Thursday, December 31, 2009
Alpine Powder Powder Day
-Brendon Drury
Alpine Pow Day from Brendon Drury on Vimeo.
www.endeavorsnowboards.com
www.porterstahoe.com
www.smithoptics.com
www.volcom.com
www.skialpine.com
Wow that looks really fun, i'm getting my ticket home today! lets board
treeslides into pow landings rule.
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Riding Powder in Squaw's trees
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
West Shore Hike
West Shore Hike from Brendon Drury on Vimeo.
www.endeavorsnowboards.com
www.porterstahoe.com
www.smithoptics.com
www.volcom.com
Sirus is on top of the world!
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Two Days Before Christmas
The boys had a fun session of slashes & hip transfers. That little gulley offers so much in just a small space. After everyone had thier taste of slashes, we proceeded to pay homage to Kidwell & built up the Quarterpipe for a great session. To be honest, no bangers or covers were made here....just a good time and lots of high fives. The session got even heavier as John Foy, Jason Tackit, Dan Pitbladdo, & Chas Guldemond all shared the gulley and got some as well. the trick of the day seemed to be the backflip as everyone layed one out. find your own roadside distraction & lay one out this holiday season!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Freeride World Tour Video Interview
Labels: Elyse Saugstad, Freeride World Tour, Freeride World Tour in Squaw Valley, FWT, Salomon Freeski
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Chiller!!!!
Chiller USA Maple Ski Ridge Promo Shoot from Steven Chiller on Vimeo.
Labels: Chiller USA Maple Ski Ridge Promo Shoot, New York, Vinatge Burton snowboards
ha. I grew up going to Maple ridge. My cousin takes ski lessons there now.
the actually had a pipe in the early 90's, (just a ditch with no snowmaking or grooming, but at the time it was awesome)
Links to this post:
West Shore Hike
-Brendon Drury
www.endeavorsnowboards.com
www.porterstahoe.com
www.smithoptics.com
www.volcom.com
Hot Laps at Squaw-Head Camin
Hot Laps Head Cam from Brendon Drury on Vimeo.
www.endeavorsnowboards.com
www.porterstahoe.com
www.smithoptics.com
www.volcom.com
Saturday, December 26, 2009
12 jibs of christmas
Christmas is my favorite time of year, but not for the reasons you might think. The gifts, the Christmas spirit, and the eggnog are sweet, but to me it is all about the jibbing. This year in particular is epic. The mid December storms left us with the perfect amount of base. Not too much, to bury the features, and just enough to protect our boards from death by coreshot. For a snowboarder there are more small jumps, bumps, and lumps than I’ve ever seen. Gullies have appeared in places where there were none before, and boulderfields covered just enough to allow passage, are reminiscent of skateparks.
So yesterday after my girlfriend and I opened our presents I headed out to get in some all-time jibbing at Squaw Valley. Here is a little helmet cam from skateboarder alley.
holy smokes that run looks fun!
This post has been removed by the author.
This post has been removed by the author.
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12 jibs of christmas
Friday, December 25, 2009
Alaska in December?
Alaska In December. from UnofficialSquaw on Vimeo.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
There's still Pow out there
Labels: Dalbello skiboots, Elan Skis, Jeremy Benson, Lake Tahoe Backcountry, Powder Skiing
Nicky B's Tuesday Good Time
Labels: Dany Huberman, Full Tilt boots, Go Pro HD, Line Sir Francis Bacons, Nick Baron, Orage
Nicky B's Tuesday Good Time
Labels: Full Tilt boots, GoPro HD, Line Sir Francis Bacons, Nick Baron, Orage
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Holy Mavericks there Skindog!!
Our NorCal Volcom sales rep is the infamous "big wave" surfer from Santa Cruz named Kenny "Skindog" Collins. Skinny (as he used to be called as a Santa Cruz grom) won the prestigious Billabong XXL Big Wave award in 2007 and often does both paddle in and tow in surfing up the coast a bit at nearby Half Moon Bay's "Mavericks".
Well Skinny sent us these pics the other day, and we couldn't help but pass them on
"Big Wave Skiing"
Labels: Big wave skiing, Cody Townsend, Porters Ski Team
I would like to try ski kiting on the water. Looks like a fun trip.
Nice I've been waiting for this edit to drop, thats pretty sweet!
SSSIiiIICCCKkkkK!!!
thats a sweet idea looks like a lot of fun....i wonder what the surfer kids are going to think about this...
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wonderful Day at Squaw
Unofficial Daily - December 22, 2009 from UnofficialSquaw on Vimeo.
That last line was so sick. Nice content fellas!!
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Off the hook
Labels: Alpine Meadows, Columbia Sportswear, Dalbello skiboots, Elan Skis, go pro helmet camera, Jeremy Benson
Shook up in Reno
Tahoe Dangerzone Season 2 Episode 5 "Sk8park"
Season 2 Episode 5 - "Sk8park" from Nick Visconti on Vimeo.
Labels: Brendon drury, Johnny Lazz, Nick Visconti, Tahoe Danger Zone
Monday, December 21, 2009
C2 Squaw Valley with Miles
Timmy Dutton skiing CII from UnofficialSquaw on Vimeo.
Sick line Timy!
Timy...you seem to find the most interesting lines...cant wait to see you shred when its not low tide
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2009/2010 Winter Dew Tour slopestyle FINALS
The Breckenridge Dew Tour is officially over and its definitely a new season with a new level of riding. Finals for snowboarding started off with the woman, it was a pretty slow battle and I'm pretty sure that every girl fell in finals but I saw some good stuff go down in practice especially Janna Mayens cab 7's off the toes but south lake tahoe local Jamie Anderson took 1st doing a backside 180 into a switch back 5 to a front 3. On the other side of the table were the guys landing everything possible on a snowboard, a few stand out runs that I saw were Torstein Horgmo's jump line which was switch back 12, front 10 to a back 10.. it was a real treat but unfortunately he scrubbed a few of the rails giving him a 4th place spot just outside the podium. Another impressive jump line I saw was Chas Guldemond's switch back 9 into a front 7 to a backside 12. but the podium was filled with young guns and local killers, 3rd place went to Local Eric Willett wo had some super solid rail tricks and a jump line that was really fun to watch, switch backside 9 into a frontside 1080 to a double backside rodeo. 2nd place Sage Kotsenburg and 1st place Tyler Flanagan are actually the same age (both 16) and both had the same jump line Cab 9, Back 10, Front 10 but Tyler sealed the deal with his rail stunts. Look forward to the next few stops to see what comes of this event. Go to http://www.allisports.com/ to see more about the event. - Zak Shelhamer
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Avalanche Training
I don’t know exactly when I decided I was willing lay it all out there in search of snowboard lines. The general realization of this had finally dawned on me and I decided it was time to re-up on my avalanche education. Last weekend I attended an AAIRE Level one, avalanche course with ASI out of Truckee. It was fun and informative.
I had taken a similar course about 7 years ago, and wasn’t sure how much I remembered. It was good to touch up. Since that first class 7 years ago, I have gone into the backcountry innumerable times, and had been using what I learned. I felt good that much of the course material had already been drilled into my brain, and that I have been employing a lot of the practices over the years.
The course was mostly geared for first timers and people with very limited experience, but the teachers were knowledgeable and could answer any obscure question that popped into my head. It was hard to miss 3 storm days in a row at squaw, but it was worth it to get back up on my avalanche training.
I followed this class up with another hosted by TGR at Grand Targhee, Wyoming. It ran from the 15-17 of December and was geared towards basic rescue and first aid on avalanche and other ski related injuries. It was the hardest thing I ever did driving out of Tahoe on KT-22s opening day, but turned out to be worth it, and I did get one run in on KT before I left. I also got in a good day on Friday the 18th at Targhee. Bluebird over a sea of clouds witht the Grand Teton showing itself in all of its glory.
(The Grand Teton)
I learned so much and I am way more on it in the backcountry. I feel that I owe it not only to myself, but also to the people I ride with. We did half classroom and half on slope drilling on recue scenarios. I only hope I never have to use any of it.
( Sea of clouds/ "Dreams")
West Shore Jibbing
Labels: Full Tilt boots, Go Pro HD, Line Afterbangs, Line Skis, Matt Nelson, Nicky B, Orage
did you put wood down on the stairs so if you came off early it wouldn't hurt you?
That is a sick looking rail. What was that you used to get speed for it?
No Wood, it was actually concrete feeling ask Drury how soft it was. We used a bungee, and it was a little sketch
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
World Cup Ski Cross in ITALY
Hey guys back in Tahoe: We just got done with our first day of ski cross training over at Innichen/San Candido in Italy. It's really cold. It's -23 Celsius. The course is short and not a lot of jumps due to the lack of snow but we had a great day. Tomorrow is qualifying. All you guys behind me -- wish me good luck. I will keep you guys posted.
Labels: Backcountry Tahoe, Errol Kerr, Innichen, Italy, San Candido, World Cup Ski Cross
Corn skiing?
Labels: Elan Skis, Emerald Bay, Jakes, Jeremy Benson, Lake Tahoe Backcountry, Marker Dukes
Friday, December 18, 2009
2009 Winter Dew Tour slopestyle semi-finals
2009 Winter dew tour slopestyle semi-finals at breck went down with a bang today, mother nature cooperated bringing some real nice sunshine to the slope course. With 28 riders competing for 1 of the 10 spots in finals you know the riding is going to be insane. Norwegian rider Halldor Helgason set the bar with his first run scoring a solid 90.00. His jump line included a switch back 9, back 7 into a front 10 double cork. Following him into finals was Chas Guldemond scoring a 89.00 he did switch back 9, front 7 and backside 1260. A few other stand outs where 16 year old Sage Kotsenburg who did cab 9, font 10 into a back ten double cork which put him into 3rd place going into finals, Breck local Eric Willett was almost heads up with Sage with his run of backside rodeo, switch back 9 to frontside 1080... It was a real treat to watch these guys ride and push the limits of the sport, watching practice I could tell that most of these guys were holding back a few special stunts for finals. Finals will be live on NBC so make sure you go to http://www.allisports.com for more information about the event.
The Shook Up Generation
Labels: Ben Rice, Chris Bosco, Diggles, Eric Messier, Fuel tv, Jake Devine, the shook up generation
Just wanna thank Horgan and Cocard for coming out and shooting for this, unfortunately I blew it and lost the footage from that day. Both dudes are sick and hopefully will be in future episodes.
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
2009 Winter Dew Tour Slope Practice
Note: If slideshow plays choppy wait for it to load and start it over.
The 2009 Dew Tour has started, with a new season upon us and a new level of riding approaching it has been a pure joy to watch these guys throw down. The slope style course starts off with a down rail to a 48' step down jump to a 55' step down to a 65' wedge/table hybrid after the jump line you got a few options but most of the riders I watched hit the flat truck box followed by a flat down box then you finish the course off with a flat bar gap to propane tank. Its a vary long course with tons of little stuff to mess up on, Riders will have to be on their game to put down a run. During the 2 hour practice in the morning I saw plenty of double corks and all sorts of 1260's its going to be one of the most progressive seasons in the history of snowboarding and I am stoked I am right in the middle of it. Make sure you check out http://www.allisports.com/ for more information about the event where you can watch it at. And make sure you check back tomorrow for updated photos and video from Prelims and make sure you follow me on twitter to see live updates as stuff happens.
Labels: 2009 Winter Dew Tour, Andy Finch, breckenridge ski resort, Chas Guldemond, eric willett, mountain dew tour
A Reason to Go Vote on the Powder Awards
ENJOY!!! Click HERE to Go Vote Now!!!
Labels: Elyse Saugstad, Ingrid Backstrom, Jessica Sobolowski, Michelle Parker, Powder Magazine, Powder Magazine Awards Video Edit, Powder Magazine Reader's Choice Poll, Rachael Burks
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Chas Guldemond Nominated Riders Poll TWS
Congrats to Chuck G and good Luck!
Castle Peak Blower
Last Thursday, December 10th, Adam Ruscitto and I headed up to Castle Peak just off of Donner Summit in Truckee, CA. It had just snowed about 3 feet of 5% water content snow and we were pumped on the idea of getting in some Colorado style blower turns. One and a half minutes out of the parking lot my Alpine Trekker broke. I decided it could be fixed and somehow stuffed enough sticks into the thing that it miraculously worked. Feeling like MacGyver I continued on with Adam. On top we dug a full profile pit and despite being freaked out by 7 inches of sugar snow facets on the bottom, the snowpack was stable and we dropped in. The first run was a bit funky with some wind effected snow, but fun nevertheless. Our second lap was in a more protected zone and we found that true blower snow we sought. Every turn we made looked like grenades were falling out of our pockets; huge snow explosions everywhere. Satisfied, we started for home, thinking we were strong and fast. Reality was quite different. We ended up on the ridge-top after dark. Luckily, some low clouds rolled in and were reflecting the lights of Boreal Ski Resort down onto us. The ski back to the car was completely surreal with me watching Adam silhouetted against the lights of the ski hill. It was low tide and watching the sparks fly off of our skis as we continually hit rocks was otherworldly. We got back to the car at 6pm (in total darkness) exhausted, but stoked that we’d stashed a couple beers. We drank up and headed to Taco’s Jalisco in Truckee for more beer and some killer Mexican food. We had a few laughs there and plotted our next adventure. (check out the video http://vimeo.com/8213447)
There you go buddy. -Nicky B
Way to keep it safe guys.
I know that terrain isn't flat,but helmet cams really do a great job making everything look that way. And where's the progression by the way? If no ones doing a flip off something I don't even want to watch... Just kidding, looked like fun, way to bring numerous video cameras.
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What a week it has been.
Labels: Alpine Meadows, backcountry skiing, Backcountry Tahoe, Elan Boomerang, Jeremy Benson, KT-22, Powder Skiing
Oh yess Benson...The view over to Alpine was quite nice from KT....Glad u got some too.
NICE WORK BENSON!!!
Sick JB, nice line by the way too.
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KT-22 Spins for 2009-2010 Season!
The Northern Sierras has been getting pounded with snowfall for the past week. A total of 73 inches has fallen at Squaw Valley USA. After countless hours of snow removal for the past week, I finally decided it was time to take advantage of my new Squaw Valley season pass. Like many other opportunistic individuals, I took advantage of the early season season pass offered by Squaw this summer for the low $369.00 price tag. This pass was just too good a deal to pass up as regular all day adult lift tickets carry the price tag of $83.00! Do the simple math right there & the purchase of the pass pays for itself in just 4 all day tickets.
Many phone calls were made in the morning asking team riders where they were planning to ride. I was able to rally Brendon Drury and Alex Horgan to the cause. Brendon arrived 1st and had to settle his pass situation and I couldn't wait so I decided to do a hot lap up Red dog while he worked his mojo with the pass office. Brendon for sure was blowing it. It really didn't matter at that point as the KT chair was not yet confirmed to open. I did have a feeling it was going to happen as I was on the Red Dog Chair i noticed for a brief minute the KT chair started to churn for a second and I heard a few "hoots" off in the distance. Really?! Could this be happening?! After my quick run down the Dog, I met up with Drury and we bro'd down heavy as the rumor was confirmed...they we're going to crack KT around noon! We decided to take a few laps on Exhibition as to keep a close eye on the KT situation. At 10:30 am, there was a small pack of people already waiting to get the goods on KT. However not enough, to justify us waiting while the day was beautiful and sunny so we decided to take a few more laps. In hindsight there was no regrets with that move, but after just 2 short runs, the like at KT was filling up fast & stacking pretty deep.
Alex finally showed up & it was time to stand in line & get ready. Everywhere you looked you saw smiles from ear to ear in anticipation of he 1st true Pow run of the season. Not to mention it was about to take place on the famed KT, with blue skies on a beautiful mid December day. The thing I love about standing in line on the 1st official Pow day is all the familiar faces you see in line. Old friends that you haven't seen in a while always make it out on days like that. Former PortersTahoe employees Chris Doyle & Alex were in the line up as we caught up on current events. Our Norther California 32 & Airblaster sales rep Eric Wallis was in the lineup as well and as excited and stoked as can be. The Chair finally cracked & it was game on!
Once again, if its on, IT"S ON!
Horgan and I got a chair together & once we downloaded, rushed for our zone of choice and made some great turns. The snow was perfect! I must have waxed just right cause my board felt like a magic carpet. I was riding my LibTech TRS 159 while Horgan was on his Ride DH2. Both perfect boards for the situation having rockered cambers. We nailed slash after slash & pillow after pillow.....Oh damn it was good! DAMN GOOD! After the gut of KT was pretty much tracked, we decided to go up the Funitel and check out the upper mountain. It was also a great time to rest our legs and get to know an older gentleman who has been skiing Squaw since 1972, Dan Kiley. He gave us some past insight to some of his skiing and drinking adventures. I love meeting people like this as they share the same stoke as all of us avid snowboarders & skiers. This guy is 66 years old, fit as can be, and having the time of his life...I hope to be doing the same.
After the ride up, we noticed that we should head over to the saddle to finish out the day. There was still some untouched snow & pillow lines to be had. When we got down in there, I decided to stay behind and snap some shots as I noticed a herd of skiers getting aggro and dropping some questionable lines. They made it out alive & were happy as can be. What more do I have to say...wish you could have been there!
Another note....don't blow it like Drury, his pass situation was still in question as the day ended I finally saw him out in the saddle zone with Andrew Irwin, "Krizzler" & Sammy Lubke. Don't blow the early part of the day cause you don't have your pass lined up.
Labels: Shawn Farmer, Ski Powder, Ski Squaw, Snowboard Powder, Snowboard Squaw
I hope I a like Dan Kiley someday, Is that him dropping that dicey cliff?
Solid post and what a day it was once I figured it out! I lagged!
Dang eric lets see a slide show your taking up all the blog space.. sick photos though
sorry for taking up all the space guys...u can blame webguy for doing that...i just take pictures & write up stuff. Get your shred on!
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
us snowboarding Grand Prix finals VIDEO!
2009 US Snowboarding Grand Prix Finals VIDEO from YoBeat Magazine on Vimeo.
2009 US Snowboard Grand Prix finals are over and it was epic, It was a serious battle between Shaun White and Louie Vito, Danny Davis had a good chance too but he couldn't seem to put down the run he was looking for. This is more then just a contest though, its a chance to be on the US Olympic snowboard team too, Crazy to think that as these competitors go up against each other right now soon they will be on the same team representing America! Well I hope you like this footage, it should be the first on the web from finals because i'm looking around this media room right now and everyone is eating.... and i'm not...
Us Snowboarding Grand Prix Video and Photos!
The mood was light but the level of riding was heavy, during practice for the Grand Prix I saw more crazy tricks get thrown down then I or John Lennon could ever imagine. When semi finals came around I wasn't prepared mentally for what I was going to witness... Some of the hardest falls and sickest tricks I have ever seen, Back to Back double corks are common and flat 1080's are a thing of the past. With 98 riders trying to qualify for Finals then hopefully qualify for the US Olympic team there were only a few stand outs but no doubt in my mind that ANY rider that landed a run would of gotten 1st place just 2 years ago, but the battle remained against Omatic rider Louie Vito and Burton rider Shawn White.. Louie was sitting in first over Shawn after the first run but after round two Shawn snuck in the lead with a solid run including back 9/ double cork 1080, Cab double Flip, F/s 720 into a cab 1080. The competition is intense but there is a clear amount of respect for riders in the air, with every double cork thrown there is an applause and hoot coming from the corral of snowboarders, Stay tuned for the finals tomorrow to see more of Shawn White and Louie Vito battle it out. In addition to the half pipe madness there is the Paul Mitchell progression session, so watch the vid to see Omatic rider Eric Willett test it out for tomorrows expedition. Words/Photos/Video by Zak Shelhamer
Labels: copper mountain, Louie vito, shawn white, US Chevy Grand Prix
Friday, December 11, 2009
Andy Finch season warm up vid
Went up to copper mountain with Andy Finch and shot a few photos for him and made a little edit of him boardin and getting ready for the grand prix
Labels: Andy Finch, copper mountain, us snowboarding grand prix
learn about snow
Labels: Snow
Brendon Drury - 360s Trick Tip
I want a trick tip on the Clear mustache
Fantastic use of the A.T.M.L teaching format! Approach, takeoff, landing, and manuever were all explained perfectly. I feel educated!
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Nick Visconti Welcome Video!
Labels: Boreal Ski Resort, Nick Visconti, Porters Snowboard Team
Ebay snowboard Fail
those dam rental binders are reversed! who puts the straps on the inside.
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Outside Magazine Interview

Labels: Elyse Saugstad, Outside Magazine Interview with Elyse Saugstad, Salomon Skis, Ski Blog, The Levitation Project
Now this is a Face Shot!
Labels: boogie board, Face Shot, Sand-wich, techno
Face Shots & Core Shots (part2)
Labels: Full Tilt boots, GoPro HD, Line Sir Francis Bacons, Orage, Porters Tahoe
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Juneau, Alaska
Our plain left early in the morning Friday and the travels all went smooth. We arrived in Juneau around 3pm to find that the sun was already starting to set. We quickly checked into the Travelodge then Kevin Quinn & Jason Mack (Points North Heli) took us over to the NorthStar Heli operations to meet the pilots and check out their hanger. Jay and Mike were are marvelous pilots that were totally down to earth and extremely good at their profession. After getting acquainted with them we met a man that goes by the name Spoon who is the mechanic for all of NorthStar's helis and travels up to Cordova to keep them in shape during the winter with Kevin & J Mack. Spoon explained to us how the A-Star B2 flew and showed us one of the engines that is being rebuilt. It was amazing to see the little engine that gives power to the greatest chair lifts ever. We headed back to the hotel shortly after the show so we could get some rest for day one in Alaska.
We woke up at 7:45 and headed over to the hanger. We had a little bit of time to get ready and wait for the sun to come up. Once we got the OK we loaded up and took off into the mountains. It was some of ours first time in Alaska and some of ours first time skiing this year. So day one was going to be a fun easy day of skiing, Quinner and J Mack made sure of that, not to say that the UnofficialSquaw Blasters didn't help . Quinner and J Mack worked together to find good safe snow to let us rip. We got in some really good runs the first day right outside of the airport in Juneau. The sun set came way to soon and we had to head back earlier than everyone wanted, but it was a super good fun day full of pow skiing.

Day two we set out to a zone that we scoped on the way home the day before. Just as Quinner and J Mack said, it was a super sick zone. The top was mellow and then it turned into a couple steep shoots with a sick win lip at the bottom. We spent the first part of the day getting some shots then at the end we got in some incredible free runs. At the end of the day we posted up on an apposing ridge from a face that we were going to shoot in the morning. The only time the face got sun was right as the sun came up, so we had to know our lines and be ready to go first thing in the morning.


At 8:45 we were ready to get the third day off. There was a little bit of a cloud layer that we weren't sure about, but we headed out to the zone to wait and see what happened. The clouds were slowly moving out of the way of the sun, so to give it some time we took a couple more free runs on the face from the day before. After a couple stunning free runs the cloud cleared the sun and it was game on. Ralph and Arne Backstrom had the the first line of the day. It was a sick face off the top then into one of the shoots that they both skied tandem. Ralph was in front of Arne nuking down the face in between the top line an the shoot. At first I thought they had changed their line last second, but that was not the case. Ralph had mistaken one of the rollers as the begging of the shoot. Without killing any speed Ralph punched it off about a 50'+ cliff into the bottom of the Shoot. My first thought was that Arne was going to punch it straight on to Ralph, but Arne stopped knowing that his brother just sent it into the obis. Ralph had gotten lost in his line a went off something most people would never even look at. To all our surprise Ralph stood up and gave a wave that he was alright. With the heli in the air and money burning up Mattias, Johnny, and I all dropped our lines as quick as possible. Once at the bottom we checked on Ralph and he was fine. His backpack, snowboard, and jacket got banged up and he didn't even have a scrape. It was something that happens in Alaska often and we couldn't have been more happy to see it turn out the way it did. With those lines in our pockets we headed to the other zone that was just starting to get some light.
We got to the second zone of the day and decided to get some free runs in to loosen our nerves from what we had all just witnessed. Once again Quinner and J Mack found the goods and we all couldn't help from screaming as we headed down the fresh pow. Our nerves settled down just in time for some clouds to come ruin the light. We sat and discussed our options and hoped for the best. After scoping two different peaks with the binoculars we decided that if the light was going to go it would only be a short window. With that in mind we headed up to the top of the peak to wait up there. To our luck we only waited for a little bit and the orange Alaskan light came through. We all dropped one by one into the face with a filmer above in the heli. As we all worked our way to the safe zone on the ridge below everyone was speechless and we shared a untainted moment of silence paying our respect to the enormous mountain in front of us. By then it was time to head back to the hanger before the sun went down. We flew past the peak that we were going to ski second and took a photo in our minds for when we make it back for a showdown.


Everyone celebrated a good trip that night in downtown Juneau with some drinks and good food. Our flight left the next morning exceptionally early. It was light enough outside to see the mountains as we flew towards Seattle. The Blasters said their good buys to the gigantic peaks and that we can't wait to see you again. In the Seattle airport we checked the weather to see what was going on back in Squaw. It had snowed a couple feet and at that moment we all started jonsing to get back and shred the mountain that made us the skiers we are today.
Line Traveling Circus Season 2 Episode 3
Labels: andy parry, Full Tilt boots, Garrett Russell, Line Skis, Line Traveling Circus, Nicky B, Orage, Porters Sports Lake Tahoe, Trew Clothing, will wesson
always sick. sick beats nick
Traveling Circus rules, Andy, Will, and Garrett sure know how to have fun.
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Adventures is Mediocrity
This particular median escapade started when JT Holmes, Jason Abraham, Elyse Saugstad and I decided to skip out on the White Ribbon of Death on Red Dog at Squaw Valley for one day and mish it down to Carson Pass for a backcountry outing.

Our planned destination. Round Top peak.

My ambitious mind had planned to tackle the Crescent Moon couloir (looker's right chute) in low-tide gnar conditions ala Jeremy Jones.
My eyes upon first arrival then said, "Well low-tide can't even begin to explain how dry that couloir is". Mediocrity was inching its way closer.
Looker's right couloir looking rockier than Tiger Wood's marriage.

So immediately our grandiose dreams were vanquished. But we just got up at 6:00 am, drove an hour and a half and didn't want to ski another day on the W.R.O.D. at Squaw. So we skinned on.
"We're not turning around. We're going that way!"

"We found the low-tide gnar!"

The gnarliest of the gnar. Sketchy-log creek-crossing on loose skins and Alpine Trekkers (aka Alpine Day Wreckers).

Skinning up the mediocre.

Average.

And then the trip got so average that photographerJason Abraham didn't even take his camera out. So there was a total of zero pictures of skiing. Yup. Count that. Zero. We skied right back down our skin track on a solid 20 degree pitch. Whoopee.
So yes, this outing was dramatically anti-climactic. So to leave you all with at least something interesting. Here's a picture of the super-duper famous JT "Birdman" Holmes post-porty-a-potty-poo. It was such an important moment that I had to take a picture of another person taking a picture of JT's post-dump exit. It smelled bad and was his second dump of three that day. Well, I guess that's above average.

Labels: Backcountry, backcountry skiing, Backcountry Tahoe, Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad, jason abraham, JT Holmes
L is for Lots of fun
Labels: Full Tilt boots, Go Pro HD, Line Sir Francis Bacons, Orage, porterstahoe.com
Super fun video -- thanks! Love that shot of you poking your head up amongst the powder-piled picnic tables.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Urban Reno Session
The night before the big part of the storm, I called Brandon Cocard to see what his plans were for Monday morning. Not to be disappointed, Brandon had informed me that he was already planning on making the trip down to Reno with Alex Horgan to start filming for their next installment of the "Get Into The Van" movie. The rail mission was on as we me up at one of the more popular rail spots as our 1st destination. To my dismay, when I showed up there were 3 other crews along with ours and an insane amount of people. When it's on I guess it's on. The guys battled the lineup of participants and the rail won most of the time. Alex tacoed super hard on one of his boardslide attempts that it put him down for the rest of that session. Brandon was having issues from the start trying to drop in switch. After numerous attempts, he finally go one in the bag, switch boardslide to tail 270 out. Lunchtime!
As we broke down the setup there was another crew setting up on another set of rails nearby, then the boys in blue showed up asking us what we were doing. The boys replied, " we're sledding & having fun just like those guys". The cop smirked at them & moved on to the other crew to take out his life frustrations. Since school was out on a snow day, there were lots of kids in attendance on their boogie board shreds catching air and getting the whiteroom as well. Since the cops had nothing on us and none of our camera gear wasn't in sight, no problem. The other boys on the other hand were having some issues. Hopefully they didn't get stacked with too large of tickets...ouch.
After a tasty lunch courtesy of Raleys, the boys got in the van and rolled to another spot. I had to separate with them for a bit to go grab some other camera gear that I was anticipating to use. Right when I pulled up to the session was on. Once again to my dismay the session was now stacked at least 20 deep with skiers as well. I've shot this spot before & I knew it wasn't going to last long as I have dealt with property management here in the past. Alex was up again and went for a Five-O which ended up into another Taco...damn! Once again, sat the rest of the session out. Brandon dropped in next with a nice & clean half cab front board. Right when he unstrapped, "You guys need to stop that!" Property management showed and session 2 was done.
It was time for our final session and we really had to try to get to a spot without the herd. Filmers Rob & Cam went to a spot ahead of us to see if it was doable...right when they showed up, boys in blue again. Since we weren't with them we proceeded to rendevous to site B. Site B, no cops, but a herd of shreds trying to get the shot as well. It was getting late in the day as the sun was starting to fall on the western crest of the Sierras. Cam & Brandon decided to hit the rail while Alex sat this one out deciding to take on more classical snow advetures hooky bobin behind a quad that showed up to check out the show. Cam was on his game an landed a few slides. Brandon got a nice backlip in the bag & decided to step it up a tad. It took him a couple of tries and put a frontside 270 board on the bolts....call the day done.
In retrospect, Monday December 7, 2009 was a very fun & productive day. We learned that Horgan should be sponsored by Taco Bell, don't roll around with too large a crew (given), and Cocard is a machine. There's more snow in the forecast this week so wax up your board & get ready to ride.
Labels: Alex Horgan, Brandon Cocard, BURRITOS, ericasistinphoto.com, GET INTO THE VAN, LAKE TAHOE PHOTOGRAPHER, NEVADA WEDDINGS, RAIL RIDING, Reno, RENO PHOTOGRAPHER, TACOS, URBAN SNOWBOARDING
sweet photos eric!
Way to send it early season style! nice shots.
Love the taco supreme
Super Sick!
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Monday, December 7, 2009
Dangerzone Season 2 Episode 4 - Debauchery
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Beaver Creek World Cup
Since we happen to be in Colorado staying in Beaver Creek with the fun Salomon rep, David Crane, it only made sense that we check out the men's World Cup 'Birds of Prey' Downhill this weekend. Cody and I were both thrilled to get the chance to see a World Cup Downhill and cheer on our friends that were competing. Neither of us had been to a WC DH before, and since we both specialized in the speed events when we alpine raced this was a special thing to see. The US men fared okay. The real spectacle of the weekend was the young Swiss, Carlo Janka, who won all three events: the Super-Combined, Downhill and Giant Slalom. Someone is on fire during an Olympic year, how convienent!
Hanging with longtime buddy, Marco Sullivan, after the race. He had a solid effort with a 14th place.Local Lange Girl


Labels: Bud Reeder, Lange Girl, Ski, Ski Bunny
Yahhhhhh! Vote for me!!
THANK YOU!
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Errol Kerr and Nate Holland training at Alpine Meadows
Labels: Alpine Meadows, Boarder Cross, Errol Kerr, Nate Holland, skiercross
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tahoe's swing scene


After some convincing, I was able to get Ruthy to see how much fun can be had in the local swing scene. I have been swinging for a bit longer than Ruth, and I have found the scene very welcoming and the experiences rewarding. My friend and neighbor, Doug, introduced me to swinging. He is really into it, he has swing parties and stuff and swings with all sorts of people in the neighborhood, he swings with men and women and even reaches out to other neighborhoods. It is really a blast. I did not realize all this was going on around me until one day, over at Dougs house, I just opened my mind to it, ignored all the stigma it carries and gave it a try. Here is some video of Ruth, and some photos of us and our swinging friends.


Labels: J.T. Holmes, Lake Tahoe Party, party, Squaw Valley, Swingers, swings
I want to be a "Swinger"...........looks rad
it's a little scary to open your mind to swinging, but once you do it's a great way to have fun with all your friends.
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Juneau, Alaska Day 1
Our six hours of daylight was coming to an end at this point, so we slapped some high fives and geaked out for a bit then jumped back in the helis to film one another from them on the way home with the amazing Alaska views.
Retro Ski/Snowboard Party!

Friday, December 4, 2009
Juneau, AK with Points North an UnofficialSquaw
Alpine Meadows Opens Saturday, Dec. 5
Labels: Alpine Meadows, Errol Kerr, Jeremy Benson, Nate Holland
Splitboard Revolution
Today was my 19th Day snowboarding in a row. Three quarters of that has been at ski resorts. This is mostly because we are lacking in the snow department here in Tahoe. Man-made snow is almost the only option and the limited backcountry is boney with sharks’ teeth lurking. It is, however, still fun. Three days ago was my last outing to the only spot on the North shore holding pow with a base.
Jeremy and I hit it early and were the second car at the pullout. A strange storm had come out of nowhere the day before, passing by from West to East and then doubling back on us from the Northeast. It deposited about 3 inches at my house and about 10 inches up high, but as it cleared it brought a powerful East Wind. Sustained winds of 60 miles an hour greeted us on the ridge tops. The top 100 feet of every ridge was scoured to blue ice and at first glance our run was looking grim. We found a spot out of the insanity and started to change over our splitboards.
It was my first day out on my split of the season, but I had little trouble changing over. I was glad to have it on the way up, what had taken us an hour and a half by boot took only 45 minutes skinning. A group of 3 splitboarders came out of nowhere. They informed us they were from South Lake and had come in search of more snow, hopefully with a base underneath. Choosing the southwest slope for their run in hopes of scoring all the windblown had proven a bad idea. Unfortunately there is no base on the aspect the wind had just deposited a foot of cold snow on rocks and dirt. Their boards had taken the brunt of it and they were done for the day.
Having ridden there before we had a good idea of where to find the goods. We tested out a new zone first run with bad results, and ended up riding the remnants of our old tracks, finding the best snow at lower elevation in the trees. A foot plus of A quality snow had been blown in by the wind, and with enough base under it we could build up some speed. I even got a face shot.
It was cool to see other snowboarders out getting it early season, and in fact out of the 6 people we ran into that day 4 were boarders. It must have been a trip for them to be out at some random peak searching for any little bit of snow, and running into Jeremy. I bet it stoked them up. They all seemed to know about, “DEEPER.”
I feel that a splitboard is very different than a normal snowboard, it’s actually a lot like a surfboard. You don’t have to rely on ski resorts, sleds, planes, and helicopters to get your turns. It is a pure form of riding. Of course it costs a bit more than a regular snowboard, but once you have it your set. And compared to a set of skis or a surfboard it’s cheap. The world is your oyster and what we are proving with, “DEEPER” is that you can ride anything. Jones and I talked about it for a while he was saying how he feels the whole experience of splitboarding creates a closer connection to the mountains. It’s true the fresh air, the views, and the little nuances of pitch and snow depth help connect you to where you are, and give you a better run in the end. There is a smooth satisfaction strapping in on top of a rad line when you’ve busted ass to get there.
This knowledge is spreading like wildfire, and people seem to be stoked on what we’re doing. I know that lots of snowboarders have been splitboarding for years. But, soon there may be a day when snowboarders outnumber skiers on Teton Pass. So let the revolution begin.
Yeah, our boards took a beating that day for sure! The snow is much thinner on the North Shore than where we have been riding in South Lake. We ended up finding some excellent turns on the Monday after that storm which produced less core shots.
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PROJECT SNOW VOLUNTEER PARTY!!
The addiction we all have to our sports comes from the something that each of us get from it, this something had to come from an opportunity to be able to even try the sport in the first place. ProjectSnow is the outlet for us in the Tahoe area to have the opportunity to share our sport and the things that come from it with a kid who might not otherwise ever get that chance. You can combine what you love to do and doing something for someone else all in one!
Check out the Website, you can sign up to be a volunteer, donate if you can't make any of the dates, or just know about whats going on and maybe you know someone else that might wanna help! I'm personally way excited to be a part of it, so maybe I'll see ya out there!!
www.projectsnow.org
Snowboarder Magazine Photo Annual
Thursday, December 3, 2009
WET WEATHER COMING TO TAHOE!!!!
Labels: Lake Tahoe Snow, Winter Storm Warning
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
BROWN TOWN
While I was out in Utah getting ready for this upcoming season, in between gym sessions I would run off to the rivers to relax. Jason Hale, my brother Pat, and I found some pretty good fishing throughout the two months we were out there. To be honest, it was some of the best fishing of my life. We hit all the major hot spots and caught fish, but when we started to explore of the beaten path we either got skunked or we hit a gold mine. The following photos are from a little river we found that produced huge browns. I could not believe the amount of pigs in this river. One day on the river I pulled up to a proven hole and caught 4 Mr. Bo Bridges in 7 casts (18"-23"). Now that's a fishing story I will tell till I'm in the grave. Hope you enjoy some of the shots
Jason Hale with a PIG
Pat Holland and Mr. Harvey Walbanger
"Nicky B Goes HD"
Enjoy
Labels: Alex Horgan, Chris Bosco, Courtney Royce, GoPro HD, Line Afterbangs, Matt Nelson, Nicky B, Porters Ski Team, Porters Snowboard Team
Ha, Alex looks like a bobble head when he's got it on his head. The HD looks way better tho. Sweet edit.
that turned out so good! ahah go pro is rad!
Dam it says Horan's Shnozzle cam.
My Bad Horgan
what a utopian crew we have put together....skiers & snowboarders shredding as one...good stuff.
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