issue #13 - Dark Summer

FREE
Issue #13
Skier_Dave Houghton
Photo_George PowelL
01462 475400 • OAKLEY.COM/TANNERSIGNATURE ©2006 Oakley, Inc.
®
®
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28 bones,
19 major muscles,
33 joint cen tr es
and 17 ligamen ts
The foot is
a masterpiece.
Visit your local specialist
retailer for the best advice
on all ski and snowboard
equipment and clothing.
Norfolk
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Credits
Editor in Chief
Zack Wragg
zack@darksummer.co.uk
07815 888 157
Marketing Director
Andrea Conneely
andrea@darksummer.co.uk
07968 479 503
Advertising Sales
Ben Burnett
ben@darksummer.co.uk
Technical Editor
Warren Smith
Photo Editor
Melody Sky
Interns
Ed Clapham; JP Medland;
Mark Carless
Editorial Contributors
Jon White; Melody Sky;
Will Burrows; Jon White;
Pat Sharples; Craig McLean;
Amy McGuire; Jimmy Bell;
Rebecca Wragg; Hannah Fuller
Photographic Contributors
George Powell; David Baird;
Melody Sky; Sam Hart;
Camilla Stoddart; Dan Carr;
Pally Learmond; James Dodd;
Mark Lomas; Hal Williams;
Matt Power; Daniel Bayer
Published by
Dark Summer Ltd
143 Walkley Crescent Road
Sheffield S6 5BA
United Kingdom
Central
www.darksummer.co.uk
Fife
Printed by
Williams Press Ltd
01628 622 345
www.williamspress.co.uk
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Editorial
“The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the
mastery of his passions.”
– Alfred Lord Tennyson
We all have passion in our life: those things we put before all else, those things
that fill each conscious moment of our life. The fact that you are reading this
probably means that skiing is one of your passions, like it is ours. Dark Summer
was born from our love for freeskiing; from our passion for the sport and our
desire to help it grow.
The problem with passion is that we are prone to follow it relentlessly regardless
of what hurdles may be thrown in our way. In the pursuit of any passion there are
ups and downs, bumps and bruises, we are left with the unmitigated scars of
battle.
I have my fair share of broken bones, torn cartilage, joint problems, and even
liver damage from skiing. I have taken my bumps and bruises and faced the low
times, but each year I head back out to the mountains, click into my bindings
and jump right back in. It seems foolish to some that we would subject ourselves
to such punishment for practically nothing, and I have been trying to figure out
why I keep going back for more. The truth is, for me, it isn’t practically nothing.
While it has given me some of the worst and most painful times of my life, it has
also given me some of the best and most joyous times.
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Photo_David Baird
This magazine is printed on
paper that is sourced from
sustainable forests. Please
recycle it by passing it on to a
friend (or your Doctors /
Dentists surgery) when you’re
done. Unless, of course, you are
proudly keeping them on your
coffee table! Please Respect
our beautiful planet. ✌
That is what I want in life: to be happy. That is ultimately why I do this, because
it makes me happy. It makes me feel like nothing else can, and that is the most
important thing to me.
– Zack
The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or editors. We occasionally use material that
we believe has been placed in the public domain. Sometimes it’s not possible to identify or contact the copyright owner. If you
claim ownership of published material we’ll be happy to make proper acknowledgment. We assume no responsibility for loss or
damage of unsolicited material being sent to us. All rights reserved.
Skier
Pierre Antoine chedal
Laax / Switzerland
Photo David baird
Location
“We should conduct ourselves not as if we
ought to live for the body, but as if we
could not live without it.”
- Seneca.
Skier
rob stanford
camilla stoddart
Photo
“You can discover more about a person
in an hour of play than in a year of
conversation.”
- Plato.
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be
understood. Now is the time to understand more, so
that we may fear less.”
- Marie Curie.
Location
Skier dane tudor
Whistler / Canada
Photo Dan Carr
4%!-'2%%.%,!.3+)3#/,OCATION!RLBERG
0HOTO 8ANDI+REUZEDER
S
W
NE
park. The toys have been specifically designed
by Pat and then made reality by none other
than Graham McVoy. Along with a big passion
for making big kickers the norm at Chill Factore
Pat will be bringing
in a few extra
jibticles from his
...................................
p e r s o n a l
e
Chill Factor brings indoor skiing collection!
to the north west
From the humble beginnings at Telford’s World
of Snow onto the Tamworth snowdome then
the Xscape Domination, the UK’s indoor snow
slopes set to keep evolving with the arrival of
Manchester’s Chill Factore.
All that remains to
say
is
get
yourselves
up,
down or across to
Manchester
to
see and shred the
Along with the usual claims of being the longest North
West’s
and widest slope in the UK, Chill Factore has biggest freezer as
concentrated on making the whole experience soon as possible.
enjoyable.
For more information, head over to www.
Chill Factore say that where the previous chillfactore.com.
slopes have failed to create the whole winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
environment, they have pulled the stops out to
recreate the feel of a mountain village. The Orage European Freeski Open ‘08
‘street’ has been lifted from Zermat with a After another successful event, the Orage
cobbled walk way, wooden shop fronts and European Freeski Open will
slate columns.
be returning to the slopes
of Laax, Switzerland from
Now on to what you all really want to know 11st–15th March 2008.
about: the Park. This will be overseen by the With $60,000 up for grabs
one and only Mr Pat Sharples so is set to the field of skiers will
include some of the top
in the World.
The event will once again
comprise of halfpipe and
slopestlye competitions,
and last years champions
will be making an attempt
to defend their crowns.
Registration for the Orage European Freeski
Open takes place between 1st and 20th February
2008 on the events website. For more
information visit www.laax.com/freeskiopen
Buy In Britain.
Keep our industry alive.
Save your dreams.
With the new Millennium on the horizon and snowboarding ever more popular, skiing was
losing out. The mountain was there to be discovered but only if you were a Jedi Master on
your super long skis. Then Salomon gave birth to the future of skiing: the 1080.
I was working as a night porter in Val d’Isere and when the Salomon rep stayed in the hotel
I’d go down to the ski room each night and look at them. I knew I had to have a pair.
Once I got my hands on my own set, my skiing improved exponentially and it was a turning
point in my life. Soon after I was sponsored. By Salomon.
The 1080s were on my feet when I launched my first 50ft cliff, when I did my first 540 and
when I luckily survived two avalanches in one day. I couldn’t bear to throw them away as
just the slightest glimpse still releases memories of the best skiing moments in my life.
– Jim Adlington (Sponsors: Oakley & Planks Clothing)
............................................
‘Cham’ novel explores the under-
establish Chill Factore as the UK’s top indoor belly of ski resorts
The BUY BRITAIN campaign is an initiative by Dark Summer magazine with the aim of highlighting the benefits of purchasing outdoor products within the UK
– especially prior to an overseas trip. Most staff in UK specialist outdoor stores receive training in the fitting, comfort and performance of outdoor equipment. In
many cases, the staff themselves are enthusiasts and competing athletes with a wealth of knowledge and experience to call upon when assisting you. Purchasing
equipment such as ski, snowboard and hiking boots a couple of weeks prior to your trip menas you are able to ‘wear them in’ at home and importantly (should
there be any problems) allows time for adjustment back at the store before your holiday. After sales service is a lot harder to pursue once you’ve returned to the
UK if you have purchased your equipment abroad. In addition you are supporting the UK snowsports industry. The Snowsports Industry of Great Britain (SIGB)
research and test relentlessly throughout the year to select the best range of equipment for you to select from. Choose wisely. BUY BRITAIN
Words_Jon White
Photos_Andrew Hingston
The British Freeski tour kicked off with the Animal Slopestyle Championships
on the 16th of September at Chatham Ski Slope. The summer training put in
by the UK’s top freeskiers was evident as the day started with Big Air Jam.
Katie Summerhayes showed how she is the UK’s most up and coming female
skier. She took a very well deserved first place in the Big Air Jam by laying down a solid Switch 360. Shelly Jones and Teri Spencer fought hard but
couldn’t match Katie, they held on to second and third. The guys stepped up
to the place and hit hard laying down new tricks and old habits. James Machon and Rich Martin played off each other proving why the both deserve their
places on the England Freestyle team. Each bettering the other with James
coming through to take 2nd and Rich 3rd. Unfortunately for both of them fellow team mate Andy Longley showed his legendary determination. He laid
down his favourite D-spin 7 to secure taking first place in the opening event
of the year. The afternoon saw the competition move onto the Slopestyle and
James Woods showing his clean style. James put down his super smooth
style starting with a switch on 270 of the first rail. Hitting the up-rail regular he
span 450 off to stop the landing and move to the kicker. From a flair over the
kicker he rode through switch to hit the 60ft Battleship box a the bottom of the
hill. It was close with James Webb, but Webb was pitted into second place
with Andy Longley following his first from the morning finished third. Katie
Summerhayes follow up from her first in the morning with a win in the Slopestyle as well. She secured it with a switch 180 on the big kicker a 360 on the
medium kicker and an easy looking hit on the 30ft rail. Teri Spencer and Amber
Connors fought hard to improve on their standing from the morning. they span
360’s and grabs and rail to pull 2nd and 3rd respectively.
After the opening event in Chatham the show moved to Norfolk Ski Club. On
the 23rd September the Tresspass British Skiercross Championships hosted
55 skiers, all fighting out of the start gates. For the first time wax and edge
stations were seen at a Freeski competition in the UK. This was set to be a
competitive day as the time trials started to give the head to head finals. The
head to head finals started with the Ladies and Shelly Jones, Danielle Freeze,
Kate Williams and Teri Spencer. With Shelly Jones and Danielle Freeze taking
each other out the race came down to Kate Williams and Teri Spencer. Kate
held out to take first place with Teri following her across the line, with Shelly
getting back to her feet first took third. Collisions were the order of the day as
the Men’s final saw near falls all the way down. Until the last few meters where
Robbie Debbage and Paul telling took each other down. Allowing Andy Longley to add to his titles, Robbie got to his feet first and clamed second moments
before Paul Telling took third.
After the speed thrills of the morning the competition returned to it’s normal
feeling with the Big Air Jam. The ladies were pushing the limits with 540’s
and switch 3’s being the norm. Shelly Jones pulled out a smooth switch 360
to take the women’s title with Katie Summerhayes also opting for a switch
360 to take second place and with a big 540 Kate Williams took third. In the
men’s final the younger skiers were stepping it up, including 14 year old local
Tom Coe, who landed his first back-flip and Chris Mavin who landed a sweet
fakie front-flip, but it was James Woods who pulled out a massive 720 to take
first. Second place went to Andy Bennett, who was landing rodeo 540’s with
text book precision, whilst Salomon’s Josh Fawcett finished in third after he
stomped a stylish rodeo 540.
The 9th of October saw the first stop at an indoor slope on the British Freeski
Tour at the Castleford SNO!zone. 150 skiers and snowboarders came out to
tryout the tight course laid out for them. With the 100 beginner skier and Snowboarders on to watch the Animal Slopestyle Championships the Skiers took
to the slops in the morning. with 65 skiers taking to the slope with hopes of
making it through to the top 8 men and 5 women final. Paddy Graham showed
us why he is 2007 British Slopestyle Champion, with a 630 attempt onto the
rail in his final run. However it was Murray Buchan’s day as he clinched the
title with a lipslide to 270 out on the top rail to switch on the C rail to 450 out,
to switch 450 on 270 off the box and a switch 270 on 450 out on the bottom
C rail. Paddy Graham came in second with a 270 on to switch off on the top
rail, switch to 450 off on the middle rail, and a grind to 270 out on the kinked
bottom rail. Third place went to Charlie Smith, with a 270 on to the top rail, to
switch on the C box to 450 out, to 270 on 270 off on the box, finishing with a
disaster 270 on the kinked rail. In the women’s competition Castleford local
Kerry Daines debuted on the tour and linked together a smooth and technical
run including, grind to 270 out on the top rail, to switch grind to 270 out on the
middle rail, 270 on 270 off on the box and a clean grind on the bottom kinked
rail. Second place went to Shelly Jones with a grind on the top rail and switch
270 on onto the box. Youngster Katie Summerhayes came in third with a combination of smooth 90 grinds and a switch to 90 grind along the box.
Saturday 13th October saw the tour head to the Milton Keynes SNO!zone for
the Tresspass British Indoor Skiercross Championships and Slopestyle Jam.
The Trespass British Skiercross Championships got underway after lunch with
60 skiers launching out of the start gates. The time trials gave way to what
everyone came to watch the to the head to head qualifying rounds. The qualifying rounds saw some full on collisions and falls. In the women’s final, Dani
Bosher, charged into the lead after the first turn to set the pace, with Kate
Williams, Danielle Freeze and Helen Moore hot on her tail. Holding onto her
lead, Dani Bosher crossed the line in first place to take the title leaving second
place for Kate Williams and third for Danielle Freeze. In the men’s final it was
an extremely tight race, with all riders neck and neck throughout the entire
course and all determined to take home the title. With serious fast action, no
spectacular wipe-outs, and none of the competitors easing up on their fight to
win, it was a photo finish with Angus Morrison flying across the finishing line
first to take home the gold and the prestigious title. Split seconds later, James
Woods followed to take the silver and on his heels was Billy Wilson who finished in third place.
The Slopestyle Jam followed the Skiercross with James Webb, Amber Connors and Harry Hancock setting the standard. Each linking together a variety
of consistent and technical runs, resulting in them each winning the title for
their age categories. James linked together a solid run which included a 450
on, 270 off, on the street rail and misty 720 over the kicker, whilst Amber hit
every rail and landed a big 360 over the kicker.
The Metro Ski and Snowboard Show hosted the British Quaterpipe on the
26th October. The Metro show displays the highest level of British Freeskiing
with only best skiers from the tour being invited. The skiers get the chance to
show off their skills to the thousands of spectators who have come in to the
show. Whist fighting for the title of British Quaterpipe Champion, and to take
home the prize of a free trip to the BRITS 08.
The competition started with a 2 run qualification round to get through to the
final. Then the top 2 skiers and snowboarders going through to a one run super final. The younger competitors including, freeskiers, James Woods, Josh
Fawcett and snowboarders, Jamie Nicholls, Cody Hierons and Sparrow Knox,
were pushing the limits throwing down a selection of 900’s and Mctwists, whilst
the likes of snowboarders Dom Harington, Gary Greenshields and freeskier
Andy Bennett, were reaching some crazy heights out of the quarterpipe.
In the Freeski final the competition was tight, with the likes of 2006 and 2007
British Halfpipe Champion, Paddy Graham and 2006 British Slopestyle Champ,
Andy Bennett, pulling out huge flares and stylish 720’s with ease. Back from
injury, one of the UK’s most fearless freeskiers, Mike Wakefield, proved he
was back on top form with a series of flares and huge wake’n bakes, his
signature trick (frontflip, 180 with a mute grab). With performances to close to
call, an unprecedented three men, James Machon, Mike Wakefield and James
Woods, went through to the super final. First to drop in was James Machon,
who had been killing it all day and landed a super stylish corked 720 during
qualifications, which was tipped by judges as the best trick of the day. James
didn’t fail to impress in the super final, with a huge 900, but didn’t quite get
the grab giving James Woods and Mike Wakefield the chance to answer back.
James pulled out a massive flare landing a little flat, whilst Mike stomped a
huge text book wake’n bake to take the British Freeski Quarterpipe Championship title and holiday out to the BRITS 08 for the second year in a row.
To follow up from the Metro Show the tour headed to north of the border to
Glasgow and Braehead SNO!zone. The 3rd November saw the Quicksilver
British Indoor Big Air Championships with the slope giving the riders a 10 all
snow ramp the play with. This lead to the biggest jumps of the tour and some
firsts. Teri Spencer set the bar being the first British Female to land a Misty
540.
The afternoon’s competition opened up the slope for the skiers desperate to
have a shot at the 10m jump. Having watched it being used all morning by
the snowboarders they went out hard. The unusual opportunity to hit such a
big ramp brought the best out of all the skis and the standard of skiing was
amazing. The men’s final was all about switch 720’s newcomer to the tour
Ben Parks pulled out an impressive 1080. In the women’s competition there
was an incredible display of tricks witnessed, with Teri Spencer landing the
first ever misty flip 540 by a female in the UK to take the 2007 Quiksilver Big
Air Championship Title. Second place went to Katie Summerhayes, who had
been charging the big jump all day and landed a huge 540. Whilst third place
went to Shelly Jones with a solid 540. During the men’s final, Paddy Graham
pulled out all the stops on his final run and stomped an amazing switch misty
flip 900 to rightfully walk away with the 2007 Quiksilver Big Air Title. Second
place went to Scottish skier and 2007 Quiksilver Artificial Big Air Champion,
Murray Buchan, who had been skiing super strong all day and landed a huge
switch 720 true nose. Andrew Collin was also on top form and took away third
place after he pulled out a sick switch 900.
Everyone’s attention now has them preparing for the Brits in Laax, Switzerland
in March 2008. For more information on the British Freeski Tour and the 2008
Brits, visit www.britishsnowtour.com.
n
o
s
n
i
l
m
o
T
e
o
J
oungblood
Y
How did you get into skiing?
I used to go regularly with school. We
went skiing once a week until I was 10,
then unfortunately they had to stop it,
due to lack of interest. A few years later
I saw a TV show of the X Games and
saw skiers throwing down some amazing tricks. This really made me want to
try the freestyle side of skiing.
started going to the camps knowing
nobody and being able to do very little, but as time went by I made loads
of friends and learnt a lot. Everybody
there is so positive and friendly. I have
learnt most of my tricks at the Grom
camps and would say I have definitely
come on due to them. I’m so grateful to
team behind them.
You have been picking up a lot of your
tricks at the Grom camps. How have
you found the camps?
The Grom camps are awesome. I first
Who do you ski with?
I love to ski with anyone who will ski
with me. In the first few years I started
freestyle, I mainly only skied with
snowboarders. This led to me trying
Words_Pat Sharples
to pull snowboard tricks on skis, and this
developed my understanding of tricks a
lot. Over the past year the ski scene at my
local slope (Ski Rossendale) has grown
and grown, so now there are a lot more
skiers for me to ride with.
You were one of the first Brits to start
doing double flips. How did you go about
trying your first double?
I first did a double flip in Tignes this year.
My friends and I were hitting this huge
backcountry kicker we had built. I had
done a few flips and spins over it which
felt good, so I thought why not give a
double flip a try. I went for the double back
and it seemed to work out. I also learnt a
few new doubles in the park in Saas Fee
this year. I met Joe Murrell who was also
doing the double so we basically trained
on them in the park and on the trampoline
in the evenings. Neither of us knew exactly what we were going to throw, but threw
hard in the direction we had in mind.
Who are your ski idols?
I have loads of ski idols, some friends
and some pros. My biggest idol is definitely Corey Vanular for the way he makes
everything look completely effortless. I’m
basically inspired by anyone who throws
something crazy and makes me want to
do the same.
Your brothers Sam and Harry are wicked
skiers too. Do you push them?
Yeah, I love to ride with my brothers.
Every time I go skiing they will come with
me. Every time they ride I love to see them
trying new things. I coach them a lot in
skiing and trampolining, and because
they are both so young they seem to have
no fear and will try whatever comes into
their heads. Some nights I will watch them
throw some insane stuff that I can’t do
and makes me so stoked.
What are your future plans with skiing?
In my head I have loads of plans for skiing.
There are just so many places you can go
with it. I would love to be known for doing
something crazy or off the wall to push
the sport. I am also planning to do a few
seasons when I turn eighteen and see
where I go from there. It would be cool to
make a living out of it as well, but I’ll just
have to wait and see where I end up.
Anything you would like to add?
I would just like to say thanks to all who
ride with me and keep pushing me. And to
all who support me with my skiing.
Archos 605 Wifi
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Those of you lucky enough to swing by the Dark Summer stand
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Small - £80
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JanSport Upright
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The Upright bag is a handy way to travel light. It comes
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Creative Zen MP3 Player
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The MP3 player battles rages, but our weapon of choice is definitely the Creative
Zen. It does everything you would expect from a video MP3 player, and a few that
competition doesn’t. You can edit and delete your playlists and tracks on the player
itself, record voice, tune into radio stations, and play any format video and audio. The
player also has an SD card slot so if you find yourself running out of memory you can
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the
British
Freeski
Championships
2007
There are different angles to skiing. There is the angle of the
reporter (be it writing, photography or filming), whereby
journalists absorb what goes on in the skiing world and report
back on it to the masses. There is the angle which involves being
directly involved in skiing, living and breathing it (the angle most
people would probably like to take). Finally, there is the angle of
the spectator, the people who love the sport, participate in it, but
watch on in admiration as those few who are really at the heart
of the skiing world, push limits and make the industry what it is
today.
The Brits is an event that can be enjoyed from any of those
angles. It is a competition, a holiday, a road trip, and a party all
rolled in to one. On the 9th March this year I got into Zack’s car
with one other mate and what seemed like two car loads of ski
and snowboard equipment and headed out to Laax, Switzerland,
where I witnessed the legend that is the British Freeski and
Snowboard championships for the first time.
After a very long and very tiring car trip over land and the
channel (Anyone who has undertaken this trip will sympathise),
we arrived in Laax at night, thus taking away that excited
giddy feeling of winding around road corners and seeing the
snow covered mountains become bigger and bigger on the
approach. Instead the lethargic weary feeling kicked in, which
only subsided slightly when we headed to the well known ‘Crap’
bar at the bottom of the X-box gondola for a well deserved beer.
Being the night that most people got in to Laax, the atmosphere
was good and the organisers mixed in with the spectators,
competitors, sponsors and journalists alike. Basically, it felt very
much like any outdoor or indoor ski slope bar in England, just we
were in Switzerland. Plus the first competition was a whole day
away and a full free day to ride was waiting one sleep ahead of
everyone in there.
That said, the next morning we rushed up the hill to sample
some spring skiing. OK, we all know that the month of March isn’t
classified as spring skiing, but most of you can’t have failed to
notice the effect of climate change on last season, the causes I’m
not going to get in to, that’s for another article. The point is, the
snow was not at its best, especially after I had heard rumours of
people slacking off practice to go play in the deep powder the
year before. Luckily the snow at the top was still good enough
that the guys at Soulsports, alongside the resort staff, had created
an awesome slopestyle, halfpipe and big air set up. The rail park
was luckily in good condition too and with a T bar that runs from
the bottom to the top, it is enough to keep any UK jib monkey
happy when powder is less available.
The games commenced. The competitors practiced, the judges
put their stand-up comedy routines to use and the crowd got
drunk. Some members of the crowd got more drunk than others.
This does not make them bad people. Some may say this in fact
gives them a better perspective on the event. However, your best
bet is to get up close to the pipe or slopestyle course, and get
close to the action.
Photos_Sam Hart / Zack Wragg
Words_Amy McGuire
The first day of competition for the skiers saw the competitors
battling with the halfpipe. Without a doubt, the star of the show
was Sheffield-born Paddy Graham. With each run through the
pipe he got higher and higher, until he threw a massive 900 on
his first hit of the run that took the title. Murray Buchan closed in
on second place with an impressive 540 mute, into a 540 reverse
mute, and finished with a big 720. In the girl’s event, last years
champion Emma Lonsdale retained her crown with a series of
solid runs.
the
British
Freeski
Championships
2007
Next came the slopestyle competition. Once again, Paddy Graham
was out strutting his stuff in his home park. His run of a 270 on to
the top rail, a grind to nose grab out on the U-rail, a 270 on and
270 off the flat box to a bio 900 over the largest kicker wowed the
crowds and the judges and earned him his second gold of the
championships. Relatively unknown Brit, Marco Eydallin, made
an impression on the course too with a smooth ‘Garnier grind’
over the box, and then finishing his run with a smooth 1080. For
the girls, Emma Lonsdale was back on form after the previous
days triumph. She fought off stiff competition from Beanie MilneHome and Claire Hughes to take yet another gold place.
In the skiercross competition, the British World Cup team was out
in force. All the training for Emily Sarsfield and Angus Morrison
paid off, when they each took gold in their respective events.
Finally, it was time for the big air competition, which definitely
pulled the biggest crowd. The final of the mens event saw all
the competitors pull out the A-game. It was a trio of 1080s that
filled the top spots. Joe Tyler took first with a cab 1080 mute,
Paddy Graham took second with a switch 1080 mute, and Murray
Buchan took third with a switch 1080 japan. In the female event,
the competition was also tight. Beanie Milne-Home took the
gold with a smooth 180 over the big 17m kicker, Shelley Jones
took silver with a 540 over the medium kicker, and 12-year old
Alexandra Houston took bronze with an amazing 360 over the
medium kicker.
The night life at the Brits is good. If you have been around on the
UK scene for a while and know a lot of people, it is the event to go
to, to catch up with those you haven’t seen for a while. However,
if you are looking for an introduction into the world of UK skiing
and the ‘scene’ that goes with it, it would be a bit like diving in at
the deep end. Basically, it is probably a bit too cliquey for those
first time solo Brit-ers. Go with a group of mates and go for the
DJ’s they fly in to play! This year saw the likes of DJ Swift, DJ’s
Matt Smooth, Nick Maxwell and of course the famous Scratch
Perverts.
The week is generally a good excuse to drink and see what the
world of UK skiing is up to. This year the all-round experience
of the event was helped by the air bag set up at the bottom of
the run back down to the resort. Here anyone could try and
throw themselves off the scantily built kicker into the safety of a
cushion landing, if they could be bothered to queue. However, as
a spectator, if you are looking to put some quality time into your
own riding, maybe the Brits isn’t the best place to spend that one
week you get off. You will find yourself torn between deciding
whether to go off and ride, or stay and watch the competitive
events. If only all decisions we had to make in life were that
hard!!
The British Freeski and Snowboard Championships 2008 will
take place in Laax between 29 March and 5 April 2008.
For more information on the British Freeski Championships 2008,
and the results from the 2007 event, visit www.britishsnowtour.
com. J
Words_Zack Wragg
Photos_Pally Learmond
Skier_Jamie MacKay
Photo_Tero Repo
Competitors at the start gate
Photo_Yves Garneau
DAVOS KLOSTERS
RIDE
“I couldn’t believe how many people showed up. The British freeride scene is
lucky to have an event like this where everyone can get together and have fun.
That is how events should be.” - competitors
With the British Freeski Championships behind me, it was
with a weary head that I packed all my gear into my car
and started on the scenic drive to Davos. After a week
of intense sun and spring snow, the weather had turned
and the snow gods had seen fit to offer us 48 hours of
uninterrupted snow. The snow-covered fields made for
a beautiful backdrop as I wound my way through small
Swiss roads. The snow-covered roads, on the other hand,
filled me with fear and trepidation as each movement of
the steering wheel caused the tyres to move with a mind
of their own.
The trip to Davos, though slightly treacherous, was one I
was determined to make, as the resort was to play host
to an event that had not been seen before. Davos Klosters
was to play host to the Davos Klosters Ride, the first
British Big Mountain Championships.
The Davos Klosters Ride is the brainchild of Nick and
Chris Southwell, and Warren Smith. With the UK freestyle
scene well and truly covered, they felt that the British
freeride community (snowboard as well as ski) was
lacking an event to showcase its talent. The response
to the inaugural Davos Klosters Ride proves how right
they were. British skiers and snowboarders flocked from
around Europe to congregate in Davos, and to get their fill
of the newly fallen powder.
On the day of the competition we wrapped up against
the elements and headed for the top of the mountain with
our photocopied photos of the competition face. In the
harsh wind, with no more than a few metres visibility, it
was hard to match up the face photo (taken 3 days ago
with blue skies and without 48 hours of non-stop snow)
to the hazy shadows we could make out in the calm
moments between the gusts of the blizzard. However, we
took our time and inspected the slope. It seemed to be
in relatively good condition, with patches of nice deep
powder interspersed between hard crud where the wind
had stolen all the powder.
While it was difficult to pick your competition line in
Zack Wragg
The competitors prepare themselves
these conditions, there was a sense of exhilaration while
looking around for the most adventurous route you can
take. Trepidation is overcome by a desire to hit the most
challenging line you can, and hope that you can find that
line again when it comes to the one run that counts.
Unfortunately, there was no break in the weather on the
competition day so the decision was taken to use the
weather day, so at 7am we boarded the workers lift up to
the top of the mountain and congregated, bleary-eyed, in
the restaurant. The weather, once again, was against us.
Visibility was low, but with some irregular breaks in the
cloud. As the morning went on, the organisers received
weather updates from Zurich airport of more promising
weather to come. Unfortunately, as morning turned to
afternoon, the good weather never arrived and, as the
top of the competition face could not be seen by the
judges at the bottom, the decision was taken to cancel
the competition.
All was not lost, however, as the competitors all agreed to
ski the face without being judged. One by one, the riders
made their way down the face to congregate in a sea of
smiling faces at the bottom, with many heading up for
another run.
Jamie MacKay
Despite the event not being judged, all the riders gave
it their best. Graham Bell was out supporting the British
freeride scene and laid down a very nice, and extremely
fast run. Jamie MacKay took the biggest air after braving
the treacherous no-fall zone to find a monster cliff. His
brother Gavin, not to be outdone, went and found himself
a big cliff to drop in response. Verbier local, Louis Hall
had the crowd on the edge of their seat when he picked
an extremely ballsy line throw a very narrow, dangerous
chute.
The Davos Klosters Ride is one of the most fun events I
have ever been to. It was great to see the British freeride
community have an event to rally around and bring them
together. The event caters for all skiers from those who
have only done a bit of off-piste skiing to seasoned pros,
and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. The Davos
Klosters Ride 2008 will take place between 23 and 25
March. I will definitely be heading out there again and
hope to see more British freeriders getting involved.
Thanks to Filip Good and the crew at Davos Klosters, and
Heidi at myswitzerland.com.
I NTERVIEW:
H E NRIK HAR LAUT
At the tender age of 16, Henrik Harlaut (a.k.a. E’Dollo) is taking the European ski
scene by storm. The son of a champagne merchant, Henrik was the product of the
snowy slopes of Are, Sweden. We caught up with Henrik to find out a little more
about this Swedish wonder-kid.
Age: 16
Hometown: Åre, Sweden
Sponsors: Ninthward, Scott, Salomon and Harlaut Champagne
It was perfect. I can’t think of anything
better than living in Åre. You get to see the
mountains every day and go skiing lots. I
loved it.
I hear you have a champagne connection.
Tell us about it. Do you like drinking it?
I’m not allowed to drink it yet (I’m still under
age!). We have had the champagne business
in my family for more than 100 years and it is
a tradition in my family that when you have
your baptism you get some Champagne on
your tongue. This could explain why I like
spinning so much [laughs].
Photo_www.melodysky.com
What was it like growing up in Åre?
How long have you been skiing for?
I’ve been skiing the whole of my life.
Growing up in Åre, you are put onto skis as
soon as you can walk. It wasn’t until I was
10 that I started to get into freeskiing.
How did you get into freeskiing?
I saw Jon Olsson in the snowpark in Åre and
I started to dream about being able to ski
as well as him. I kept going back again and
again learning tricks and trying to get better.
I just got hooked.
Who do you like skiing with and why?
I usually like skiing with my friends. We push
each other in the right direction and support
each other when trying to learn new stuff.
They are always there to help me and this
make me push myself more.
What’s the best thing about being a pro
skier?
I think it is definitely that you get paid to
travel the world and ski. Who wouldn’t want
that? [laughs]
Photo_www.melodysky.com
36
Issue 13 37
Photos_saasfeeride.com
Do you get girls chasing you because
you are a pro skier?
Ha ha. No comment.
Who are your heroes?
I have a lot of heroes. My friends are
big heroes to me as they help me out all
the time. I also look up to Mick-D, Mike
Hornbeck, Lolo Favre, Lolo Thevenet
and loads more. There are so many
people out there ripping it.
What are you favourite tricks?
At the moment I really like my corked 9
blunt. It feels so smooth when spinning it
and it looks awesome.
What tricks are you working on at the
moment?
and in Saas Fee over the summer for the
Saas Fee Ride.
Which was your favourite competition?
I really liked the Jib Academy. The
competition was over a whole week so
you had a lot of time to show the judges
what you were capable of. You could
spend a lot of time getting your tricks
down and the judges could see how
good a skier you really were.
What are your goals/plans for this
season?
I would like to get into the top 10 in all
the big competitions. I’d also like to film
a lot and have as much fun as possible.
Where do you see your future?
I have a few unnatural tricks that I am
working on. Unnatural spins can be
really tricky but I think I’m going to get
them soon.
Skiing. I love skiing and that is what I
want to do. I just want to get better and
better and keep skiing.
What competitions did you do last
season?
I don’t think I have a ‘best’ moment.
I have loads of good memories of
sessions in the park, hiking rails with
friends. For me skiing is about friends
and they’re in all my good memories.
Last season I was travelling around a
lot. I was at the US Open, the Orage
European Freeski Open, Freestyle.ch
38
What is your best skiing moment?
You were in the UK for the London Ride
07. How was that?
It was great. I got to chill with my boy
Paddy Graham and hang out with all
the UK riders. I also managed to get a
second place which I was totally stoked
with. It was a little weird riding on plastic
indoors but it was fun.
Do you know many of the UK skiers?
Yeah, I know quite a few. I have met a
lot at the Saas Fee Ride and I met a lot
in London. I also see a lot of the British
guys out in the parks around the world.
What are the UK skiers like?
They are all really nice. British guys
are supposed to be nice aren’t they. All
polite and proper [laughs].
Do you have any shout-outs? People you
would like to thank or big up?
All my homies here at home and in
the capital; Mickael Deschenaux; all
the UK riders; all my sponsors; all the
cameramen who get the shots.
What the pro’s carry
Words Zack Wragg | Photo Melody Sky
Warren Smith is a major cog inthe British freeski movement. The founder of Freeski Britain, Warren is a
Volkl team freeskier and also riders for the Oakley UK Team. He has been freeskiing for many years and
has supported the British industry through the Ride series of events and his movies. He is based in Verbier,
Switzerland and spends many days either skiing for his sponsors, coaching at his Academy and running
Heli Ski trips in Verbier and Wanaka. This is what he takes up with him when the Heli days are on.
Dark Summer Online is the UK’s
largest freeskiing website and
provides you with all you need to
know about UK freeskiing.
J Keep up-to-date with the News
J Read online copies of Dark
Summer
J Stay in touch with other likeminded freeskiers on our
forum
21
www.darksummer.co.uk
14
24
07
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13
08
02
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16
12
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11
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18
F!
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05
1_Scott Back Protector
2_Oakley Winter Gloves
3_Volkl Katana 197cm Freeride Ski
4_Oakley ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ Pant
5_Nokia N95 with 2GB SD for images
6_IPOD Video 80GB
7_Scott Profile Helmet
8_Oakley Crowbar Fire Iridium Spare Lens
Oakley Crowbar HI Yellow Spare Lens
Oakley Crowbar Denim Fire Iridium
Oakley Crowbar Denim Persimmon
9_Scott Team Issue Poles
10_Pocket first Aid Kit
11_Mammut Pulse Barryvox
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12_Oakley Twitch Sunglasses
13_Mammut Avalanche Probe Expert
14_Oakley Puffy Layer Detachable Jacket
15_Piz Buin Sun Cream
16_Ibuprofen 400mg tablets
17_Scott Shorts Protector
18_Victorinox Swiss Tool
19_Sony HVR-A1E HDV Camcorder
20_Mammut Raptor Shovel
21_Oakley Metal Icon Wool Beanie
22_Tecnica Agent 120 Freeride Boot
23_Oakley Factory Pilot Glove 2.0
24_Mammut Powder Backpack
25_Motorola Radios x 3 (in backpack)
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03
09
An Introduction to
Ski Touring
It doesn’t take long before skiers want to leave the pistes of resorts, and begin making tentative turns through ungroomed areas between runs, through woods and under chairlifts. This initial
taste of powder is usually enough to encourage skiers to start
hunting out fresh snow away from the monotony of hard, rigid
pistes an the monotony of motorway skiing. Indeed, most riders
of any proficiency will hope for powder turns at some point of
the day and for many, it will be their primary objective.
Gradually, we become more and more adventurous, traversing
and hiking to access the goods and enjoying more and more adventurous descents. However, their comes a point where many
of us are keen to explore even further than boot packing & hiking
allows, and it is time to start ski touring.
Sadly, this can prove a barrier in people’s progression due to
them lacking both the necessary avalanche safety and backcountry knowledge as well as the correct equipment. It is not
quite as simple as dipping into piste side powder and takes a
more deliberate approach to become fully involved. However,
for those that go for it – I have never heard any regrets. Touring
opens up a whole new world – not only big, powder filled descents but also the joy of being out in the wilderness with your
best mates away from resort queues, crowded pistes and dodgy
one piece ski suits.
By Paul Beard
However, the complexity of the subject should not deter you
form attempting to understand it, as any knowledge is better
than none, so long as you realise your limitations. In Canada,
the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) has a clearly marked
progression of courses aimed at recreational users looking to
develop their own understanding, right up to programmes tailored to professional snow forecasters. However, qualified International Federation Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA)
guides all over the world have the knowledge and ability to provide avalanche safety courses and will be able to offer introductory courses as well as more advanced programmes as you
become more competent yourself.
Another aspect of operating in the backcountry that should not
be ignored, is to have some first aid experience. Out in the wilderness, the ski patrol hut is not at the end of the run, so a short
course with a mountain/ winter environment focus is very useful
in beginning to understand the potential risks.
The CAA Avalanche Skills Training Course Level 1 (AST 1) or
international equivalent is a 2 day course covering both theory
and practical skills regarding avalanche safety and mountain
knowledge. It focuses on the ability to recognise and avoid avalanche terrain and how to effectively rescue a member of your
group in an avalanche situation. You will learn about:
SAFETY FIRST
• Recognising and avoiding avalanche hazards
The first step should be to begin acquiring the necessary avalanche safety and backcountry knowledge. Snow safety is a very
complex subject and it can take years to become an “expert”.
• Snow pack structure analysis
• Terrain evaluation
• Safe route selection
• Weather study
• Avalanche rescue techniques including the use of transceivers
and other safety equipment.
• “Avalulator” programme for decision making support
It should be stated that just by attending a course of this nature
does not make you an expert in operating in the backcountry
as this takes years of study and experience. What the AST-1
avalanche course does do, is give people an insight and the
direction to go on and learn more if they wish. Upon completing
an introductory course, I feel it is of equal importance to go for a
significant tour led by a guide. This will allow you to further your
understanding and also provide the opportunity to get to grips
with using new equipment.
TOURING EQUIPMENT
Safety Equipment: First and foremost, you’re going to need
safety equipment. At the very least this needs to include a transceiver, a shovel and a probe. When you get the transceiver –
practice with it. Your guide on your avalanche safety course will
teach you the basics, but practice is critical. There are various
manufacturers in the market place, with Ortovox being the largest producer. There are both analog and digital ones available.
The general consensus is that the older analog transceivers
have a longer range and work very well if used properly, whereas
the newer, digital models are more user friendly and easier to
understand.
Shovels and probes are pretty self explanatory but make sure
you don’t sell your mates short by buying a tiny, poor quality
spade because it was easier to fit in you pack. Ortovox and
Black Diamond make high quality shovels and probes.
Ski Hardware: The other requirement is your actual ski equipment. Although it is possible to buy out and out touring skis,
boots and bindings that are very lightweight and easy to climb
with, they do represent a significant compromise in downhill
performance. If you are touring in order to access deep snow,
backcountry booters and big descents then you’re still going to
want some pretty solid hardware to enjoy the ride. Thankfully,
great strides have been made in equipment made for this exact
purpose making a 1 quiver rig for both backcountry and resort a
perfectly realistic option. Many ski companies are now making
equipment aimed squarely at this free ride/ touring market.
Bindings: The most important thing to get right is the binding.
Touring bindings are not to be confused with telemark or cross
country ones. They give you the facility to release the heel piece
so you can walk and climb with your skis on, before changing
into normal, alpine style bindings for the descent. These types of
bindings are now reliable and burly by anyone’s standard. Three
of the most popular options are the Fritschi Diamir Freeride
Plus, the Naxo 21 and new for this season the Marker Duke.
The Fritschis and the Naxos are generally pretty well received
with few reliability issues, although they cannot claim to be to
absolutely everybody’s satisfaction. The new Dukes do seem to
have raised the bar with a DIN of 16 and certainly appear to be
the burliest of the lot. One disadvantage of the Duke is that you
are unable to switch from tour to ski mode without taking your
ski off – not ideal when on exposed terrain. However, this may
be a small price to pay for the security of this beefier binding.
5P
LOA
DY
OU
RVI
DE
OS
3H
OW
W
HA
TY
OU
DE
FY
Time will tell if there are any durability issues, but initial assessments look good.
Climbing Skins: Climbing skins are attached to the underside of
your skis during the climb or traverse. They used to be manufactured out of seal pelts but are now made of nylon and comprised
of tiny hairs all pointing in the same direction. This gives you the
ability to grip the slope even with downward pressure.
Touring Boots: For shorter day tours, normal alpine boots are
definitely usable and many skiers continue to access sidecountry areas with stiff race boots. This is workable for most people.
If, though, you wish to venture further and access more technical terrain, a specific touring boot is preferable. They will prove
far more comfortable and having a vibram sole will undoubtedly
give you a more secure feeling when scrambling over exposed,
rocky ridges. Thankfully, like touring bindings, boots have really
developed in recent years with companies (specifically Garmont
and Scarpa) making stiff, downhill focused boots with a touring
element.
Skis: Any freeride, all mountain ski is suitable for touring. Obviously the lighter the ski is, the easier it will be during the uphill
slog but most people like to maintain a fairly wide, powder tool
to really enjoy the down.
Armed with the right equipment, and more importantly the right
knowledge, the backcountry offers another level of skiing. It’s
another world out there with endless options, regardless of what
you’re looking for. Keep learning, stay safe and enjoy the best
skiing of your life. J
Paul Beard is the director of Alltracks Academy. Alltracks
Academy offers ski instructor courses and improvement
camps for skiers really keen to improve. Alltracks courses
include the AST 1 avalanche safety course, overnight ski
tour and winter first aid introduction. For more information,
please visit www.alltracksacademy.com or call +44 (0)1962
864 203
Images provided by Brian Farquharson
Dana Flahr: Haines, Alaska.
Photo: Adam Clark.
Tel: 01539 738882 - E-mail: uksales@vfc.com
Amy wears The North Face Crystalinium
jacket and Freedom insulated pants.
Kat wears Nike ACG Arctic jacket and
Cargo insulated pants.
Max wears Rip Curl Nasdaq jacket and
Opulent pants.
Andy wears The North Face Free Thinker
jacket.
Amy wears Nike ACG All Mountain Shell
jacket.
Zack wears Nike ACG Fully Featured Down
jacket and Storm Fit Baggy Cargo pants.
Zack wears Avalaan Ninja jacket
and Ninja pants.
Kat wears Helly Hansen Survival
jacket and Survival pants.
E
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I
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T
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T
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RIG
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xperienycBell
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Our brief
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By Jim
g
Men’s and Women’s Boots
What is the difference between Men’s and Women’s boots? We’ve
all noticed that we are built differently, and fortunately so have
product designers. Women’s boots are built to reflect the different
shapes women have from men in their feet and lower leg.
Women’s boots feature:
• Lower rear-cuff heights plus greater calf volume adjustment to
match the lower muscular attachment on the body.
• Interior ramp angles are raised in the boot to place women in a
more forward position on the ski; this is in relation to the different ‘Q’ angle (the angle created between the thigh and the hip)
thus creating a better position to control the ski.
• Liners are thicker and feature more warmth orientated liner
materials as more women suffer from cold feet.
When Dark Summer editor Zack Wragg purchased his first ski
boots he was advised to go for a pair that fit him comfortably. The
boot fitter didn’t touch, or even look at his foot shape and didn’t
offer any help as to how the boot should feel when on. It wasn’t
until a few years later when getting fitted for his next pair of boots
Put simply, your ski boot’s role is to support the ankle joint during
the stresses and forces generated skiing, but most crucially to
‘message’ your ski as you direct your skis where to go. The efficiency and finesse of this messaging system is relative to:
• your match of foot shape to boot shape
• the performance level match of the boot to your skiing and
physique
• the alignment of your foot (support from a ski-specific insole)
A well made and correctly supported insole will support the foot
in a neutral position, reducing the natural tendency to spread and
roll to the inside or outside. This creates a 360º wrap fit and redistributes pressure, improves circulation, improves bio feedback,
improves alignment plus supports the most efficient skeletal and
muscular structure.
To take it a step further, you can get a custom boot liner. This
is moulded to the shape of your entire foot and, when used in
conjunction with your footbed, will provide support for your whole
foot. This removes any excess space in the liner and will make
your boot more comfortable and ultimately more responsive.
Types of Boots
If we look at ski boots, and what they are trying to be, we can view them on five simple categories::
Intermediate / Progressive Boots
These are still generally broad fitting boots but offering a few more features and becoming more anatomical
in shape and fit. Plastics are slightly stiffer (increasing transmission of energy) but are also more responsive
to fitting adjustments. Liners feature more heat mouldable areas and adaptation.
Advanced / On-Piste Boots
These move up in performance orientated design. Boots here feature a more precise fit; offering more grip to the
rear heel and firmer hold in the fore foot. Shells are stiffer in plastic and tend to be produced with multiple plastic
densities to offer rigidity and dampening in the right zones. The lower clog or chassis particularly becomes stiffer
to transmit more aggressively plus rigid base boards sit inside upon which the liner sits. Liners offer greater foot
coverage of thermo responsive materials and are fitted with slimmer and denser materials for a more precise fit.
Advanced / Free Ride Boots
These are similar to above in how they fit and contain more design concepts to dampen vibrations for riding
off the bashed pistes, particularly in the base board placed under the liner. Freestyle Boots are in this category and are distinguished by softer forward-flex patterns to avoid shin bang.
Race / Plug Boots
These boots are for the corduroy and speed obsessed, not for the faint-hearted! These boots are extremely
narrow and aggressive in their mould for exacting precision and very stiff for ultimate transfer, thus naturally
unforgiving off piste. Plastics are very thick to allow precise interior sculpting and shaping to obtain a match
to foot shape by specialist fitters. Liners are very thin and feature aggressive grip around the ankle and rear
foot only generally.
If it feels roomy and spacious in-store, it is most likely too big.
The most common error in purchasing your first ski boot is to buy
boots too large, resulting in control problems and pressure points
when you ski as your foot crashes about.
A well made and correctly supported insole will support the foot
in a neutral position, reducing the natural tendency to spread and
roll to the inside or outside. This creates a 360º wrap fit and redistributes pressure, improves circulation, improves bio feedback,
improves alignment plus supports the most efficient skeletal and
muscular structure.
that he realised that his first pair of ski boots had been 2 sizes to
big.
Beginner / Entry Level Boots
These are first purchase boots for the novice skier. They feature spacious, broad fitting shells with softer
flexing plastics and simple features. Liners are highly cushioned to feel comfy in their early life before they
squash down.
If you spend ten minutes in the boot, some pins and needles are
understandable; your heart needs to pump your blood about for
a ski boot to fit comfortably. You are in luck here, skiing is one of
the most dynamic and demanding sports with regards to aerobic
and anaerobic function, it will get things moving.
Custom Insoles and Custom Liners
Enter the toy room. Bright colours attract the eye, memories of well presented advertising and ski graphics leap to the fore in the mind. It is with a touch of excitement, a little
intrigue (and perhaps a little fear) that we go about purchasing a new pair of ski boots.
For most of us our ski boots are the biggest equipment investment
we’ll make, if not the biggest and certainly the most important.
Jimmy Bell from profeet ski boot lab says “skiing pleasure is
directly proportional to the fit of your ski boots!” Let’s face it, if it
doesn’t fit, your pleasure on the slopes will be heavily affected.
It should be tight, and upon first placing your foot into the boot it
should feel too small, way too small! The boot angle and padding in the rear heel is going to push you forwards. Flex into the
boot with the top clips closed and feel how your foot migrates
back; a moulded insole will reduce your foot lengthening also. As
it warms around your foot it should give more precise information
on how it fits.
Breaking in - Do’s and Don’ts
Boot Fit Buying Tips
The most important thing is to find a reputable boot fitter and be
prepared to spend several hours with them. You know you are on
the right path when they:
• Measure both your feet rather than letting you tell them your
size.
Finally, here are a few tips for breaking in your new ski boots.
• Don’t try and ski non-stop from first lift to last on your first day in
new ski boots, even if you are ski fit.
• Do open your buckles at the end of each run and whenever you
are stopped.
• Choose your boot selection by looking at the shape of your foot
and function and discuss your skiing experience and future
goals, rather than asking which boots you wish to try on.
• Don’t walk vast distances in your boots; they are SKI boots.
When walking ensure all buckles are open and tread carefully
to avoid bruising your toes, plus to minimise damage to the
sole as this affects the safety and retention in your ski binding.
• Shell fit you with each different boot model you try on (that is
examining length and space around the foot inside the shell
with no liner).
• Do store your boots clipped up to help them keep good
memory of their shape.
• Ask and provide vocabulary on how the different boots feel
and fit. They will seek pressure points or problem areas and
provide solutions and information as to what can be adjusted
and expectation for breaking the boot in.
• Encourage you to purchase a moulded insole to support the
foot in the boot so that you get the most comfort and control
possible. This is an essential element in the fit. You wouldn’t
buy a car with out a drivers seat would you?
What to expect from the boot
• Don’t wash your liners; just wear a fresh, single, pair of thin
performance ski socks per day.
Jimmy Bell is the ProFeet Ski Boot Lab manager and has over a
decades experience in the industry.
Profeet are specialists in selecting and fitting ski boots and
haev developed a custom ski boot fitting servcie that is second
to none. For more information about Profeet and about ski
boots and boot fitting in general, visit www.profeet.co.uk
Ross Daniels - UK Salomon Team. Another dope shot by dopeshots.com
My Boot Fitting Experience
As I was sorely in need of some new boots, I deicded to head down to my local Ellis Brigham and get some fitted to see
the process in action. I went through the whole process of selecting my boot, and getting custom footbeds and custom
liners fitted.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Mad Soldiers Rail Jam
Tues 4th September 07
First, after explaining my needs to
the boot technician, we tried on a
number of boots. The liners were
removed and technician checked
the space in the shell.
Once I had found the right boot for
me, the Salomon SPK Pro, it was
time to start on the custom footbeds. Key points on my foot are
marked on the footbed.
The footbeds are warmed, while I
put a mould of my foot in some gel
filled pads. The warmed footbeds
are then placed between my feet
and the gel pads to take the shape.
For Boarders By Boarders
Sat 8th September 07
Burton Scrap Metal
Sat 13th October 07
Who’s The Daddy
Sat 3rd November 07
Air Bag Night
Sat 1st December 07
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Jib Fest
Sat 15th December 07
08705 000011
Foam pads are then added to the
base of the footbed to give support
under the heel and arch, and to pad
out the footbed so it sits comfortably in the boot.
Finally, the footbed is sanded down
to remove the excess foam to ensure it fits snuggly in the boot and
that it offers the best support for
the foot.
Next it is onto the custom boot liners. The first thing to do is to adjust
the tongue so that it sits in the correct place on the shin to offer maximum support and comfort.
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
With the liners in the boots, foam is
injected into them and fills up pockets inside the liners to mould them
to the shape of my foot. Now the
boots are a perfect fit for my foot.
The last thing to do is to walk around
in the boots, flexing them. This ensures that as the foam cools, the liners maintain a shape that will fit my
foot for when I am skiing.
Finally, all that is left is to say thank
you. Thanks to Tom Pietrowski at
Ellis Brigham for fitting the boots,
Richard Seymour at Salomon and
Steve Couper at Sidas.
Words_Zack Wragg
Photos_James Dodd and Mark Lomas
info@snowdome.co.uk
snowdome.co.uk
Photo_Hal Willia
r
Photo_Matt Powe
ms
Words_Will Burrows
Welcome to Aspen!
as the super-expensive
Home of the rich, the famous and the even richer!! Although often tagged
of the best park
some
boasts
fact
in
Aspen
bad!
that
all
actually
isn’t
it
resorts,
“Hollywood” of ski
large ski area.
an
gives
which
features in the U.S. Aspen has four mountains under one lift pass
Mountain has
ilk
Butterm
parks!
fun
their
mine:
gold
Two of the mountains however have a secret
an incredible park unlike most seen
in Europe. Buttermilk has earned itsel
f the name X Games
Mountain as it plays host to the X Gam
es each year in January so expectati
ons are guaranteed
to be high. The thing that sets this park
apart from others for me is that rath
er than squashing
all the feature into a small area like
most parks, Buttermilk start the park
starts at the top of the
mountain and simply put feature afte
r feature all the way down the entir
e mountain. So, rather
than the disjointed ride you have in
most fun parks, this is like riding a
massive slopestyle course.
You get to do hit after hit after hit whic
h is great for learning how to link your
tricks together and to
just have a more enjoyable flowing rid. Buttermilk has stuff to offer the
less confident riders. The
progression system that they have created covers all abilities by starting
of with a set of 6 easy
boxes and rail (such as a flat-down, flat box, up rail) which are perfect
to get started. Then,
as you move down the mountain the features get more technical until
you finally reach the
your fill of
have
can
You
n.
forgotte
X park at the bottom of the mountain where nothing has been
Nothing is
off!
gap
metre
10
to
box
up
al
occasion
the
gap to rails, step-ups, step-downs, and even
halfpipe
the
leave
they
off
all
it
top
To
out.
all
go
pros
the
see
can
you
forgotten here and it’s where
ints.
disappo
never
beauty
until last, right at the very bottom. Cut every day, this 18-foot walled
The Snowmass Pipeline park is a more conventional park in its set up.
It starts with a double line
of 4 rails and then the halfpipe to the left and a set of 3 kickers and 5
rails to the right. The pipe
here at Snowmass is the smaller pipe of the two with about 16-foot walls,
however next winter
this will become a 20+ foot monster! The kickers here are defiantly my
favourite, set perfectly so
no speed-checks or turns are required at progress from the 20-foot kickers
to the 50-foot ones.
Probably the best reason to hit this park rather than Buttermilk is the lift
to lap ratio. Although it
of the park and drops you
is quite a short park in set-up the lift is 20 meters down from the end
top, you end up riding park
to
bottom
from
minutes
taking
only
lift
the
With
it.
of
off right at the top
more than chairlift.
The lift passes are around about $80 per day (£40), but the amount of
into the parks alone makes it more than worthwhile.
care and effort that goes
Photo_Daniel Bayer
t Power
Photo_Mat
In true Dark Summer style, we have managed to get hold of some free gear to give away. Check out
the competitions below, get your entries in and sit by the letterbox to see if you’ve won.
Win limted edition
Disciple Pipe gloves
“Champery, Fa
ce Shots still
available 7 da
ys after a snow
fall!”
• 650kms pist
es
• Endles
• 3 sno s off-piste
wboar
d park
s
With the support of our friends at Disciple gloves, we are proud to bring
you the chance to win one of five pairs of the limited edition Thorny
glove. This glove is not available to buy in this country. The only place
you can get them is through this competition.
Disciple are one of the few companies that take rider feedback seriously
when making their gloves. The gloves they produce are made with riders
in mind, and you can see this when wearing them. It sounds like we are
plugging them quite a bit, but the truth is that all the Dark Summer staff
choose Disciple gloves.
We kick ass
in the Portes du Soleil
To be in with a chance to win yourself some of these limited gloves, send
us the answer to the following question to disciplegloves@darksummer.
co.uk
...we'll find you the best off-piste
the best runs and the best snowboarding!
www.alpinetracks.com 0800 0282546
What is the third of the three D’s at the bottom of the web site
pages: Dedication, Devotion, ?
F R A N C E
•
S W I T Z E R L A N D
•
N O R W A Y
•
A U S T R I A
Head over to www.discipleglove.com to find out the answer, and good
luck.
self?
Closing date for this competition is 20 February 2008.
Win a Year’s supply
of Bawbags
Bawbags are a new company that provide underwear for, as they
call it, the discerning idiot. They are already very rooted in the UK ski
scene and have Murray Buchan and James Woods on their pro
team. We are kind, generous, socially aware people here at Dark
Summer and we like that a percentage of the cost of each pair of
Bawbags goes to support testicular cancer charities.
Well, the guys at Bawbags have given us a years supply of their
lovely boxers to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a
chance of winning we want you to know what you would call your
own pro model boxer shorts. Email you entries to bawbags@darksummer.co.uk and please make us laugh (we need a bit of chuckle
in the office today).
To find out more about Bawbags, head over to their website at www.
bawbags.net.
The closing date for this competition is 20 February 2008. On this
day we will throw all the entries in the air and whichever one the
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LUB.
INJURIES
THE HEAD, BACK
& SPINE
By Craig ‘the doc’ McLean
Continuing the series on different ways to damage your body while skiing, Dr Craig McLean,
Chiropractor, takes the time to tackle the big issues surrounding head and spine injuries that
can occur during free skiing.
The chances of injuring your head, brain or
spinal cord skiing has dramatically increased
over the last ten years because of faster
speeds achieved during skiing, more time
spent in the snowpark, kickers that are getting
bigger every year and cliffs that just aching to
be launched off.
Top British skier Mikey Wakefield reveals all
in an interview with ‘the doc’ as he gives a first
hand account of what it feels like to break your
neck and to have it repaired with neck surgery.
Thankfully helmets and back protectors
have become the norm, with latest statistics
from Switzerland suggesting that 30% of
all skiers/boarders are using helmets, with
a higher percentage if you ride freestyle or
freeride. Even with protection there are certain
things that even the best helmet will not
protect you from.
Read on for what to do when you come
across a head or spinal injury. When do you
need to call the helicopter? Remember you are
not a trained medical professional and if in
doubt always get help.
HEAD INJURY AND HELMETS
There are two main types of head injury
classifications, the surface abrasion/laceration
(90% of head injuries) and the ‘potentially
serious head injury’ consisting of suspected
skull fractures, brain injury, and open head
wounds (making up to 10%). When you look at
the stats on skiing head injuries the incidence
of doing serious harm to yourself is so low
that, just as in cycling in the UK, no country
has made it compulsory to wear helmets,
however these stats are based on the
standard skier/boarder.
62
With the risks taken by many Dark Summer
readers, there has never been research done
on statistical chance of injury to a back country
or park skiers. Helmets have been proven to
reduce chances of lacerations and abrasions
to the face and head; however, the reality is
that if you suffer a high speed impact into a
tree or rock your helmet will not protect you.
It’s still a very good idea to wear a helmet and
given the risks that most of you are taking.
Get a helmet and make sure it passes all the
international standards. Wearing a helmet
should not be viewed as a panacea against
fatal injury and should not give the wearer a
false sense of security.
Head injury symptoms
I’m sure all Dark Summer readers have
come across someone who has wiped out big
time in the park or off-piste. They are either
immobile for a period of seconds while they
gather their senses and then look around to
asses the damage or they’re screaming in
pain or they’re unconscious or just in shock
and laying very still.
something more serious that requires
complete immobilisation and a helicopter
ASAP. Depending on the injuries suffered,
symptoms may vary.
When to call in the helicopter?
Any of the following combinations of signs
or symptoms after head trauma should mean
it is time to call in the emergency services:
• unconsciousness
• problems understanding speaking, reading
or writing
• loss of feeling in part of the body
• problems balancing or walking
• general weakness
• eyesight changes
• any clear fluid running from ears or nose
• a black eye with no associated damage
around the eye
• bleeding from one or both ears
• deafness in one or both ears
• bruising behind one or both ears
The most important thing to do when you
are the first on the scene to someone who has
a head injury is to immobilise their neck and
tell them not to move. Do this by removing
your skis, approach them from above their
head and hold their head on both sides with
your hands to immobilise their head. Remain
in this position until either the medics arrive or
it’s obvious that they are not severely injured.
Any movement of their neck, if it is broken,
could cause permanent paralysis.
• evidence of scalp or skull damage,
especially penetration
The following are common symptoms of
head injury and will help you understand
whether they are OK, or if they have done
• any problems with memory
• any convulsions or having a fit
If after head trauma, none of the symptoms
above show, then ski them down the
mountain or down load on the lift system and
if they have any symptoms listed below then
they should be checked out at hospital as
soon as possible:
• any loss of consciousness from which the
person has now recovered
• a headache that won’t go away
• any vomiting or sickness
• a history of bleeding problems or taking
blood thinning medication
• irritability or altered behaviour such as
being easily distracted, not themselves, no
concentration or interest in things around
them.
For a period of 24 hours after having
suffered head trauma, even if they were
OK straight away, you should monitor them
every two hours as follows (even if this means
waking them by rousing gently):
• don’t leave them alone
• make sure that there is a telephone near
by and that you stay within easy reach of
medical help. Know the local emergency
numbers in advance and store them in your
phone.
• beware of the following danger signs:
difficulty in waking, any confusion,
severe headaches, vomiting, fits, loss of
consciousness, weakness or numbness
in an arm or leg, visual problems or any
watery fluid coming out of their ears or
nose.
Things you shouldn’t be worried about. The
following symptoms mean you can feel safe,
hand them a box of tissues and start taking
the piss;
• mild headache
• feeling sick (without vomiting)
• dizziness
• irritability or bad temper
• problems concentrating or poor memory
• tiredness
• lack of appetite or poor sleeping
SPINAL INJURY
The other major factor regarding impact
to the body aside from head injury is the
compressive and whiplash forces that are
placed on the neck or back and the resultant
spinal cord injury that may result.
Whether it is the lip of the half pipe, the
knuckle or after a fifty foot cliff drop the
severity of the impacts and compressive
forces has increased dramatically over the
last ten years. Again it is great to see many
people using back protectors, however they
have obvious limitations once the impact
exceeds a certain level and they do not make
you invincible.
Read on to get a recipe for what to do in
a post fall situation where spinal damage is
suspected. Remember from the paragraph
above, assume the neck immobilisation
position until you are certain they are OK.
Do I try and move them?
If you suspect a back or neck (spinal) injury,
do not move the affected person. Permanent
paralysis and other serious complications can
result. Assume a person has a spinal injury if:
• There’s evidence of a head injury with an
ongoing change in the person’s level of
consciousness.
• The person complains of severe pain in his
or her neck or back.
for the mobile phone and get that chopper
there ASAP.
Mechanisms of injury
There are two main ways you can injure
your spine; compression and flexion/hyperextension (like a whiplash) injury.
The mechanism of injury differs in both
situations. When compressive forces enter
the spine, whether it be from a flat landing
and forces dispersed from the ground up
or from when you land on your head, neck
or shoulders and the compressive forces
are from the top down. Both types of impact
can result in the bones of the spine being
squished flat called a compression fracture.
This type of injury is the preferred way to
break your back, if there is such a thing.
Usually there is less chance of damaging your
spinal cord and recovery time may be quicker.
When the whiplash forces are experienced
either, the very strong ligaments at the front
of the spine can tear off chunks of bone, or
the whole vertebrae may be cracked in half.
The posterior elements of the spine can also
be damaged. Instability can be caused by
ligaments at both the front and back being
stretched or torn and extreme forces can
stretch or tear the spinal cord and paralysis
can result. Read on to listen to a real life story
of a skier who broke his neck and what were
the consequences.
• The person won’t move his or her neck.
• An injury has exerted substantial force on
the back or head.
• The person complains of weakness,
numbness or paralysis or lacks control of
his or her limbs, bladder or bowel.
• The neck or back is twisted or positioned
oddly.
If any of the above signs are present, reach
Craig McLean is a free-riding Chiropractor
and can be reached at
drcraig@putneychiropractic.co.uk or
www.putneychiropractic.co.uk.
He is also a member of the Warren Smith
Ski Biomechanics and Physiology team of
experts found at
www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com
Issue 13 63
HHH The best darn ski magazine in the West! HHH
MIKES STORY
Les Deux Alpes, December 7th, 2006. Mikey had been in the park all day hitting some big kickers and riding the half pipe hard. At the end of the
day, on his ski down the mountain, he hit a bump, uncovered some rocks, wiped out and managed to hit his head on the rock. He face-planted and
his whole body proceeded to hinge backwards over his head creating a massive hyper-extended neck injury. Instantly he was in extreme pain – his
friends described his blood-curdling scream. If he wasn’t wearing a helmet this would be the end of the story as he proudly showed me a picture of
his helmet with huge hole in it. This was the only thing that prevented him from having his brain turned to mush.
Mikey’s first thought was that he had broken his right arm as there was so much pain there, although when he looked at his right arm it was
unharmed. It turned out that the pain down his arm was because he had broken his neck. The spinal cord and nerves leaving his neck had been
stretched to near breaking point.
The mates he was skiing with immobilised him straight away. He was in such pain that they called the helicopter immediately. The paramedics
and Security de Pistes put him in a neck brace and onto a spinal plate (keeps the back very straight) and flew him straight to Grenoble. “I don’t
remember much about that day but I have a vivid memory in Grenoble hospital of there being no beds available for me and I was stuck in a corridor
on a table that felt like solid rock.”
Over the course of a week there were CT scans, x-rays, MRI scans which revealed a hyper-extension vertebral fracture to C5-6 cervical vertebrae.
After one week in Grenoble he was transferred to a UK hospital to be nearer home and was in a hard half-body cast for six weeks. For the first two
weeks his right arm was unbearably painful, especially when sitting. After the hard cast was removed he wore a soft neck collar for the next three
months. During this time he was under constant supervision by medical consultants and physios.
In April he had another check up and the orthopaedic consultants discovered that although the bones had healed there was significant instability
at the C5-6 vertebral level. At this time it was decided that this was a potential risk to spinal cord injury and given the future aspirations to continue
skiing, instability in the neck was not an option. So an operation was performed where they cut from the front of his neck, removed the disc
between C5 and C6, replaced it with a carbon fibre cage and filled it with bone from his hip. This was followed by addition of a plate to the front of
the two vertebrae which was then screwed into place (see the wild x-ray picture).
After the procedure he was in a soft collar again and between April and June he was given very gentle movement exercises with the physio.
Through July and August he slowly implemented more exercises and a gym programme.
October 2007, a week before the London ski show Mikey put on skis and boots for the first time in ten months, headed straight for the Castleford
snowdome where, after a few tentative jumps, launched once more off a kicker and fell from a distance of 5-6 feet which scared the crap out of
him. He survived to tell the tale and headed to the Ski Show in London to hit the very tight, very hard quarter pipe. Those watching his outstanding
performance will have seen for Mikey it was like riding a bike – he launched straight back into top quality competition, including moves like his
signature ‘Wake and Bake’ to pull off the first place at the London Ride 2007.
In summary it has been a big few years for Mikey. The growing injury list reads as…
2004-05 compression fracture in the lumbar spine by overshooting a kicker
2005-06 fractured his clavicle twice – once on a rail and once in the half pipe
2006-07 broke his neck, an injury that could have left him permanently paralysed
Mikey is an enigma and very lucky – not everyone could get through this, so bear these injuries in mind next time you dream of being a
professional free-rider – good luck to you all and WEAR A HELMET. You know where to find me next time you have a fall…
64
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