New Zealand – Swing Bridges, Ice Bars, and a Meter of Snow!

It happens every year around my birthday, I start to dream about skiing again. Typically I head to South America, but this year I joined Spyder for a trip to New Zealand. I celebrated my birthday and 30 hours later landed in Queenstown, NZ.

View of Queenstown from the top of the Remarkables

Queenstown is known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. There are multiple ski resorts an hour away, bungy jumping, ski diving, jet boating, and the list goes on. My first two days were spent skiing the Remarkables.

A little gem on the backside of the Remarkables.

The snow was a little thin. It hadn’t snowed in NZ for over a month. I was still able to find some soft snow and the lines on the backside of the Remarkables were worth the flight. It felt so good to be out exploring on my skis again.

Daron Rahlves Doing a Little Scouting

And then it started to snow. It dumped for three days straight. The storm of the century hit New Zealand. I think this is kind of funny. The town received maybe 15 inches of snow, but it was enough to shut everything down. Apparently it doesn’t snow often in town. The roads were a mess and the city shut down. There was no hope for the bald tires on our rental van, so we set out on foot to see what there was to do in Queenstown.

We Found and Ice Hotel

A Warm Fire to Enjoy

And a Mechanical Bull

The streets were cleared and we were finally able to get our van out of the driveway. We headed straight for the Remarkables excited to ski the backside in a meter of fresh snow. The skiing was awesome.

The weather started to get warm and the snow started to melt, so we hopped in the van and went on road trip. The goal was to see as much of NZ as possible in two days before we had to fly out.

Sunset on the West Coast of New Zealand

Sunset on the East Coast

And a Little Bungy Jumping Along the Way!

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen and the skiing’s not too bad either!

Shiro Shoot in Snowbird – This Ski Can Do It All

Volkl Shiro Can Do It All

It is still winter in Snowbird. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has been closed for a couple of weeks, but the skiing is still amazing. I have been skiing the resort everyday; skinning to the top and enjoying some of the best turns I have had all season. Even though the skiing has been great in Jackson, I couldn’t resist an opportunity to head down to Snowbird to ride lifts and ski powder.

Scott Markewitz working hard.

Scott Markewitz called me tuesday night and asked if I could be in Salt Lake City on wednesday for a Volkl photo shoot. I was really excited. Not only is Scott one of the best ski photographers in the industry, but it had been dumping in Snowbird. The opportunity was too good to resist. A blue bird powder day shooting with Scott Markewitz, of course!

Tyler Peterson Killing It!

I joined Jen Berg, Tyler Peterson, Tim Russell, Matt Philippi, and Scott Markewitz at 7am in the parking lot of Snowbird. The morning was gorgeous. Snowbird had received almost two feet in the last two days and the sky couldn’t have been bluer. We loaded the 8am tram and got down to business. I was a little nervous about shooting with five athletes, but Scott took charge and showed us why he is one of the best in the business. He new exactly what he wanted and directed us as if we were on a Hollywood set. We shot photos from 8am to 4:30pm. I have never worked with a more motivated photographer.

Jen Berg Stoked on the Day!

Not only was it awesome to see a photographer work so hard and efficiently, it was incredible to see how diverse the Shiro is. There were five Volkl athletes all on the Shiro. Jen and I are both Big Mountain skiers. The ski is awesome for big mountain ripping. The Shiro rips in hard pack, powder, and crud. It is lively and playful, but strong enough to charge down any line. I immediately fell in love with the ski, but had no idea that park and pipe skiers would love the ski as well.

This Ski is SICK!!!!!!

It was really cool to see what the ski could do when Matt, Ty, and Tim were riding it. Park and Pipe skiers have a very different style from big mountain skiers. The Shiro seemed to do everything they wanted. And do it well. Every athlete raved about the ski. The Shiro can do it all.

Super Fun Day on Ferry Peak!

Verbier Xtreme – 6th Place

A Wild Card for the Verbier Xtreme seemed like a dream, but when I found myself standing on the top of the Bec de Rossess once again, I had to question my decision to come. Most competitors do not choose the Verbier Xtreme as their first competition of the season. The Bec de Rosses is one of the more intimidating faces I have ever skied. It is not that it is steep or exposed. It is that the face is riddled with rocks. Europe has had an unusually dry season and there was not a lot of snow on the Bec which meant that there were a lot more rocks. Standing in the starting gate, my nerves were going wild and I had to wonder why I had flown all the way to Europe to put myself through this when I could be skiing powder in Jackson.

The first time I heard about the Verbier Xtreme, I was competing on the IFSA tour in Verbier. The very best skiers and snowboarders were invited to compete in the Verbier Xtreme. At that moment, I made it a goal to compete on the Bec de Rosses. I felt it would be a true test of my ability. I thought that if competed on the Bec, I would be one of the best skiers in the world.

This year was my third time competing on the Bec and my fourth time competing in the Verbier Xtreme. I am no longer convinced that it makes me one of the best skiers in the world, but the Bec definitely tests my ability as a skier: both mentally and physically. And that was why I jumped at the opportunity to compete once again in the Verbier Xtreme.

Lucky #13

I was so excited to arrive in Verbier and compete in what some people call the Super Bowl of Freeskiing Competitions. It snowed 40cm before the competition and the face looked amazing. The morning of the competition, I felt great. I was ready to rip my line. A helicopter shuttled us to the top of the venue. It was breath taking looking out across the Alps.

I was the last competitor to drop in. I hit my first three airs with no problem. I ripped down the middle section of the venue. I thought the snow was going to be blower powder, but it was really heavy and more difficult to ski than I had expected. I arrived at my last feature, a 25 foot air. I spotted my landing and sent it. I stomped the air and came out ridiculously fast. I made two turns in preparation for the last peppery section of my line. I thought I had it when all of the sudden I was down. I wish I knew what happened. I may have clipped a rock, I may have folded the front of my skis, regardless I fell.

I have to admit, I am truly disappointed. I have finished second in the Verbier Xtreme four years in a row and was really hoping for a win this year. In hind sight, I should be happy that I have made a full recovery and was able to compete in the Xtreme. With that said, it is a lot more fun to stand on the podium than to stand in the crowd.

www.freerideworldtour.com

Lucky Number 13 – Verbier Xtreme Confirmed for Sunday

The Verbier Xtreme has been confirmed for sunday. There is 20 cm of fresh snow on the Bec De Rosses.. There will be a live broad cast of the event www.freerideworldtour.com. The women will ski at 10:00 and the men will follow.

I will be last female skier to leave the top of the mountain. I drew lucky number 13. I am really happy with my bib draw. There will most likely be a lot of slough for the first few women to drop into the face. By the time I drop into my line, much of the loose snow should’ve moved and hopefully many of the sharky rocks will be revealed.

Women's Venue on the Bec De Rosses

I have to admit, it feels a little weird to compete in the Verbier Xtreme for my first competition of the season. On one hand, I feel right at home scoping lines and getting ready to compete. On the other hand, it may have been nice to have one competition under my belt before dropping into the Bec. Reguardless, I am so excited to be here and can’t wait for Sunday!

Scouting Lines with Angel Collinson

Verbier Xtreme Postponed.

It is still snowing in Verbier.  The FWT Organization just announced that the competition will be postponed.  The weather looks good, but the new snow has fallen on an old firm layer of snow.  The competitors have not been told the athletes why the competition has been postponed, but I can only assume it is for the safety of the riders due to unstable snow conditions.

“At a meeting between riders and FWT organizers it has been decided that the Nissan Xtreme Verbier 2011 by Swatch will be postponed and will not be held on Saturday, 19 March as originally scheduled.

It has also been confirmed that the Freeride Juniors Verbier 2011 by Swatch will now be held on Saturday, 19 March at 11:00 a.m.

On Friday at 19:00, organizers will make another decision about the possibility of holding the event on Sunday, 20 March.”  www.freerideworldtour.com

The bib draw will be held tomorrow and we should find out more then.  Happy St. Patty’s Day!

It’s Snowing in Verbier!

I am so excited to be in Verbier.  And even more excited that it is snowing!  The skiing would have been really good if it were possible to see.  A storm has hit the mountains and it was impossible to see more than 50 feet down slope.  It made skiing a little difficult, but it snowed at least six inches up high and there is more on the way.  It will make conditions ideal for the competition.  The competition is scheduled for Saturday, but a final decision will be made tonight depending on snow and weather conditions.

Women's Venue - Bec De Rosses, Verbier Switzerland

Just Say’n

I’m sitting on the couch watching the live feed of the Freeskiing World Tour Finals in Kirkwood. I am not there, but I still feel the excitement in the air and the butterflies in my stomach. I know how each competitor is feeling. I still have the desire to lay down a winning run. I’m in my slippers and ready to drop in. As I watch the women battle it out, I check the TGR forums to see what everyone is saying. There is banter about judging and who’s the sickest skier and how the judges went wrong. Now I have two computers set up because the live feed is having some issues. The women’s results are in, Angel Collinson dominating once again. Nice!

The men have started. I don’t really pay attention until Drew Tabke drops in. I make a sandwich, check TGR, and might as well see what’s on Facebook. Uh oh, the chic’s are pissed about the judging.

Drew drops in. I want Drew to win. He’s a friend. He’s having one as Drew usually does. Skiing a line that no one would ever think of. In true Drew fashion the line is creative and a few back flips in there to show personality. It’s not his best run, but the judges give it to him for creativity. It’s not the gnarliest line and it’s not perfect, but it’s fun and it makes me smile because I know Drew had a nice time.

No time for snacks. It’s on. Parker drops in, sending until his last drop to splat. Next up Garbs. I have to love Grabs, not only did I experience the red light district in Geneva with him, but he is one of the most powerful skiers I have ever had the pleasure to ski with. Eric and I have a saying, “Put your Grandpa boots on.” Grandpa boots are for stomping big drops! There’s a little dance that goes with it. Needless to say, Garbs always has his Grandpa boots on.

The men are skiing with skill and execution. It is exciting to watch. No time for snacks or the bathroom. History is happening. Guerlain, out of retirement, doing it because he loves it, ripping into third place. The winner, Diaek skis easily into first place. It’s his home mountain. He knows he doesn’t have to do anything flashy because he owns the place.

Contest is over, Angel and Diaek win. Better check the TGR forum to hear the banter. “So and so should’ve won. That dude ripped it.” It’s always good to hear from the forum. Still in my slippers, experiencing the competition from my couch, I sift through photos from day one. What? My friend is in the hospital. Check Facebook. No news, only chics pissed off about judging. Back to TGR. The news is bad. Ryan is in an induced coma, hoping for the best.

Facebook: “Hello all friends and well-wishers. An ever expanding group of us if hanging out in Reno with Ryan after his accident in the Kirkwood FWT competition. We are going to do our best to keep updates coming on Ryan’s condition, it is a bit scary right now so be prepared. Currently Ryan is in the ICU at Renown Health Center. Medical staff h…”

Go for a walk. Process. Look at photos of Ryan’s run again. Convince myself that he’s going to be fine. Go to bed.

Up at 7am. Check Facebook:

“To all of Ryan’s friends: I just heard from my brother who grew up skiing with him in Vermont, still is a close friend, that he passed away last night, lost too much blood. I’ve known Hawks since he was 13 or 14 years old, he was a skier that so full of life, in every aspect. I’ll miss him, such a good person.”

Can’t be true. Make coffee……………

Check Facebook again: Samantha Hawks Stetson

“Here is one of my favorite photos of Ryan and his dad. Ryan, I will always love you. You will be deeply missed, but you have taught me so much about how to live life. Your zest for life and love of friends & family will be sorely missed. You will be in my heart forever”

Look at the Tetons. Wonder. Question. What do I feel? Nothing. I only see a memory, a smile, a shining spirit. I should cry, but I don’t. Instead I picture the inspiring smile. He can’t be gone. He’s’s not gone. He is smiling in my mind forever. I will never forget his smile.

I regret what I did next. Yes, this is a confession. A confession that I have felt guilt about all day long and still struggle with, hence this blog post. Next I wrote a email. I wrote an email to riders board. I would like to think that I wrote the letter in response to the discontent of the competitors, judging is never fair. In hind sight, I wrote the email because my friend had passed away. What are we doing wrong? Young, incredible people are dying.

I asked the Freeskiing World Tour board members, my friends, what we can do to create a better system. To be more honest, I asked if the judging was the problem. I thought I was being diplomatic, but I wasn’t. I was sitting on my couch, in my slippers, an outsider judging. A judge questioning the judging.

It’s Powder week in Jackson. I’m an athlete and all my reps are here. I guess I should be there. Go skiing. Smile. Life’s all good.

“Heard your friend died.” Smile. “Losing respect for those comps.” Smile. “Isn’t that the third person who has died.” Tears. Smile. Ski. Look at the sun. Feel my skis on the snow. Tears. No. Smile.

And here I sit, wondering what it all means. Check Facebook. “RIP Ryan, we all love you.”

I love skiing! I really love competing. Would I die for it? No. If someone asked me, “Would you like to die for this run?” I would kindly decline. Am ok with it being a possibility? Yes. I will do everything to prevent it, but I will never prevent myself from living because I fear death.

Feel’n Good!

Photo By Chris Figenshau

I am back! “Fat Bastard” has been on my hit list for a while. After being injured this winter, I didn’t think it would be an attainable goal this year. I have been skiing for three weeks now and am feeling pretty good. It was a tough decision to not go to Kirkwood for the fourth stop of the Freeskiing World Tour. I decided it would be more beneficial for me to stay in Jackson and keep getting stronger. As it turns out it was a good decision.

It has been snowing in Jackson for the last week and the skiing has been amazing. I have been testing out my injury with smaller airs. I have to admit, pow skiing is great rehab. On friday, I decided to go take a look at “Fat Bastard.” F.B. is a notorious air in Jackson. It is 35 feet of sheer rock and has been a goal of mine for at least five years. The snow in the landing was a pole deep. Looking at the air and realizing the conditions were perfect, I knew it was time to truly test my injury. I made a few phone calls and a plan to hit the air the next day.

Saturday was beautiful. As I opened my eyes in the morning and saw the blue skies, I knew it was time. Bryce Newcomb and Jeff Leger joined me for the air. We decided to climb the south ridge to access the line. The hike was scarier than I thought it would be. The snow was unstable and we were extremely exposed standing on top of the line. As we prepared to ski, a large crowd gathered. It looked like we were going to have to put on show.

I dropped into the line. The snow was perfect. I made three turns before getting to the take off of the air. I was feeling confident until my last turn. As I came into the take off the new snow blinded me. I love face shots, but not right before a take off. Luckily, the snow cleared just as I reached the take off. As my skis came to the edge, I popped and was airborne. It felt so good to be flying through the air. During the free fall, I spotted my landing and went for the stomp. I thought I had it. When I landed, I bounced and rolled forward. Luckily, my skis stayed on and I came right up to my feet and skied away.

It feels so good to have my confidence back. It also feels great to have attained another goal safely! I’m back!

“Voices of the Valley” – Speaker Series

Kit Deslauriers and I will speaking tonight for the “Voices of the Valley” presented by the Historical society of Jackson Hole. I am really excited as well as nervous. I have not spoke in front of 100’s of people since college. I am planning on sharing stories of competition, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Las Lenas, and filming with Warren Miller. Here’s a sneak peak of my competition presentation.