In today’s Summer Shred Guide, we check out what the Swiss resort of Saas Fee has to offer shralpers this summer. There’s two things you should know about Saas Fee: there’s a lot of Kalbermattens in town, and carjacking the electric police wagons is a BAD idea. That being said, it’s a damn fine spot to shred and watching the bits of the glacier break off with an Ollie Reed-sized hangover is something to tell the grandkids. Here it is…

Saas Fee

MPORA Action Sports >>

Set to open on 3 July, the park in Saas Fee is planned to be constantly adaptable to make the best use of the glacier’s terrain and the changing weather and snow conditions. Hangin’ tough in southwestern Switzerland it’s a couple of hours transfer from Geneva or Milan and getting from the town (no cars allowed in town) to the park is quick and easy on the gondola. For an adult day pass at 66 CHF, there’s always a wide selection of kickers, jibs and rails plus a pipe that can either be epic or a bit kinked depending on the sun, all set to a killer glacial backdrop. The skate park in town’s odd but fun too. Check out the video above of the Nike 6.0 crew there a couple of summers back for an idea of what’s on offer.

Links:

Saas Fee Park

www.saas-fee.ch

Photo: Matt Georges

This young buck from Kouvola, Finland rolled off the Scandi production line in 1986 and announced himself by bagging first in the rookie jam at the 2003 Malmi & Oksanen Invitational. Here’s the skinny on his riding rig. In the 104th issue we interviewed him.

Age: 22
Sponsors: Burton, Anon, Battery energy drink, Clast, KVL city
Stance: Regular/60cm/+15, -6

The Fix is pretty mellow in terms of graphics. How important is a board’s artwork for you?
For sure it’s important! I’m somehow a pretty visual person so bad colours or graphics really get on my nerves. Though the Fix is super mellow, it still works for my eye! Nice colours!

Apart from its looks, what are the Fix’s other characteristics that make you want to ride it?
Oh man, it’s a really fun board to ride. It’s pretty a soft, zero camber board so the flex is really good for riding park and jibbing.

How’s the funny base working?
You mean the scoop tip and tail? Dude, no more panic on sketchy takeoffs or landings. It also helps for buttering stuff in the jibworld. And that it is only in nose and tail helps you when going fast or taking on icy parks.

Do you ride a different board when you’re not in the park?
No, the Fix is good in pow as well so just grab a longer version if your heading to the backcountry. Zero camber construction helps with float! An icy pipe would probably be the biggest challenge for this soft shredweapon, so maybe think of another board if you’re a trannymaster!

How do you choose your stance? Stick ’em on as wide as it goes, or more scientific?
Hah! I’m pretty scientific, actually! I pretty much always have the same width and angles. And the nose should be about 1.5cm longer than the tail…

We see you’re using the EST system. How’s that working for you? Gimmick or goodness?
Goodness… cause there’s no limitations! You can get that 56.7cm stance if you want, and that setback you have always dreamed of!

What boots do you use?
Burton Ion. Because they are really light, and easy and fast to tighten.

Do you like your boots stiff or soft?
Pretty stiff, since I have loose ankles.

What outerwear are you wearing? And do you pick it because of any special features?
I ride Burton outerwear and I try to pick good and comfortable materials. I don’t like too heavy pants and jackets, so kind of the lighter and thinner the better. I think it’s easier to ride that way.

Do you wear technical base layers underneath your outerwear?
Yeah, I always have tech long johns and a long sleeve top. It really helps me stay warm and dry.

What goggles do you use? Anything particularly dope about ’em?
I use the Anon Figment. Simple, cool and good quality.

How important is safety for you? Do you wear impact protection or a helmet?
It’s important. Most of the time I use a helmet and once in a while some other impact protection depending on the thing I’m hitting. Gotta remember that I only have this one body!

Anything else you always take on the hill with you?
A big smile, you know why!

Sponsors: Bataleon Snowboards, O’Neill, Smith Optics, Celsius, Elm Company, Pull’in, Ridespirit (snow & skate shop in Paris), Nixon, Da Kine, Union Bindings.

Stance: Goofy foot with a 58cm wide stance, + 21 degrees on the front foot and –12 at the back.

First off, how did you get to be so hip?
It’s because I like to cruise around in Speedos and I do whatever I want with my hair [laughs]. It’s the influence of my forefathers, bro, oh yeah baby!

Which board did you chose to ride this season from the Bataleon range?
After practically testing the whole range, I didn’t need to think twice about opting for the Bataleon Evil Twin 155. For someone with a skinny ass build like mine (1.79m and 61kg) it’s ideal! This stick is a real peach, it has loads of pop, and it feels like it’s remote controlled when I’m on it! A toy that responds to everything I ask it to do. Plus the smiley graphic has a good positive vibe, just like me yeah! [ha, ha!] Basically, this board is the bees’ knees, I’m telling you! It goes super good in all sorts of terrain.

What do you most look for in a snowboard?
It has to be responsive, you should feel comfortable on it, and it should be easy to ride. I don’t want to ride a board that’s going to be hard work.

How important is the design graphic on your board to you?
When I was a wee whippersnapper, I used to just choose my boards by the graphics. I really didn’t give a damn about the technical specs! But now it’s a little different, plus you can’t really see anything anymore anyway with all the stickers you have to plaster on top – it’s all the same! However, I definitely like to have a base graphic that stands out. It makes a big difference in photos and video parts!

Do you ride a different board outside of the snow parks?
At the start I’d change board depending on the terrain I was riding: backcountry or park. But now I keep the same board wherever I go, whether I’m in the park, pow or other conditions. Occasionally, I do like to try out a board that’s a little more rigid for hitting kickers in the backcountry, in which case I’ll take the Bataleon Riot 155. Perfect for stomping tricks with in the powder so that the landing doesn’t look forced or hard work.

As far as your stance goes, do you just go with what feels comfortable or measure everything exactly?
I like to ride a wide stance, I find it’s more comfortable and looks better. That said, it depends on the day and how I’m feeling. I might tweak it from time to time but it’s very rare.

How long did it take you to get used to Bataleon’s Triple Base system?
It was easy, pretty much by the time I’d got to the bottom of my first run! At the start it does feel a bit weird to have a board that’s so much more responsive. But once you’ve tried it that’s it, you don’t want to ride anything else.

What about your boots? Which do you prefer out of the Boa or normal lace-up systems?
My favourite model is hands-down the Celsius Cirrus Double Boa and to tell the truth there’s no way I’d go back to riding a traditional lace-up boot. The Boa system is by far the fastest and most functional, but also the most effective too. I like the fact the system holds your ankles in really tight in the boot, it makes riding so much more responsive!

Do you prefer a softer or more rigid boot?
I’d say something in the middle. If my boots are too rigid then I feel like I’ve got ski boots on, and if they’re really soft then I feel like I might bust an ankle on every landing. As I was saying earlier, as long I have my Celsius on to hold my ankles in place then I’m all good!

What about your technical outerwear?
I’m into the whole of the O’Neill range – they have some real technical pieces with real functional materials. As far as colourways go, I’m aware that I have my own particular preferences, but I always find something in the range that I’m happy with. For the slacks, I’m more into the slim fit style these days. That’s right, slim is in at the moment and I love the rock n’ roll style! Otherwise for the jackets, I like them to be a little tapered at the waist and very long.

Do you wear technical first layers when you’re on the mountain?
All the time! In the winter months I won’t go up the mountain unless I have my first layer on. I catch cold super easily, which is kind of annoying for someone like me who spends most of his life in the snow. In fact, my mates often take the piss out of me for it! For example, if I take a heavy wipeout off a kicker in the backcountry (which tends to happen on a regular basis – scorpions are one of my specialities), then you can nearly be sure that I’ll decide to call it day, and that I’ll be a shivering mess for the rest of that day.

What goggles do you rock?
Generally, I’ll use two models from the Smith range. The Phenom is super comfortable, and there’s a new model, the I/O, which you can swap lenses in like 20 seconds which can be really practical!

What about gloves?
I mainly shred with either spring or summer gloves. O’Neill has some super lightweight, thin gloves. I don’t like to wear big bulky gloves or mittens.

Do your sponsors like to get you involved in developing their range?
I shared some of my ideas with the clothes designers at O’Neill to develop a new line, the Amph series. It’s pretty cool to work with them, because they listen to what you’ve got to say, and as a result I really like what they’ve done and what I get to wear. In fact, I’d like to work on a slightly more slim-fit outfit with them for next season, something a bit more rock n’ roll, yeah!

Do you ever wear a helmet of a back protection?
I’ll sometimes wear a back protection, depending on the spot I’m riding. Otherwise, I have a Smith Holt helmet that I’ll don for certain contests where it’s compulsory to wear one, which is becoming increasingly common.

What else to do take with you when you head out in the morning?
As soon as I head out-of-bounds, I always have my trusty Da Kine backpack with transceiver, shovel, probe, phone, iTouch, bottle of water, screw driver, spare pair of gloves and goggles (with various lenses for changing weather conditions). You can never be too prepared – or at least I prefer to be packing too much rather than too little.

Sponsors: Rossignol Snowboards, Nixon watches.
Stance: Regular; 15/-12; stance around 50cm.

The Retox features pretty crazy design by acid-pop artist Jeremyville. How important is a board’s artwork for you?
Since I started riding, I always have chosen my board by the design. As crazy as it can be, it has always worked out. So, yes, the design on a board is really important for me because if you have to live with it every day, you’d better like it. It’s the same as with a girlfriend: if she looks ugly but she rides well, it’s not working. The opposite doesn’t work for me either.

Apart from its looks, what are the Retox’s other characteristics that make you want to ride it?
It’s the first time Rossignol has done a board for jibbing and park riding, and it suits me very well for everything. The nose and the tail are also softer straight after the binding for riding rails but they keep the pop. I’m a really light rider so I need a softer board, so the Retox was perfect for me.

Do you ride a different board when you’re not in the park?
No, I keep the Retox for all kinds of conditions.

How do you choose your stance? Stick ’em on as wide as it goes, or more scientific?
Since I started snowboarding, I’ve been looking for the perfect stance and angles but I still haven’t found them. Right now it feels good so it’s perfect. But, yeah, I do it by feeling, but I can try many setups in a day to feel right, and once I’m feeling good, I keep it till the next board.

This year, Rossignol came up with a new development for their bindings – Extruded Hollow Technology. How’s it working for you on your Cobras? Do they feel more comfortable, more responsive, lighter etc?
I was used to riding really stiff bindings. I kept a model for more than 3 years. Now I can really feel the difference: they are much lighter and softer, thanks to the technology, but also really durable and comfortable, and the icing on the cake is that they look good too, you know.

You’re wearing the Comet with the new Boa Coiler lacing system. How are they working out?
They made really good boots this year thanks to DC who made them. And the Boa is the bomb! It’s a revolution for boots, I think. You adjust them so easy, every run if you want, and it only takes a moment. You’re too tight? In less then a second you feel good again. And now I think it even holds your foot better than laces, which get looser every run. So, no, I won’t return to laces, ever!

Do you like your boots stiff or soft?
It depends on the snow conditions. If the snow is soft, I like to have soft boots, and if it’s icy, I like them tight. It also depends on what we are going to ride: if we jib, I like to feel solid in my boots to flex the board, but not too much. If I’m jumping, I also like to have a direct feeling with my board, so I’m lacing really tight.

Do you sport your Rossignol Hologram outerwear because of any special features?
No, it was just the one I liked most in the whole collection and it fits really well to the mood of my board. It has these lost colours that reminds me of the hippies, and I’m pretty old school these days.

Do you wear technical base layers underneath your outerwear?
I always wear a thermal layer, top and bottom. I feel good having them all the time. It regulates my sweat.

What goggles do you use?
I wear Rossignol goggles. All I ask of them is to be able to see, and I can see well, so everything’s all right there!

And for your gloves? Why did you choose mittens?
It depends on the weather but if you mean my JC de Castelbajac mittens, you would understand if I tell you it’s haute couture by Rossignol, and I love wearing luxurious and expensive clothes. It’s the same for my pants.

How important is safety for you? Do you wear impact protection or a helmet?
Really important! Even if I’m not wearing any protection or helmet. But safety is also knowing the mountain, not freeriding alone, always carrying a transceiver and being able to use it. Those things are more important to me than wearing protection.

Anything else you always take on the hill with you? And why?
A photographer, a cameraman, my team manager, my girlfriend, my friends. No, kidding. Cigarettes, some drink and sometimes, if I’m alone, my iPod.

Peter Bauer

Age: 41
Hometown: Fischbachau, Germany
Sponsors: Amplid, Burton, Ortovox, Dakine, Smith

What was your chosen board back in the day? And did you change your board for different conditions?
In 1985 it was this Burton Cruiser Swallowtail that you can see on the picture. In the beginning, all boards had swallowtails. By the middle of the 80s, tail kicks for freestyle boards and flat tails for alpine boards were introduced. The Burton Air was my freestyle board and the Burton Express or Safari my alpine boards. At that time the pros took part in all disciplines: Terje Haakonsen, Shaun Palmer, Craig Kelly and their buddies all dressed in slalom race pants! And we all stood on the top of the pipe with Sorel boots waiting for the first drop in.

What was your stance?
For freestyle, it was 30° on the front and 0° on the back. For alpine, 45° front and 36° back. I was never one of the ‘super steep riders’ like Andre Mascewski or Eric Rey.

What was so special about Burton at that time?
To be part of this company was just amazing. Suddenly you were in a team with Mark Heingartner, Ricky Fruhmann and Andy Coghlan, all the guys you have only known about from US movies like Winter Waves. And Jake was taking part in all photo shoots and trips back then – it was just so much fun. Later, Craig, Mike Jacoby and Terje joined.

Which bindings were you rocking? Can you describe them a little?
For the race boards I had plate bindings and on my freestyle boards I rode Burton Fastex Clips bindings. They were completely screwed into the board, which means that you could actually see the inserts coming out on the base. The worst thing was when the bindings got broke off and you still had them strapped to your foot but not to the board anymore. That happened about once a month.

Were your boots soft or stiff?
The first boots were really painful and not waterproof at all. We all had those Sorel boots – Canadian lumberjack leather boots with a solid rubber sole. But thanks to ski liners and duct tape outside we could ride in them.

What pants and jacket did you wear?
The outerwear I’m wearing in this picture is from 1989 or 1990. Burton gave these slalom pants with protection inlays to their team riders. I don’t even know which brand they are! A tailor added the all-over print patches so the pants matched the jacket. The jacket is from Chiemsee and the all-over print was super trendy – of course it wasn’t functional at all! The funny thing is that you see tight pants and all-over prints everywhere again these days!

Did you layer up with technical base layers or just wear a hoody?
Technical layers? The most technical layers you could get were underpants from the army and a cotton t-shirt with a Burton print.

Did you wear any protection back then?
Of course – knee protectors for the slalom races and slalom gloves that went up to the elbow!

What one thing did you always take with you when going up on the mountain?
A Walkman was really cool (for all 15-year-olds: this was a tape-compatible iPod!). But to ride without the fin on the boards was the real deal!

And this is what he looks like now… A lot better. eh?

What is your chosen all-round board?
For all-mountain conditions, I ride the Paradigma UNW8 163, which is one of the lightest boards in the industry. The 159 only weighs 2500 grams and spins like a carousel. Additionally it is a directional board, which offers great all-mountain attributes – a bit more nose than tail makes it love powder as much you do. If I would have to spend the rest of my life with only one board, I would choose the UNW8 163. It is the perfect sled!
Another all-mountain favourite is the Falconoid with its true twin shape. It has a bit more pop in the tail than in the nose as we moved the maximum core thickness back by about 5cm. It was designed for our team rider Stefan Falkeis who mainly rides pipe and bigger kickers. But it is also a good all-mountain choice which makes it one of my favourites after the Paradigma.

Do you usually change your board for different conditions?
Yes, for powder days I take the Equity 166 which is a pure big mountain board and also available in 174. Thanks to its elliptic scoop line and 10mm tapered shape (pin tail!) the board always floats on the surface, no matter if you just started or if you bomb a landing. Floatation, that’s what riding powder is all about.

Do you test your own boards?
Yes, of course. The nearest resort is only 10 minutes from my house and in winter I go riding with friends every day from 8 to 10am before the office work starts. For the big mountain boards, we fly to Atlin, BC as the North American powder is a bit different to ours.

What’s so special about Amplid?
We are a very small company but do everything by ourselves. We don’t just go to a factory, use their moulds and put our graphics on the boards: we have developed our own technologies and have our own moulds. We can also react very quickly to developments in the market. If I’m deciding to build a new prototype today, I will be able to ride it on snow within a week.

Which bindings are you rocking? Can you describe them a little?
This year we developed completely new bindings. I’m riding the Electum, which gives me the possibility to adjust the flex of the highback depending on the terrain and the condition of the snow: in the backcountry I like it softer, on an icy slope stiffer. With the Electum you can also rotate the highbacks, and the heel air pillow makes landings more comfortable for my old bones.

Do you prefer traditional toe straps or cap straps?
Our straps have an FOC (Freedom Of Choice) construction, which means that thanks to the inner O-Wire-Frame you can wear them like you want. I only use them as cap straps, though, as you can strap in faster and the feeling on the backside is better.

Are your boots soft or stiff? And do you crank your laces or ride with them loose?
I like them softer, but cranked up like hell.

What pants and jacket are you wearing?
I wear Burton AK as I like Gore-Tex and minimalism – I don’t need anything more. I’m riding a lot in high mountains like Atlin, BC, or AK and there the stuff has to work.

Do you layer up with technical base layers or just wear a hoody?
I wear Ortovox underwear made out of merino wool. It keeps you warm and doesn’t make you smell, which is especially important when you are hiking a lot.

Do you wear any protection when riding?
My backpack has got an integrated back protector. If there are many rocks, I ride with a helmet too.

What one thing do you always take with you when going up on the mountain?
A mobile phone (but switched off and only in case of emergency), a beacon (Ortovox S1), shovel and probe, a small first aid package and chocolate with nuts.

What was the best innovation in snowboarding?
Highbacks and steel edges changed the sport a lot. For those who sometimes like to ignore history, yes, there was a world before highbacks and steel edges!

Age: 24
Sponsors: Bataleon, Nomis, Celsius, IS, Union, Coal, Defcon, Skullcandy, Pull In, Audience 33, Serre-Chevalier, Krakatoa shop.

What board do you use?
For the park and kickers I ride the Evil Twin 155. Otherwise the FunKink 153 for handrails, and the Undisputed for powder.

Why those boards in particular out of the whole Bataleon range?
The Evil Twin with the smiley face graphic because it has a twin shape with solid pop in the tail. It’s freestyle shredding machine!

Do you test all the models every year or just go for the same type of board?
I try to test all the different models to see how they change from one year to the next, but generally I know exactly what I’ll need in advance.

For technical snow wear, what do you like to rock?
For technical wear, the most important thing is for outerwear to be warm and breathable, as well as practical to use. That said, I do have a weakness for extra baggy, bling bling threads.

What bindings do you use? Do you prefer flexible or stiff ones?
I ride for Union, the best bindings ever! They’re so comfy! There are two different models I like: the Force which are nice and stiff, and then the Contact, which are a lot more flexible but ideal for jibbing.

What about boots?
The Celsius Cirrus, and also the Climate. They use the Boa and double Boa lacing systems for extra support and speed-lacing. I love ‘em ‘cause they’re super comfortable from day one – you don’t have to break them in at all.

And what do you rock for goggles?
IS eyewear, I like both the Signature and Slick Series. The quality of the lenses is epic and they have awesome wide wrap-around frames, as well as spherical mirror lenses.

Any other accessories?
Pull In undies to seduce the old missus! Coal beanies and Defcon gloves.

A big metal “aaaahhh” goes out to this month’s subject of Rig, Mr Eirik Haugo. The 24-year-old ripper from Voss, in Norway, has been riding for 12 years thanks to the influence of his brothers and a misspent youth on a skate. Although not placed highly in the TTR rankings, Haugo proves his rip-worthiness in both print and film – check out his part in this season’s Pirates movie, Walk The Plank.
Photo: Scalp

Your sponsors?
O’Neill, Santa Cruz, Vans, Smith, Session Boardshop

What is your chosen all-round board? And can you describe it?
The Santa Cruz Fusion 157 is pretty much the only board I ride: it turns really well, has a good pop to it and works for everything. I take the 154 for jibs and small stuff.

Do you usually change your board for different conditions and if so what is your park board and pow machine?
I just change the stance a bit for powder, setting the binding back a few centimetres.

What is your stance?
+15 front, –9 back, not sure about the width.

What is rad about riding for Santa Cruz?
They are sick boards and cool people and they also have skate and surfboards!

Which bindings are you rocking? Can you describe them a little?
I ride the Guerilla division bindings. They are really comfortable bindings, with no pressure points and just the right flex.

And do you ride with your front strap on your toes bridging your foot? How do you find this helps your riding?
I ride the toe strap the old school way.

What are your chosen boots?
Vans BFB

Are your boots stiff or soft? And do you crank up your laces or ride with them loose?
They are a happy medium but I like to tighten the laces pretty hard.

What pants and jacket are you sporting? And are there any special features in them that particularly turn you on?
The freedom Mondriaam jacket and the Explore Scientific pant are working out for me as they are really comfortable pieces of clothing, and of course anything out of the H4 series is pretty amazing.

Do you layer up with technical base layers and all that jazz or just wear a hoody and not give a damn that cotton stays wet?
I like to stay dry when I’m shooting and filming. The O’Neill first layers helps me out with that.

Do you wear protection – like helmet and or pads when snowboarding?
I wear a back protector, and a knee warmer thing for my operated knee.

What one thing do you never forget to pack in your day pack if you are going shooting?
Extra everything.

Sponsors?
Rip Curl, Dragon, 32, Etnies, Sprite, Vestal, PullIn, ELM, NDK, Psykopit, www.lesterproduction.com

You ride the Smoke, right? Why did you pick that specific board from the NDK range, and how does it fit to your style of riding?
Yes, I ride the Smoke. To be honest at the beginning I took it because I liked the design. I know this board, hopefully: I have ridden it for a long time. It’s a good board to ride powder, it’s stiff enough but not too stiff. I can ride it on everything besides rails. The flex helps me to land in parks and powder.

Do you use that for everything, or do you like get on a swallow tail for powder and a tray for jibbing?
As I told you, I use another board to ride rails: I ride the NDK Advanced. It’s softer, therefore easier for rails: it’s more like a skateboard. I use the 152cm. I want to try to ride powder with a swallow one day, it would be so funny.

What about your bindings? Which ones do you use and are you fussy about flex and cushioning or do you just take whatever’s there in the warehouse?
I ride the NDK Addicts. Those are the best for me in the warehouse, ha ha! I’m fussy, I spend a lot of time tuning them. Now I know what I have to do, I’m faster.

Forward lean or not?
Not at all. I put it totally to the back. I prefer to feel my legs straight.

How wide is your stance, and how do you choose it? Just whack them on or measure to precision?
I know that I ride with +12/–9 angles. I’ve had the same stance for a long time ago so I know exactly where I have to put my bindings. But since you’ve asked me, I’m going to check on my board right now… so, my stance is about 58cm. Thanks! Now I know, I’ve got to remember it!

Are those the 32 Ultralights you are wearing? We’re sure we’ve had heavier skate shoes. Apart from weighing nothing, what else about them do you like?
I prefer soft boots. I like the 32 Ultralight because it’s got a rather soft flex laterally and forwards, but not on the back. It’s just soft how I like, but as you said, the best thing is the crazy weight.

Do you crank your boots super tight or do you have them a bit more easy style?
I’m more easy style. Like I said, I like soft boots. It’s easier for some tricks. But I crank them more tightly when I ride some big kickers.

Rip Curl’s outerwear is looking pretty strong now. What kind of features do you like about your jacket and pants?
First of all, I like the Rip Curl stuff because the cut is really good. It’s not too baggy and I also don’t need to wear some XXL to feel good in. Also, there are just pockets that I need for my goggles, my gloves, etc. I don’t like stuff that is too complicated. But for me the best feature is that this stuff is very light and warm too. That’s my priority.

How well do they keep the wetness out?
Very well. A piece of evidence is that I don’t use a first layer.

Do you ever go for a down jacket on cold days or when you’re feeling gangsta, or is it layering all the way?
It’s true that a puffy one is pleasant when it’s cold but riding with it is often awkward.

Do you have any input in the design?
I just send them some feedback about my feelings and stuff. I used to go to the sales meeting twice a year to speak with designers. They’re listening to me.

What’s good about your Dragons? How is the field of view and the fit of the ones you use?
The Dragon DX isn’t too big, just big enough to have a good field of view. I like this model because it’s not got too many things on. It’s just a white frame with a gold logo. I don’t need more to have anything more fancy.

We’ve had punk, tweed, plaid, camo, neon… what do you tip to be the next fashion trend in snowboarding?
Fluro is back this year. For the future, I don’t know if I hope it, but I think disco style (like Saturday Night Fever with Travolta) will come soon. I mean we have some tight pants already, the future could be some flares and afro cut hair. If you’ve seen the movie Detroit Rock City, disco and rockers hate each other, so we can imagine a war between snowboarders in the future, ha ha!

Romain de Marchi is simply one of the finest freestyle snowboarders to date, and one who mixes balls-out booter riding with techness, style and solid stompage. Enjoy as Romain talks you through his setup.

Sponsors?
Burton, Gravis, Anon, Nixon, QWST, Fiat freestyle team, Pulp68 family

If you had space for only one board to take on a trip, which would it be?
My un..inc 156 the best board I’ve ever ridden! [Developed from the ground up by Gigi, Solberg, Danny Davis and Romain, the un..inc is an all-terrain freestyle ripper that’s equipped with an Infinite Channel, improved responsiveness, Wu tip and tail kicks and a bunch of cuddly animals]

What input did you have on the un..inc series?
Well, we oversee everything from the development of the board, to the graphics and colours, so basically un..inc is reflecting us.

And were the graphics your brainchild?
We all work together putting ideas on the table and we come up with a graphic or a concept that we all like.

Do you usually change your board length for different conditions, and if so, what is your park board and pow machine?
Still in the un..inc rage for sure for both of those riding styles. I just change the length for powder: I like to ride a 158 for that.

What is your stance?
About 56cm, +18 on the front and –5 at the back.

What is so rad about riding for Burton?
Well, we ride on the best boards ever built; we always have the right to say what we like and dislike; we are part of the brand; we are driving the influence in the company; we can test the new technology before anybody out there. Those are a few of why things are so good at Burton.

Which bindings do you rock?
I rock the Burton C60 I think. I’m not sure… [The last word on precision performance, the C60 blends carbon fibre with nylon for the ultimate in lightweight response]

What is so good about cap-straps?
Well, I didn’t like them at first but I figured out that it did lock my foot in the binding better so now I use them all the time.

Are your chosen boots stiff or soft? And do you crank up your laces or ride with them loose?
I like my boots to be pretty stiff, so I go for a mid-stiffness boot like Burton’s Sabbath, and crank my laces so I can have the stiffness I want. [The Sabbath boasts heaps of cushioning, a laid-back flex and mad design features making it ideal for the likes of Romain, Gigi, Heikki and their bros]

What pants and jacket are you sporting? And are there any special features in them that particularly turn you on?
I ride for the Ronin line in the Burton outerwear collection. I really like all the pieces in Ronin because it’s tech and really advanced in the shape of the clothes.

Do you layer up with technical base layers and all that jazz or just wear a hoodie and not give a damn that cotton stays wet?
I wear a base layer. I have my pro model one at Burton so I’m happy about that. It’s pretty cool, we repaint my tattoos on my left arm and right leg.

Do you wear protection such as helmet or pads when snowboarding?
No, but I’m thinking about maybe riding with back protection now that I have a little baby girl.

How many pairs of goggle lenses do you go through in a season? And what are your frames of choice?
I ride on the Anon RDM pro model for my goggle. I think I use about 100 lenses a season, maybe.

What one thing do you really hate as far as clothing or steeze goes for snowboarders?
I don’t really hate, but I will say I don’t understand because I have a different approach to snowboarding culture and I’m from an older generation than the ones now that wear tight pants and only ride street. But I respect what they are doing!

Sponsors?
Bataleon, Loaded snowboardshop, Vans, Arcus, Oakley, Relentless, Easyleaf, Grandvalira, Ignite.

Years riding?
The first time I ever stepped on a snowboard was 9 years ago, but 6 years ago was when I thought “Damn, this shit’s ace!” and got into it full on.

Height and weight?
175cm more or less and about 75kg.

Goofy or Regular?
Regular.

What is your stance width?
To be honest I have no idea. I have to be centered on my board and then it’s all about feelin’ it to get it right.

Describe your style of riding?
Doggy style.

Angle of bindings front and back?
+ and –12 or 15 depending on my moods.

What is the board that you use in all riding conditions?
Bataleon Evil Twin 59.

Please describe the board and its performance?
Dude, that board’s just badass! Take my word for it, it’s epic. I’m also loving the FunKink as well – that board is dope-shred believe!

How many boards do you trash in a season?
With my last sponsor I used to go through about 7 boards a season. Believe it or not, I have never snapped a Bataleon board. I’ve dented the edges beyond anything you can ride and put rocks through the base and dented up the top-sheet but never snapped one on a landing.

What bindings do you use?
At the moment I’m trying out some Tech9 MFM pro bindings and I must say “I like”. They’re super light, simple, secure, fully adjustable and reliable. What more do you want in a binding?

Do you ride with forward lean or just take ’em out the box and bang them on the board?
Yeah, I never ride with forward lean but I do spend a lot of time adjusting my binding to my boot.

What do you prefer, cap straps or regular toe straps, and why?
Well really I don’t mind. I always wear my toe strap over the front of my toes like a cap strap but as long as I’ve got the support on that spot, I’m all good.

What are your chosen boots?
Vans BFBs or the Hi-Fax is a sick boot too.

Can you describe their performance and qualities?
They are comfy boots that respond well. I dunno, dude, I just know that I’m quite picky about my boots but those two models really work for me. I tried loads of different boots before I found Vans.

What outwear do you pick from your sponsor?
It’s just usually what I get. I don’t get to go through a catalog or anything.

Do you layer up with tech undergarments, fleece and jacket or just wear whatever comes to hand as you leave home?
It’s usually just a t-shirt and jacket, sometimes a hoody as well if I know it’s gonna be baltic.

What is your choice, fingers or mitts?
Fingers. Never tried mitts really.

What goggle model is your favourite and why?
The O Crowbar because it’s a real comfortable goggle and the peripheral vision is the best on the market.

Do you bother changing lenses or just ride ’em until the scratches resemble a New York street map?
I travel with 2 lenses, one for sun, one for snow, easy!

Finally, backpack or not?
Sometimes. Not if I’m just going for a cruise but if it’s a kicker mission in da backcountry you gotta have one.

And what essentials do you never forget when going out for a winter shred?
My fake bling.