Backcountry Perfection

‘Perfect Jump’ makes this list because it was a marriage between the most progressive powder booter yet seen and the most progressive snowboard team ever assembled

If you grew up riding in the late 90s, chances are you will have fond memories of the Forum movies The Resistance and True Life, which featured the original ‘Forum 8’ – a team of the world’s best freestyle riders hand-picked by the brand’s founder Peter Line. There was Devun Walsh’s legendary part in The Resistance, filmed in just six days, or Jeremy Jones’ corked spins over giant cornices. Much of the footage seemed to be filmed in Whistler’s powder-laden backcountry, and it was here that the crew showcased perhaps the most impressive kicker-spot yet discovered – the so-called ‘Perfect Jump.’

“I didn’t christen it myself,” reveals Devun Walsh. “I believe it was Kale Stephens, Trevor Andrew and maybe Chris Brown. They found that spot while filming for one of the early Mack Dawg films. We saw the footage and could not believe it! I went nuts and couldn’t wait to hit it myself. Well, let me tell you, when I first arrived there it wasn’t what I had pictured. I had in mind this absolutely perfect run-in with a beautiful kicker, lots of air, the smoothest knuckle and the longest, sweetest landing. Ahhhh! So good! Well, almost every aspect of it is true, except for the near vertical run-in and the giant dip just before the take-off, which has caused some serious bails in the past. I’ve built it a few times (it takes a good half day) and it is really important to try and keep the G-force of the compression to a minimum in order to be able to do tricks with control. This means you have to make it a little less poppy, but it tosses you so good anyways it still works great. It’s one of the best hands-down floater jumps I’ve ever hit. ”

‘Perfect Jump’ makes this list because it was a marriage between the most progressive powder booter yet seen and the most progressive snowboard team ever assembled. Footage of various Forum riders hitting the giant kicker can be seen in several Mack Dawg films, though perhaps the stand-out trick over it was thrown by Chris Dufficy, who opens his come-back section in True Life with an absolutely giant cab 9 (made even more memorable by the Souls of Mischief soundtrack).

“It is located in an area which is now closed off to sledding so it is really difficult – not to mention illegal – to hit,” says Walsh. “You will see less and less of it because of this. For those few who risk it.. it is totally worth it!”