Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Everest Trip
About a month ago Mikey Wilson asked me if I would be interested in going on a trip with him to film a segment for his project. With no real details I nodded my head and told him I was in.
I got home from Morocco just in time to do the Tram Face event here at Squaw. Wilson came to the HQ and told me that we would be leaving 2 days after the event and would be gone till the beginning of April. The problem didn't come till I got 6th Place in the Squaw event and qualified for the Verbier X-Tremes. Wilson then told me what the new plan was. We would leave on the 6th of March to Mt. Everest then I would be there for 10 days and would fly straight to the Verbier X-Tremes. The month that didn't seem that hectic, just got really intense.
The Days past and I rested in my bed waiting to pack everything up. With the excitement of a 4 year old on Christmas I couldn't wait to see the mountain that I have dreamed about for so many years. It wasn't until Wilson called and told me that the trip was a no go and would have to be postponed that I was bummed. Although I wasn't going to get to see Everest I now had sometime in-between events and some time to film at home. I took every opportunity I could to fill the time that wasn't suppose to be empty, but in my dreams at night Everest haunted me.
My Tahoe time was over and I packed up with JT to head to Verbier. It wasn't until I was standing at the bottom of the Bec de Ross, I realized that this other dream had come true, and I knew I had to let go of Everest in order to get the full experience of this one. With an emotional roller coaster ride and the scariest line I have skied, thus far in my life, I sat on the plane and headed home.
After a couple of days hiding in the HQ the adrenaline from the Bec started to wear off and the flashes of Everest started to pop back in my head. I wasn't trying to talk about the flashes, I more or less kept them in my own head as a dream.
Wilson got back into town a couple days after I did and called me to go get some food in the Village. We met at one of the new bars and before I could sit down he looked at me and asked me if I was finally ready to go to Everest. I had an overwhelming feeling of excitement and fear as I sat down. I tried to keep my cool and hide the fear that was boiling up as I asked him if he was ready to do some stunts. We had some burgers then headed off to our beds. I don't know what he was thinking, but my head was back where it was after the Tram Face event.
The new date is set for April 11th where Mike Wilson, Byren Wells, Rory Bushfield, and myself will embark on a Freeriders dream. The objective is to build jumps over the biggest crevasses we can find and to ski lines that no man has ever skied before. As of now, in my dreams, it is a trip of a life time.
Labels: JT Holmes, Mike Wilson, Porters Ski Team, Porters Tahoe, porterstahoe.com, Timy Dutton
Monday, April 5, 2010
Verbier Crash Report
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| From Fliers |
I want to share an account of my crash in Verbier. I am not sure if the word to describe it was horrendous or legendary, but I hope it’ll be considered the latter. The description got lengthy, so I apologize, but hey, it was a lengthy crash.
There was a line to the skiers left that appealed to me, gnarly, steep one with a big air. I am a firm believer in skiing a line on a mountain that speaks to you, one that you notice right away. This one did. I pointed it out to Cody and said “I think I am going over there.” Cody, without skipping a beat replied “Do you want me to be one of your pall bearers?” We have sick senses of humor, and from that moment onward, we referred to the line as “The Pallbearer.”
I liked The Pallbearer, and I chose it for many reasons. I was going second to last, so I wanted to do something creative. All of the stock lines would have bomb holes and tracks by then. After the warm storm that came through, I figured the snow up higher would be better, and I like to take big airs at the top of runs that are on big mountains, because by the time you get to the bottom of the Bec Des Rosses (which is 1000ft taller than KT22 and way steeper) your legs are spent. And most of all, I wanted to win the Verbier Extreme, dammit. I have never won a big mountain comp. What does getting 3rd or 7th do for me? It proves I can hang, that I am really good at big mountain skiing, amongst the best competitors. But, that is proven by being in the starting gate, and by having a solid career for years. I wanna prove that I am the best, dammit. I want a W, a blue ribbon, a 1st place trophy. The Pallbearer was a winning line, it appealed to me. It was on.
First, I navigated a few hundred feet of terrain that was as steep as McConkey’s at Squaw, and similarly boney with much longer exposure. Then I hucked the cliff band in the photo. I landed the cliff, just barely shorted it actually. I wanted to be a touch to the skiers left of where I landed, thus avoiding a protruding rock.. Skiing in, I was blown away at how flat light it was over there in the shade. That confused me for a sec. But more so, it took the accuracy out of take-off trajectory. Anyway, shorting was no big deal, my skis tapped rock, but it was so steep that I landed fine and was on my way, just a bit in the back seat, and still struggling to see. This may not have been a problem, I may have been able to sit up from the back seat and keep going if I did not have that mandatory left turn to negotiate in order to avoid the rocks to the right of the track. Hitting those at 50+MPH was not an option. I was really just kind of asking too much to pull off that turn on 50 degree wind buff while sitting up from the back seat. The next thing I know, I was high side catapulted after touching down for a moment and I am airborne, thinking “that…just…happened.”
Note the impressive spacing between divot mark number one and divot mark number 2, in between which my skis and a pole are seen lying there.
At this point, I proceeded to tomahawk down 45-50 degree windbuff… for days. The inertia was incredible. I wear an item of gear that when activated by pulling a handle, inflates a pillow type thing around head and neck creating an air pocket for avalanche burial survival. Amidst the tumble, I figured, "why not pull the handle?” the pillow will provide good protection. I could not reach the handle because the centrifugal force would not let me bring my arms in. My jacket was up, so I couldn't see much. Just felt myself tumbling like someone put me in the clothes dryer.
The Bec Des Rosses is about 2700 feet from starting line to finish line. I rag dolled a good third of the face. 800ft? maybe 1000ft? Timy, who was standing at the finish line after laying down an impressive line for his first attempt at the Verbier Extreme, said to me “man, I thought your boots were gonna come off” He also estimated my tumble to be 1700 ft. I think he is wrong, I mean, we all know that Timy is at least a little bit off, right? But no one was out there with measuring tape or a laser range finder, let’s just say it was one hell of a wipeout.
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| From Fliers |
To be honest, it was not that scary. I knew that it was a clean fall zone, with the exception of that one rock I tumbled over. That was of concern, but I knew it was a cliff band that I would go over, not a wall of rock that would stop me, or pin-ball me into a change of direction toward bigger cliffs. I just tried to relax because I knew there was no stopping it. I never impacted anything hard, and I walked away with an aggravated right knee and bruised/tweaked ankle, maybe a week off of snow. As soon as I was able to dig my heels into the snow and stop, I waved that I was A-OK. I kept waving over and over and over because I knew that everyone was concerned. And when I say everyone, I mean the thousand or so people that were present and watching, the people who may have been watching on live feed, the local news, Eurosport, French, Swiss and Italian TV.
I was disappointed to bail like that in front of everyone. And it was humiliating that a heli plucked me off the mountain via long line. If you look at the picture, you can see that my skis are way up the hill, in between divots 1 and 2. It would have taken me forever to climb up to them, and I was waiting for the adrenaline to subside because then I would know if I was injured or not.
In terms of the outcome, it rattled me a bit mentally more than anything else. It was humbling. I watched CR go with a much less dramatic crash, so that hit home. Being in a tumble like that, in which there is just no stopping, no matter what, you really realize that the mountains and gravity are the boss. I thought to myself mid tumble "well, I knew if I fell here I would go for a ride, now, I am going for that ride." It was a proud line, a zero or hero scenario. I got a taste of zero, but I will be back to the Bec Des Rosses for redemption.
Labels: bec des rosses, JT Holmes, Timy Dutton, Verbier Xtreme
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Highlights from the Nissan FWT on Silverado
On Monday March 1st I posted up at the bottom of Silverado with Captain Short Shanks camera. People were throwing down regardless of the somewhat firm conditions. Who was throwing down you might ask, well how about Porters Ski Team members Cody Townsend, JT Holmes, Timy Dutton, and Elyse Saugstad. Among the boarders were some local legends Ryland Bell, and Jeremy Jones. Ryland did really well against some tough competition. Jeremy is actually human he does fall, It was not his day but we all know he is the number one big mountain rider in the world. ( at least in my opinion for skiing or boarding)
The comp started at 8:30 which I was a little butt hurt about because spectators were not allowed on the tram until 8:45. Oh yeah and special tickets were not willing to hook me up with a shop pass or any sort of deal. (typical squaw move)
I missed Cody's first run and I also missed JT's. JT was injured during his first run luckily it was nothing too serious. ( glad your ok buddy)
Once I finally got up there it was sick! super fun contest and really good support from the local crowd cheering on their local shredders. This first edit is highlights from the Mens skiing and snowboading runs. also a small crash section that is coed.
Now the guys did a good job for sure. The Europeans ended up taking it down even though I felt the most exciting one to watch out there was Timy D. Now the Ladies really killed it out there I was super impressed. While editing this footage I realized that I had to do a separate edit for them. Elyse, Ingrid and Jacyln Passo were among my favorites. They all were choosing technical lines and charging them with little hesitation. Passo probably had the biggest air of the day over the men and women, and for sure had some help from the angel's in the outfield as she landed then bounced about 30+ back onto her feet. This edit is strictly for the "ladies" of the FWT. Excuse my Barry White/Ladies Man commentary in the beginning I could not help myself. If you don't have sound on your computer don't bother watching this you will not get the full effect I was going for.
The comp started at 8:30 which I was a little butt hurt about because spectators were not allowed on the tram until 8:45. Oh yeah and special tickets were not willing to hook me up with a shop pass or any sort of deal. (typical squaw move)
I missed Cody's first run and I also missed JT's. JT was injured during his first run luckily it was nothing too serious. ( glad your ok buddy)
Once I finally got up there it was sick! super fun contest and really good support from the local crowd cheering on their local shredders. This first edit is highlights from the Mens skiing and snowboading runs. also a small crash section that is coed.
Now the guys did a good job for sure. The Europeans ended up taking it down even though I felt the most exciting one to watch out there was Timy D. Now the Ladies really killed it out there I was super impressed. While editing this footage I realized that I had to do a separate edit for them. Elyse, Ingrid and Jacyln Passo were among my favorites. They all were choosing technical lines and charging them with little hesitation. Passo probably had the biggest air of the day over the men and women, and for sure had some help from the angel's in the outfield as she landed then bounced about 30+ back onto her feet. This edit is strictly for the "ladies" of the FWT. Excuse my Barry White/Ladies Man commentary in the beginning I could not help myself. If you don't have sound on your computer don't bother watching this you will not get the full effect I was going for.
Labels: Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad, Frtitz, Jeremy Jones, JT Holmes, Nicky B, Nissan Free Worl Tour Squaw Valley Silverado, Porters Ski Team, Ryland Bell, Timy Dutton
EmilyHA definitely worth waiting for to watch it with sound. Nice skillz Nick.
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tram Faced Postponed again!
I received a very amped up text message from Ryland Bell this morning saying that and I quote "Tram Face at 8:30". I rushed myself out of my Reno home making sure I got there in time for the comp. I arrived late at 9:00 to a parking lot full of spectators and a tiny lineup at the top of the Tram Face. No one had gone yet & Ryland send me another text saying they were calling for a 9:15 start time. As I was lacing up my boots & organizing camera gear, I looked up at the Face & saw a slide go. It was no tiny fracture either a hefty sized crown snapped and away went the snow! Pure instinct took over as I grabbed my camera not even notiging what setting it was on and was able to snap a few shots of the slide & aftermath. Sure enough, contest called off. The snow was just not stable & safe enough for participants to make a go at it. Looks like we'll have to wait another year.
Labels: Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad, JT Holmes, Nissan Free Worl Tour Squaw Valley Tram Face, Ryland Bell, Tim Dutton
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Nissan Free World Tour- Squaw Valley Tram Face
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| From Fliers |
Fingers are crossed as competitors wait for the weather to clear, as this will be the first time the infamous Tram Face will open up to skiers and snowboarders. But let me make this clear, these skies and snowboarders are just your run of the mill folks. These guys and gals ski and snowboard this kind of stuff all the time and therefore have earned the right to ski the Tram Face at Squaw Valley. With names like Jt Holmes, Cody Townsend, Tim Dutton, Ryaland Bell, Jeremy Jones and Elyse Saugstad, who call Squaw Valley home, we are likely to see some serious lines go down. Ones that I am sure Cody, Jt and Tim have been eying since they were mighty mites.Let the snow gods be with us this weekend so we can see the tram face go down in Free World Tour history. Good Luck Team!
Labels: Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad, Jeremy Jones, JT Holmes, Nissan Free Worl Tour Squaw Valley Tram Face, Ryland Bell, Tim Dutton
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
It is a sad day... Goodbye CR Johnson
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| From Fliers |
It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Today Cr Johnson passed away at Squaw Valley. I do not know all the details but two Porters team members, Jt Holmes and Timy Dutton have confirmed that CR hit his head on a rock off Light Towers on Headwall at Squaw Valley. Chappy spoke with Jt and he said that CR had the biggest smile and best attitude for the ski season. Anyone that personally knew CR and even those that are fans of CR knew what he had overcome to be the caliber of skier he was. Our hearts and thoughts are with CR's family and close friends. R.I.P friend.
http://freeskier.com/articles/article.php?article_id=4800
Labels: CR Johnson, JT Holmes, Squaw Valley, Timy Dutton
Nicky B son, aka Turka LurkCR was extremely influential True loss to the ski world and will not be forgotten. condolences to his family and friends.
oh my god. What a tragedy....CR ruled...I remember him doing crazy spins as a young teenager. Much love to his close friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Miles Clarkwe'll miss ya CR.
Miles Clarkwe'll miss ya CR.
I have watching CR rip it up in ski movies over the years, and followed his sucess. The guy was a ski legend and rocked on skis. I am absolutely shocked about the news. R.I.P , my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
K2 Signs Big Mountain Skier J.T. Holmes
K2 Skis Signs Big Mountain Skier J.T. Holmes
SEATTLE, Wash. – January 11, 2010
K2 skis has added industry icon JT Holmes to its stable of athletes and will join legendary skiers Mike Hattrup, Reggie and Zach Crist, Kip Garre, Andrew McLean and Martin Volken to it’s BackSide Team. JT will be actively involved in product development of the “Side” skis (Darkside, Sidestash and Hardside), to ensure these skis continue to fit the style and performance needs of the big mountain skier.
“It’s a natural fit for JT to be on K2’s. His personality and style reflect everything that K2 is about and we are looking forward to getting him involved with the development of our BackSide products,” says Global Marketing Manager, Mike Gutt. “JT brings the team a youthful outlook and most importantly resonates with skiers who have been watching his skills and style over the past decade.”
Says Holmes on joining the K2 crew, “K2’s Backside series of skis are perfectly suited to my style. I ski forward, so I don’t need a twin tip. I enjoy clean landings. I need versatility. I spend a lot of time hiking in the backcountry, and both utility and weight are important factors that K2 addresses with the Backside series.”
Mike Hattrup, who spearheads the BackSide category for K2, sees this as a great addition to an already strong group of seasoned veterans driving the program and developing skis for the backcountry. “We’re fortunate to have JT on board; his hard charging style and innovative vision will bring an important dimension to this category. It’s going to be fun working with him.”
K2 is an athlete inspired company. The brand has a history of reinventing itself year after year to push the sport out of its comfort zone. The K2 Ski division is a part of Seattle-based K2 Sports family, a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of K2 branded adrenalin-inspired products for winter and summer. Started over 45 years ago, the K2 brand and businesses are world renowned as leaders in design, production, marketing and sales. For more information on K2’s latest ski products, dealers and team activities, visit K2skis.com.
Labels: 2010 K2 Skis, JT Holmes
Friday, January 22, 2010
JT and Timy in Russia
Trip Report Russia 2010
We are 10 days into this Russia trip and I wanted to share some images. The first is from the World Famous Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg. Fascinating stuff in there, an excellent way to spend an afternooon. Obviously none of us are typically museum types. There was this peculiar photo of a guy burning in an apparent wingsuit flight gone wrong. Seems to be depicting the story of Icarus, but Icarus was a boy, and this guy is a balding old man, and Icarus’ wax melted on his wings, this guy straight up caught on fire. It is interesting that even in ancient days people dreamt of flying wingsuit style.
The conditions over here at the moment are quite poor, but due to a good crew we still have fun. Highlights include some pow on top of bushes and leaves our first day, another day when avalanche conditions were %100., some buttery groomers that we had to poach (my first time poaching a groomer) and yesterday, we all seemed to go out there and jump off of whatever we could find. It was the type of snow you tend to find in May in Squaw. Heavy glop that runs really slowly and wet avalanches everywhere. The lower elevation groomers are turning brown, it really is just like late spring.
We are here for the Freeride World Tour’s first stop. Sochi Russia. The same place that MSP produced that killer segment with Pep Fujas and Eric Pollard for the movie Hit List. The ski resort and village is called Krasnaya Polyana, and they will be hosting the 2014 Olympics, hence a tremendous amount of construction in the valley, a statistic was shared that every 7 seconds, a big truck drives by in this town. The overwhelming consensus is that the construction has thrown off the mini climate of the valley, raising temperatures angering the mountains. Muddy roads, workers burning the forest away, boulders being ground into gravel, dump trucks, back hoes, front end loaders, massive drills, storage containers, you name it. It is really quite ugly, but at the same time quite entertaining. Seems like utter chaos. Twice we have spotted guys running huge machines completely asleep with the engine still idling. The first 3 chairlifts carry us right through one of the many construction zones. We have to actually ride with our skis on our lap, because there is no snow for the load and unload stations. Of course we have to download at the end of the day. Another unique thing about the skiing experience here in Krasnaya Polyana in 2010 is the loudspeakers on the chairlift towers with a constant buzz to them, and a repeated message in Russian of course that states: “Freeriding off-piste is strictly forbidden. Skiers must not ski when drunk, and skiers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.” I guess they have a lot of drunk 14 year olds going out and ripping lines!
Chairlifts here are soon to be replaced and are SKETCHY. peep this photograph of the chairlift cable with a bulge/ fray to it. Not cool. Yesterday the lift started going backwards. It was scary, we almost jumped.
ALso, peep this blue steel I got out of world famous sexy skier, Henrik Winsted. Henrik. So hot right now.
and a camo dog.
I know we have nothing to complain about, most people would kill to have Timy and my schedule for the winter, summer, all of it. Exotic locations, culture, helicopters, new terrain, cameras parchutes, all sorts of fun stuff, but ma oh man, when Tahoe is firing there is absolutely no place I would rather be without a doubt. I can honestly say that when I miss storms like this I feel like I have missed a once in a lifetime opportunity, akin in magnitude to being out of town during the birth of your only child.
Hell, why am I even blogging? everyone is either skiing, shoveling sleeping or building fires. No one is gonna read this.
We are 10 days into this Russia trip and I wanted to share some images. The first is from the World Famous Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg. Fascinating stuff in there, an excellent way to spend an afternooon. Obviously none of us are typically museum types. There was this peculiar photo of a guy burning in an apparent wingsuit flight gone wrong. Seems to be depicting the story of Icarus, but Icarus was a boy, and this guy is a balding old man, and Icarus’ wax melted on his wings, this guy straight up caught on fire. It is interesting that even in ancient days people dreamt of flying wingsuit style.
The conditions over here at the moment are quite poor, but due to a good crew we still have fun. Highlights include some pow on top of bushes and leaves our first day, another day when avalanche conditions were %100., some buttery groomers that we had to poach (my first time poaching a groomer) and yesterday, we all seemed to go out there and jump off of whatever we could find. It was the type of snow you tend to find in May in Squaw. Heavy glop that runs really slowly and wet avalanches everywhere. The lower elevation groomers are turning brown, it really is just like late spring.
We are here for the Freeride World Tour’s first stop. Sochi Russia. The same place that MSP produced that killer segment with Pep Fujas and Eric Pollard for the movie Hit List. The ski resort and village is called Krasnaya Polyana, and they will be hosting the 2014 Olympics, hence a tremendous amount of construction in the valley, a statistic was shared that every 7 seconds, a big truck drives by in this town. The overwhelming consensus is that the construction has thrown off the mini climate of the valley, raising temperatures angering the mountains. Muddy roads, workers burning the forest away, boulders being ground into gravel, dump trucks, back hoes, front end loaders, massive drills, storage containers, you name it. It is really quite ugly, but at the same time quite entertaining. Seems like utter chaos. Twice we have spotted guys running huge machines completely asleep with the engine still idling. The first 3 chairlifts carry us right through one of the many construction zones. We have to actually ride with our skis on our lap, because there is no snow for the load and unload stations. Of course we have to download at the end of the day. Another unique thing about the skiing experience here in Krasnaya Polyana in 2010 is the loudspeakers on the chairlift towers with a constant buzz to them, and a repeated message in Russian of course that states: “Freeriding off-piste is strictly forbidden. Skiers must not ski when drunk, and skiers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.” I guess they have a lot of drunk 14 year olds going out and ripping lines!
Chairlifts here are soon to be replaced and are SKETCHY. peep this photograph of the chairlift cable with a bulge/ fray to it. Not cool. Yesterday the lift started going backwards. It was scary, we almost jumped.
ALso, peep this blue steel I got out of world famous sexy skier, Henrik Winsted. Henrik. So hot right now.
and a camo dog.
I know we have nothing to complain about, most people would kill to have Timy and my schedule for the winter, summer, all of it. Exotic locations, culture, helicopters, new terrain, cameras parchutes, all sorts of fun stuff, but ma oh man, when Tahoe is firing there is absolutely no place I would rather be without a doubt. I can honestly say that when I miss storms like this I feel like I have missed a once in a lifetime opportunity, akin in magnitude to being out of town during the birth of your only child.
Hell, why am I even blogging? everyone is either skiing, shoveling sleeping or building fires. No one is gonna read this.
Labels: henrik winsted, JT Holmes, Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi Russia, Timy Dutton
Michelle ParkerAt least you have Timy (He spells his own name wrong) to keep you company!
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Adventures is Mediocrity
Although many explorers, adventurers and professional athletes would like to tout their adventures as grandiose dreams, epic tribulations and great triumphs, we all know mediocrity generally plagues an average amount of missions. This past weekend in Tahoe helped proved the fact that, like people, 49% of adventures are below average.
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.
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
Monday, October 12, 2009
JT Holmes - The Birdmen on 60 Minutes
In case you missed last nights 60 Minutes check out the video below.
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Watch CBS News Videos Online
The Birdmen
October 11, 2009 5:20 PM
In the latest craze that has killed several extreme adventurers, men don wing suits, jump off mountain tops and glide at speeds of 140 miles per hour. Steve Kroft reports.
Read the full story here.
Labels: 60 Minutes, JT Holmes, The Birdmen
Reno eNVyGreat Segment!
Got chills watching it.
Loved the Porters sticker on JT helmet....priceless
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
JT Holmes on CBS 60 Minutes
The Birdmen
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Watch these "birdmen" take flight - in some cases at speeds of up to 140 mph - on Sunday's 60 Minutes, Oct. 11, 7 pm ET/PT.
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Watch these "birdmen" take flight - in some cases at speeds of up to 140 mph - on Sunday's 60 Minutes, Oct. 11, 7 pm ET/PT.
Labels: CSB News, JT Holmes, wingsuit
Eric AsistinJT AND HIS FLY BUDDIES ARE STRAIGHT LOCO!
JasonWow JT that segment was amazing. Nice Porters props. I'll I can say was wow.
CorinaI own a new energy drink company called JACKED UP! We are actually launching it next week in VEGAS! we would love to get in touch with JT and his guys because what they do is totally JACKED UP! WOW! I saw them on 60 Minutes and was blown away! We would love to sponsor them! please have JT contact Joe Schmitz, President of JACKED UP LLC, jackedupenergydrink@gmail.com
THANKS!
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JT on 60 Minutes this sunday
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5371376n
THis Sunday at 7 i believe on CBS...
Labels: 2008 Skiing Magazine Ski Test, base Jumping, JT Holmes, Wing suits, wingsuit
Monday, September 7, 2009
Mellow day, Powder day, Comp day and a Sick Bird
photo credit: Billy Swan
It snowed. Wednesday, i skied one run by Braille and had a chill day by the fire with some Chilean friends.
Thursday was a powder day that made my trip. Not a ton of snow, but where the wind blew it in, it was firing! In La Parva, one can ski powder ALL day long, and there are a lot of short but bitchen lines to charge, with easy access. I followed my local friends around and enjoyed heli ski quality runs all day, low angle powder fields that I never would have found skiing with all the pros in town.
Yesterday, was comp day 1. Remember how I said "to ski be competitive, onewill need to go big on some flat, but makeable landings"? well, this was to my demise, even though I was right. I went for a big bottom air and charged it and ended up back slapping. Then I watched competitor after competitor come through and take it's 5 foot corner and beat me. Oh well.
Skiing in the comp was a great way to scrape the rust off from 3 months off skis. Competition makes you step to the absolute best line you can handle that given day, and I did. For me, it helps my filming skills immensely by making me realize what is stompable and how juicy the stuff we film is. When I go film now, I wil relate it to a think back "well, that air is the same size as the ones I was charging in La Parva, has powder in the landing, AND 14 of my friends haven't hit it already!"
Another thing... MAD props to Timy for his 2 podiums last year! winning a Freeskiing comp, on either tour, takes a lot, the field of competitors is stacked. Nice work.
After weather cancels our comp today, I will get on a plane home and jump in the lake by noon on Sunday. I won't have advanced further than my proud 13th place, but I must have skied pretty OK, as I was nominated for the covetted "sick bird" award. After the comp, I skied buttery groomers until the bell, and I captured this sick shot of a sick bird of my own.
JT
Labels: Chile, JT Holmes, La Parva
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Customs Officers, Smog sets, and runs named for Shane...
I arrived Chile yesterday morning 740AM Santiago. At customs, I declared nothing of course as I had nothing to declare. Carry-on bag goes through X ray and I am sent to the waiting room for the anal cavity search. I had forgotten about that orange that was part of the lovely lunch my mother had packed me for my journey.
The customs officers are giving me commands and asking my questions as though i have really done something wrong. I am charged with a crime (lying on a declaration form)
I notice while waiting for the strip search, that some of the other offenders are being escorted by 2 police officers each to the ATM to apparently solve their problems.
So, I hide all my loot except $20 and about $5 worth of leftover Chilean pesos in my shoe and just plead broke guy in broken Spanish during my interrogation. They are threatening a $500 fine, then $250, then down to $110.76 and from there they aren't budging. It is a long uncomfortable stand off, and I just tell em I have nothing, No ATM,no cash to exchange nothing no dice. They search me, but not the shoe, and finally, they let me go. i paid nothing.
It took about an hour and half and luckily when i got out of there, the guy with my name on a sign was still waiting and I went up and went skiing. It was teeth chattering variable snow, but still just great to be skiing. Spent the day, poking around a competition venue that is full of make-able but flat landings, so to be competitive, one will have to ski some uncomfortable stuff. I suppose between now and then I will spend some time stretching!
THis place is really cool. It is a short drive from Santiago and the city smog creates these amazing sunsets. Plus, on the chairlifts you can watch these massive condors. Huge birds, 6 ft. wingspans, and they just play all day in the wind drafts. it is fascinating to watch them fly, as a wingsuit flyer you notice everything, how they turn how they dive, how they glide, so sick. I just wish I could fly like them.
I will keep you posted!
jt
Labels: JT Holmes, Shane McConkey
Saturday, August 29, 2009
off to Chile interview
linked is an interview regarding my upcoming competition trip to Chile.
I hope people realize my last 5 words are in sarcasm!
Labels: Big Mountain Skiing, J.T., JT Holmes, La Parva
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
MSP IN DEEP TEASER
For 2009, MSP Films takes an original look at the sport of skiing. All of the skiers in the film--park rat or big mountain charger--share a common bond: the overwhelming desires to ski. Each person finds stoke in his own unique way, whether it be a double cork 1260, a deep turn on a storm day or ripping a giant AK line. Skiing is an incredibly diverse sport that offers it all. With the progressive skiing and award-winning cinematography that has made MSP famous, MSP Films takes you along for the ride deep into the experience as we share the love for the greatest sport in the world. IN DEEP will feature an epic Shane McConkey tribute segment.
Featuring the Skiing of: Two of Porters own team riders Michelle Parker and JT Holmes, Mark Abma, Sean Pettit, Eric Hjorleifson, Daron Rahlves, Henrik Windstedt, Chris Davenport, Bobby Brown, Colby West, TJ Schiller, Mike Douglas, Kaj Zackrisson, James Heim, Hugo Harrisson, Rory Bushfield, PK Hunder, Ingrid Backstrom, Jacob Wester, Russ Henshaw, Henrik Harlaut, Alexis Godbout, Sammy Carlson, Chris Rubens and Shane McConkey.
Featuring the Skiing of: Two of Porters own team riders Michelle Parker and JT Holmes, Mark Abma, Sean Pettit, Eric Hjorleifson, Daron Rahlves, Henrik Windstedt, Chris Davenport, Bobby Brown, Colby West, TJ Schiller, Mike Douglas, Kaj Zackrisson, James Heim, Hugo Harrisson, Rory Bushfield, PK Hunder, Ingrid Backstrom, Jacob Wester, Russ Henshaw, Henrik Harlaut, Alexis Godbout, Sammy Carlson, Chris Rubens and Shane McConkey.
Labels: AK, JT Holmes, Match Stick Productions, Michelle Parker, MSP, Shane McConkey
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
bombing around norway.
Romridiculous!
ChunderBoooooo. When you start dragging your toes then you can give me a call and I'll send you a dollar.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
fieldproductions.com Athlete interview: JT Holmes
FP catches up with the legendary californian kid, JT Holmes.
Field Productions
FP: Hey JT. Whats going on? Enjoying Norway?
JT: Crazy thing going on. Back in March, I met with the producer of 60 Minutes. He was interested in doing an episode on Wingsuit flying and I told him it had to be Norway. He has followed through on everything we discussed and today I am off to Molde to pick up the crew. I arrived a week early to get back into it after being rattled mentally by the Shane thing. I feel good. It is nice to be back here. Good friends, nice hikes, familiar faces and places. The weather hasn’t been good for going to the big mountains, I have jumped the Base Race cliff once a day for the last 6 days.
FP: Oh, nice. Can´t wait to see that episode of 60 minutes.
You visit Norway quite a lot. Why so? What brings you back?
JT: Norway is my favorite.
FP: So, first year shooting with Field Productions. Tell us, how was the experience working three weeks with Filip?
JT: It was great. Challenging snow conditions at first, but we had a cool road trip and spent a lot of time in the mountains. With 3 weeks we were sure to get the good snow, and when it came, it was on. I am really happy with what we got and I hope Norway enjoys seeing it too.
FP: What is the biggest difference filming with Field Productions, compared to the major companies as Warren Miller and Matchstick Productions?
JT: To be honest, it isn’t much different at all, except for that with Field your producer is also the filmer, the editor, the travel planner, AND the business brains behind the operation, so when you pass out dead tired after a long day in the mountains, looking to rest before the next one, you hear in the next hotel room the sound of Filip on the phone, working on the next project, securing sponsors, coordinating his athletes schedules. It is a good thing he is young. Otherwise, he may not be able to work so hard and still spend the day in the mountains full of energy. We’d catch him sleeping pretty hard in the car sometimes, and he likes his Red Bull.
FP: Why do you think Squaw Valley, CA has produced so many professional skiers and snowboarders through the years? Is it the ”Le Chamois” (famous après ski and pizza), or must it be the endless terrain you got over there?
JT:. What have tons of really fun steep terrain, not huge stuff, but fun stuff. The reason that Squaw Valley produces so hard is the terrain and the snow. Our snow fills in the steep goods right away, so we area ble to get into it immediately when the snow comes, whereas in the Alps or the Rockys you might have to wait til mid season to get into the steep fun stuff. Also, it is the overall layout of the mountain. Everything is visible form the chairlifts and easily accessed from the top. During a 7 minute chairlift ride, you are watching everyone skiing lines, hucking, charging. On powder days people are yelling and cheering for big airs, being typical loud Americans. Its not like you are crammed into some foggy cable car where you see nothing. Plus, you get to the top and and just go. We don’t chat at the top or traverse. You just go straight into it. 500 meters or so of fun stuff the whole way and then back to the fast chairs with funny people watching. Its fun. Ask Filip and Eirich. They’ll be back. And yes, very cheap beer and good Pizza slopeside. We win when it comes to Apres ski. Hands down.
FP: Whats on your agenda for the summer?
JT: Just splitting time between here and home. I also have the opportunity to do some big wall climbing in Yosemite and won’t pass on that because it is a great chance for me to learn, and fun experience. Late August is likely to bring some Southern Hemisphere turns.
FP: And, will you be attending the ”Eyes Wide Open” world premiere in Oslo, 19th of September?
JT: Wouldn’t miss it.
FP: See you there!
Field Productions
FP: Hey JT. Whats going on? Enjoying Norway?
JT: Crazy thing going on. Back in March, I met with the producer of 60 Minutes. He was interested in doing an episode on Wingsuit flying and I told him it had to be Norway. He has followed through on everything we discussed and today I am off to Molde to pick up the crew. I arrived a week early to get back into it after being rattled mentally by the Shane thing. I feel good. It is nice to be back here. Good friends, nice hikes, familiar faces and places. The weather hasn’t been good for going to the big mountains, I have jumped the Base Race cliff once a day for the last 6 days.
FP: Oh, nice. Can´t wait to see that episode of 60 minutes.
You visit Norway quite a lot. Why so? What brings you back?
JT: Norway is my favorite.
FP: So, first year shooting with Field Productions. Tell us, how was the experience working three weeks with Filip?
JT: It was great. Challenging snow conditions at first, but we had a cool road trip and spent a lot of time in the mountains. With 3 weeks we were sure to get the good snow, and when it came, it was on. I am really happy with what we got and I hope Norway enjoys seeing it too.
FP: What is the biggest difference filming with Field Productions, compared to the major companies as Warren Miller and Matchstick Productions?
JT: To be honest, it isn’t much different at all, except for that with Field your producer is also the filmer, the editor, the travel planner, AND the business brains behind the operation, so when you pass out dead tired after a long day in the mountains, looking to rest before the next one, you hear in the next hotel room the sound of Filip on the phone, working on the next project, securing sponsors, coordinating his athletes schedules. It is a good thing he is young. Otherwise, he may not be able to work so hard and still spend the day in the mountains full of energy. We’d catch him sleeping pretty hard in the car sometimes, and he likes his Red Bull.
FP: Why do you think Squaw Valley, CA has produced so many professional skiers and snowboarders through the years? Is it the ”Le Chamois” (famous après ski and pizza), or must it be the endless terrain you got over there?
JT:. What have tons of really fun steep terrain, not huge stuff, but fun stuff. The reason that Squaw Valley produces so hard is the terrain and the snow. Our snow fills in the steep goods right away, so we area ble to get into it immediately when the snow comes, whereas in the Alps or the Rockys you might have to wait til mid season to get into the steep fun stuff. Also, it is the overall layout of the mountain. Everything is visible form the chairlifts and easily accessed from the top. During a 7 minute chairlift ride, you are watching everyone skiing lines, hucking, charging. On powder days people are yelling and cheering for big airs, being typical loud Americans. Its not like you are crammed into some foggy cable car where you see nothing. Plus, you get to the top and and just go. We don’t chat at the top or traverse. You just go straight into it. 500 meters or so of fun stuff the whole way and then back to the fast chairs with funny people watching. Its fun. Ask Filip and Eirich. They’ll be back. And yes, very cheap beer and good Pizza slopeside. We win when it comes to Apres ski. Hands down.
FP: Whats on your agenda for the summer?
JT: Just splitting time between here and home. I also have the opportunity to do some big wall climbing in Yosemite and won’t pass on that because it is a great chance for me to learn, and fun experience. Late August is likely to bring some Southern Hemisphere turns.
FP: And, will you be attending the ”Eyes Wide Open” world premiere in Oslo, 19th of September?
JT: Wouldn’t miss it.
FP: See you there!
Labels: Field Productions, fieldproductions.com, JT Holmes
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Why I love Squaw Valley in the Spring Time...
Kyle O'Neal catching some air in the Palisades...Even though we all love to get in as much powder as we can until the month of May, it never hurts to have those hot Cali spring days where the sun comes out, the snow turns to corn and the sunbathing at the High Camp pool after a morning of skiing is game on. Can't beat it!
What a view!
J.T. Holmes and Ruth Selby soaking in the sun
Tristan Queen doing tricks. Spring day schedule: hit the park in the morning then practice at the pool afterwards.Labels: Elyse Saugstad, JT Holmes, Kyle O'Neal, Squaw Valley
Friday, March 27, 2009
We will Miss you Shane McConkey....RIP
Yesterday, March 26, 2009, Shane died while skiing in Italy. There are some technical aspects that are left out from this statement, and it does not touch upon the beauty of the Dolomites and the skiing we shared before the accident or Shane’s typical shining persona, full of adventure, humor and life experience.
We chose to ski off of a cliff with our wingsuits and fly them away from the cliff wall before opening our parachutes for landing. We skied and hiked off of the Pordoi cable car to a spot Shane had base jumped once before, in the summer. We spent a bunch of time preparing for the jump, building a kicker, helping each other gear up, and finally we were pleased and prepared and went for it.
Shane did a double back flip in perfect McConkey style. As planned, afterwards, he went to release his skis in order to fly away from the wall and safely deploy his parachute. This is where the jump went wrong. He was not able to release either of his skis. He remained focused on releasing them by reaching down towards his bindings. This put him into a spin/ tumble/ unstable falling style, that may have appeared out of his control, but in reality, Shane was not concerned about flying position or style; just concerned with reaching those skis so that he could get them off and fly or deploy his parachute. He succeeded in releasing both of skis and immediately transitioned into a perfect flying position; then he impacted the snow, and died at that moment.
The whole thing took place in about 12 seconds. Once he released the skis, he was immediately in control of the flight and would have only seen the ground and imminent impact for a tiny fraction of a second before he hit. Shane’s parachute did not malfunction; it was never deployed.
-jt Holmes
March 27, 2009
UPDATE - 3:37pmSo now an hour or so later, we've talked with some of his friends like Daron Rahlves and Michelle Parker as well as third-hand through Jay at Thin Air here in town who had talked with JT Holmes. JT was BASE jumping with Shane at the time and had gone first. JT said that he didn't see Shane's actual fall but knew something was terribly wrong with how the helicopters started diving back down to the earth. We've now confirmed through him too that supposedly a ski didn't release and/or released but got caught in the chute. Either way, it was a terrible fall to Shane's death as he spun out of control and never slowed his descent. Shane was truly a pioneer in big mountain skiing and BASE jumping and it's still mind boggling to think of him not being with us anymore. As was mentioned on TGR's website, it's a bit like saying that "Superman" had died as we've all grown accustomed to Shane's daredevil BASE leaps and mind-blowing skiing segments. Again we're truly devastated to not only lose such an influential person in our sport.....but a great guy too......
Go to ESPN as another source for those who need more possible closure from this tragic event.
2:19pm
Details are still very sketchy at this point, but just 10 minutes ago we got the word that Squaw Valley / Tahoe legend, big mountain skier extraordinaire, BASE jumper, lover of all things snow and adrenaline, and great family man - Shane McConkey - has died in Italy while BASE jumping. Supposedly a ski didn't eject and sent him into an uncontrolled spin that he couldn't recover from. Again, not sure of the details, but very, very sadly we have confirmed that Shane is no longer with us. Please take a moment to say a prayer for him and his family that he leaves behind. We're all in a state of shock here at Porters....
Labels: JT Holmes, Shane McConkey, Ski Base Jump
If you want to learn more, the Sierra Sun has a lot of quotes from friends and some details.
http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20090326/NEWS/903269961/1066&ParentProfile=1051&title=Ski%20legend%20Shane%20McConkey%20dies
Danielle DeWittDear JT-
I don't know if you remember me from Tahoe but I saw this article and I wanted to send my thoughts to you and the rest of Shane's family and friends. I never knew either one of you well- but it is a horrible tragedy and I am so sorry you had to be there and loose your friend. -Danielle DeWitt
Segalfound this.
http://redbullairforce.com/author/shane_mcconkey
jeremyShane was my hero, I always wanted to ski like him. He influenced the way that I and all of us ski. Let us never forget the life he lived and the way he changed our sport forever. Thanks Shane.
Mad Dog is the name and thanking Shane is the game, Shane we were just thanking you on Wednesday for getting all the rocker and reverse camber into the ski industry and pushing the ski design envelope. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family RIP from the shop boys and girls in Denver
The news was devastating. Our hearts are very heavy.
In 2000, at the ages of 3 and 4, our two young sons, my wife and I became enamored with Squaw Valley. Today, they have been racing for 8 years and, in so doing our family has shared a small piece of the Squaw magic and our lives have been enhanced by the very many friendships that have resulted from our time there.
Part of the mountain's magic, part of the mystique and lore that drew us was created by the daring exploits and magic of Shane McConkey. It was always gratifying to be on a mountain 'shared' with legends like Julia Mancuso, Jonnie Mosely, Daron Rahlves (pre Sugar Bowl!) Tamara McKinney, Jeff Hamilton and the superhuman exploits of Shane McConkey. These people defined the mountain and we became forever 'hooked'.
At Christmas, 2006 I purchased a large photo from Keoki Flagg...In graphic black and white, it shows Shane on Eagle's Nest.It hangs by our fireplace in Tahoe Donner. Always an attention getter, it will now command new focus, a reminder of a terrific talent with what appeared to be a wonderful joy, living a big life. I know that looking at it will always cause a pause...of sadness...and admiration.
Shane, thank you for being a part of our lives. You did not know us, but we watched you and admired your talent. Godspeed. Blessings to you an your family.
al
ChappyAl -
That was a genuinely heartfelt tribute to Shane. You, like a lot of other people, were influenced and inspired from afar more than Shane probably ever knew. Please visit his memorial website shanemcconkey.org to find out how you can help his family and pay your respects...
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Took It down!
SHane and I took this thing down today... trying again with attaching the photos. my post yesterday they did not attach but the link to SHanes site seemed to trigger a lot of interest.
was scary as hell, the cliff really is not that big, about 1100ft. about a third of the size of the cliff that we previously did Wingsuit ski bases from.
anyways, it has been a long time since then and we are way better at flying and beyond that, confidence is at an all time high.
It worked great, went flying off the cliff, opened the wings and flew. It WAS more scary to ski off there, than to ski down that chute and over to the cliff edge, but not by much!
Labels: awesome, checck us out, JT Holmes, Shane McConkey, sick mono rippers monoboard radness insane, Sick Rad and Dope, Ski Base Jump, wingsuit, wingsuit ski base
caveman77hell yeah dudes, that looks gnarly. i dont get how you skied out to the take off pad, it looks uphill in the photo. jt check your email from me
pete t.
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
JT at the Freeride World Tour
JT stomps the bottom of his runSo, I crashed at the top of my run. Went fast off of a cliff at the top and went over the bars, lost a ski put it back on and kept going to finish my run proud. While a loss of ski gives you a "no score" result, I skied like I meant it and went down charging. I was pretty frustrated because I knew if i had pulled off that top air, I would have been up there. The top was the easy part, I had decided to charge that cliff fast as many competitors were hesitating there, my plan backfired.
JT also got a little write up in the wrap up article. Check it out:
First amazing day on the Silverado, 12 years after one of the first freeride competitions in Squaw Valley USA
JT Holmes, emblematic skier from Squaw Valley and BASE jump/ski pioneer, was a favorite before falling at the top of his run. He finished his run with an impressive second half, and then spoke about how he sees the evolution of freeride, 12 years after the first freeride competition on the Silverado face:
“Today, skiers and snowboarders are able to land perfect jumps. Security has also evolved; I remember skiing here 12 years ago in a t-shirt with no helmet! Now, the faces are closed before the competition; the snow is kept intact so we can ride in excellent conditions!”
You can read the whole article here
Labels: Freeride World Tour, JT Holmes, silverado
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Is it called monoskiing? or monoboarding?
oh the things that go down when shane and i get bored.
Labels: JT Holmes, radical, Shane McConkey, sick mono rippers monoboard radness insane, Squaw Valley, we are hella sick
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Hey Nicky, great edit but I was mislabeled. The person in red was not me.