Westbound Boarder

Many of you have probably heard by now that earlier week, the Internal Olympic Committee (IOC) cast a vote to finally make slopestyle an Olympic snowboarding and skiing event (Read the news in ESPN or Transworld Business).  Though the news was quickly overshadowed by the IOC’s final vote to award the 2018 Winter Olympic bid to South Korea (which is huge news, in and of itself, as this is the first time South Korea will host an Olympic games), slopestyle will first appear in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.  This was actually discussed a while back, but the vote was tabled, as the IOC needed to first make sure that Sochi has the capability to build an Olympic slopestyle course.    

Its no secret that the snowboard community somewhat butts heads with the IOC and FIS Olympic governing bodies, primarily because in the past, they have seen the sport of snowboarding as a mere extension to skiing, and in recent years, an up-in-coming money maker, especially among young viewers.  But despite the past differences between the two groups, from what I’ve read and heard from others, the snowboard community welcomes the IOC’s decision to add slopestyle to the roster of Olympic snowboard and ski events.  Many people (myself included) see slopestyle as one of the best ways for riders to really showcase their talent in the sport.  First of all, slopestyle is much more accessable to young riders than, say, halfpipe or bordercross, because most resorts at least have some sort of triple air terrain park available for the duration of the season.  Halfpipes and boardercross courses, on the otherhand, require much more work to build and a particular type of weather, so many resorts abandon the idea completely.  Second, slopestyle is one of the oldest competition types around, and definitely the most-well known and versatile. 

Anyway, I for one, am thrilled to see slopestyle finally become part of the Olympics.  This decision was long overdue.  Slopestyle is the primary event I focused on as a young competitor, so I may be a bit partial, but I truly think it is the best way for snowboarders to show their true talent. 

Traditionally, the US Open (snowboarding) has only been open to pro riders.  Not anymore!  Last year, Burton announced the Burton AM Series, a competition for amateur riders, with men and women champs winning $1,000 and a wildcard entry into the Open Series.  And the second annual series is well underway, with stops in 6 US locations.  

If your new year’s resolution is to compete this year, I suggest you try this one out!  I haven’t competed since high school, but I’ve really wanted to get back into it, so I challenged myself to this one  After researching it a bit (and becoming a tad bit intimidated watching videos of the pro Burton team!) I decided, what the heck… at least I tried, right?  The worst that can happen is I get last place  So, I’m doing it; tomorrow at Bear Mountain, which I’m so stoked about because I haven’t been to Bear Mountain yet, and what a great excuse to go!   

If you’re also thinking about competing, most of the info. you need is on the Burton AM Series Web site.  You can register here (it’s $10 per event; open to 30 women) and you can compete in slopestyle, halfpipe, or both. 

This year’s schedule is as follows:

• Northstar-at-Tahoe, CA: Jan. 10 – 11
• Bear Mountain, CA: Jan. 19 (Slopestyle only; pipe cancelled due to weather conditions)
• Keystone, CO: Jan. 24 – 25
• Snoqualmie, WA: Jan. 31 (Slopestyle only; pipe cancelled due to weather conditions)
• Park City, UT: Feb. 7 – 8
• Waterville Valley, NH: March 14 – 15

The big clincher – the Burton Global Open Series, US – will be held at Stratton Mountain, VT, March 16 – 22, 2009.  Competitors (pros and those who’ve obtained a wildcard entry through the AM series) will compete for the 2009 women’s and men’s championship titles, each worth $100,000, and events at large will take place around the globe (Europe, Japan, Canada, US, New Zealand, Australia).  So whether you’re a competitor or you simply just want to watch, be sure to mark those dates on your calendar because it should be a pretty sweet comp!  I’ll report back after tomorrow’s big event

What’s up everyone; another chance has come your way to get out there a give the competition scene a try! Timberline Lodge and Skibowl have teamed up for the second annual Mt. Hood Fusion Series where you have the opportunity to compete in up to six different ski or snowboard competitions. Riders of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to register (registration is free for Fusion Pass holders and only $5 for all others). Just show up to the mountain between 9-11am on competition day to sign up. Cash, awesome prizes and season passes for next season are up for grabs – and the more events you participate in, the more likely you are to win big!

The six competitions (Slopestyle, Giant Sloalom, J Turn, Speed Trap, Skier / Boarder x & Obstacle Course!) will take place each Sunday from February 1 until March 8, so check out the Mt. Hood Fusions Series Website for all the details and don’t miss out on this pressure free opportunity to ease your way into the competition scene – you will not regret it!

Found a couple YouTube videos (as promised) highlighting the slopestyle comp. during the Winter Dew Tour this past weekend.  Check ‘em out!
Men’s Ski Slopestyle

Women’s Slopestyle

Men’s Slopestyle