Although Mervin always kept it original ‘human size’, the different brands under the Mervin umbrella have been making a lot of noise through the years with its two innovative snowboard brands sharing the same technology – Gnu and Lib Tech – and its binding brand, Bent Metal. This original snowboard company based in the North West of the US have seen many world class riders help them develop their products, from Jamie Lynn to Travis Rice. Jamie Lynn is and always been ‘Lib Tech’. This is why we decided to take the example of Jamie’s 12/13 model to go through the latest technology that Mervin has been busy with lately. And at the same time you’ll know everthing about Jamie’s board, you will also find out what exactly means ‘Magne-Traction, Banana or C Power…

Lib Tech Jamie Lynn Phoenix Classic Series C3 BTX

LIB TECH – Jamie Lynn Phoenix Classic Series C3 BTX

Ok so here’s the beast. Not only one of the best looking boards that Jamie has drown himself, this is a concentrate of what kind of tech Lib is capable of. As it says on the paper, “Jamie ripped on old ski camber, Jamie rips on banana and C2, and for this season he’s been shredding the latest what-Lib-calls ‘experiMENTAL division project’ known as C3 Banana Camber Jamie “Classic”. What is this mish-mash? “It’s a dominant camber with a submissive banana”, and can’t really be explained in a better way… This board features a trapezoidal camber and rocker between your feet. Trapezoidal camber straightens the camber curve out as it approaches the contact points spreading tip pressure creating a broader tip hook area up and turn initiation you can count on. The Banana rocker between your feet gives killer edge grip at and between your feet in hardpack and ice carving situations, provides float in the pow and catch-free jibbing. The combination of these two concepts results in a really even pressure map, tons of pop, rock solid stability, power carving and one of the best camber board we’ve been lucky enough to ride.

Check all the details and Jamie’s explanative video here.

A little more info about the different technologies squeezed into that bad boy:

C3 CAMBER DOMINANT BANANA (C3 BTX)
As we said, it’s a Camber enhanced with Banana Tech made for “aggressive new traditionalists and 90’s camber studs”, in case you recognize yourself in those categories… Focuses a mild amount of pressure between your feet for carving, edge grip on ice, float in powder and our maximum amount of pressure out to the tip and tails for super power, end-to-end stability, pop and control in critical situations.

MAGNE-TRACTION
Magne-Traction serrated edges is design to cut into the snow like a knife (imagine a bread knife for example) giving you more edge hold and control. Magne-Traction features 7 strategically located and sized bumps along each side of your sidecut. The biggest bumps are at and between your feet where your balance is centered adding maximum control and power where you need it most. The bumps outside your feet are smaller and less aggressive providing tip and tail control but maintaining freestyle freedom.

H-POP CORE
Wood Alloy Core. Experimental new dead tree with the highest compression response ever used in a snowboard. It has half the glue weight and absorbs less resin weight. Another industry first for Lib Tech.

DIRECTIONAL TWIN
Effortless freestyle and freeride geometry. Twin chassis (from contact to contact) but with an ever so slightly longer nose than tail. Floats on powder and blasts thru crud, a Twin with an advantage.

BIO BEANS TOPSHEET
As many others – that we salute here – Lib Tech has grown an eco conscience and try its best to minimize its impact on environment (check this funny shit). One of the solutions brought by Mervin is this new generation topsheet made out of beans, water based inks or wood core made out of fast growing renewable trees.

TNT BASE MATERIAL
Fast and low maintenance dual layered fluoro base material. Wax it or maybe skip a day, no biggie.

TECH RECAP:

• C3 Power Banana / Camber Combo Tech
• Magne-Traction
• Basalt / fiberglass combo
• Bio Beans Topsheet
• H-Pop Core
• Directional Twin Geometries
• TNT Base
• Flex: 5.5 – 6.5 (depending on size)
• Art by Jamie Lynn

Check also the whole shabang on:

Mervin webiste
Lib Tech website
Gnu website
Bent Metal website

1. Forum

Youngblood

148, 152, 154, 155W, 156, 157W

This softer-fl exing true twin is built for stepping your game up. The Youngblood team are the kids pushing the limits and the board refl ects this, being perfect for spinning on and off rails, cranking that spin round an extra 180 or stomping your fi rst dub. Lightweight, responsive, and with graphics that say ‘Yo, check me out!’ these are bang on for freestylers wanting to up the ante. Also available with Chillydog Rocker.

€399.00

www.forumsnowboards.com

2. Skullcandy

Icon 2

Skullcandy’s colorful team favorite – Halldor Helgason is particularly down with these ear cans – just got even better. The Icon 2 headphones are super durable, ultra light and the 30mm speakers ensure that they can easily go to 11. Basically these are all you need from a good pair of headphones for shredding the hill or for every-day use, and now you can even control your iThingy with the on-cord microphone and control switch.

€34.95

www.skullcandy.eu

3. Transform

The Figurines

Transform have been holding the glove game down for a couple of seasons, bringing their unique euro fl avour to the hand shoe game, and if you’re looking for a tasty bit of spring session fi nger fun then check these bad boys. The Figurines have an über low-profile shape, stretch fingers and a fully loved-up grippy silicon palm and are just what you need for slushy funtimes.

€49.95

www.transformgloves.com

4. APO

Seed

154, 157, 160, 158W, 161W, 164W, 166W

As we all know, we could tell what great tech a board has an you’ll still not buy it if you weren’t feeling the graphic. But what could be better than a board that looks like a bottle of Jägermeister? That’s right, not much. If you’re a beginner or intermediate rider wanting to push your riding all over the hill it’ll ride as good as it looks: it’s a directional twin with rocker with a forgiving flex but enough in the tank to step it up when you want to. And at 300 bucks the price is killer.

€300.00

www.apo-snow.com

5. Electric

EG2.5

The little brother of the awesome EG2, the 2.5 packs the same goodness into a more compact package for those with smaller faces. If you’re looking for maximum fi eld of vision and epic comfort, then look no further. Less frames and more goldfi sh bowl-like spherical lens give you awesomem peripheral vision and offer 100% UV protection. The triple-density foam also makes them super comfy to wear and they fi t with a helmet easily too. As they say: these are your widescreen HDTV for the mountains.

€from 132

www.electricvisual.com

6. Protest

Hopton

Mobility is a key feature in snowboard clothing. That’s why using flexible soft shell fabric, as Protest have done with the Hopton, is a great idea. You get the good looks, you get the waterproofness (8K) but you also get better breathability and a better range of motion. So your on-hill dance moves will be like Travolta. Lycra wrist gaiters, pow skirt, fixed hood and pit vents make sure your body can break dance too.

€149.95

www.protest.eu

7. Horsefeathers

Pictor

Top-of-the-line tech from the Horsefeathers crew – jackets don’t come much more complete than the Pictor. This lightweight shell has a 20/20K waterproof/breathability rating and, of course, has fully taped seams. As you’d expect there are pit vents and, to keep you Fonzy cool, a back vent
to, and then there is also all the pockets, zip-out pow skirt, Lycra cuffs and other dope features that are par for the course. We’re backing the waspish colourway too.

€319.90

www.horsefeathers.eu

8. SP

Brotherhood

One of the quickest bindings to get in and out of thanks to the fold-down highback ‘Fastec’ system, you’ll be spending time lapping not strapping with the Brotherhood. The aerospace aluminium ‘sLab’ baseplate is super light and gives electric response with some cushioning built in to take
the sting out of landings while the new anatomical ankle straps are more comfortable than ever.

€249.95

www.sp-united.com

9. eleven

Bred

This bit of outerwear was born and bred in Switzerland but is good to go no matter where you strap in. The 15/10K shell boasts fully-taped seams and is characterised by subtle styling, a good selection of pockets, the SPS ventilation (for optimum airfl ow), and the ability to be zipped together with Eleven pants for perfect sealing. Eugenics may be frowned upon these days but for outerwear it’s all good – thankfully, as this is most certainly a pure breed.

€349.00

www.eleven.ch

10. Celtek

Faded

If you’re after a glove with minimum bulk, maximum warmth and some eye-popping style, Celtek’s Faded should be top of your list. The perfect choice for sessions any time of the year, the 10K fabric will keep your pinkies dry, budded fl eece will keep ‘em warm and the abundance of silicon on the palm will have you hanging onto grabs like a limpet.

€59.00

www.celtekclan.com

11. Zimtstern

A-Team

“I love it when a plan comes together!” We don’t know if they said that when they designed this marvelous women’s jacket at Zimstern, but they should have. This fashion piece is loaded with different technical features, 10/10k of waterproof/breathable and fully taped seams to name a few. The A-team is also kinder to the environment. And best of all you don’t have to have a mohawk to wear ‘em.

10/10, par insulation, fully taped

€269.00

www.zimtstern.com

12. Icon

Movement

153/156/159/162

Icon’s Movement is a true slay-it-all board. Anything from powder to park will be your playground with this directional, classic camber  powerhouse. The snappy and responsive fusion 2.0 core combined with V-shaped carbon reinforcements in the nose and tail will guarantee that you’re never short of pop. This mid-flex board’s ideal master is someone who knows what’s up and wants to lay it down everywhere. Movement for the masses!

€425.00

www.iconsnowboards.com

13. analog

Danny’s Sig

Danny Davis has to be one of our favourite riders to watch, and this is his signature cloak from the AG crew. Featuring the patented Analog steeze bolstered by a print made up of photography from his close buddy and über lensman Cole Barash, this has the bang in the looks department and in terms of tech it’s got what it takes: 10/10k protection, fully-taped seams, waxcoated canvas and full insulation.

€240.00

www.analogclothing.com

14. Coal

The Frena

Righto, let’s be honest there’s no 21st century scientific Frankenstein technology in the Frena, it’s a fine-knit ribbed beanie and a damned fine one at that. Three colours with a baggy fi t, but turn it up and you can go full Cousteau.

€19.00

www.coalheadwear.com

15. deeluxe

ID Coin Coin

Making an awesome boot isn’t as easy as you might think, but Deeluxe has nailed it with this killer pair of Gerome Mathieu pro model boots. Single section control lacing (a speedlace that allows you to independently adjust 3 sections with a single pull) and a powerstrap make sure that your feet stay locked in the boot and design created by Nicolas Thomas gives your feet the ‘interested ducklings’ look. Random, until you realise Gerome’s
nickname, ‘Coin Coin’, is the sound French ducks make…

€239.95

www.deeluxe.com

16. vans

Sedgewick Insulated

Sedgewick is a small town in the middle of Canada. Like the Vans Sedgewick jacket it is safe, vibrant and affordable. Vans has loaded this jacket with an incredible amount of technical features for a decent bit o’ dollar: 10/8K waterproof/breathability, insulation, pit vents and powderskirt with jacket-to-pant interface are there to keep you warm and dry. Did you know that Sedgewick has the best water in Alberta, Canada? Now you know.

€160.00

www.vanssnow.com

Snowboarding’s all about corporate sponsorship, triple corks and wearing tight pants these days. Sadly Nikita didn’t get the memo and held their annual end-of-season contest with the sole aim of letting some talented ams have a blast all day, making sure the vibe was chill, and hooking the best rider up with a deal for a year. What were they thinking?

Nikita Chickita, Photo: Anna Langer

Serfaus played host to the 4th Nikita Chickita Europe last April and the goodtimes were in full flow. Sure, shred contests are from time to time all about beating the other riders into a bloody pulp with your skills, but let’s face it – for most people snowboarding is simply the best fun you can have without a pin-up, KY jelly and a length of rubber. This is the vibe Nikita wanted for their end of season shindig.

16 girls from across Europe had beelined to this quaint town tucked away in a fold of Austrian alpine and come the day of the contest the park had softened up nicely under the bluebird skies meaning the double kicker line and the extensive array of jibs was ripe for the girls to throw down on. Straight off the bat, the freeform, easy-natured approach Nikita were keen to encourage was evident when the riders conferred with the judges and decided that scrapping the qualifi cations/finals format in favour of a day-long jam session was the way to go. It worked out perfectly as the girls could now lap the park all day without having to hang around, while the judges (Nikita riders Julia Baumgartner, Lisa Filsmozer, Maude Richon and Vanessa Waldenhofer) were charged with keeping an eye on whoever was stepping it up and throwing down hardest. In fact it went so well that even when the judges were ready to decide on the three girls who’d impressed them most, the riders wanted to keep the session going for the fun of it and did so into the late afternoon.

In between laps, the girls would head over to hang at the Chill Out area to grab a drink, some food or even enjoy a massage from the on-site physiotherapy guru, Jan, before heading back into the park to continue with their session. As we hung out here all day, supping on beers, watching the riding and chatting with the Nikita crew, the brand’s warm family spirit was obvious, with Heida, Geiri and co’s children and other halves all having made the trip to enjoy the vibe, and it was all in all most defi nitely the least contest-like contest we hit up last year.

Over a burger and a beer, we asked event organiser Geiri to sum up the Nikita Chickita in a nutshell. “It’s not really about the contest itself, although the contest is at a really good level,” he explained. “It’s more about just having fun and keeping it real and progressing. That said the fi rst prize is pretty good, it’s a year’s contract with Nikita and Ð1000 and a shitload of goodies, but we’re more about having fun and enjoying snowboarding.”

Fun and enjoyment were certainly had and when the girls had finally been dragged off the course, we euro carved our way down through the spring slush with the whole crew and it was hard not to feel a warm glow in your stomach. Ok, that may have been Geiri’s schnapps so we made the glow all the warmer with some afterski and by then it was time to crown the winners. Yeah, yeah, it’s not about winners and losers, it’s all rainbows and unicorns, but Nikita wanted someone with the lick on their books for a year so after much deliberation the judges doffed their caps to Elena Könz, who’d convinced them with her solid riding through the day putting down stuff like front 3s, front and back 5s, switch back 1s. Isabel Derungs nabbed secon thanks to her back rodeos and front 3s and Malin Johansson’s Cab 5s saw her into the third spot, with Mary Luggen getting some love for being the day’s best jibber. If you’re a young, up-and-coming chickita and fancy being part of the family this year, head over to nikitaclothing.com/events where you’ll find details of how you can become part of the fun.

RESULTS:

1. Elena Könz
2. Isabel Derungs
3. Malin Johansson

ALTHOUGHT ONLY 21-YEAR-OLD TOM KLOCKER IS ALREADY ONE OF THE BEST RIDERS ON THE INFAMOUS ISENSEVEN ROSTER. IN ISSUE #117 WE TOOK A GANDER AT THIS AUSTRIAN’S PASSAGE TO THE TOP. NOW WE HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EQUIPMENT THAT MAKES STOMPING THOSE SWITCH BACK 12S OH SO EASY…

Tom Klocker, Photo: Carlos Blanchard

FACTS

BIRTHDAY: 05.12.1990
HOME TOWN: Hippach, Tirol
HOME MOUNTAIN: Penken Park, Mayrhofen
STANCE: regular, 64cm, +13/-13
SPONSORS: Head Snowboards, Oakley, Moreboards & Transform Gloves

Board: Head Tribute I. 153

Why did you choose the Tribute I. out of all Head boards?

I actually tried most boards from the Head range. Of all of them the Tribute I. fi t my riding best. The flex is neither too soft nor too stiff, and it is perfect in the park, on rails, and in the BC. That’s why I chose this board. The board has a regular camber.

Why didn’t you jump on the reverse camber bandwagon?

I’m not a big fan of new shapes, that’s why I stayed with the regular camber boards. I think I will stick to regular camber for good.

Do you ride one length only or do you switch boards depending on the terrain?

In park, BC and for jibbing I ride the same board, but in the BC I ride a rocker shape. To me this is just better for pow. But I always stick to the same length.

Boots: Head Team Boa

What do you like most about your boots?

They are fairly lightweight and fi t my feet really well.

What do you like best: speed lacing, Boa or traditional lacing?

I prefer traditional lacing. I don’t think much of speed lacing, Boa is kind of cool, but I like regular laces the most.

BINDNG: Head NX Five

According to its description these bindings are ‘precise and in control.’ What else do you like about your bindings?

Exactly. These bindings are sick, a little different from the rest. They fi t around the boot really well and offer a very good hold.

Do you ride your bindings as they come straight from the box, or do you adjust them somehow?

I always change the straps for some extra stiff ones. But other than that they are perfect.

Outerwear: Oakley Jacket & Pants

What do you look for in your outerwear?

The jackets shouldn’t be too baggy but rather long and slim, and not too colourful. The pants should be slim around the knees, not too baggy, and most importantly not too tight.

What features do you like most about your Oakley Outerwear?

They always come with cool pockets, for example for your iPhone, and they always have sick cuts.

Back 1 over the infamous Helsinki gap, Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

Gloves: Transform

What makes a perfect pair of gloves?

They have to be waterproof, warm enough in cold winters, and they shouldn’t be too stiff, or else you don’t have much feel in your fingers.

GOGGLES: Oakley

What do you like most about your goggles?

In terms of looks Oakley goggles are the best. And they also have the best lenses, perfect for all conditions.

Do you take various lenses up on the mountain – and if yes, which ones?

I usually take Polarised lenses up on the mountain. They are the best lenses by far, as you can see every bump no matter what the conditions are.

Extras

What else do you usually take on the mountain?

Most of the time I have a GoPro and my iPhone with me.

Words: Anna Langer

While the season is coming to an end, the last Art page is dedicated to a topic that is ongoing: the fight against cancer. Globally it was one of the leading cause of death in 2010. Breast cancer, is a disease that many ranked snowboard girls have had to deal with. Amongst them Tina Basich and Shannon Dunn, who founded the charity Boarding For Breast Cancer after their friend Monica Steward died from the disease aged 28.

The organizations original mandate was to organise events that would increase awareness for breast cancer and raise money for the fi ght against it, but the foundation has spread their wings and now manages campaigns for the cause, including educational tours in universities, learning retreats, informative videos concerning the disease and their events and collaborations with brands from the boardsport scene.

One of their biggest initiatives is their artist’s collaboration with Sessions, which is now in its fourth year this winter. These collaborations are a more tangible and accessible approach to the topic of cancer for the majority of us.

Rather than labouring the dark side of the disease Sweden based French artist Amanda Mendiant instead focused on B4BC’s campaign “Know Yourself: Early Detection + Active Lifestyle = Best Prevention” and the message she wanted to get across, was to ‘Protect your Breasts’. “When I thought of how to visually illustrate this, the obvious came to me: what’s the refl ex when you want to protect a part of your body? To cover or hold it. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest and the best way to communicate! And so I designed the fi rst jacket with a girl on the back that is reaching out to the front to hold and protect the owner of the jacket’s breasts.”

Based on this original idea, which was used for the first collaborations, Amanda created another unique artwork for Sessions and B4BC, that was auctioned off during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in September 2010, with all proceeds going towards the charity. “This years design is a strong lady with an attitude. I didn’t want to cover her with clothes since breasts still are the main reason for the campaign, so she is covering, protecting her breasts herself. And for a lack of red nipples I painted two cherries!”

As her “feminine yet slightly edgy but always fashionable graphics,” as Session’s marketing manager Daniell Glagola describes Amanda’s style, work so well to bring the massage across point blank, there will be another collaboration with her in the upcoming 2011/12 season. Most graphics in snowboarding are purely there as eye candy and yet with the work of B4BC there is a much greater impact on the hearts and minds of those looking
at it. So we dearly hope there will be more alliances between the good causes, snowboarding and fine arts in the future, that will stimulate hearts and minds!

sessions.com

www.onboardsnowboarding.com

It would seem that even snowboard’s movie industry is suffering in these times of budget cuts. At the Nike 6.0 Twisted Tricks sessions in Barrèges, La Mongie, France Marco Smolla played human dolly for Martin the filmer from the Pirates. He as all tied up and ready to go. “Lights, camera, dropping, Action!” Rats! “CUT!” “Can you do that trick again please but with more emotion!” What happened next?

Marco Smolla

ALEX TANK

Fieldnotes

(Deep newsy voice like CNN)

“This month’s man on the battlefield is young Isenseven  ripper Alex Tank. From the icy streets of Hells-inki to the nose deep powder of the Austrian peeks, Mr Tank reports on risking life and limb. Alex?”

Alex Tank, Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

What’s up haters? I’m in Oslo right now with Ludde ‘Birdman’ Lejkner and Isenseven’s Tom Elliot trying to get some snowboarding on tape. Before that, the season started pretty early this year. My first real trip was a Head shoot in Helsinki right before Christmas, where Ludde was also part of the crew. I’ve never seen so much snow in a city, Helsinki is snowboarding’s Barcelona for sure. Spots and crews everywhere. Came home on Christmas Day, and had a mad  dinner with my family. After that it was girlfriend time for a few days – it doesn’t get any better than that after a hard street trip – before we left for the famous Ruhrpott in western Germany. Ruhrpott is awesome when it comes to snowboarding. So many spots all over the place. Rails, banks, walls, you name it! But, you’d better not hit a rail in Duisburg in the middle of the night and leave your car 500m away in a dark parking lot. Chances are that someone’ll break into your car and steals iPhones, iPods and wallets. Not such a nice ending of the trip and the year of 2010! After a chilled New Year’s Eve with my girl it was time to get some shred on at home. The crew was the Atagge homies: Benny Urban, Flo Geiger and me. Just shredding with friends, lots of high fi ves and a few beers. Good Times! Now I’ve switched from slushy park mode to street mode again. Oslo is awesome, it’s a sunny morning! Okay fellas, gotta run now. The guys are already waiting in the car! Take me to the spot!

Jonathan Weaver

JONATHAN WEAVER

Ask the Expert

How to score the best job in the industry? 

Perhaps the question is a little inaccurate when asked like that, but apparently it sells, so there you go. In fact, what we want to know this month from Jon Weaver (former British rider, now Nike 6.0 team manager and moonlighting by writing a column for our site and MCing events), is how can you make a living involving travel, meeting people, and a bunch of shredding from your true passion.

How did you moved from being a pro to team manager?

A pro? Well, I was never really what you would consider a ‘professional snowboarder’. Think more a 3rd division footballer, and that was me. I moved from being a rider to a team manager as I helped doing some events, working at ISPO, and on a few things like that, and after a few months was offered a role doing events, which eventually moved to being Team Manager.

Can you describe your job? Your tasks? 

There are two sides really. One is the team manager-side of organising riders, travel arrangements, payments, accommodation, making sure they have the product they need, hassling people like you for coverage for them and then making sure they know where to be and when. Then you have the more brand-related stuff like organising photo and fi lm shoots, and organising advertising campaigns. Then you also have stuff like if you do movie tours you basically become a dad for the week, getting people out of bed, kicking girls out of hotel rooms so riders can make fl ights, and getting people where they need to be. I have some great stories from the movie tours, but maybe that’s not for print. Kareem El Rafi e was always one of the guys to look out for.

What essential qualities do you need to be a good TM? 

To be organised, to be able to give positive and negative feedback when it’s needed to ensure riders learn for the future, to be a friend, to be someone who riders can ask for advice, someone they know always has their back. I like to pride myself on the fact that I also cook for riders at events. Even if at times it goes slightly wrong… for example my homemade hamburgers a few years back went down in history. But a good Ruby Murray [curry] will always ensure happy riders.

How do you spot talent? What do you look at in particular? 

Nowadays it’s a rider who actually knows how to use his edges. So many kids now can skid a front 10 round or do some spinny trick onto a rail, but for longevity in the sport you need to have board control down. Look at guys like Müller, Blauvelt, Haakon, they all come from a pipe background, and so have the ability to mix it up anywhere. Then they have to know how to travel, as you can easily fi nd some amazingly talented riders but if they don’t want to ever travel or leave their resort, they won’t make it. It’s funny but the one thing that no one realises is that to make it “pro” it’s maybe only 40% riding, the rest is about personality, psychology to do well in contests and in front of cameras, and then just not being the junk show kid.

What would be your advice to the kids out there who think it’s the dream job? 

It is. No fronting. Getting to travel with a great bunch of riders, seeing the best contests on earth, going to places like Norway for shoots, I mean what could be better? The only tough parts are missing your lady, and then having to be the guy that, no matter what happened last night, has to get the riders up and moving. We did a premier in Munich two years ago, and I went to bed at 6.30am and had to get the riders up at 8am, so you can imagine… that stuff you have to be super strict on yourself. I remember the fi rst trip we ever took Niki Korpela on when he was 14, we were in Austria somewhere, and he was so eager, so one night we stayed up kinda late, and ended up waking him up at 3am, saying it was time for a shoot, and being mad at him that he was late. 30 seconds later he was ready with goggles, boots backpack on and then he slowly realised that we were all kind of halfcut standing there, but props to him for getting up.

The boss at Soulfood, Photo: Anna Langer

APRÈS-SHRED

Field Notes

This new column in The Wire will help you discover a hot spot of the Euro resorts nightlife. Let’s start with a classic, and in fact probably where après shred was invented, according to the number of posers on the streets talking with a strange accent and in the bars who don’t really snowboard, and certainly not on the local steeps: Chamonix. It’s the only resort in Europe we know there’s more drunkens at night than on the slopes on a blue bird day…  Let’s call it the Easyjet syndrom.

The ultimate place for good vibes, local ambiance AND epic music is at the Soulfood Bar, Rue des Moulins. Local owned – the two friendly but bald brothers used to own the infamous record shop of the same name back when Onboard was based there. Sick old funk tunes, raging live concerts and fi ne beer (a famous Bavarian one that I can’t really name here).

Rue des Moulins - the party street of Cham, Photo: Anna Langer

Alternative places in Chamonix:

Bar’d Up: Classic seasonaire hang out with sports TV, imported beers, and raging parties. No food inside but amazing pizza and sandwiches from the little food stall across the road.

MBC: Snowboarder friendly restaurant a bit outside the centre with the best veggie burger ever and a choice of self brewed beers.

The Vert Hotel: Great venue for food, drinks, music and staying, with a full range of DC boards that hotel guests can take for a test ride on the mountains.

The Office: Authentic locals’ bar in the beautiful village Argentiere a bit up the valley to hide from the tourists.

Munchies: Best restaurant in town, period. International food. Also on Rue des Moulins.

Sylvain Bourbousson, Photo: Matt Georges

High Five

SYLVAIN BOURBOUSSON

Apart from another heavy Absinthe part and his cover last month, we’ve not heard much from Bourbouss lately. Let’s set that straight – here’s his handslap…

We were wondering what was happening with you, then, “bang!” suddenly a cover. How did you prepare that come back? 

It’s not a come back! And I intend to be around for a bit. You know, the older you get, the more stupid you get!

Yes we know, you’ve been around, videos and shizz but it seems you were less present in magazines. We thought maybe you took on a Canamerican nationality? 

I’d love to have a US or Canadian passport, it would help a lot! Live the American dream, haha! But I’m not complaining, Europe is cool, it’s just there’s more snow here in Canada right now.

As a major nudist enthusiast, when was the last time you got your kit off in public? 

At the DaKine meeting in Chamonix, but I was forced to! I must say I can’t wait for my friend’s wedding this summer to strike again…

The Onboard cover last month, how did that feel? 

It felt great! I was stoked, the cherry on the cake. Appreciated it to the max!

What would you like to improve in your part this year? 

A lot of things. Go higher, go further, get more style, more rotations, more corks, more fun, more originality, and a lot more powder!

Marco Feichtner

BACKYARD

Marco Feichtner

“My home spot is called Montafon. Montafon is valley in West Austria close to the Swiss boarder. We have five ski resorts in the valley and all of them have something special – from big mountain riding to parks, you can find everything! I like it there because I grew up in St. Gallenkirch, a little village in Montafon, so I spent many days searching for some sick spots up in those mountains, and I found tons! If you guys want to see some shots from mountains, check out my homepage www.marcofeichtner. com. We shot a lot of stuff with the Pirates there! You just have to watch out for the police and hunters, they aren’t that pleased if you’re riding the special tree lines in the closed areas! If you guys want to shred some sick stuff you are more than welcome! See you around!”

HOT SHIT!

COLLABS STRIKE BACK

Vans will present something rather ‘so hot right now’ for the 2011/12 collection: a boot and shoe collab with outerwear brand, Holden. Seeing as these two brands are generally at the cutting edge of style, it’s hardly surprising to see that they both look set to become cult. The Vans/Holden boot features premium leather and the same innovative recycled nylon found in the Holden outerwear line, with all the usual top Vans features and medium flex. As for the Sk8-Hi shoe, the vintage leather is there too for extra style and it just begs for a good skate session.

NEXT LEVEL STREETWEAR 

MANOEUVRE

Started in 1995, Loreak Mendian is a Basque company making sweet clothing and accessories. Art, music and architecture are the root of their wild inspiration, not forgetting the surf and skate roots, but what is really noticeable here is that if you chose, like us, to be a responsible consumer, you’ll be happy to know that Loreak Mendian produces everything within the European Union. Not only good eco-wise, but also philosophically focused and, no, we don’t have shares in the company: we just love it. The brand offers a wide product range including more than 350 items (most of them produced in Portugal) for each season’s collection. www.loreakmendian.com

SOLAR CHARGER 

Xsories is one of those companies that brings you the tiny components you’re missing in your quest for the perfect geek set up. From slick media players, to all kinds of accessories for your GoPro or Contour camera, they’ve got it all dialed. All well and good, you might say, but what happens when your electronic equipment runs out of battery on the hill? Well, that’s when the genius hits with their unique solar charger, which works universally with all kinds of phones, camera batteries, GPS… you name it. The keychain design allows you to lock it outside your backpack, so it charges while you ride, but you can also charge it in advance. Compatible with all lithium batteries, camera, DV, phone, GPS batteries, and for most digital devices: mobile phones, MP3 players, PDAs, GPS… This brand also have a lot of different waterproof and shock-resistant cases for your media unit of choice, as well as heaps of accessories for GoPros, like this U Shot extendable pole. www.xsories.com

Words: The Crew

HURRAH, IT’S BLOODY DUMPING OUTSIDE, WHICH MEANS ONLY ONE THING: TIME FOR US TO GET OUT AND TEST SOME NEW BOARDS. HERE IS A LITTLE SELECTION OF STICKS WITH CONTRASTING CAMBERS WE RODE TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED UNTIL WE GET BACK…

SALOMON – GRIP

LENGTHS: 151/154/157/160
SHAPE: TRUE TWIN / ZERO CAMBER
PRICE: €459.95

Werni Stock saw me struggle with another board from Salomon’s range and recommend giving the Grip a go. How did he know I really like flat camber boards? This one features the “Pow Rockqualizer”, a fl at section with a solid rocker kick in both nose and tail. It holds a good grip even on icy patches, is playful, but not as loose as most of the boards from the reverse camber shelf. If you’ve seen Werni ride a park booter you know this board offers more control than you will ever need – but it doesn’t force it onto you. Hands down, if I had ridden this board earlier I might have begged the Salomon guys to give me one to keep for the season. – UK

DINOSAURS WILL DIE – GENOVESE 157

LENGTHS: 151/157
SHAPE: TRUE TWIN / REGULAR CAMBER
PRICE: €449

I did not get my regular board in time and had to borrow one for the Hintertux Opening. Eric from Good Question distribution seemed nice enough so I took the Sean Genovese pro model from Dinosaurs Will Die for a spin. I ended up riding this most of the day, as it has just about the right flex for me, not an old fart’s plank and not a butter machine. On top of this it had a superb pop (well, it’s technically a regular camber) but not too much bite on its edges. Though some of the tech specs were confusing to me (“fl at banks”?) I totally fell for its graphics. “Smile in your face, stab in the back!” That’s what it’s all about! – UK

JONES SNOWBOARDS – MOUNTAIN TWIN 157

LENGTHS: 155/158/160W/164W
SHAPE: TRUE TWIN / COMBINED CAMBER
PRICE: €449

I was pretty weirded out by the board’s odd shape with its squared off nose and tail but as soon as you hop aboard this is all forgotten as it’s a killer board to ride. I’d never have picked Jeremy ‘Freeride’ Jones as someone who’d design an epic twin, but he’s right on the money with this one. Whichever way you ride it it feels responsive and lively, and there was lots of pop with a skatey feel thanks to the combined ‘CamRock’ base profile. I even took it in heavy-ish pow and was happily getting face shots despite it being short for me. Light, not super aggressive and perfect for all mountain freestylers who’re after something different. – TC

1. Lib Tech

TRS C2BTX

148N/ 151N/ 154/ 157/ 159/ 162/ 167

Designed by the likes of Eric Jackson and Sammy Leubke, you know this will be primed to sink its Magne-Tractioned fangs into pow and park with equal bloodlust. With Lib’s ‘C2 Power Banana’ combined base profi le you can expect the funtimes of banana with the pop of camber with a twin shape meaning you can attack all terrain regular or switch with no worries. Fast, stable, poppy, stompy? If this is what you’re after have a gander at the TRS.

€N/A

www.lib-tech.com

2. Nitro

Team

152/155/157/159/162

When you see many Nitro team dudes killing it, chances are they’ll be on this. Built to be lightweight, highperformance and able to take freestyle to any terrain, but affordable at the same time, it’s the perfect choice for shreds wanting to rip it without maxing out the Visa. Directional twin shape means it’ll work stepping up switch in the park or stomping in to pow, the Powercore will launch you easily onto rails and the sidecut’s tuned perfectly to help spin off kickers and prevent hooked landings. There’s also a version using Nitro’s blended Gullwing camber, and a wide version too for 10 bob more.

€399.90

www.nitrosnbrds.com

3. Billabong

Wolle

Wolle Nyvelt is a guy who knows a thing or two about shredding. Countless killer parts with Absinthe, mag interviews and a TWS Rider of the Year award mean it’s unsurprising that he’s a dab hand at helping Billabong to create a kick ass pro model jacket. With Wolle’s fully taped 10k waterproof/breathable fabric you’ll be protected from the elements and he’s opted to add in 60/80g of poly insulation for those bitter days sat on the chair. With vents to cool you down, a bunch of pockets, a pow skirt and an eye-popping design all at a solid price, this is one dope package.

€279.00

www.billabong.com

4. Head

Fountain i. Wmns

138/144/147/150/153

With ‘intellifi bres’ that alter their stiffness according to how hard you ride, you’ll benefi t from an easy time when cruising but you know that when you push it the Fountain will cope with your more full-on attacks. The true twin shape means it’s perfect for girls looking to up their freestyle game, along with the poppy carbon stringers that not only mean you’ll launch off kickers and onto rails with ease, the board will feel super lively too. Finished off with an easy to maintain, speedy base, this is a killer option for progressive female freestylers.

€379.95

www.ridehead.com

5. DC

Hestra

If you’ve not seen Torstein’s sterling contender for movie part of the year, put the mag down and get yourself a copy of Standard’s The Storming. When you’ve seen it you’ll know the Hestra is what Torstein takes to the BC for his switch back 10s and double cork insanity. You wanna be like him, we get it, so just buy it. Ok, bit more guff… 15/15k keeps the crap out so you can concentrate on your style, 30g insulation keeps you toasty when you’re chillin’, and the jacket has a long waist to help you bag that Horgmo hang-dog steeze.

€279.00

www.snow.dcshoes.com

6. vans

Aura Wmns

The Aura made waves when it dropped last season and now it’s built on that solid foundation to make itself even more awesome for year 2. With its forgiving fl ex, lightweight construction and sneaker-like sole, it’s a good choice for women wanting that skate shoe look and feel when they take on the mountain. New for this year is the Double Boa lacing, allowing you to fi ne-tune your dialled in fi t, a new ankle harness to lock you in tight, and an articulating cuff for more flexible freedom than ever.

€259.00

www.vanssnow.com

7. völkl

Squad Prime

152/155/158/159W

A firm favourite of the Völkl crew, the Squad Prime comes packed with Triple Premium Carbon to have you sending it and the Horror Shock Absorber is Chuck Norris tough while adding stability. It’s all about high-end freestyle, this shred sword, so its twin tip shape and stiffer flex will have savvy riders owning the park and pipe, and it’ll also perform awesomely when taking it for a spin across the whole mountain. As if this wasn’t enough, you can choose between regular and reverse cambers depending on your taste.

€529.00

www.voelkl-snowboards.com

8. Nike 6.0

Proost Down

No matter what language you say ‘cheers’ in, the Proost jacket will keep you warm before the booze takes hold. It’s not just good for afterski sessions either, the fully taped 10/10 fabric covering the 75% down fi lling keeps the snow where it should be and there’s a bunch of other features
that make it perfect for frigid days on the hill. From the lined scuba hood, to the cuffs with Lycra gaiters, to the vents, pockets and snowskirt, everything’s designed for ease of use with gloves on – or when drunk – and being from Nike’s Considered line means you get all this highperformance with low environmental impact.

€250.00

www.nike6.com

9. Adidas

ID2

We showed you the new, slimmed down ‘Pure’ version of this bad boy a few months back, but for those who like it more fl arey here’s the regular ID2 gog. It features all the same revolutionary anti-fogging, über-comfy face fi tting of the ID2 Pure, but with a larger external frame so you can be frontin’ more steeze. These shown are inspired by the artwork of team rider Lukas Goller so get these looking after your face marbles ASAP.

€ from 169.00

www.adidas.com/eyewear

10. Artec

Figment

151/155/158/161

This blunted twin is all about merging art, technology and design to create the perfect technical freestyle package. Delivering a loose yet responsive ride thanks to the asymmetrical Omega sidecut (deeper on the heelside), mellow fl ex and lively regular camber you can be sure that tackling minishred jibs or pro line wedges will be equally awesome. Under the hood there’s Artec’s top-end UltraTec wood core with CarboTech Lite contruction to keep your ride light and poppy, and with the TriTec sidewalls and a hyper fast AlphaTec base if you’re after a top-end freestyler you should check out the Figment.

€499.95

www.artecsnowboards.com

11. Nikita

Bodysnatcher

Is it called so because you’ll look so smoking that randoms will want to have away with you? Could be, as it’s certainly eye-catching and you know the Nikita style will have you looking like a robofox, but forget hookups: you want to be getting ill on the hill. And the Bodysnatcher is sure keep you shred happy thanks to its 10/10k critically taped fabric with all the goodness you need to have a good day on the mountain – wicking liner, pit vents, removable pow skirt with zip-to-pant interface, Lycra gaiters and all the pockets you could want.

€269.00

www.nikitaclothing.com

12. Forum

Destroyer

148/152/154/154W/156/156W/158/158W

Skulls, they’re just rad ain’t they. And these ones on this here Destroyer even have holes in ‘em where some mental’s cracked them open with a hammer. But the gnarl goes deeper than the topsheet – heavy hitting park rats will be amped on the carbon-powered Booter Boosters which crank up the board’s pop, while the core’s tip and tail have been shaved down to save weight and improve spinability without sacrificing strength and durability. The Destroyer’s mid-flex is tuned to give you a forgiving ride but with enough power to step it up when you wanna send it, and the sintered base will have you hitting the sweet spots with no problems.

€449.00

www.forumsnowboards.com

13. Union

Force

After a binder that will take a licking, keep on ticking, and deliver the kind of performance the 100-day-a year-plus rider demands? Check out the Force. Coming with a lifetime warranty on the baseplate it’ll stand up to whatever abuse you throw its way, and speaking from experience we can tell you the straps are super comfy and lock you down like a limpet. There’s also enough response for hanging onto icy pipe walls, yet enough flex to get your Ingemar on. Check em.

€199.00

www.unionbindingcompany.com

14. Prior

Khyber

150/156/160/165/170

An ‘all-mountain freestyle board’ is all well and good, but if you’re solely setting your sights on chucking house-sized roosters, slashing through secret tree runs and riding lines, a pow-specifi c shred stick should be on your list. They don’t come much fi ner than Prior’s Khyber, with its reverse camber, tapered tail, generous sidecut and wide nose providing awesome fl oat and manoeuvrability on dump days. It’ll get the job done on harpack too so if you steer clear of the park check this surfy mother out. Also available in regular camber.

€475.00

www.priorsnowboards.com

15. Oxbow

Rene Wmns

We’ve heard that the ‘little black number’ is something all girls want to whip out every once in a while, and Oxbow’s Rene taps into this sweeping man-mind generalisation of ours but adds some bang in the process. Look closer and there’s a fi ne embroidery designs all over it to give it some pop, but it’s not all about subtle styling: it’s designed with a shred-friendly cut, there’s a removable hood and powder skirt, vents, Lycra cuffs and three inner pockets, plus the 10K fabric, taped seams and waterproof zips will keep you sealed in from the elements like a parrot with clipped wings.

€255.00

www.oxboworld.com

NIKI POPPED ONTO OUR RADAR AS A 15-YEAR-OLD GROMMET HANGING OUT AT THE WÄNGL TÄNGL AND PULLING FRONT 5S THAT INGEMAR WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD OF BEFORE MAKING BACK 9S LOOK THE EASIEST TRICK IN THE WORLD. LAST SEASON NIKI WAS ON THE FULL-ON FILMING TIP, AND LOCKED DOWN A PART IN THE STELLAR EURO GAP 3. CHECK IT OUT, AND UNTIL YOU CAN GET ONLINE HERE’S WHAT HE WORKS HIS MAGIC IN…

STATS:

DATE OF BIRTH: 15 May 1991

HOMETOWN: Espoo, Finland

HOME MOUNTAIN: Serena

STANCE: Regular

SPONSORS: Forum, Foursquare, Oakley, DVS, Active, WhiteMoment

Niki Korpela Backside 5, Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

BOARD: Forum Youngblood 152

When you’re able to bag anything from the Forum warehouse, why did you go for the Youngblood?

I’ve been shredding with that same model for many years now and it hasn’t let me down ever… so why change?

Do you ride one model and length no matter what, or do you mix it up?

I stick with the 152 and that only! I’m too lazy to switch boards when I can have one board that is perfect for everything.

What side of the regular/reverse camber fence are you on?

I’m more down with the regular camber. I just find it better for overall riding, and I think using reverse camber on rails is cheating, haha!

BOOTS: Forum Kicker

What model were you rocking last season? And what are you backing about them?

I rock the Kicker boots, they give me good ankle support while riding kickers and stuff but they are still soft enough to tweak the shit out of a frontside 3 stalefish! BOOOOM!

Do you like your boots super stiff, soft as hell or somewhere in between?

Somewhere in between. I hate super stiff boots because then I feel like I’m wearing ski boots. But they can’t be soft as hell either because then I would have had at least 19 surgeries on my ankles!

What kind of lacing do you prefer? Speedlace, normal laces or do you not give a fuck?

I love that Speedlace stuff… you don’t have to get frustrated while lacing boots for hours. Speedlaces are the lazy man’s number one choice! I love ‘em!

BINDINGS: Forum Shaka

What’s the most important feature in terms of bindings for you, and how do those ones fit your needs?

Just that they feel good and look cool. What more can I say?

Do you tweak your bindings at all before you ride them for the first time?

Nope, I just leave the highback on a 0°angle… and, well, of course I set my baseplates so they are 15°front and -9°back, hehe.

OUTERWEAR: Foursquare

What features are you most stoked with on the Foursquare outerwear you’re wearing?

That they are super comfy and water/wind proof! Do you prefer your outerwear to fit gangsta big, hipster tight or just middle of the road? Just middle of the road, like normal you know? Damn I look good!

GLOvES: Foursquare

Do you change gloves depending on conditions, or just one pair for everywhere?

One pair for everything. Maybe upgrade to the same model when they start to stink bad after wearing them for a few seasons in a row, hehe.

Anything special you like about your Foursquare gloves?

Well, they are mittens and they have kinda like pipe gloves inside of them so they are always warm but if it gets too hot I can just wear the inner gloves. Stooooked!

GOGGLES: Oakley Crowbar

Do you take a few lenses up on the hill and swap if conditions change?

I usually carry a few different lenses in my travel bag, and just before I go up to the hill I check how the weather is and go from there.

What do you specifically like about these Crowbar goggles?

The best thing about my lenses is that they are polarized, so they are mega über high quality. Also they look super sick and are comfy as f***! Oakley rocks!

EXTRAS

What other stuff do you always make sure is in your backpack when you head up to ride?

Chocolate bars and chocolate milk! Yummy! Not really though, I’m a professional athlete!

Our team of winter-hardened hacks took time out from the daily grind to work on the bases of the some 10/11 sticks: this is what they came back with…

K2 Darkstar 159

LeNGtHS: 149/152/154W/155/157/157W/159/160W/163W
SHaPe: ZERO CAMBER
PrICe: 399.95€

The first thing I noticed when I strapped this board on was its great broken-in feel. The next thing I realised was that this is the perfect tool for anyone going big, be it in the park or in the backcountry. It has an awesome pop, excellent stability, and benchmark edge control. I sent it over a natural jump into a powder fi eld and both the board and me loved it. Alas, I would not recommend it for impressing your mates with your jib skills, as it is a little stiff around the waist. But why would you want to? The Darkstar is for the chargers out there. For everyone else there’s the Parkstar. Man, these K2 guys got it dialled… – UK

Nidecker Legacy 158

LeNGtHS: 155/158/159XL/163XL/165XL
SHaPe: DIRECTIONAL CAMROCK
PrICe: 399.00€

If you’re a savvy shred head who needs a solid ride for hitting the pro line and rides aggressively, without wanting to go overboard on the price, this would be a decent board to look at. It felt pretty damned stiff right off the bat so not something you should look at if you want to have fun cruising, it’s built to be solid at speed and it ploughs through the crud and slush. Switch was Ok but I found it hard to go from edge to edge unless you were blasting it. Butters and minishred? No. Tanking it? Yes. – TC

IMPERIVM ELVIRA PHOENIX RC 149 PHOENIX RC 149

WOMeN’S aLL MOUNtaIN LeNGtHS 143/146 /149
SHaPe: TWIN TIP ROCKER
PrICe: 349.00€

Imperivm’s take on reverse camber boards for women is a really good ride, even for riders who are not that crazy about rocker boards like myself. The Elvira Phoenix provides a good all around freestyle feel; it is reactive but forgiving at the same time, comfortable on hardpack, smooth on trannies, does a very decent job in a few inches of freshies, and as with every Impervm board I’ve ridden, it’s base is as fast as hell! Also, it feels good to have a toy that is at the same time a sick piece of street art. – EMG