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X Games 15 Big Air Video

January 28

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The first rider in this video might not be Eric Willett.

X Games 16: Women’s Pipe photos and recap

January 28

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Words: Heather Hendricks Photos: Mike Yoshida

Capping off night two of Winter X Games 16 was the women's snowboard superpipe finals. Seven of the world's best lady pipe riders duked it out under crystal clear, chilly skies in Aspen's pristine 22' U-tube. Each lady had three runs to stomp their best tricks on snowboarding's biggest stage.

The field was stacked with three former Olympic gold medalists and up-and-comers who were all vying for this year's X Games Gold. Reigning champ, Kelly Clark, was looking solid throughout practice, even stomping her famed 1080 prior to the contest.

Gretchen Bleiler has also been practicing all season for this event, and has been focusing on perfecting her inverted tricks. After taking a two year hiatus from the contest scene, Torah Bright also made a return to the superpipe and noted that she was riding for her dear friend, Sarah Burke. Unfortunately Bright was unsuccessful in stomping any of her runs and winded up in seven place.

The first runs for all the ladies were a bit shaky, as the contest jitters were visibly affecting everyone. By the second and third runs, the ladies had settled down and began to break out the big guns.

In Elena Hight's second run, she spun a backside 9 into an alleyoop 5 that oozed style and was easily one of the best combos of the night. This run earned her a solid 83.66 which put her in first, until Kelly Clark dropped in for her second run.

Clark stomped a huge, smooth frontside 1080 that was easily the biggest trick of the night. She wooed the judges and the crowd with this massive spin and earned a 90.0, which propelled her into the coveted first place spot.

As the ladies dropped in for their third runs, each was trying to unseat the unbeatable Kelly Clark. The last to drop was Bleiler who rode her heart out, but was only able to post up a score of a 65.0 which was good enough for fourth place.

In the end, birthday girl, Hannah Teter took third, Elena Hight took second, and Kelly Clark nabbed her 13th win in a row with a score of 93.66

Following the contest Kelly said "I just take it one contest at a time, and the X Games is one contest that is always at the top of my list to win, and I'm just so grateful."

This year's women's snowboard pipe finals were easily the most progressive to date, as all of the riders were laying it on the line.

X Games 16: Big Air photos and recap

January 28

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Words: Pat Bridges Photos: Mike Yoshida

Three’s the charm for Winter X Games 16 Big Air. On the evening of January 25th, 2012 the Rocky Mountains once again played host to the best Big Air punters in the game today as the unyielding tide of the triple cork swept over Aspen. Though only ten riders were chosen to chuck themselves for the masses, there was no shortage of talent, trickery or drama on tap.

In the lead up to competition it was the SPT builders who were focused on the tweaking as the speed afforded to the riders wasn’t commensurate to the size of the launch. After ample adjustments were made, the contenders were presented with a somewhat smaller, yet still formidable booter that matched up perfectly from lip to landing. Unfortunately the decline in pop and travel meant that any riders looking to truly push their repertoire needed to exaggerate their hang time by taking their tricks deep into the landing, which is never ideal. These strategic machinations were subtle ones as the riders rose to the occasion and consistently threw down all evening.

Though they didn’t make the finals, Ståle Sandbech and Halldór Helgason hucked with boucoup style, with the latter nearly landing his backside twelve double cork chicken wing, dubbed “The Lobster Roll.” On a side note, using a brand’s trademark in the name of a trick is some next level marketing shit. Chalk another one up for the unlikely genius that is Iceland’s Halldór Helgason.

The non-stop jam format finals began with an array of double corks and four-digit flat spins by Eric Willett, Seppe Smits, and Sebastién Toutant. A third of the way into the heat, Torstein Horgmo manned up to the maneuver that he pioneered: the triple cork. Though Torstein sat on his attempt, the seal was broken and Mark McMorris tripled up his cork agenda as well. At roughly the halfway point, the regular footer from Regina, Seskatchewan rode away from a backside 1440 triple cork and instantly, snowboarding in the X Games officially entered a new era. With the clock running out it looked as though McMorris was a lock for first place until defending X Games Big Air champion Torstein Horgmo dropped in for one final attempt at his version of the backside 1440 triple cork, for which he earned a perfect score of 50, one point better than McMorris. Yet having the best single score of the night wouldn’t be enough for Torstein to top McMorris’s consistency and the 18 year-old Canadian received his first X Games Gold, but surely not his last.

2013 Product Sneek Peek: SIA Day 2

January 27

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Another day at SIA, another slew of product for the 2013 snowboard season. Let us know in the comment section below of what you like... what you don't like... and other brands you want us to cover. Stay tuned for one more day of product coverage and follow us on Instagram at @snowboardermag for live product updates from the show.

X Games 16: Women’s Slopestyle photos and recap

January 27

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Words: Lindsay Fraka Photos: Mike Yoshida

We knew that Jamie Anderson wouldn't settle for less than gold any longer. Anderson claimed the number one spot and set a record high score with a 95.33 in slopestyle today at Winter X Games 16. After finishing with the bronze in 2011, Jamie was fiending to get back to a spot of comfort - on top of the podium.

This gold is her third at X Games and marks her 6th X medal total. Finland's Enni Rukajärvi, last year's gold medalist, finished with the silver today - followed by Kjersti Buaas from Norway who nabbed the bronze, her first ever X Games medal in the U.S.

The ladies had somewhat of a struggle today with most of the competitors mentioning issues with speed as a result of a few inches of fresh snow that fell overnight and the dreadful curse of flat light It was apparent that the jump line was difficult to dial down with a lot of the riders getting broke off on the last jump of the run.

Nonetheless, Anderson prevailed once she got into the groove and started landing the tricks she needed to get the top score. She was the only girl to stomp two solid runs and sealed the deal with a cab 720 tailgrab, switch backside 540, backside 540, and a stylish switch backside 180 in true Jamie Anderson fashion.

Entering 2012 with a big win, it looks like Jamie is looking to have another stand out contest year.

X Games 15 Street Video

January 27

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Forest Bailey is a gold medalist at the Winter X Games 2012 Street Rail Jam!

Dispatches: Huggy Bear In Alaska Part 2

January 27

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Words & Photos: Huggy

After the people crew left Huggy met up with Anchorage super locals Chris Brewster, Brandon Hupp, and Garrett Swenson. The air was still cold, the shooting was fun, the kitties were furry, and they finally found good food. An epic epic sushi restaurant called “Arigato”.

X Games 16: Street Photos and Recap

January 26

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Words and Photos: Mike Yoshida

To kick off the sixteenth year of X games, the newest competition of snowboard street was showcased. The top jibbers from the US and Canada arrived to show us some of the craziest moves we've seen in a while. The likes of: Forest Bailey, Zak Hale, Ethan Deiss, Nick Visconti, Louif Paradis, Phil Jacques, Ryan Paul, Johnnie Paxson, Dylan Alito and more, were giving the crowd what they came to see. Hardway 270's, 450's on and off, front lip to container smash, and half cab to backflip were some of the more difficult tricks thrown. Louif was buttery smooth with 270's on and off, Ethan had some insane shifty to 270 manuevers, and the standout clown Dylan Alito was terrorizing the course with his antics, dropping in whenever and not listening to the event coordinators. In the end it came down to three riders, who all rode insanely in their own way. Nick Visconti who came in third did a hardway cab 3 onto a flat down bar while Ryan Paul in second, did a numerous amount of hardway spinning and even attempted a hardway 450 onto the down bar. In the end he settled for a half cab on backflip out of the down flat ledge. Forest Bailey is a name that all will recognize after today. Bailey continually destroyed this course. He started with the flat container, where he landed tailslide oppo out, and 270'd the whole thing out to the flats. Then the Vermont native proceeded to do every hardway 270, cab and regular, with the best style I have ever seen. His skate influenced way of riding really shines through, and he obviously deserved his first ever X games gold.

2013 Product Sneek Peek: SIA Day 1

January 26

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Day 1 of SIA and our look into the future of snowboarding is a wrap. Take a look at some 2013 product highlights from the first day of roaming around the show. Let us know in the comment section below of what you like... what you don't like... and other brands you want us to cover. Stay tuned for two more days of product coverage and follow us on Instagram at @snowboardermag for live product updates from the show.

Videos

X Games 15 Big Air Video

January 28

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The first rider in this video might not be Eric Willett.

X Games 16: Big Air photos and recap

January 28

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X Games 15 Street Video

January 27

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Forest Bailey is a gold medalist at the Winter X Games 2012 Street Rail Jam!

Steamy Sht Pile

January 25

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We wonder if the Albertans behind ShtChea use Final Cut Poo to edit their videos. By now everyone should be acquainted with the Banff boys who make ShtChea.com which is why they are on a first name basis when it comes to the edits. Here Steve-O, Dwayne, Guillaume, Stew and Kyle board below the majestic backgrounds of Lake Louise.

Teaser: Torstein Horgmo Documentary

January 25

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Teaser for Torstein Horgmo’s new two year documentary being created by Tobias Froystad. We’ve seen some long movies in our time but two years seems like it could use a bit of editing down. Actually it has been brought to our attention that Torsteins movie was shot over two years and the final product once released will be much shorter. Well that’ll make it much easier to view in one sitting.

Bear Mountain: How To Put On Tire Chains – In A Bikini

January 25

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Big Bear Mountain Resorts wants all our guests to have a safe drive up the mountain when visiting. This video shows you some helpful hints for installing tire chains. This way you get on the snow safer and faster. (Always follow the chain or cable installation instruction manual that came with your specific tire chains).

Nike Chosen: Salt Lake City Video

January 25

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The fourth stop of the 2011-2012 Nike Chosen Tour rolled through Utah on Friday and took over the Energy Solutions Arena in downtown Salt Lake City. Known for it's awesome urban scene and die-hard shredders, SLC proved to be the perfect place for this exciting rail jam. www.nike.com/chosen/

Video Guestbook: Eero Niemela

January 24

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The euro Eero Nimela stopped by the office to be put through the ringer on one of our InternView episodes so we figured we would interrogate him in a Video Guestbook as well. See what we squeezed out of him.

Volcom: Dan Brisse – Behind The Scenes of Real Snow Part 2

January 24

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Go behind the scenes with Dan Brisse and crew as they film for the 2012 X-Games Real Snow. In part two there is no shortage of "Harsh Times". The crew heads north to Michigan and runs into another angry property manager.

P.S. Episode 2: The More The Merrier

January 23

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Not simply another edit with a bunch of broads boardin’ this second episode of Season 2 of Hana Beaman’s P.S. Webisode series is bitchin’ in the best way possible. Check out Park City locals Melissa Rutano, Madison Blackley, Alexa Mccarty, Laura Rogoski, and Taylor Elliot as they lap alongside Erin Comstock and Megan Ginter.

Dog Shit Weekend

January 23

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A Utah edit from the Givin crew & friends. Featuring Timmy Ronan, E-Man Anderson, Forest Bailey, Ted Lavoie, Parker Worthen, Sam Taxwood, Ben Bogart, and Dalln Twilliger. If you have not seen Givin's full length video "One" you can purchase it on iTunes.

Rider Of The Year 2011: Finalist Video

January 23

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We present you with the illustrious group of professional snowboarders making it into SNOWBOARDER Magazine's Rider Of The Year roster for 2011. These three women and ten men have been handpicked by a jury of riders who have previously made it into our Rider Of The Year lineup, their peers. And from that we have a list of riders who have pushed the limits and made a lasting impression during the 2010-2011 season. If you haven't yet, pick up a copy of our February Rider Of The Year issue to get more insight to why these riders deserve to be in the top 10, if these video clips aren't already a clear indicator.

Manifest: FULL MOVIE

January 22

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The project that Aaron Robinson and Sam Tuor started on last winter has come to fruition though the help of many riders Aaron has influenced. The product, "Manifest", a celebration of life and snowboarding.

Kohei Kudo & Hirano Brothers At Northstar

January 20

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Kohei Kudo & The Hirano Brothers stop by Northstar's new Superpipe to train for the upcoming X Games and Japan National Championships.

Cheryl Maas: Open Air Episode 5 – Austria

January 20

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In the latest episode of "Open Air", Cheryl Maas heads back Mayrhofen, Austria to shred where it all started for her. While there she catches up with some old friends, gets in the pipe, then heads to Innsbruck to have some fun on the sleds. Not a bad lifestyle.

Bush at Bear – Part 2

January 20

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Brandon Hobush laps the park at Bear Mtn early January 2012 with cameos from Chris Bradshaw, Justin Mulford and Jordan Smalls.

Dinosaurs Will Die Snowboards welcomes Chris Brewster

January 20

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Dinosaurs Will Die Snowboards is real damn pleased to welcome it's newest AM, Chris Brewster.

Riding 32, Etnies, Gnarly, Ashbury, Howl, Flux and now Dinosaurs Will Die, we're excited to let everyone know that to back up this announcement, Chris is working hard on his new part for the upcoming DWD team video available in shops August 2012. With a style that is all his own, you know you'll be waiting in anticipation.

Until then, get a taste by watching his previous parts in Think Thank's, Right Brain/Left Brain, and 32's, AMMO.

Welcome to the team Brewster!

Video Guestbook: Gigi Ruf

January 20

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If you had five minutes to ask Gigi Ruf anything you wanted what would it be? This is what we came up with for our latest Video Guestbook. Enjoy.

Rider Of The Year: The Making Of

January 19

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SNOWBOARDER Magazine prides itself on the fact that the top 10 riders of the year are selected solely by the riders who, in years past, have made it in that elite top 10 themselves. In this video, our editor, Pat Bridges, breaks down the process and this year's concept for Rider Of The Year feature... bobble heads. Pick up a copy of the magazine on newsstands now to see who made the cut.

Volcom: Dan Brisse – Behind The Scenes of Real Snow

January 18

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Volcom brings you a behind the scenes look with Dan Brisse and crew as they film for the 2012 X-Games Real Snow. In part one there is no shortage of "Harsh Times" when they journey to Anchorage, AK and Denver, CO.

Giro: Ryan Paul In Japan

January 18

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You may have seen Ryan Paul in every single rail jam on the face of this planet lately, but we bet you haven't seen him in neck deep powder in Japan. Here is the latest edit from Giro featuring Ryan Paul.

Trick Tip: Cam Fitzpatrick – Boardslide 270 Out

January 18

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Find a perfect down bar in a terrain park near you. Make sure you get comfortable with the rail by hitting it with a 50/50 a few times before. Once you are comfortable with that just get into a simple boardslide to switch. Really get the motions of the boardslide to switch in your head before trying the board to 270 out. Once you are ready for the trick, make sure you come into the rail with as much confidence as possible. When approaching the rail be nice and calm with your body positioning. Going up the lip to the rail jump and land on the down rail with pressure on the middle to the back foot. This will bring you into a pressed boardslide. This is an important part where the loading of the tail of the snowboard will make it much easier for you to snap and spin the 270 around. Once you snap the spin, keep looking over your shoulder for as long as possible until you spot the landing. Come around and stomp it clean. It may take a bit of practice to get the motion of this trick in your head but once you've practiced it enough it'll be a piece of cake. That's how to do a boardslide front 270 out of a down rail. - Cam Fitzpatrick

CROOKS N CASTLES: Ian Sams

January 18

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CROOKS N CASTLES adds Bear local, Ian Sams, to Team Crook'X. Congrats Ian.

Nike Chosen: Camelback Video

January 18

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Here is an edit from the Nike Chosen event at Camelback, PA. For a full recap and gallery from the event check out our Nike Chosen Rail Jam: Camelback post. Video By: Matt Petricone

Industry News

Travis Rice Signs With Union Binding Company

January 26

Travis Rice Signs With Union Binding Company

January 26

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Union Binding Company is proud to announce the addition of The Art Of Flight mastermind and 2012 Snowboarder Magazine Rider of the Year Travis Rice to the Union Binding team.

SCOTT STEVENS LANDS ON THE THIRTYTWO OUTERWEAR TEAM

January 26

SCOTT STEVENS LANDS ON THE THIRTYTWO OUTERWEAR TEAM

January 26

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ThirtyTwo added TM-Two wearin’ regular footer, Scott Stevens to its outerwear team for 2012.

Red Bull Supernatural Announces Riders and Judges

January 25

Red Bull Supernatural Announces Riders and Judges

January 25

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Red Bull and Travis Rice today announce the 16 snowboarders who accepted invitations to compete at the inaugural Red Bull Supernatural at Baldface Lodge outside of Nelson, B.C., Canada. Invites were sent to riders on the forefront of bringing freestyle snowboarding into natural terrain. On one day between February 3rd and 8th, riders from seven different countries will compete in a first-of-its-kind backcountry competition designed to challenge, then crown the best all-around snowboarder on the planet.

O’Neill Offers Fans Exclusive Winter X Games 2012 Experience with Seb Toots

January 24

O’Neill Offers Fans Exclusive Winter X Games 2012 Experience with Seb Toots

January 24

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O’Neill, the original surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand for 60 years, will bring fans up close and personal with leading team rider and Winter X Games 2012 star athlete, Sebastian Toutant (“Seb Toots”), later this month via “The O’Neill Experience.” Located at www.oneillexperience.com, the online and social media campaign will follow the Canadian-born rider throughout his week at Winter X events, which takes place from January 26-29 in Aspen, Colorado.

Arnette Releases New Goggle With Del The Funky Homosapien

January 24

Arnette Releases New Goggle With Del The Funky Homosapien

January 24

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Arnette is bringing the the funk to their Uncommon Projects division with a new snow goggle in a collaboration with the Funkman himself, Del the Funky Homosapien. A limited edition, late release of their Series 3 goggle, the goal was to create the funkiest snow goggle in the lineup for the legendary artist and long time Arnette family member.

Clearasil throws Hannah Teter the PerfectaParty at X Games

January 24

Clearasil throws Hannah Teter the PerfectaParty at X Games

January 24

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Leading skincare brand helps Teter put best face forward on and off slopes with newest product, Clearasil® PerfectaWashTM