark, New Zealand to prepare for the Billabong Snowstock. This new event on the Tour features a Straight Jump and Quarterpipe competition and offers a prize purse of $ 10 000 USD. From New Zealand the Tour crosses the Tasman Ocean to Falls Creek, Victoria Australia for the Oakley Stylewars. This event launched the newly designed TTR World Tour in 2005 and has a long history for pushing the boundaries of slopestyle and rider endurance. The only event on the Swatch TTR World Tour the Oakley Stylewars is an invitational 3-day Slopestyle jam session with a music festival running within it. The riders battle it out in a park set up that brings fear to the biggest names in snowboarding and at night the event rolls on with beats and beers till the early hours only to get up early and do it all again. After 3 Slopestyle competition days, 1 night rail event, 7 judged sessions and 4 nights of music the end result goes to the top scoring rider: the Stylewars Grand Master.

The evening after Stylewars grinds to a halt the Boost Sno Sho takes off with a one night, under lights, big air and rail showdown. The Boost Sno Sho is held at Perisher Blue in NSW and boasts the World’s Longest Rail event. Not to be laughed at, the current Guinness Book Of Records longest rail record holder is Ryan Thorley with a distance of 54.15m on the 80m rail set in qualifying at the event in 2007.
The Southern Hemisphere Tour finishes with the Burton Australian Open also held at Perisher Blue, NSW. The event has a long-standing history that never disappoints. Run over 5 days the BAO consists of Slopestyle and Halfpipe categories and fits in with the Burton Global Open Series history and style. Consistently boasting the biggest names in snowboarding attending the event is a great way to complete the southern tour.

Get ready for an exciting start into the new Swatch TTR Tour season which again will be filled with the biggest names of snowboarding. On the list of already confirmed riders are Torstein Horgmo (NOR), Jonas Karlsson (SWE), Sani Alibabic (AUT), Robbie Walker (AUS), Jacob Koia (NZE), Chas Guldemond (USA), Quentin Robbins (NZE) and many more, all trying to get a good head start for the Northern Hemisphere season. Stay tuned on http://www.ttrworldtour.com for news, videos and blogs from Oceania.

TOUR DATES
New Zealand
Burton New Zealand Open
Snowpark New Zealand
July 29 - August 2
HP, SS, QP

Billabong Snowstock
SnowPark New Zealand
August 8 – August 18
SS, QP

Australia
Oakley Stylewars
Falls Creek, Victoria
24 – 28 August
SS, Night rail

Boost Sno Sho
Perisher Blue, NSW
28 – 29 August
(All Stylewars riders get wildcards straight to the Boost Sno Sho finals)
SS, Rail Jam, BA

Burton Australian Open
Perisher Blue, NSW, Australia
2 – 6 September
HP, SS

The Board Test 2008

Here is a speedy glimpse at what your missing.

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Stash Downunder

Earthworks completed for The Stash at The Remarkables

Queenstown, New Zealand - All major earthworks are now completed on The Stash at The Remarkables, and work has begun on creating the features, including this trapezoid feature (pictured), unique to the kilometre long run.

A Jake Burton signature run, The Stash at The Remarkables is designed to provide riders with a big mountain terrain park that follows the natural lines of the mountain. Features include rock-wall rides, log jibs, cliff drops, a stone hut and other obstacles hidden away.

The Remarkables Manager Ross Lawrence said it was a time consuming process creating the features, particularly the wooden features that needed to be carefully crafted, and finally sanded and coated with polyurethane to enhance slickness and enjoyment for all freestyle riders and skiers.

Scheduled to open for the 2008 winter season, The Stash at The Remarkables is only the third run of its kind worldwide and the first in the Southern Hemisphere.

http://www.nzski.com

Red Bull Home Run video

Friday 5th April saw the first ever Red Bull Home Run tear up Laax, Switzerland at the British Freeski & Snowboard Champs. 201 skiers and snowboarders lined up for a Le Mans start at the top of the mountain, each determined to win the ridiculous en masse Chinese downhill race, one of the most anticipated events at the Brits!

On the starter’s pistol the carnage began, with racers fighting to get their gear on, and away down the hill.  It was the skiers who got away quickly, leaving the snowboarders close behind. Just 2200m, 5km of graded black/red slope, 1200m of vertical descent and a few minutes later, the winners in four categories emerged victorious

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Gnar Wars by Mike benson

Mike Benson has got skills and a serious love of Star Wars.

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Kingvale terrain park

Kingvale is the first rider owned, park mountain in the world. Located in the Sierra Nevada 11 miles west of Truckee, Kingvale offers an intimate atmosphere for riders to push their progression.
We first heard about this little spot at the begining of the season but unfortunately the website was not yet up and running. anywho today the website was checked out, and for lovers of the indoor scene this little piece of jib heaven looks the business.

If only we could shred the day away in the blazin sun for 11 notes.

with tickets cost £11 a day and a limited number of season passes are available for and season passes for 65 squidlies how much do you want to live in Cali?

www.kingvaleterrainproject.com

Shaun White in Munich

It seems Munich was more fun than the Snickers Classic.

Burton Design comp ends

The Freeride Design Contest is over and exceeded all expectations with 3298 submitted board-designs from participants of 47 different countries. More than 11.000 people voted online for their favourite designs during 3 heats from December – February. In the finals 25 designs got judged by an expert jury consisting of Burton team riders Marko Grilc and Gigi Rüf, Burton Board-Design Product Manager Brendan Murphey, Onboard Chief Editor Danny Burrows, Ludschi (Art Director of the Pirates), Tobias Allanson from Modart and Takanori Takeshita from European Marketing Center, Suzuki International Europe.

Among the 25 finalists, one design really stood out. Brendan Murphey (Board Design Product Manager at Burton), has this to say: “I love the black&white style and depth to the art. Basically it’s quite dynamic while being simple at the same time and this is what I really like. I am curious to the meaning behind the design, seems there is a sun/moon and heaven/hell/religion type of message here. What is this meaning? This is intriguing.”

Who is the person behind the winning design? Marina Kadysheva, a 22 years old Russian girl from Moscow, who is studying in Paris. Design is her hobby she does together with friends in Moscow, they call themselves “Bananas The Crew”. On Saturday, April 12th, the official prize-giving took place in the heart of Paris and Marina is now the proud owner of a Burton Series 13™ snowboard and a Suzuki Grand Vitara “Freeride” Edition in her very own design. Marina said, “As I’m not a professional designer, winning this competition gives me belief in the stuff I do. Maybe I should focus more on it in my free-time! It’s hard to describe my feelings, but I guess it feels way better than winning a lottery! I’m actually speechless!” Not bad having a car with a matching board on the roof-rack!

The Board Test 2008

This year the biggest board test in the world is again coming from Kaunertal, Austria, and once again Industry stalwart Ian Sansom is at the Helm.

If your not going, why not? If you want to go check out the site thesnowboardtest.com

Oh and by the way the WhiteLines Product Guide is Edited by none other Mr Sansom, so if you want the most comprehensive guide to new kit around,look out for the 08/09 edition out soon.

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SNO!zone summer schedule

Now the winter season is coming to a close the guys and gals at SNO!zone want to make sure we still get our fix of snow fun and apres ski. So out of the kindness of their hearts they have arranged an awesome shedule of events happening at all three Xcape sites across the country.

Milton Keynes

April

Thursday & Fridays –SNO!park freestyle nights

May

Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
Saturday 17th May – SNO!zone presents the ATV Spring session- massive park setup- European guest riders-prize giveaways
Saturday 24th May – NSPCC Charity event/slope & live music
Thursday 29th May- Launch of Girls SNO!academy

June

Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
7th/8th –Graham beck event
13th – SNO!storm- Ride freestyle-live music-live music & great park on the slope, after party in the SNO!bar!
20th – Pink sessions in association with TSA – slope event & after party.
26th June – Girls SNO!academy
28th June – MK street session-rail Jam/Oxford- Broad street

July

Thursday & Fridays- SNO!park freestyle nights
Saturday 5th July – Parkstrife with the Airbag
Saturday 19th July – LiveZone with bbc Introducing…. Full day concert to raise money for charity
Sunday 13th July – MK Skier Cross
Thursday 31st July- Girls SNO!academy/normal academy

August

Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
Saturday 2nd July – Parkstrife-freestyle park & DJ chico live on the slope with after party
9th/10th – SNO!zone’s summer Daze- two day freestyle park & live music festival.
23rd August- FBBB Event-Jam session/mini trick comp park setup & live music on the slope, with after party in the SNO!bar
28th August- Girls SNO!academy/normal academy

September

Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
Friday 5th September – SNO!storm – Ride freestyle – live music & great park on the slope, after party in the SNO!bar!
21st September – MK Skier Cross
27th- Live music event- Brits slope event
28th September – Girls SNO!academy/normal academy

October

4th/5th – Ski & Snowboard show

Braehead

April

Thursday & Fridays- SNO!park freestyle nights

May

Thursday & Fridays- SNO!park freestyle nights
2nd May- SNO!storm- Ride freestyle-Live music - – live music & great park on the slope, after party in the bar!
Friday 9th- Airbag
10th/11th – Graham Beck
24th May – Glasgow park session – Celvin Grove

June

Thursday & Fridays- SNO!park freestyle nights
15th – Skier Cross
21st – FBBB –jam session/mini trick comp park setup & live music on the slope, with after party in the bar!
27TH – Airbag

July

Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
Friday 25th – Airbag & freestyle nights
Saturday 26th – Live music event-park setup

August

Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
Friday 1st – SNO!storm - Ride freestyle-Live music - – live music & great park on the slope, after party in the bar!
17th – Skier Cross
23rd/24th – SNO!zone summer Daze - two day freestyle park & live music festival
29th – Airbag session

September
Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
26th –Airbag & freestyle
27th – Live music event

October
Thursday & Fridays – SNO!park freestyle nights
4th – Brits event & afterparty

Castleford

April

Thursday & Fridays – CAS Vegas freestyle nights
18th – Airbag

May

Thursday & Fridays – CAS Vegas freestyle nights
9th – Girls SNO!academy
17th – NSPCC Event –slope & music/ charity event
25th Skier Cross

June

Thursday & Fridays – CAS Vegas freestyle nights
6h – Airbag

July

4th- SNO!storm - Ride freestyle-Live music - live music & great park on the slope, after party in the bar!
11th – Airbag
12th July- Live music event- Park setup

August

Thursday & Fridays – CAS Vegas freestyle nights
9th/10th – Graham beck event
15th – Airbag
16th/17th – SNO!zone’s summer Daze- two day freestyle park & live music festival

September

Thursday & Fridays – CAS Vegas freestyle nights
5th – Airbag
13th – FBBB - FBBB –jam session/mini trick comp park setup & live music on the slope, with after party in the bar!
20th – Brits slope style event
27th – Live music event

October

Thursday & Fridays – CAS Vegas freestyle park
3rd – SNO!storm - Ride freestyle-Live music - live music & great park on the slope, after party in the bar!

08/09 Teasers now showing

The 07/08 is still throwing fresh snow on the ground around the world but anyone who films snowboarding for a living has been holed up for months editing together the fruits of their labour’s. Do them a favour and check out the teasers.

Grenade games 2008

A way out west there is a group of Radical Dudes, people called them the Grenade Crew.  About every time this year, usually around the end of April they get together and have a little Shindig called the “Grenade Games”.  Reckon it’s been about three years going on four they’ve been doing this.  Usually moving place to place, this year I heard they’re bringing her back to her birthplace at June Mountain, California.

The Grenade games went down last weekend and here are the pictures to prove it.

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Danny Kass

Chas G

Louie Vito

Lucas Magoon

Cheers to Waxroomproductions for the video and snowrev.com for the images.

Rossendale gets proggresive

This July Ski Rossendale will be hosting an exciting range of events as part of ‘Adrenaline Live!’ - the launch event for the Pennine Lancashire Adrenaline Gateway. This long term projects aims to put Pennine Lancashire on the map as THE place for a whole host of adrenaline fuelled activities. From Dry Skiing/Snowboarding to Trails Biking, from Mountain Biking to Water Skiing. Already the project is delivering a great range of technical Mountain Bike Trails in Lee Quarry, Bacup and over time could lead to the complete redevelopment of venues like Ski Rossendale. The project will also develop a top class calendar of events to promote facilities and inspire participation. ‘Adrenaline Live!’ is the first of these. Held over the weekend of 12-13 July and all FREE to spectators.

The quarry is not just for bikes

On Saturday afternoon Ski Rossendalewill host an invitational skiing and boarding event, being an invatatonal you will be able to come and admire the skills from some of the countries top talent.

Any one has been to Rossendale slope recently will be well aware of the monster Quarter Pipe they have had built, well rumour has it there will be an epic wallride constructed to keep it company and not only that but the famous Rossi kicker is gonna be spiced up with rails on the landing!!

With equipment demos from Head, Salomon, Smith and WestBeach and a live music stage in the carpark there is a whole lot going on, although the most proggressive dryslope setup in the country should really be enough for you.

Col Mytton, Rossendale regular

Check out the other events going on at www.penineevents.co.uk

Nevis Range flying high

The Scottish season may be drawing to a close, but the Summit Park at Nevis Range is in fantastic condition.  It may not of had as big a kicker as the Onboard shoot at Cairngorm, but with two parks as good as that, this late in the season, we’re spoiled for choice!

The final leg of the Snowsport Scotland HIghlander Series happened on Sunda