Girls on Top Snowboard Review Sterling Socks

The Noize from the UK snow scene

1Rider: Simon StephansPhotograph: Richard Clark

2Contents

03 EDitors letter/contributors

05 News

07 Profile

09 highlights

19 Katie summerhayes - Interview

23 aimee fuller - interview

27 sterling socks - interview

31 off the beaten track - Feature

37 oz - feature

41 fulham to fernie - feature

45 sNOWBOARD REVIEW

49 DIARY

3Editors Letter After the support and involvement we received after the launch of the first issue were back again with the second, the four months since our launch have flown by, quite like our English summer!

The British snow scene continues to grow and with the addition of Slopestyle to the 2014 Winter Olympics and a bag of young talent we can be sure that the pace wont be slowing down any time soon.

With each issue we produce we hope to celebrate the individuals who help make the UK scene what it is. From the athletes, riders, organisers, photographers, park shapers brands, sponsors, chalet owners, tour operators....

In this issue we feature two of our best female riders, an ex-olympian turned sock designer and all round industry/nice guy, an ordinary guy turning his life upside down in search of pow and a whole host of individuals doing what they love.

Its now that time of year when winter is nearly within grasp. Shops are stocking up and quickly selling out of new season product, film premiers are coming into town, demo crews are touring the domes, and the shows and festivals are just around the corner. Well soon have snow in the northern hills and then on the ground all over the country.

Before we know it well all be heading out to the mountains for our winter snow fix, whether it be home or abroad, a week or five months, landing doubles or hitting our first kicker. What ever, where ever and how ever long its for, this is what we love, enjoy it, send it.

A massive thanks to Richard Clark for contributing so many of his awesome photos to this issue - including the front cover!

Harri Bennett - Editor

Contributors

e Front Cover-Richard Clark ee Richard Clark e

e Tom Smith ee Ross Welch ee Aivars Zarins e e Neil Macgrain e

e DC ee Matt Urwin e

e Katie Summerhayes ee Vanessa Sharples ee Steve McKenna e

e Aimee Fuller ee Alex Henderson e

e Ben Burnett ee Dan Wakeham ee Sterling Socks e

e Ed Tucker ee Laura Seward ee Nick Tuckwood e

e The Snowboard Test e

ContactSend your contributions, photos, comments, queries, praise and abuse to - Editor@whitenoizemag.co.uk

Follow us on twitter - @WhiteNoize_Mag

Find the latest issues www.WhiteNoizemag.co.uk

4Rider: Tom Smith Photograph: Richard Clark

5e Slopestyle is to be included in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

e Will Smith and Billy Morgan leave Westbeach and Jesse Smith joins the team.

e Will Smith joins the Salomon team.

e The Big Clean Up was a big success, now in its forth year, Glenshee was introduced into the mountain clean up operation. The Respect the Mountain campaign has been running since 2004. Over 80 litter-picking volunteers showed up at the Scottish resorts of CairnGorm Mountain, Nevis Range and Glenshee.44 sacks of rubbish were collected across all three resorts.

e Danny Kass is mind blown by indoor slopes: "The snow is a lot better than I expected and it's the same park set-up here as most resorts in the US. These are the same features you'd find anywhere... it's actually quite mind blowing."

e Weston-Super-Mare has received planning permission for a new indoor slope.

e One of the UKs longest and oldest artificial ski slopes, Pontypool Ski Slope in Wales, has been saved from closure thanks to the local Torfaen Ski Club.

e As part of the Ski Club For Great Britains ongoing commitment to the mountain environment, a new Respect the Mountain Fund has been launched to help finance research studies or projects that will have a direct and visible impact in mountain environments or snowsports.

e Ski Rossendale, one of the UKs major artificial surface ski centres, hopes to re-open September 2011.

e Snowsport Scotland are pleased to announce that for 2011/12 it will be coordinating support for the British Junior Snowboard Team programme. Working with BSS Head Coach Hamish McKnight, the role involves SSSs coordination of selection to the Junior Team as well as the launch and facilitation of UK wide training opportunities for junior competitive snowboarders.Hamish McKnight, Head Coach of the GB Snowboard team said: We are working on the ethos of more athletes training more often to a higher level and I am delighted that Snowsport Scotland is able to offer its support in the pursuit of this goal.

e One Snowboarding announce that there will be a new process for selection to the One Snowboarding run GB Junior Team this season. Theyre now working closely with Snowsport Scotland who have appointed a new GB Junior Team Coordinator. This new position will be responsible for selection applications and coordinating domestic training opportunities for the team, whilst maintaining a list of athletes eligible to travel to Europe to attend the One Snowboard GB Junior Team Camps.All those interested in selection for the GB Junior Team, whether theyre based in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland, are to read the selection policy and fill out the application form on the Snowsport Scotland website.

e Oakley UK announces the launch of the Jenny Jones Signature Goggle, which will be available on worldwide release throughout the 2011 winter season.

News

6Rider: Lewis Sonvico Photograph: Richard Clark

7Name Ross Welch

Age 19

Setup Atomic Punx 173, FFG Team edition bindings, Atomic Volt boots.

Sponsors? Atomic, The Snow Centre, Sidas UK

Local slope The Snow Centre - Hemel Hempstead.

Dryslope or Indoor? Indoor, closest thing to the real stuff we can get! plus its just around the corner from me.

When and how did you get into skiing?I learnt to ski with family when i was about 13. However it wasnt until 2 years ago that i found out skiers can use the snow park too! What have you been up to this season?Plenty. Firstly getting as many new tricks as i could. General filming and a few trips to

Mayrhofen, Avoriaz and then Laax, before finishing it off in a hospital bed - nothing too bad i must say, just an over-shot, over-rotated, double front flip. These things happen so im looking forward to what next season brings.

Plans for next season? Start off back in Hoff (Mayrhofen) for a week or so and then kick back in breckenridge for a few months. All in aim to try some international comps and see how it goes. For me its all about having as much fun as you can! so just going with the flow.

What will you be doing over the summer?Get to a few comps, some trampoline work along with a week away summer skiing. Favourite trick? Straight Airs ....haha it has to be a Cork 9.

Any new tricks you want? Cork 10 would be nice, maybe even a double. Whos your inspiration? Everyone in the UK scene....Super friendly people that keep you going and trying your best.

Most stoked achievement? Double front flip...The ones i landed.

What do you love about the UK scene?For a place that doesnt really have any snow, we still kill it!

Get up to anything when your not riding?Trampolining, gymnastics (foam pit), fixing computers at my normal job.

Current favorites on your riding playlist?Pretty much any dubstep, hiphop and a few underground bands like Fluid Lines, The Skints etc.

Rider Profile

8Rider: Ross Welch Photograph: Aivars Zarins

9Bearsdens Go Big Or Go Home!

Bearsden welcomed visitors from all over the place turning up to compete in an event set to go big with prizes from Animal, Salomon, Nike 6.0, Bamboo Rider, Freeze Pro Shop, DC, Volcom, Line, Vans, K2, Clan, Boax Headwear, Volkl, Grenade, Propaganda Snowboards, Bawbags and Librance.

Marc McClement & Jesse Smith were trying doubles, backs and fronts, both taking slams with Jesse finally landing one!

The youngsters were all throwing it down with back 9s in the trick bag!

The skiiers definitely didnt disappoint with switch back nines, switch rodeos and switch just about everything else! Hector Barbour with a smooth switch cork 7 to win the open category!

Local girl Cory McVicar took home the girls 1st with the girls throwing out 7s and switch 5s.

Special thanks to Rupert of Librance for getting behind the comp from the start and getting the sponsors on board for hopefully a regular summer comp at Bearsden and to Danny, Matt & Gerry McCormick for stepping up and organising the whole comp.

Results Skiers:12 and under 1. Ronan McLaren2. Sam Gardner 3. Daniel Flannigan

13-161. Harris Booth2. Chris McCormick 3. Cal Sandieson

Open 1. Hector Barbour 2. Chris Wadsworth 3. Harris Booth

Womens1. Cory McVicar2. Rowan Cheshire3. Anna Vincenti

Boarders: 12 and under1. Fin Bremner 2. Brandon Bow

13-16 1. Matt McCormick 2. Sam McGrath 3. Joe Gardner

Open 1.Matt McCormick2. Danny McCormick 3. Marc McClement

Women1. Orla Doolin2. Vaila Chapman

All photos: Neil Macgrain

e Highlights

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DC Jet Set

DC Jet Set went off at Sno!zone Castleford on Friday 24th June.

Winners were Katie Omerod for the Girls, Callum Patton for the under 16s and Gareth Andrews stomped it to take the massive 700 for the guys.

A big shout out goes to Jordy Gee who is currently recovering in hospital after crashing out in the jam session. We hope he has a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with Jordy his and friends and his family at this difficult time. Get well soon bro.

The Oakley Grom Games came back for another round in 2011 with one of the best freestyle set ups seen at Manchesters Chill Factor.

Pat Sharples, the man behind the the Oakley Grom Games, was on the mic calling the tricks while the Red Bull DJs busted out the tunes on the slope from the top of their legendary vehicle / DJ booth.

The usual suspects, Scotlands Cal Sandieson and Chris McCormick battled it out and ended up taking joint 1st in the kids ski category. Chris Wadsworth took 1st in the 18-24 category and won a place in the invitational event.

The girls were out in force with Madi Rowlands taking 1st in the under 12s and Sissy Herant and Rowan Cheshire 2nd and 3rd overall.

In the snowboard jam Katie Ormorod took the attention away from the boys styling some front flips on the raised rail.Sean Tumelty took away not just the evening invitational but also won the best unsponsored prize from Salomon Snowboards which included a brand new board and boots.

The 12 men and 4 women selected to compete had a 45-minute session in which to qualify for the knockout finals. Only 1 rider was allowed on course at a time so that they had the full attention of the judges.

Overall Results

Snowboard women1st - Katie Ormorod 2nd - Sophie Nicholls 3rd - Gemma Marshall

Snowboard men1st - Andy Nudds2nd - Ross Needam3rd - Simon Cudlip

Freeski women1st - Katie Summerhayes 2nd - Sissy Herant 3rd - Rowan Cheshire

Freeski men1st Tyler Harding2nd James Machon3rd Michael Rowlands

Oakley Grom Gamese Highlights

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All photos courtesy of DC

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Photo courtesy of DC

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The Southern Freestyle Series was back this year hitting up Swadlincote, Chatham and Bracknell.

Southern Freestyle Series

Swadlincote Results SnowboardFemale1st - Becky Menday 2nd - Sam Rogers 3rd - Melissa Brandner Male1st - Jack Labbett 2nd - Tomski Robinson3rd - Curti Taylor-Tipton

Ski Female1st - Servanne Herant 2nd - Zoe Lewis3rd - Madison Rowlands Male 1st - Tom Coe2nd - Kiran Patel3rd - Ollie Powell

Chatham Results Snowboard Female1st - Sam Rogers 2nd - Rebecca Richardson 3rd - Melissa Brandner Male 1st - Jack Labbett 2nd - Cody Hierons 3rd - Tomski Robinson

Ski Female 1st - Servanne Herant 2nd - Madison Rowlands 3rd - Emily Keen Male 1st - Tom Coe 2nd - Michael Rowlands3rd - Josh Herant

Bracknell Results Snowboard Female 1st - Rebecca Richardson 2nd - Sam Rogers 3rd - Melissa Brandner Male 1st - Jack Labbett 2nd - Tomski Robinson 3rd - Tristan Brookes

Ski Female 1st - Madison Rowlands 2nd - Lexi Rowlands 3rd - Emily Keen Male 1st - Michael Rowlands2nd - Tom Saunders3rd - Kiran Patel

Overall ResultsSnowboardFemale 1st - Sam Rogers2nd - Melissa Brandner3rd - Rebecca RichardsonMale1st - Jack Labbett2nd - Tomski Robinson3rd - Curtis Taylor-Tipton

SkiFemale1st - Madison Rowlands2nd - Servanne Herant3rd - Emily KeenMale 1st - Tom Coe2nd - Michael Rowlands3rd - Kiran Patel

Image courtesy of Southen Freestyle

e Highlights

Gap NationOn Saturday 27th Hemel Snow Centre hosted Gap Nation. The park crew built a huge channel gap for the event.

The competition ran for two hours, open to both skiiers and snowboarders. Loads of style was being thrown down by everyone and prizes were given out to those both attempting and landing tricks.

Results Over 18s1st Jake Lloyd2nd Luke McCarthy3rd Simon Stephens

14 yrs 18 yrs1st Liam Beardsmore2nd Katie Summerhayes3rd Josh Jenkins

Under 14s1st Monty Wright2nd Tom Saunders3rd Haydyn Fiori

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Rider: Ross Welch Photograph: Richard Clark

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Rider: Lewis SonvicoPhotograph: Richard Clark

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Katie Summerhayes is one of the UKs most naturally talented, prolific and enthusiastic female freestyle skiiers. After an amazing season kicking off at Londons Freeze festival and going on to The European Open, The Brits where she took gold, The World Championships and of course the European X Games we talk to her about life on the road, her success and her future plans.

Tell us how you got into freestyle skiing? I just went up to Sheffield Ski Village which is my local slope and joined the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club. We hit the big air jump as part of the lessons and after I had learnt my first 180, I knew I loved it and wanted to do more!

Whats been your biggest achievement so far?Definitely the X Games. Being invited to compete there was a dream come true and something I will never forget! I still cant believe I got to compete; it had been my dream since I started competing in freestyle when i was 9 years old.

What was it like competing at X Games?I still cant believe that I got to compete and to be there with people that I have looked up to (and still look up to) it was an amazing week, one I will never forget. I was stoked to be there with Pat, Woodsy (who got a bronze medal!!!) and Vanessa (Photographer and Pats wife)

Katie Summerhayes

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The boys definitely more than outnumber the girls in UK freestyle skiing - whats that like?I really enjoy skiing with the boys because they push me so much and I really gain a lot out of skiing with them. There are a couple of girls too which when Im with we have such a good time! More and more girls are also getting involved which is amazing to see!

How are you managing skiing and all the traveling as well as your GCSEs?I focus a lot on my school work when Im home, so when Im away I dont have to worry about anything. Its hard sometimes, but I try to catch up on everything.

Whats it like on the road and being away from home so much?Its so much fun but at the same time it can be hard. I love meeting new people and seeing different parts of the world but when I get back it is also hard to catch up on my school work and revise for exams. I definitely try and catch up with as much schoolwork as I can when Im at home.

What do you miss most about home when youre traveling?I miss my family and my friends as well. I believe that I have the nicest friends ever and I always have a laugh with them! Being at the X Games and World Champs this year was just like being in a big family! I also miss my own bed and my sisters cakes and buns!

Highlight of the season?Competing in the X Games and World Champs. Also travelling the world with my friends and family and having so much fun!

Inspirational riders?I look up to Pat Sharples (my coach) and James Woodsy Woods.

Current goal?Just to keep having fun and enjoying what Im doing!

What are your plans for the summer?Me, Tyler Harding and Pat Sharples are attending a fitness/media BOA camp to help us get ready for the Youth Olympics in January, its going to be fun and hard work! Also I am out in Saas Fee for a week for some summer snow training then chill out for the rest of the summer and get ready for school again in September!

Plans for next season?Hopefully to have the opportunities that I had this year, like competing in the X Games. Me, Tyler and Pat also have the Youth Olympics in January in Austria for the Halfpipe, so thats going to be fun! Mostly I will see what comps are out there and also see what training I can get. I just want to get out onto the snow as often as possible.

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I just want to get out onto the snow as often as possible.

Interview By Harriet Bennett

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Nineteen year old Aimee Fuller is one of the UKs biggest names in snowboarding. Her fun and positive attitude makes her a delight to watch as she storms the park and the whole mountain. We catch up with her during a busy summer season of riding, surfing, trampolines and training.

Set up? Roxy C2 Banana Traction Eminence with Team Series bindings, Vans Aura boots. Inspirational riders? Cheryl Maas, its great to see the progression of girls riding, doubles! so sick.

Local slope when your in the UK? I live in Northern Ireland and there is only one dry slope with no rails or jumps so I never go! What do you love about the UK scene? Its small and a really supportive crew of people. Whats been your proudest achievement?2nd in the Horsefeathers Pleasure Jam at the start of last season. Top 10 X games in 2010.

Do you get the fear before hitting the big kickers? How do you over come that? I just think positive and think of the feeling I get after Ive landed a trick on a big kicker, and that

motivation keeps me amped to keep going and pushing my level to bigger kickers!

Whats it like leading your lifestyle - travelling and being away from home so much? I love my lifestyle and I am so thankful for the opportunity snowboarding has given me to travel all over the world, to do what I love the most.

Favorite mountain to ride? Anywhere that has a good park, a fun vibe and I am with my friends.

Aimee Fuller

Photograph: Alex Henderson

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We saw you have a collaboration with Sterling Socks - how did that come about? Dan Wakeham asked me last fall if I wanted a Pro sock, and I tried the socks out, they are rad, really comfy and its great as they are supporting the scene and putting money back into snowboarding which I think is a great thing for UK snowboarding. Also its a UK brand and its made up of a great crew of people. So who wouldnt want to be apart of something like that!

What are your plans for next season? Do a few contests, shoot a little and aim for a video part.

Future aspirations? To improve as much as possible and have fun with it!

Any tips? Have fun, send it!

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That motivation keeps me amped to keep going

Interview By Harriet Bennett

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Rider: Tom Smith Photograph: Matt Urwin Location: Snowboard Test

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A man of firsts, Dan Wakeham; the UKs first Olympic snowboard competitor talks about one of his current ventures - Sterling Socks - the UKs first snowboard sock brand.

How and when was Sterling born?Whilst traveling the world with me (Dan Wakeham) and the GB snowboard team, photographer and distributor Nick Atkins thought up the idea of starting a sock company for himself and the guys on the team.It was talked about for a few years before anything happened. We would sit around with Jamie Nicholls and Ben Kilner, and laugh about the rad designs we could make and how it would be nice to start something for ourselves.So eventually we pulled our fingers out and got things moving and here we are with Jamie Nicholls and Ben Kilner pro socks. We now have an Aimee Fuller Sterling Pro Sock too.To add to the line we have a GB team sock, from which a percentage of each pair sold will be donated to the GB Freestyle Team.We are also a proud sponsor of One Snowboarding. The GB juniors are the future of our sport.

So why socks in particular?Nick imported a base layer company from the USA before and they made great socks. They made mistakes with their base layers and they disappeared. We contacted their factory and took off where they left off meaning that we had the use of their technology.Another reason we chose socks was because there is no British snowboard sock company. The shops would have to buy them from the distributors of American companies. By cutting

out the Americans we are able to make the socks more affordable. At the end of the day, they are just socks. No one should expect to pay 30 for a pair of socks, no matter what tech they have! What makes Sterling different to other Snowboard socks?Using Acrylyester fiber technology and strategic silhouette construction, Sterling socks regulate your feets micro-climate by keeping them warm and dry in the burliest of weather and getting sweat up and away from your skin. Extra padding from the heel through the toebox aid in impact absorption without compromising mobility and circulation in the rest of your foot. Bulky socks in a snug fitting boot is the gateway to numb/cold feet. Proper circulation and mobility are important so we place padding where you need it most, on the bottom of your foot. As you know, heat rises. As you also know, heat trapped in your boot creates a sauna effect, only

Sterling Socks

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theres no exit and youre trapped. Even on the coldest days your feet will eventually sweat in this claustrophobic climate. Our sock construction allows heat and moisture to rise and move away from your foot. The result is a foot that is dry and ready for some proper snow surfing action! You donate a percentage of your profits from the GB Team Sock to the GB Freestyle team how important do feel financial support is for our athletes?I have been on the British team for a long time. The team has seen some hard times, especially when Snowsports GB were in charge. They went in to liquidation a few years back and it was the best thing that could have happened to British snowboarding. Now snowboarders run the team and things are on the up. The International Olympic Committee has decided to add Slopestyle as an Olympic discipline, which is also great for the UK. We have Jamie Nicholls and Aimee Fuller who both have medal potential.We also understand that by having good snowboarders and a solid national team that we are supporting the snow sports industry. Where can we buy Sterling Socks?You will be able to find them in shops around the country. A full list of dealers is available on our website: www.sterlingsocks.co.ukOur socks retail at 12 although the Jamie Nicholls and the Aimee Fuller sock retail at 15 as they are thicker. Future aspiration for the brand?For now we plan to make great socks with many bright colorful styles but who knows, in time we could add more products to the line. Next season we will expanding in to Europe and have a distributor for all German speaking countries.

Interview by Harri BennettImages courtesy of Sterling Socks

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Rider: Lanning CanuPhotograph: Richard Clark

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Right, thats that done. Adventure created, tweaked, activated and finally booked. I just used Wasabis adventure app for the first time, I got to build a package for a freeride adventure that I wanted. That was simple enough, quite novel actually, and the itinerary they came back with looked sick. Now all I need to do is sit here and wait for the next 5 months to pass by until we get to head out to experience it.

Last season I missed out on the slopes. Wedding plans and the inevitable flu (NOT man-flu but actual flu thanks!) meant it simply wasnt possible to steal away even for a quick weekend. This season will be different, this season Im making sure I go extra large! Ive been heading to the Alps for about 20 odd years now for the usual week or two of powder filled fun. Increasingly in recent seasons (except last of course) Ive been trekking further afield, looking to explore new parts of the mountain and push myself.

A few season back in a flash of adventurous bravado, I tried out some K2 Pontoons to see how I got on with a day of sidecountry. Theyre far too much ski for you, youre going to be on your arse all day! my sister helpfully commented as I stood back at the hotel boot room proudly holding aloft my trophy. Im going to make that piste my b*tch! was my slightly over confident response to that. This, it turned out, was not a prophecy and I was the one who had become the pistes b*tch quite dramatically. But I didnt care, I was hooked and since then Ive been keen to properly head into the backcountry for a trip of nothing but powder runs and fresh lines with a group of mates. This season its time to make that happen!

Day 1:Skip forward a few months and here we are in Geneva airport arrivals waiting for our bags and gear. Getting the crew together had not been

Off The Beaten Track

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hard, and aside from last minute panics over delayed transfers to the airport and missing passports, all had been plain sailing. Bags duly retrieved, we headed into the slightly pokey arrivals hall in Geneva airport. Its mid season and the place is mobbed with tour companies, transfer companies, school groups all heading to the slopes thank god we had a private taxi booked!

We were heading into the Valais region of Switzerland for the start of our adventure, it was only a couple of hours drive past the picturesque Lac Leman and I drifted off to sleep on the journey it had started!

That evening we met up with Danielle a super friendly Aussie lass and Wasabis on the ground logistics manager. She brought with her Robert, a tall, wiry framed man with a warm smile and weather beaten skin. This man had the dubious honor of being our guide for the next week. Earlier that day, we had met up with Danielle to get kitted out with the right gear and shown how to use it all in preparation for a quick start the next day. That evening, over a few drinks we studied our planned route wasabi had set up for us, 8 days and 3 countries, with a mixture of touring, sidecountry and some resort based skiing. Something the group all agreed was the perfect mix!

Day 2:Standing at 3,000m (or 9843ft for those that prefer it that way) surrounded by some of the most breathtaking architecture the Alps offers it was immediately clear this was going to be a trip unlike any Id experienced before. With Robert leading the way, instructing both the group and each of us individually, we soon got into the swing of it.

We passed down a long, narrow valley and through a tunnel that forms part of a local hydro electric system (were reliably informed). We stop off at a local mountain hut, tucked out of the way and offering up a sumptuous meal next to a fire.

The afternoon is a fairly gentle descent to the valley floor, giving us a chance to work on our turns and Robert does his best to make sure were all happy with the pace. It is, by all accounts, a successful first day without anything too challenging thrown in our direction. A great way to shake off the office legs, and give us a glimpse at mountain life away from the busy

resorts.

Day 3: The group is feeling stiff this morning! Apparently yesterday was tougher on the legs than we realized. After a hot breakfast, and no small amount of stretching, we set off in our own minibus. Were transferred to the foot of a mountain pass bordering Switzerland and Italy, Robert (who is not feeling stiff) pipes up with his first stat of the day. This pass is apparently one of the oldest in the Alps, and was for a long time the only road between northern and southern Alps. We have no way of confirming this of course, but Robert carries an air of knowledge about his person that only many years of guiding groups and tackling the elements can afford someone, and as such were dont doubt it for a second. Im pretty sure Robert could tell a few good stories if pressed, I make a mental note to check this later over some well earned beers. However, before all that we have a hike in front of us today. 2hrs up hill may sound daunting, but surprisingly we get a good pace going as a group and Robert keep us all entertained with plentiful facts, good view points and the odd stop for a breather. To my relative surprise I really get into the hiking, skinning up with all the gear feels primal and back to the roots of skiing. How our ancestors would have done it, and I can very well see how the sport caught on. It provides an amazing sense of freedom, not constrained by resort boundaries of where the lifts take you. We strike out into the backcountry, the uncontrolled, the unknown and it feels exhilarating!

That evening is spent in a Hospice, perched high up in the mountains, away from the crowds and where you can appreciate the true beauty of the natural environment. Tea is served by monks at a local monastery followed by a unique tour of the area. It is at some point this evening that I realize we really getting a different experience, one wasabi had promised, and it is incredible!

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Days 4 7

The days continue in a similar vein of intensive descents some days, hiking on others. As the days go by we cross over 2 borders from Switzerland to Italy, and then into France. We cover a huge variety of terrain and a serious amount of vertical. As we descend down valleys into Italy, we pass through wide open snow covered fields that are completely untracked, pass by beautiful wooden chalets and into small local villages that are quite off the beaten track. We get the feeling this is a side of the mountains that is reserved for the privileged few, it feels a world away from the highly modernized, efficient resorts that make up so much of the Alps today.

Day 8

Its been over a week since we set off on our adventure and we have arrived at the last day. As a group were pretty broken, a few bruises picked up along the way and physically shattered. Its been a phenomenal week, one that will stay with us for a while, but I would be lying if I said I wasnt looking forward to tucking up in bed knowing that tomorrow I have a sleep in! However, before we get to that we have one more spectacular to enjoy.

We take the Point de Helbrunner cable car up

to 10,000ft to the start of a 27km descent down the Valle Blanc. The day promises to provide stunning views of the local scenery, as well as tumbling ice falls and dizzying crevasses. We were a little nervous that we were biting off more than we could chew, especially with it being the last day and our legs were tired, but far from being the most challenging skiing it actually turned out to be a long, leisurely ride down into Chamonix. There had been a small dump of snow overnight so the mountains were covered in a light scattering of powder, perfect for cutting our final set of fresh lines of the trip!

We get down into Chamonix around lunchtime and head into town for a slap up meal, a few beers and to look back on 8 days of fantastic backcountry skiing adventure. Shortly after lunch our private minibus turns up to whisk us back through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy. The whole thing has run like clockwork, Robert was an expert guide (and suspiciously full of facts), weve been lucky with the snow and were all shattered but very happy. The only question in our minds is where will Wasabi take us next year?

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Rider: Sarah Fish Photograph: Richard ClarkLocation: Val dIsere

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Back in good old tup northern University of York, a group of my buds were chatting about summer plans, the standard holiday spots like France and Italy were mentioned, some whinged about hunting for a job - it is our right as poor, penniless, debt ridden students! I mentioned that I was about to head off for the the holiday of my life! Ski instructing in Australia.

Yep, that made people quickly question their geography and ask . . . Australia has snow?Not only does Oz have snow, Oz has many snow bums in search of a fun filled and adventurous season. The likes of Thredbo, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek may sound familiar to some of you seasonaires or holidaymakers.

My mountain is Perisher, the biggest in Australia.Perisher gives you one hell of an experience. Everyone working there will have a different experience depending on where they are living, working and riding. Well this is my experience branching from June of 2009 to today, where I am in the middle of my third Aussie season.

A bit of background first. I rocked up to Perisher after just one North American (and specifically Californian) season that I loved. Yeah, I know some people dont know California has snow either. I like to confuse peoples geographical knowledge. I knew I had fallen for the lifestyle and the instructing gig so I wanted to keep it up over the northern hemisphere summer and so I headed to the first job offer I got.

That first Aussie season was in my mind the best time Ive had in my life. Living in the staff lodge, named Willow Lodge on the mountain (I say mountain, I should really say hill) was incredible. Sharing a room with 3 other people in bunks and sharing the lodge with 60 guys and girls whose jobs varied from snow makers, to ski school, to lifties and car park attendants. Equipped with a massive kitchen, a TV that only got 1 channel and an ensuite bathroom in every room, we had to make our own fun and we certainly did that.

Days off were and still are obviously dedicated to hitting up the mountain with whoever else is free or back lining at work. The only time the weather was so bad that no lifts were running, the boys built an igloo in the garden that was later tested out at night by my roommate and her boyfriend.

The park rats hit up the Leichardt Park and if they are able to grow a pair, the Front Valley Park, where if you stack it, you are on show for the entire 8-seater chairlift to see.Believe it or not, some staff cant really ski or snowboard so they go out and stick to the greens and blues or try and slide into lessons incognito and try and improve so the hard-core kids dont mock them. The rest of us just love to cruise around the whole hill, stop off for a drink or 5 and then keep going until the last lift shuts.

Nighttime for us was spent at the pub. They still remember my regular glass of goon (cheap box wine) and we have accepted that the staff will never win the pool competition. Wednesday as payday was of course the more popular night out and a bottle of PowerAde is essential the next day for survival.

That first year the average age in the lodge was about 23. The next year it was 19. This year it has dropped to 18. And this year I moved out of the wonderful Willow Lodge to the small party town of Jindabyne. Jindy is populated by Thredbo and Perisher staff during the winter and you can certainly tell on payday.

Perisher has some odd weather, it must be said. The year before I started, they got pink snow because of a sand storm that came through the resort from Sydney. We had two lightning storms in my first year where two lifties were injured. Last year we got no snow until August, which was the biggest dump of powder in 25 years. This year my boss mentioned that she had worked at Perisher for 20 years and had never seen this much snow this early in the season.You get used to phrases like wind-hold and

We're off to find the powder, the Wonderful Powder of...

Oz?

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lightning hold or power cut and you roll with it. The area called Blue Cow has got some of the best riding, and the worst weather. It is always to first to shut down if the wind kicks up too much. On a sunny day Blue Cow or Mt Perisher are the places to find some hidden stashes of pow.

Now the ski school of Perisher is very different to that of North America. You dont get given a schedule. You sometimes get an idea of what you are assigned to but its likely to change. You walk up to 9 o clock line up and its about being in the right time and place for the good and the bad lessons.

My first season I taught nothing but 3 and 4 year olds. As fun as it was, I went a little bit insane. Last season I didnt teach one 3 or 4 year old and had an amazing bunch of groups. I had so much energy that I picked up a job washing dishes at night at one of the lodges and receiving a 3 course meal as part of my payment. This season, so far so good, other than a minor shoulder injury from some punter crashing into me.

The people you teach will often not have seen snow before so it takes a while for them to pick up the basics. Some classes are amazing and you will not forget them. Some are horrific and you will also never forget them. And of course the dreaded assignment that nobody wants to get given are first

time 5-7 year olds. That tends to be a tough day at the best. Older kids are fine. They can put on their own gloves, dont really cry and you never have to call the parents because the kid has had a slight toilet accident. Half-day lessons end quicker so if you get stuck with a bad batch, youre shot of them pretty quick. But those 6 and half hours of little guys, unless you have the patience of a saint, can be tricky.

As is the case in most places, there is some tension between lifties and ski school. The lifties are generally boarders and are normally a lot better than the instructors. Instructors are generally considered arrogant and stuck up. We are working on a truce; most of my best friends work the lifts.

I suppose the main reason I keep going back is because of the people. I love the Aussies and I managed to pick up some of my best friends over these couple of seasons.There are so many stories from those three seasons and I wish I could fit them all in, but I suggest you get yourself out there and find your own stories and enjoy to madness that is Australia.

Moral to all this. Be prepared for a surprise.

Words by Laura Seward

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Rider: Ross Welch Photograph: Richard Clark

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I approach the rail. Its a double-down. I nolly a frontside 50/50 on and just before the kink, pop a backside 270 tapping in to a boardslide at the end of the second down rail. Just as I ride off cleanly, I catch an edge and face plant.

Only its not an edge. Its a tourist. And Ive gone straight in to them. And Im not in a park. Im not even on the snow Hell, Im not even somewhere snowy! Im outside St Pauls Cathe-dral, London, having just finished my sandwich in the baking hot August sun. (And as you might have guessed by now, if I even attempted that

trick, the only outcome would be concussion and most definitely a spell in hospital.)

But nonetheless, this is how its been for months. Months and months. Anything my eye sees that my brain interprets as jib-worthy au-tomatically puts me in my own Mpora video. Im strapped in and ripping. Always, always, ripping.

It wasnt always this way. In fact, in the grand scale of time passed since I first stepped on to a board (yes, you read that right, please dont judge me, it was a hire!) in Stowe, Vermont, in

Fulham to Fernie, Wandsworth to Whistler.

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February 1997, this is but a blip. Only its a blip that has rapidly escalated in to a huge, multi-coloured zeppelin and its following me around like a child running with a balloon.

Why? you ask, Whats changed?, What sort of crazy jib junkie are you?!. Well (aside from the heinous amount of time spent watching clips on my iPhone as I go to bed each night; which have nothing to do with it, you understand) Ive made a decision. Not your standard Sunday night Indian or Chinese? decision but poten-tially a life changing one. At 28 years young, I am taking a career break from the intensity of four and a half years spent in the London advertising industry to finally follow the dream of spending this winter shredding the pow in Fernie, British Columbia.

Sweet, dude! Well, yeah, it IS sweet. Sort of. Or it will be but right now its grim. Grim, grim, grim. But its not really grim, for the reward is so great. Its sacrifice. Pure, simple sacrifice. Look

Its a beautiful evening, shall we go for beers in that pub down by the river? No, Im saving.Shall we go to that festival in Hyde Park? No, Im saving. Why dont we get the train up to the Lake Dis-trict to see your best mate? NO, IM SAVING!Honestly, Im starting to piss myself off, let alone my mates!

This is of course, entirely my own fault. Shit didnt get real I guess, until the Canadian Embassy emailed me to say that the visa Id flippantly applied for had been accepted could I pay them 90 to finalise the process? Not a problem, of course, but this was mid June Im off in October; thats only four pay cheques, so its all save, save, SAVE! NOTHING to do with the two boarding trips I made this year one to Tinges, one to Fernie (which is where the bug bit hardest) nor is it anything to do with the LibTech I got shipped from the US in May because I couldnt find it in any end-of-season deals over here. Dont tut me and shake your head! If you dont understand my behaviour, may I venture that you are not a true shred-head.

The real killer, however, is not being able to get to Hemel on a Friday night. I havent been since SCUK Spring Bash and suddenly summer is nearly over! Im up there next week and cant wait to unleash the new board on the nursery slope, practicing my methods and my backside 1s. Yeah, thats how huge I go 1S!

When you live and work in London, and have to travel on a Friday rush hour tube to get to Euston, to get the peak time train (thanks for that Mr. Ticket Man), then a taxi both ways at the other end, not only are you hated by every commuter youve encountered, youre also about 70 worse off, and thats IF you make the last train back.

The weirdest things about that last paragraph is, Ill miss it! When something becomes such a big part of your life, its hard not to. There is a dramatic contrast betwixt fighting for your spot on the platform of Clapham Common, fumbling with your Oyster card on a muggy summers morning and standing at the bottom of a lift on a queueless week day with my Id-card-esque season pass as the flakes fall silently around me. Yes, Ill miss it a lot, but Im sure Ill soon get used to the alternative

So there we go, thats how its started who knows how its going to continue?! Maybe Ill work for the hill, maybe I wont. May-be Ill get injured, maybe I wont. Maybe Ill find myself wondering what the hell happened to my life while lounging in the hot tub on some idle Sunday.

But thats enough from me (and Baz Luhrmann) for now. Ill let you know how its going in the next issue. I need to go and watch the Art of Flight trailer for the 1,764 time.Believe.

Words by Nick Tuckwood

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Rider: Lewis SonvicoPhotograph: Richard Clark

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Rider: Joe Grace Photograph: Richard Clark

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Snowboard Review

Back in May we had the pleasure of attending the Snowboard Test. A week based in a picturesque village at the foot of Kaunertal where we spend our evenings with an elegant dinner, good company and an early retirement to our rooms...

Well the picturesque village and good company is true. The rest... Well... We wont wont get into the rest!

Heres some truth - The days start with a 20 minute, usually hung over, windy drive up to the Glacier where a small village of tents with racks upon racks of snowboards await ready for testing. The rest of the day is spent doing just that.

And from this awesome week we can now present the best reviewed snowboard hardware tested by those that know.

Bataleon - Evil Twin The Evil Twin is Bataleons flagship board. Although this board was designed for riding park the new and enhanced TBT tip and tail can handle everything; slush, crud and powder.

There is no need to worry about catchng you edge as its just not possible. There is a new shape to the Evil Twin this year which makes it even easier and better to ride. The Evil Twin is one of the best freestyle boards out there. Riding the rest of the mountain is still so much fun. Its stiff enough for everything and anything and floats on powder too - Juro TSA

Bataleon - Feel Better Why feel good when you can feel better? This girls board is all about having fun, forgetting all your worries and just going for it whether its park or cruising. This years model is a collab with Les Ettes.

A GREAT NEW ADDITION TO THE BATALEON WOMENS RANGE. The softest model in the line and a twin flex making it an ideal freestyle board. The soft flex makes it really easy to butter on the flat and the Triple BAse Tech helps to prevent any unwanted edge catches. A great soft jib or entry-level board that any lady would love to ride - Anna Bartlett

Vans - WiigBasically Andreas Wiig wears them... Thats all you really need to know right?

No heel lift what so ever. Warm comfortable and dry and i love the colour. Sick! - Lucas Brammal

Vans - KiraDesigned for female riders Kiras give quick

relief and versatility.

Instantly comfortable, especially for extra wide feet. Loved the power strap and the boa system - quick no fuss and secure. Very comfortable whilst riding and excellent support. Also, they look rad. Polly Girlylegs

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Forum - DestroyerBack for another year of slaying! The Destroyer is a park board made for high-speed, high-consequence abuse.

Boom!! The Destroyer has landed! a well named board as it destroys everything it comes into contact with. Feels like youve ridden it your whole life! super poppy, solid under foot, great edge control but not too stiff to chuck it about. this is the board that does it all. - Rob Brett

CAPiTA - StairmasterThis board is bomb proof and rips like no other for the price. Traditional cambered board designed for maneuverability around the park.

It felt right from the moment i strapped in. Regular camber and a nice soft flex makes buttering and jibbing a breeze. Super stable at speed, carves really well and has plenty of pop. - Lee Radford

CAPiTA - Indoor SurvivalThe go-to board for the majority of the CAPiTA team, it will survice whatever you throw at it, in or out of the park.

Nice ride! Smooth, stable and good with speed, great pop and very stable on landings, responsive and so easy to turn! Loved it! - Harri Bennett

This is my CAPiTA. There are many like it but this one is mine. My CAPiTA is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as i must master my life. Without me, my CAPiTA is useless. Without my CAPiTA I am useless. I must shred my Capita true. I must ride faster and jump higher than my enemy, who is trying to surpass me. I must be awesome. I will be awesome. Before God i swear this creed: my CAPiTA and myself are defenders of awesome, we will survice all that the mountain

throws at us, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, only awesomeness. Amen.

Union - AtlasComfortable and responsive, didnt even feel like i was strapped in. Tried to blag a free pair, was unsuccessful - will purchase a pair asap. - Rhys Crilley

Union - ContactSICK!!! - Rowan Coultas

Super nice fit, very comfortable. New open toe strap fits super smooth, buckles and flexes well with rocker boards. best bindings on the market. - Dudley Snow&Rock

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Endeavour - BoyfriendA true twin - simular in feel to the Colour but designed for girls. whether its hitting the park or

jibbing around the mountain this will beat your boyfriend every time.

What a joy to ride! Although a freestyle board it holds really well on carving, super stable yet awesome to pop and play around with. A confidence builder! - Helen Sansom

Endeavour - ColourThe graphics on this board are all about vices, check the smoking Elephant, poker playing Dog and a drunken Polar Bear. You will enjoy this board, you wont be able to quit it!

This board is proper fun, at the test this week ive seen many happy faces when returning it after a test. I can vouch for that, it butters great and eats up bumpy terrain like suspension. Floats through powder too, the reverse camber adds an edge to the Colour which makes it an awesome choice. - Mike Austin

Smokin Snowboards - Team Each Smokin team member got to put their own design onto a board making this team series truely unique

The smokin team board is a fun jib board with the balls to hit the bigger features in the park. Although its a little heavy the ridiculous amount of pop the board can generate at slow speed more than makes up for it. A good board for those jibbers looking to start hitting bigger jumps. - Tom Ewbank

Never Summer - Evo Designed for optimum free-style control, the new true twin blunt shape reduces material for a lower, more balanced swing weight while extend-ing effective edge for more stability on takeoff and landings.

Really fun! Playful with awesome pop, but not too soft. Sud-denly found myself with the ability to do triple corks and pull su-permodels. - Rhys Crilley

Rome - Artifact Rocker LNP, Eiki and Lazz all mount up the true-twin Artifact Rocker when they ride handrails, ledges and boxes.

Very easy playful board feels compact, great job board, butters very well, nice ollies, medium pop. - Pierre Jouvet

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Burton - NugBuilt small for nimble handling, its optimized design packs uncompromised speed and stability in a board that lets you downsize 8-10cm from normal. Easy to throw around, light under foot, and surprisingly poppy,

Massive smile factor on this board, so easy to throw about and unbelievably stable for its size. Not one for a hard charge but a super fun addition to anyones quiver, ideal for indoor park riding. - Rob Brett LCB

Burton - Mr Nice Guy Mr. Nice Guy could be anywhere. Lurking in local parks, back alleys, high in the mountains wherever snowboarding is going down.

Loved this board, great edge control, very poppy in the tail and fast. A GOOD choice for somebody who wants camber. - Darren Ford

Ride - OMG!Ride OMG womens snowboard is a Hybrid Twin snowboard that offers the max in versatility and stability. Built to go big without the fear of rocker washout, the Ride OMG is ideal for skilled freestyle snowboarders that require a playful feel and true landing control.

Very fast, loved the cruising, adrenaline fuelled and got some stamina. Stable on pop, jumps, landings. Sweet. - Kaz Wilmer

Ride - DH2 Rides new Hybrid Twin shape for a hook-free ride designed to slay features and stomp big landings.

The board is really sick, turns well and is super stable. I hit rails and it felt really responsive. On the jumps I got rad - indy grab - stoked! - Jamie Lawson

Burton - Cartel EST Great all round binding comfort-able, no pressure points, best cap strap ever ridden and it worked well with different boots.

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DiaryDiary09-11/09/11 - Tamworth Snowdome - SCUK Summer Bash - SCUK are back at Tamworth for their ninth summer bash. The weekend offers camping, drinking, DJs, tubing, more drinking and

obviously snowboarding!

10/09/11 - Halifax Ski & Board Centre - Westbeach Snowflex - The Halifax leg of the Westbeach Snowflex Freestyle Series.

16-18/09/11 - Norfolk Ski Club - Farmers Jam - The Farmers Jam is back, 3 day Ski and Snowboard festival.

17/09/11 - Aberdeen Snowsports Centre - Skid Marks- Organised by kids for kids (although any age can enter)

24/09/11 - SNO!zone Castleford - British Snow Tour Indoor Championships - The Rebellion, a new era of indoor championships.

24/09/11 - Tamworth Snowdome - Burton Hi5 Tour - The first stop of six in this years Hi-5 tour

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Diary

01/10/11 - SNO!zone Scotland - Burton Hi5 Tour - The Hi5 tour hits Scotland

08/10/11 - Aberdeen Snowsports Centre - Westbeach Snowflex

19-23/10/11 - Earls Court - London Ski & Snowboard Show - The annual show moves to Earls Court and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

21/10/11 - Earls Court - British Snow Tour Invitational - The invitational will take place inside the Ski & Snowboard show

28-29/10/11 - Battersea Power Station - Freeze Festival - The infamous festival is back for another year with The Streets headlining

29/10/11 - Tamworth Snowdome - Santa Cruz Rookie Rider Clash - Tamworth welcomes back the Rookie Rider Clash for another year

04/11/10 - SNO!zone Castleford - Burton Hi5 Tour- The Hi5 tour finds its way to Castleford

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Diary

05/11/11 - Bearsden Ski & Board - Westbeach Snowflex

11/11/11 - SNO!zone Milton Keynes - Burton Hi5 Tour

11-12/11/11 - The Snow Centre Hemel - Morrow Jam - The histroric Morrow Jam is back for another year!

18/11/11 - Chill Factor - Burton Hi5 Tour

25/11/11 - The Snow Centre Hemel - Burton Hi5 Tour

Big Bang Snowboard Show - Big Bang is back bringing demos, coaching, special guests and deals. Dates are:24/09/11 - Tamworth, 01/10/11 - Braehead, 08/10/11 - Milton Keynes, 15/10/11 - Castleford.

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Rider: Lewis SonvicoPhotograph: Richard Clark

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Editor@WhiteNoizemag.co.uk