UK Event News

Here's an update on the English Champs.

Slopestyle: 8th June 2013 at Chill Factore on Facebook

Moguls: 9th June 2013 at Chill Factore on Facebook

Because the organisers have had several requests for boarders to join in, this event is also going to be a trial for snowboarders as it's never been run before with a view to seeign whether there's any future demand. As this is not a formal competition for snowboarders, no medals will be issued and a reduced slope fee of £22 will be payable on the day and no pre-registration will be required.

SSBX: 23rd June 2013 at Chill Factore on Facebook

Big Air: TBC on Facebook

Freeski Camps have a camp on the same week, so the original date and location are out of the window. Watch this space.

We’ve teamed up with Ski and Snowboard Shows London and North to offer you a great end-of-season discount on weekday tickets to the UK’s biggest snowsports event of the year. To get yours for just £5, quote ‘SCUK5’ when booking adult tickets at www.skiandsnowboardshow.co.uk and yes, you're welcome to the discount even if you're not a SCUK Member.

The deal is available for both the London show and the new "North" show, and if you aren't able to grab your ticket yet, you can be sure of a SCUK members exclusive offer closer to the shows.

*Offer applies to advance, adult tickets (valid for any one day except Saturday) until May 31st 2013. Transaction fee of £1.99 per booking.

This season saw the British Snow Tour being updated to be able to include all UK freeski and snowboard events in a similar concept to the World Snowboard and Association of Freeskiing Professionals tours. Events are awarded a star ranking based on the environment and number of competitors, with the best 4 results from the season being averaged to give riders their national ranking.

This season has started to see more coming on board with the system and with the new wave of events happening around the country there is plenty scope for more to get involved. To help support the local events then there is no charge for event organisers for up to two 1 Star events a year.

Every event is free to choose their own age categories, but for consistency through the system then the categories of U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 and Open have been adopted. A rider's age on the 31st December of the competition calendar year is used to determine their category for the season. The calendar year runs from the 1st May until the 30th April to include all the artificial slope events in preparation for the upcoming snow season.

The rankings is administered by Snowsport Scotland on behalf of the British freestyle community and all interested event organisers should contact Neil at Snowsport Scotland for more information and to register events for the 2013/14 season.

The full rankings can be found on the Snowsport Scotland website.

British Men's Snowboard Rankings (PDF)
British Women's Snowboard Rankings (PDF)

Coming this summer will be a series of new English ski and snowboard events. Kicking off with Slopestyle at the Chill Factore on 8th June. These events will show the best of English snowsports talent and create a positive environment for skiers and snowboarders to develop.

Four events will take place this summer/autumn:

• Slopestyle @ Chill Factore on 8th June
  
• Moguls @ Chill Factore on 9th June
  
• Skier/Boardercross @ Chill Factore on 23rd June
  
• Big Air @ Milton Keynes on 20th July

In the past many competitions have tried to provide big prizes to attract competitors. Many athletes competed purely for the prizes, many of which ended up unused on eBay. We want our competitions to be attractive because of the format, to be fun and for the challenge of competing.

These events will be the first time Snowsport England has brought together skiers and snowboarders to the same events. The format will foster inclusion and a shared love of snowsports all under the banner of becoming English Champion.

Also Working with Northern Freestyle to provide pre-comp slopestyle coaching on the 7th June 2013 £40 Members and £45 Non Members.

Everyone has to register online for these events with a fee of £32 per event, by going to http://form.jotformpro.com/form/20904483353957 Just check out the facebook page and website to find out how or email felix@snowsportengland.org.uk

[SCUK says: We emailed a number of questions to Felix on the address above on 2nd May, but had no response. We've decided to post this news up anyway and hopefully you can work out how the SSBX and Big Air fit in to it all, whether snowboarders can enter the moguls (we think not), why you can't seem to enter online for the Big Air and whether there's any more info than that available on Facebook.]

www.facebook.com/EnglishSlopestyleChampionships
www.facebook.com/EnglishMogulsChampionships

For one day only, take on friends and family in this open race session.

www.thesnowcentre.com/snowcross

The dates for the four 2013 Big Bang Show events have just been released.

Saturday 28th September: TAMWORTH
Saturday 5th October: BRAEHEAD
Saturday 12th October: CASTLEFORD
Saturday 19th October: MILTON KEYNES

The show is a great kick start to the season.

The Big Bang website will be updated shortly.

www.bigbang-show.com

CairnGorm Mountain are hosting their own freestyle competition this Saturday the 27th April. The competition will be held at the Terrain Park at the top of the mountain and will be open for both skiers and snowboarders. All entrants need to register in the T-Bar where they will be provided with a bib. There is no charge for the competition but all entrants will require to have a valid snowsports ticket. We will have music, BBQ and prizes.

Four guest judges that will judging the competition.

www.facebook.com/events/490208007719238/
www.cairngormmountain.org/events/cairngorm-slopestyle-jam

The LASS "come shred with us day" on Saturday 20th April sponsored by ROXY at CairnGorm Mountain proved very popular. With over 40 girls there to ride with like-minded girls and learn the basics of freestyle skiing and boarding, there was a great atmosphere and everyone seemed to really enjoy their day. Snowsport Scotland organised the event with LASS mentors who coached the girls/ ladies and helped them progress with their riding skills as well as introducing them to the park features.



The coaches included Kerrie Dickson from Snowsport Scotland, former Winter Olympian in snowboard half pipe Lesley McKenna, and Anna Vincenti, one of Britain’s brightest freeski prospects who is aiming for a place in the GB women’s Freeski team for the Slopestyle event at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.



Due to the high winds, the group were confined to the Cas side of the mountain for the day, but that didn’t stop them having a fantastic time. The morning was spent practising ollies, butters, spins and tripods while a couple of boxes were moved from the park on the Ptarmigan to the Sheiling to allow them to try out some features despite the wind. The afternoon was then mostly spent learning new skills on the boxes with the help of the ever-supportive coaches.



The day concluded with a get-together in the T-Bar where prizes donated by event main sponsor ROXY as well as by DC, Dragon Goggles, Nikita and CLWR were awarded to those ladies who had particularly impressed with their commitment to LASS and the female snowsports scene. Everyone left with huge smiles and promises to return to the next LASS day, marking the event as a resounding success.

Deborah Reid from Aberdeen said: “I had an absolute blast on Saturday; all the girls were really friendly and it was a great set-up! I can’t believe how much my skiing came on in one day. After only taking up skiing in January, and being terrified at the start of Saturday morning, I never thought I’d be doing jumps off boxes and be landing them, and that’s all thanks to the tuition and encouragement I was given on Saturday! The best fun I’ve had on the slopes so far, great day and I’m going to recommend all my ski and boarder chums get involved in future events! “



Skiers and boarders will have further opportunities to improve and test their skills this week as the resort remains open for snowsports daily having already notched up over 100,000 skiers and boarders this season. On Saturday 27 April the resort will be hosting the CairnGorm Slopestyle Jam, a competition in the park for all comers, skiers and boarders. There will be no charge to take part in the competition but all entrants will require to have a valid snowsports ticket and to register and be issued with a bib. There will be music and a BBQ on the hill and prizes.

www.cairngormmountain.org



[Photo credit: Euan Baxter]

Friday 25th October 2013.
20 teams, 5 indoor snow centres, 2.5 hours of FREE slope-time, 1 national ski show and 1 epic day!

“The closest thing you’ll get to the Gumball Rally in the UK” - Ed Leigh (BBC presenter)

Youth Charity Snow-Camp are looking for 20 teams of snowsports enthusiasts to enter their Snow-Camp Rally 2013. Being held on Friday the 25th of October, the Rally is an epic one day charity fundraising event offering teams of skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to complete a road trip like to other; to ski or board the 5 indoor snow centres in England in a full-on 12 hours followed by the events official Après Party at the all new national ski show ‘In The Snow Live’! The team who completes the most runs collectively across the 5 snow centres will be crowned Snow-Camp Rally Champions 2013 and win a huge trophy, a collection of fantastic snowsports prizes as well as extra prizes for the top fundraisers!

Kicking off from Hemel Snow Centre, each team of 4 must ride each of the countries snow centres before making their way to In The Snow Live at the NEC Birmingham within the allotted time. Each slope will be ridden in order, with an agreed time slot in which to cram as many runs as possible before moving on to the next slope! Supported by In The Snow, BUSC (British Universities Snowsports Council), and a fantastic range of other partner sponsors, not to mention the backing of all 5 snow centres (Snozone Milton Keynes, SnoZone Castleford, Chill Factore Manchester, The Snowdome Tamworth and Hemel Snow Centre) this event is open to any keen skiers or boarders who want to get a team together for the Challenge!

Snow-Camp’s Events Manager Dan Keeley said, ‘the Rally, now in its 2nd year in the new and improved format, has been made a one day event to make it easier for teams to participate and enabling much more free slope time! The support from the snow centres was essential, and we are delighted to have all of them on board, ensuring a fantastic event which promises to deliver some amazing memories for everyone involved.’

With over 300 miles of tarmac standing in their way, 5 slopes to visit in total and a free 30 minutes time-slot at each slope to ride as many runs as possible, this is no easy challenge! Once teams arrive at In The Snow Live, results will be sorted out in time for the après-ski themed after-party, hosted by Snow-Camps partners/sponsors! The prize giving for the Snow-Camp Rally Champions 2013 and Top Fundraisers will take place at the party, along with loads of other giveaways and promotions.

The annual event aims to generate at least £20,000 for Snow-Camp’s work supporting disadvantaged inner-city young people through the use of snowsports and life skills programmes. The charity reports the government cuts and the recession have made funds harder to access over recent years, and that events like the Rally have become essential for raising funds needed to support Snow-Camp’s work with inner city young people.

To sign up your team and get involved please see www.snow-camp.org.uk/rally or email dan.k@snow-camp.org.uk.



‘Snow-Camp has instilled so much confidence in me! I have come on so far with something I first knew nothing about. Snow-Camp inspires me to pursue my dreams and constantly reminds me that I am capable of doing anything I want!’ Thea, 16, Brixton.

‘Snow-Camp has influenced me a lot because it has given me a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something that I would never thought of doing, also by helping me gain self confidence to meet new people and make new friends. It has also helped me to find something that I am good at and that I would like to have as a career in.’ Kirbie, 17, Tulse Hill.

‘Snow-Camp has encouraged me to go after what I want and given me more confidence to do it. It has also made me want to do for another young person what Snow-Camp has done for me and many others.’ Layal, 18, Victoria.

Following the huge success of the recent Vans competition, CairnGorm are planning on making the very most of their Lunar Terrain Park until the end of the season.

This will start with the LASS Finale on 20th April.

The BRITS 2013 showed Tignes a week to remember with record-breaking crowds, a sprinkling of celebrity freestylers, more parties than you can shake a stick at and of course a huge helping of irreverent après ski. As a weeklong party on snow with a discounted price tag, it’s no surprise The BRITS is fast becoming the winter festival of choice for a thousand happy campers… Roll on 2014.

Moving from the small hillside town of Laax in Switzerland, the Brits packed its bags and swapped the schnitzel for fondue to set up home in one of Europe’s most popular resorts; Tignes, France. With a huge selection of bars and clubs and an extensive ski area, Tignes proved to be the perfect move to offer BRITS wristband holders the best a winter holiday has to offer.

By day, festival goers hit the 350-kms of the Espace Killy while the British Championships showcased some of the UK's world class talent. Team GB riders Ben Kilner, Aimee Fuller, Billy Morgan, Katie Ormerod and Murray Buchan, were joined by 100 UK hopefuls for five days of competition across the three Olympic disciplines of Protest Slopestyle, Dare 2b Halfpipe & Trespass Cross, as well as the brand new rail event, Bangers & Cash.

Easing revellers in to the night Skullcandy were on hand to provide the beats for the most cherished of beverages, the apres beer. With daily DJ sets from the BRITS residents, a Reggae BBQ, The Whitelines Rail Jam and the BRITS Air Time Team Challenge, festival goers barely had time to re-fuel and brace themselves for the night’s shenanigans.

With a demo village packed with some of the top hardware brands wristband holders had all the latest kit at their disposal for the ultimate in “try before you buy”, while UK ski and snowboard wax company Butta were on-hand offering free waxing to keep skis and snowboards in top notch condition throughout the week.



Proving they are anything but lazy, seven piece live hip hop band Lazy Habits kicked the week off in style, storming the first of what was quickly to become a week of hedonistic parties. Hailed as the “the most entertaining hip hop band in the country” Lazy Habits captivating on-stage energy kept the four hundred strong crowd buzzing well in to the early hours.


Lazy Habits

For all the exhibitionists out there the infamous BRITS fancy dress party rolled back the years for a night of memory jerking dance floor anthems with a show stopping spectacle from live six piece band Club Classics. With a 100% live line-up that could fool even the most educated of ears the Protest ‘Back to the 90s’ party saw everything from the Spice Girls (all men!), to some remarkably convincing 90s throw-backs running to the dance floor for a rendition of ‘You Got the Love’ that was good enough to fool you in to thinking perms were back in and Vanilla Ice was a break-through act!


Club Classics

With remnants of fluoro paint still evident on faces it was time to shake off the fatigue and head up to a giddy 3400 meters via an underground train to a stunning mountain top location to witness the party DJs The Nextmen weave their way across four turntables and two time MOTY (mix of the year) winner DJ Irk churn out tune after banging tune, whipping over 600 festival goers in to a sweaty mosh pit frenzy. Surrounded by towering mountain peaks the turntable dream team bought their unique blend of dancehall, drum’n’bass, dubstep, hip hop and soul to one to the most unique venues in BRITS history for a night that had the rapturous crowd begging for ‘one more tune’!


The Nextmen

To secure your place at next year’s number one winter festival keep your eyes on the official BRITS website for more information and ticket sales. Check out all the latest webcasts and images via our website or the official BRITS Facebook page...
www.the-brits.com
www.facebook.com/britsfestival

Check out all the videos at www.the-brits.com/latest/video

See you in 2014!

The BRITS would not have been possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Title Sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Associate Sponsors: Skullcandy, iON & Penny Skateboards. Media Partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow, Snowboardclub.co.uk and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).

Les Arcs… Mayerhofen… complete this sequence… CairnGorm! Having been at French resort of Les Arcs on 12 March and in Austria at Mayerhofen on 23 March, the final competition in the Vans Hi-Standard Big Air Snowboarding Series took place not in Switzerland or Italy but in Scotland at CairnGorm Mountain, where alpine conditions have prevailed over the Easter holiday period providing a huge boost to the Scottish snowsports industry.

CairnGorm’s pisting team constructed what they confidently believed to be the UK’s biggest ever freestyle terrain park in preparation for the event, which saw some of the country’s top snowboarders demonstrating their prowess. The event attracted 50 competitors from all over the country divided into male/female and under/over 16 years categories. Riders were judged on individual style, creativity and self-expression not on the number of turns they could fit in as these were limited to two 360° spins for this competition. The massive kicker also attracted many spectators. Staff at CairnGorm have dubbed it ‘The Lunar Park’ because they reckon it is so big it can be seen from space.



Commenting on the event CairnGorm marketing manager Colin Kirkwood said: "It is great that we have conditions here which enable us to do full justice to an event of this stature. Our pisting team take real pride in being able to create a park which can stand up against the best in Europe and the rest of our team have been working hard to create great atmosphere around this event, providing an ice bar, barbecue and on-slope music with the help of the Red Bull music truck. This also gives us the opportunity to showcase what outstanding snow conditions we have at present – the best Easter snowsports for a decade we reckon - and we expect to be able to go on offering high quality skiing and boarding for the rest of April at least and quite likely into May as well."

Competitor Frazer Rennie from Banchory commented: "I can’t get over how absolutely magnificent this is. It is as good as it gets in Europe."

Alexander Hay from Kelso added “This was easily the best snow comp in UK history with an epic crowd and the best setup that the mountain has ever had combined with a sunny day and chilled out atmosphere. What more could you want?”

Callum Andean from Aviemore said: “This was probably the best set up that CairnGorm Mountain has ever seen. The standard of riding has been awesome with some of the younger kids really stepping up to mark. There was also a great atmosphere in the chill-out area throughout the day.”

CairnGorm Mountain has welcomed 95,000 skiers and snowboarders to its slopes since the season started on 1st December.

www.cairngormmountain.org

Air Attack III will be dropping May 18th 2013 at Snowtrax at Christchurch in Dorset.

This is the 3rd outing for the event, which is fast becoming one of the larger freestyle comps on the south coast. With a large prize fund and outstanding level of riding, this is a fun event.

Billy Morgan dropped in during the last Air Attack and all the usual young'uns stole the prize funds with their fantastic riding.

www.snowboardclub.co.uk/events-airattack13_3.html
www.snowtrax.eu

The British Dare 2b Snowboard Halfpipe final drew the curtain on the first ever BRITS Championships in Tignes. GB Olympic hope Ben Kilner (24, Aberdeen) and budding talent Katie Ormerod (15, Brighouse) took home gold medals despite facing a stiff field of competition.

Tignes’ monstrous 22-foot superpipe played home to the X Games and the finest pipe riders in the world last week but today it was time for the best of British. Even though weather conditions made things harder than usual for competitors, with snow clogging up the transitions of the pipe, a solid level of snowboarding was on show. The contest threw up an array of awe-inspiring tricks including, McTwists, Haakon Flips and a bunch of 5s and 7s.


Ben Kilner

Ben Kilner showed just why he is on course for next year’s Olympics in Sochi with huge amplitude out of the pipe, killing both qualification and the finals. His winning run was simply bolts, going huge off the first hit and continuing with a legit frontside 7, followed by an effortless Haakon flip, a nice backside 9 and finishing his run with a backside 5. Chasing hot on his heels was Dan Wakeham (31, Plymouth) with a very impressive qualification run and claiming silver with a huge method straight off the bat, followed up by a Crippler and a McTwist. Last year’s champ Henry Shackleton (18, Thatcham) picked up bronze this year with front and backside 5s, a front 7 and finishing off with a steezy seatbelt grab.

Ben’s been in hard training for next year’s Olympics, and was over the moon with his win today: “I’m feeling good and it’s good to be back. I’ve missed the last two BRITS as I separated my shoulder so I’m glad to come back, win it and get the title again. I’ve just come from a world cup in Spain so it was a bit hit and miss as to whether I would be able to make the BRITS but I’m here and it’s great to ride with these guys.”

Once again, the girls upped their game this year and the amplitude being shown out of the pipe by some was a sight for sore eyes. Katie Ormerod won with a styley frontside 5 and generally rode bigger and smoother than the rest of the competition. Kate Foster (27, Haywards Heath) is no stranger to the pipe and just missed out on gold. Unfortunately for Foster she had a much better qualification round than in the final, as both her and Ormerod had similar runs with Ormerod keeping it together in the final. Taking bronze was Nathalie Silkstone (16, Belper) showing a neat technical run displaying all grabs; indie, method, stale, nose and tail with a frontside 5 thrown in for good measure.


Katie Ormerod

Katie’s who is one of the most improved snowboarders on the British circuit was stoked out on her win: “I’m really, really happy that I won today. I was nervous at first because I haven’t ridden a full size pipe since the last BRITS but I was really excited for it as well. I’m really surprised I beat Kate Foster as she’s such a great pipe rider. I’m just so happy.”

Tignes has been a fantastic host to the BRITS, and despite snowy weather conditions for a large part of the week, a star-studded field impressed crowds and showed what a force Britain is becoming in freestyle snowboarding. Best of luck to all riders bidding to qualify for the Olympics, and we’ll see you in Tignes next year.

British Dare 2b Snowboard Halfpipe Championships Results

Men
1st – Ben Kilner
2nd – Dan Wakeham
3rd – Henry Shackleton


Women
1st – Katie Ormerod
2nd – Kate Foster
3rd – Nathalie Silkstone

Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2013 daily webcasts and picture galleries at www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to check out the Snowboard and Freeski action from the previous day’s competition.

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Title Sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Associate Sponsors: Skullcandy, iON & Penny Skateboards. Media Partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow, Snowboardclub.co.uk and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).

The Protest British Snowboard Slopestyle Championships went ahead despite the snowstorm that battered the Tignes snow park today. Sam Turnbull (22, Yorkshire) and Katie Blundell (28, Devon) both took home gold in a contest throwing up both super stylish and technical tricks which let the blizzard-hit crowd forget just how wet they were.

The original format of the slopestyle course was made up of four kickers and a rail section, but due to the horrendous visibility and snow conditions event organisers made the decision to move the contest to the bottom kicker with two rail sections below.

With snowboard slopestyle making its Olympic debut next year, all eyes were on today’s event as spectators looked on at the talent that will be on show in Sochi. GB athletes riding the competition included Tomski Robinson (12, Manchester), Sam Turnbull and Jamie Trinder (18, Perth).


Sam Turnbull

Turnbull rode to victory with an emphatic run, stomping a ridiculous backside 9, switching up on the first rail and riding 50-50 to front 3 out of the second rail. New kid on the block George Scott (17, Tonbridge), a fella spending the season in Mayrhofen picked up silver with a stylish backside 7 and the steeziest back nose of the day, landing halfway down the second down rail. In third place was Monday’s Bangers & Cash event winner, Andy “The Captain” Nudds (25, Halifax) showing off an effortless frontside 7 and in a previous run slammed down an incredible front lip Danish.

Sam Turnbull entered the comp last minute, but was definitely stoked on his decision. “I didn’t really expect to take the win. I turned up pretty late last night from Sierra Nevada where I was competing at the World Cup, entered the slopestyle and won it! I think going big got me the win. I overshot one of the jumps but stomped it and I think that might have won it for me.”

Silver medallist from Tuesday’s Bangers & Cash Rail Jam, Katie Blundell showed just how her jet-setting across the Atlantic has paid off, picking up first place. Katie rode the course faster than any other girl, stomped a back 3 and owned a back nose on the final down rail. Natalie Silkstone (16, Derby) impressed all day and came second with a backside 3, while Tignes local Kate Wood (29, Derby) jumped on the podium with the only girl’s frontside 360 of the day.


Katie Blundell

Katie Blundell, coined the ‘nicest person in British snowboarding’ by MC Scott Penman, had this to say on her victory. “I’m really, really happy. I’m not sure what clinched it for me, but with the weather being so tricky it was just a matter of staying on my feet and landing things. The course was good though considering, with a really good rail section.”

The riding was incredible, with plenty of other notable mentions. Ben King (36, Lincoln), riding in the Masters section stomped the biggest backside 1 of the day over the kicker, which had both MC’s and the judges clapping their hands to his sheer awesomeness. Young Will Gilmore (10, Northampton) once again represented and showed a lot of promise for a kid half the age of most riders. Rich Jonas (30, Tignes) also returned from his hiatus and showed he’s still got some skills in his old kit bag throwing down 5’s on the kickers and typically rad rail skills.

British Protest Snowboard Slopestyle Championships Results

Men
1st – Sam Turnbull
2nd – George Scott
3rd – Andy Nudds



Women
1st – Katie Blundell
2nd – Natalie Silkstone
3rd – Kate Wood

Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2013 daily webcasts and picture galleries at www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to check out the Snowboard and Freeski action from the previous day’s competition.

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Title Sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Associate Sponsors: Skullcandy, iON & Penny Skateboards. Media Partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow, Snowboardclub.co.uk and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).

The BRITS Bangers & Cash Rail Jam made its debut today in a snowy, windy Tignes. Event organisers created the jam in order to celebrate the high standard of rail shredding talent coming out of the UK at the moment. Heavy hitter Andy Nudds (25, Halifax) picked up a cool £1,000 and an impressive Becky Menday (14, Hemel Hemstead) took home the women’s prize.

This new event was designed to inspire creativity and innovation in a loose ‘jam’ style, and it exceeded all expectations. The UK’s finest rail riders brought their ‘A’ game and made full use of the course. Qualifications took place in the higher rail section of the Tignes snow park with the final taking place on the lower section. Every rider that qualified for the final received £50, but the prize everyone was gunning for was the cold, hard £1,000 cash.


Andy Nudds

Andy Nudds flew in from Finland especially for this event and simply bossed it, landing a switch backside 270 gapping onto the wall ride and blowing minds with his transfer from wall-ride to down rail – which, to most looked impossible. Coming in second was the steezy Lewis Sonvico (23, Morzine) who got the most creative with the setup, landing hardway backside 180’s and one of the scariest tricks in snowboarding; the caveman (boardsliding towards the rail before jumping on) to a variation of boardslides. Jamie ‘upside down’ Trinder (18, Perth) came third stomping a backside rodeo onto the wall-ride. A special mention goes out to little William Gilmore (10, Northampton) who, in the words of judge Colum Mytton was “riding like an adult” with perfect style and landing 270 onto rails.

Nuddsy was stoked on his win. Here’s what he had to say: “I really didn’t expect to win as it is hard to know how everyone else is doing. I thought I did as much as I could though and pulled out all the tricks I wanted to. I think I rode some different lines to the other guys and overall I am really happy with how it went.”

The girls showed up in force and it was Protest rider Becky Menday who took home the bragging rights, gapping onto the wall-ride and 270’ing onto the down rail. Katie Blundell (28, Devon) flew back from the States for this comp, and despite being mega jet-lagged, she busted out a signature tail grab to wall-ride and locked on a legitimate backside 180 onto the bottom down rail to claim second place. Sabrina Burnham (24, Truro) got third spot with some nice switch-ups and front 1’s onto rails.


Becky Menday

Here’s what Becky had to say on her win: “It is amazing, I’m so stoked. There were a lot of boxes but they were actually really good fun and I really enjoyed the course. I love being here in Tignes at the BRITS and can’t wait for the rest of the week.”

This event had everyone seriously stoking, and represented not only how the UK scene wants to ride, but also how good at riding rails us Brits have become thanks to the indoor snow domes and dry slopes across the country.

British Snowboard Championships Bangers & Cash 2013 Rail Jam Results

Men
1st – Andy Nudds
2nd – Lewis Sonvico
3rd – Jamie Trinder


Women
1st – Becky Menday
2nd – Katie Blundell
3rd – Sabrina Burnham
4th – Katie Wood

Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2012 daily webcasts and picture galleries at www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to check out the Snowboard and Freeski action from the previous day’s competition.

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Title Sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Associate Sponsors: Skullcandy, iON & Penny Skateboards. Media Partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow, Snowboardclub.co.uk and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).

The 2013 British Snowboarding Championships kicked off in its new French home of Tignes with the Snowboardcross hosted for the 11th time by Trespass. Competitors had to be on their finest form with poor conditions presenting flat light and moderate snowfall, with Maisey Potter (16, Llandudno) and Snowboardcross legend James Foster (32, Redhill) claiming the overall titles for men and women.

The weather made for a difficult day and resulted in competitors having one qualification run instead of two. Still, the crowd turned out in force and there was strong support for all age categories. James Foster rode strongly all day and never looked in doubt of regaining his title with Ross Taylor (25, England) taking second and Kyle Wise (23, Edinburgh) claiming third. Last year’s male champion, Thomas Bankes (22, London) qualified with the fastest time of the day but failed to make the podium. Tomski Robinson (11, Manchester) raced aggressively all day but was pipped at the post in the kid’s men’s final by Kelean Venning (11) who took the title. There was also an impressive showing by nine year-old Koby Cook (9, South Yorkshire) who placed third.


James Foster out in front

James Foster, winner of the Snowboardcross and coach of the GB Snowboardcross team had this to say of his win: “I’m stoked to get back on the podium after being out for a while, especially taking first place. Moving the BRITS from Laax to Tignes is a refreshing change especially coming straight off the back of the X Games.”

In the women’s section Maisey Potter from Wales qualified with the fastest time and proceeded to regain her title with Ro Kealey (21, London) coming in second and thirteen year-old Ayla Thidling (13) picking up the bronze. The Women’s Masters section was dominated by local Tignes seasonnaires Corinne Mayhew (30, Tignes) and Amy Butler (34, Tignes) who came in first and second respectively rousing a huge ovation from the local crowd.


Action from the girl's heats

Maisey’s becoming quite the regular on the BRITS podium, and here’s what this future star thought of her victory: “I’ve now won three years in a row which I am so happy about. It feels brilliant. I’m loving the new resort and being in Tignes, there’s just so much to see here. I thought the course was great today, it’s just a real shame about the weather.”

British Trespass Snowboardcross Championships Results

Men
1st – James Foster
2nd – Ross Taylor
3rd – Kyle Wise



Women
1st – Maisey Potter
2nd – Ro Kealey
3rd – Ayla Thidling



Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2013 daily webcasts and picture galleries at www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to check out the Snowboard and Freeski action from the previous day’s competition.

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Title Sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Associate Sponsors: Skullcandy, iON & Penny Skateboards. Media Partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow, Snowboardclub.co.uk and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).

The BRITS Snow & Music Festival, 23rd – 30th March, Tignes

In just one week's time Trespass will be kicking off a week of competition and sounding the starting pistol for what will be their 11th consecutive year hosting the eagerly awaited Trespass British Snowboardcross and Skiercross Championships.



Typically a furious, no-holds-barred dash to the finish line, Cross has arguably become one of the most highly spectated winter sports. With the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics fast approaching Team GB are looking strong and ready to defend their 2012 BRITS podium domination, but with an abundance of Brits residing in Tignes and the neighbouring resorts we have a feeling 2013 could see a lot of new faces in the gates. Tignes shapers will be bolstering the permanent cross course, guided by the expertise of Team GB Coach James Foster, with a multitude of burns, rollers, banked turns and jumps that will push competitors to their absolute limit in a bid to become the 2013 British Champion.

The Trespass Snowboardcross kicks off on Monday 25th March, followed by the Skiercross on Tuesday 26th March. Off the mountain get set for a night of rock n’ roll classics both old and new for the Trespass live music night with local band The Cheerleaders on Monday 25th March. The BRITS welcomes all ability levels and is served up across five age categories, Kids, Youth, Junior, Master and Open. Competition registration is now open, for more event information and to register check out: www.the-brits.com



If you’ve left things right until the last minute, fear not as week-packages are still available and start from an amazing £279 (seven nights' accommodation, six day liftpass, festival wristband) or you can purchase liftpasses only with an exclusive 10% discount. For more information and to book check out www.the-brits.com

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Title Sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Associate Sponsors: Skullcandy, iON & Penny Skateboards. Media Partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow, www.Snowboardclub.co.uk and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).

The best ski and snowboard Freeriders from across the UK and Europe will be descending on Glencoe this weekend. With competitors coming from as far afield as Spain and Croatia Event Director Andy Meldrum says:-

"We can't wait for the event to start now, we currently have great conditions on the mountain and more snow is forecast this week. As a Freeride World Tour qualifying event this year we cannot wait to showcase to the European competitors what a stunning location Glencoe and Scotland is for such an event"

Freeride is a discipline where skiers and snowboarders are judged on style, speed and cliff drops as they descend a near vertical snow face littered with cliffs and rocks. It produces some stunning heart stopping action as the skiers push the limits of what is possible on there skis and boards. An international field of 40 male skiers / snowboarders and 6 female skiers / snowboarders will be taking part.



It is expected to be a truly stunning spectator event and will be absolutely free to watch. Skiers will be able to ski to the viewing area, walkers will need to walk about 1/2 mile to the competition face from the top of the access chair.

This will be the first time a Freeride World Qualifying event has ever been held in Scotland and is a wonderful advert for year of Natural showcasing the very best of Scotland's natural environment.

www.freerideworldtour.com/the-coe-cup.html

www.facebook.com/CoeCup?ref=ts&fref=ts

The Snow-Camp Rally – described by Ed Leigh as “the closest thing you’ll get to the Gumball Rally in the UK” - is a unique fundraising event offering teams of skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to complete an epic road trip, to ski or board the 5 indoor snow centres in England in a full-on 12 hours! Plus, for the first time ever, we are excited to announce that Snow-Camp have teamed up with In The Snow giving teams the chance to complete their challenge by riding the main slope at the latest and most exciting addition to the UK snowsports calendar - ‘In The Snow Live’!

The annual event, scheduled for Friday the 25th of October 2013, aims to generate at least £20,000 for Snow-Camp’s work supporting disadvantaged inner-city young people through the use of snowsports and life skills programmes.

Kicking off from Hemel Snowcentre, each team of 4 must ride as many runs as possible across the countries 5 indoor snow centres, before making their way to Birmingham’s NEC arena to hit their final slope at ITSL! Supported by In The Snow, BUSC (British Universities Snowsports Council), industry partners including UK industry press, and with the in-kind support of the country's five snow centres, the event aims to gain unprecedented coverage for both Snow-Camps work and sponsor brands alike.

Newsflash - Highlander Freestyle event rescheduled until Sunday (10th March) due to a forecast of limited visibility tomorrow.

Conditions update

Very little if any snow loss over the last week and a dusting of fresh over the last 24hrs means that all runs on the mountain have a good cover of snow. All can open if the surface conditions and visibility allow. More snow is forecast over the next few days so please check our latest reports for the most up to date conditions.


Looking up Mugs Alley from The Cliffy chair earlier in the week in one of those rare clear spells

Weekend Weather

Saturday - 30mph Easterly wind with snow flurries and cloud. Visibility should be better than it has been on Thursday and Friday but is not expected to be good enough to view the whole freestyle course hence the reason it has been re-scheduled for the Sunday.

Sunday - 30-40mph Easterly wind decreasing as the day goes on with some snow flurries and a 70+% chance of sunshine.

Turning much colder next week with more snow showers.

Freestyle park

There are now 5 rails, 3 boxes and 2 kickers out on the park for anyone looking for a play.

Upcoming Events at Glencoe

Glencoe Highander now 10th March.
Coe Cup on 16/17th March.

The BRITS Snow & Music Festival, 23rd – 30th March, Tignes

Dan WakehamIn just over two weeks the all-weather clothing brand Dare 2b will be hosting the eagerly anticipated British Halfpipe Championships on the very same colossal Tignes superpipe used the for European X Games and delivering a night of rhymes and brass of the high calibre from live hip hop outfit Lazy Habits.

The 2013 winter season has seen some of the UK’s best pipe riders gunning for a place at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Fresh from an exciting Olympic qualifying year and with this being the final British Championships before the winter games the Dare2b Halfpipe Championships will see the crème of UK talent battle it out for the coveted national title. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the Dare 2b Halfpipe champs will be held on the very same Tignes superpipe (all 22 ft. of it) which will be slayed by Shaun White & co. at the X Games the week before.

Last year saw Dare 2b rider James Machon take home his fourth consecutive British crown, but with him out for the season the field has been left wide open for a new contender to step up and take the Freeski title, and with snowboarders continuously raising the bar 2013 is set to go off! The Dare 2b Freeski Halfpipe Championships kicks off on Thursday 28th March, closely followed by the Snowboard Championships on Friday 29th.

By night Dare 2b will be welcoming the explosive sound of live eight piece hip hop band Lazy Habits to the heart of the French Alps for a night of live music to go down in BRITS history. Critically acclaimed for their fast and funky sound led by live horns, vocals, bass and drums get set to drop it like it’s hot, this is gonna be a belter!

If you’ve left things right until the last minute, fear not as week-packages are still available and start from an amazing £279 (seven nights' accommodation, six day liftpass, festival wristband) or you can purchase liftpasses only with an exclusive 10% discount. For more information and to book check out www.the-brits.com


James Machon

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Protest, Dare2b and Trespass. Media partners: Whitelines, Huck, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, skiandsnowboard.co.uk, In The Snow and Snowboardclub.co.uk. Governing Bodies: TTR, AFP, WSF and BSS.

A great way to get some last minute training in for the Brits in front of Ride and K2's Team Managers. This would be the time to make a name for yourself!

On Sunday 19th May, Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre are hosting a freestyle competition in their park, which will end with an airbag landing.

The slope will be open for practice from 10am. Competition to start around 12pm and will finish late afternoon/early evening.

Entry

£10.00 to enter the competition. Free to watch.

You must be a competent skier or snowboarder who has a reasonable level of experience in the park, i.e. not a beginner.

Format

The event will include a slope style section in the park, followed by a big air finish onto the airbag.

We’ll have support from some of the big names in the ski and snowboard world and will be offering prizes to the winners.

There will be categories for both male and female skiers and snowboarders.

What Else?

DJs will be playing on the day.

Food and drink will be available all day at the T-Bar.

To register for the day you can email enquiries@gloucesterski.com or phone 01452 501438.

The country's best skiers and snowboarders are expected to descend on Glencoe for this event which is part of the Highlander series.

www.glencoemountain.co.uk/events.html

More details here.

Entry payment here.