It is a little tricky to follow Iikka Backstrom and Devun Walsh’s web show Polar Opposites. They are not traditionally broken up into neat little episodes, they are instead sometimes more like a teaser, sometimes a slideshow, and this time a we’re-drinking-in-France special. Still, there is at least some riding in it, and really, why wouldn’t you want to watch Donnie and Hank getting wasted!?

Oh, and as a search engine optimisation piece of information: It has Torstein Horgmo in it, too.

You might have already checked out our filmer Will Nangle’s edit of the DC International team shredding Les Houches, and now we’ve stumbled upon an equally rad cut by Lauri Heiskari of his experience there. Watch out for the hammers on the big down-flat-down at the end. Man-sized.

Lauri’s blog is pretty sweet and features a bunch of fun stuff from his life on the road being awesome at snowboarding. Waffle, shredding he shoots on his phone and more that you should check out. Lauri He’s Scary. Geddit?

DC sponsor this sick Area 43 park in the shadow of Mont Blanc (seriously, it’s gotta have one of the best backdrops of any park on the planet) and as a way of thanking the team for another killer season of shredding they invited them over to Les Houches for a week of mellow funtimes and slushy park shredding with a bunch of regional shreds, industry and media. You can check out our boy Youri’s report on the bro down, along with some shots, but right here right now it’s all about the video. Check it out…

Devun Walsh & Iikka Backstrom chill and enjoy the Torstein Horgmo double show.

DC shipped in their A-List pro team to shred down in the spring conditions blessing the DC Area 43 in Les Houches last week. Check out what went down, and stay tuned for the video edit – dropping soon!

As a way to celebrate the winding-down of a season in which most of their top riders had enjoyed one of the best pow-filled in the celebrated spot of Whistler, DC decided to organize a massive spring-time gathering in a slushy Les Houches, near Chamonix, on the Area 43 DC park.

It was spring-like indeed, but despite the conditions, DC house daddy Jesus and his crew of shapers managed to pull together a pretty fun set up consisting of a massive jib box, a hip and double table with a mini ramp in it – yes the DC skaters were here too – plus an air bag, and a pretty gnarly jib zone in the woods.

Sondre Tiller puts the front 5 melon down.

120 people – DC staff, distributors, shops and media – were put in a hotel up the mountain right under the European rooftop of Mont Blanc, and were shuttled in late at night by snow cat with all the gear for 3 days of park shredding, night riding, tanning, music and even poker.

Rumors at the X Games in Tignes a few days before were saying la crème de la crème of the DC dream team would show up. And guess what? They were all true. Nevertheless, priority was given to Torstein Horgmo for his one and only day on the Area 43 park to ride the hip-transfomed-to-table feature, while skaters Jeremy Gymblat and Julien Bechet were dancing to the beat of the riders to score double action in the minramp. Flawless BS7s were on the menu for Horgmo, before the now classic – but still impressive and oh-so fluid – double cork 10.

Synchronised shredding. Torstein and skater bud.

But Torstein was not alone. The rest of the Scandi troops like Sondre Tiller and Iikka Backström were also sessionning all day… and were still motivated when it came time to party in the basement of The Shining-esque Apas Hotel on Col de Voza. Torstein definitely bagged the prize for the Most Efficient Rider, as he bent the park to his will, partied late, took a flight to the US the next morning. And posted a video of him shredding in Tahoe two days after!

Lauri Heiskari was then up with the crew for the rest of the Shred Days. Actually, we’ve seen so many riders in those few days that I’m pretty sure we’ll forget some… Torstein of course, but also Devun Walsh, Iikka Backström, Lauri Heskari, Aaron Biittner, Mathieu Schaer, Florent Marot, Dimitri Biau, Petr ‘Gold’Orak, Philip Strauss, Clemens S, Sondre Tiller… Boom. It was a pretty all-time crew, and then you had the skaters, the locals and more. There was certainly a lot of talent on the spot…

Back 7 from Mats Schaer.

The night session was also pretty epic, until someone (not a rider, someone) made a stupid bet and nearly exploded, landing on his neck. Fortunately enough, he was not badly hurt and the session could go on with the big sound of DJ ‘Malik’.

The last day was all about bagging content and other ‘concept pictures’, that you’ll probably see throughout next season’s issues. Sorry, can’t say more hehe… And we couldn’t really end up a stay in the Chamonix Valley without a few drinks at the infamous Soulfood Bar, where photographer Fred ‘Stelo’ Egli impressed everyone with his dancing (and other) skills, putting us all to shame…

You can't beat the good old backside 180.

All in all there was nice park despite the warm conditions, heaps of riders on the hand to session the array of features, and their total availability for the media – this is what made the Shred Days so special. See you for the next one, Philip Strauss and I need a revenge on Aaron, and Big Daddy Jesus needs to show again the real potential of his team creating some dope shred obstacles. Other reasons? Yes, too many to count. I’m sure you’ll find some more when you see our filmer’s video edit, dropping soon…

-Youri Barneoud.

Strauss, Devun and Biittner take on Onboard's Youri.

ASK THE EXPERT

HANS ÅHLUND

To coincide with our motorized jib article on page 104, we’ve asked a tow-in and winch expert to tell us more about the technique that’s rapidly become the new urban jib phenomenon. here’s hans Åhlund’s two cents on the matter…

First of all, why do you use a winch for riding?

I’ve used a winch quite a lot, especially last winter because I’m pretty good at seeing spots and their potential. With a winch, you can fi nd spots everywhere, spots that I’ve been claiming and seeing before but that were not doable. The first time I saw a winch was at the Zimtstern Leaves shoot and I didn’t understand the potential it had. Then we used it on the Pirate flick Jolly Roger last year, and then I understood and saw what it was capable of. I fell in love!

how did you start with equipment?

At the beginning of last year I bought one together with the Pirates and my local homeboys and I used it a lot last year. If you’ve seen my part you know what I mean. It’s for spots that need lots of speed. If you just want to hit rails you might as well just use friends to pull you, a drop-in ramp, or a bungee – there’s no need for a winch for most rails –but on a lot of my spots we maxed out the winch, which is claimed to go 70kph but I think it’s more like 55kph maybe. Bottom line, I will use the winch and probably the Bungee mostly this winter, so if you got the money buy both.

Is it not an added danger to hit rails?

Well, shit happens for sure: in Italy, Simu broke his hand because he didn’t brake the accelerating handle, and it hit his hand. So watch out – it’s not a toy. Remember to brake the winch directly after the rider’s let go of the handle, and make sure the bungee is correctly secured to whatever you attach it to, and also try not to have the bungee snap! But, you know, ramps might look safer until you fall off one plus you can never reach the same speed or it has to be one hell of a ramp!

What is your winch equipment?

It’s that Grinch one, that’s the one I’ve seen most of.

- What do you want to look at when purchasing a winch?

Price, top speed, and if it’s built to last. I paid 2000 euros for mine second hand.

Is there different approach techniques for different tows?

Whatever you choose to ride it’s always a hassle to find the good speed and where to put the ramp/bungee/winch to get the right speed and set up. It’s good to keep that in mind before you start building the spot.

What features does a spot have to have to be good for winch?

It has to be spot that needs a lot of speed to work, otherwise there’s no use for the winch. Then it’s just go for it and max out the speed.

Is everything possible to hit now?

As long as you have a good in-run or a good plan for it, kind of yes. It’s only your mind and imagination that set stop for what could be hit.

DESIGN YOUR UNLIKELY FEATURES WITH ANALOG

Analog launched a global design contest a few months back, giving snowboarders the opportunity to conceptualise their dream jib obstacle. It’s a unique chance to have your very own snow feature constructed. Draw it by hand, create it on your computer, sketch on a napkin… use whatever method you want, but be creative! Here’s what Analog’s Greg Poissonnier had to say for your guidance: “Here is one of the most noticeable entries Analog received so far, the rail to wall feature. As you can see creativity is there, but there’s probably room for improvement, so if you have the killer idea, get your pen out or computer on!” And remember, as Greg says, “The feature must be creative, offer many riding options, easy to build and to move.” Reckon you can do better than that? Then grab your pen or laptop and freakin get on it! If you win, not only you will have your dream creation built, but Analog will bring you out for the weekend to the Design Unlikely Features Contest on March 19th, 2011 in Avoriaz, where you can participate in the first ever contest on your winning feature. No pressure, competing is optional.

In addition, the winner will receive:
1st Prize
• 2 round Trip Tickets to/from Avoriaz 1800 resort
• 2 nights lodging at Avoriaz 1800 resort
• Custom built snow feature at Avoriaz 1800 resort
• Contest centered around your creation
• Analog outerwear kit (gloves, Jacket, Pants)
• Analog Clothing Package (including: Jeans, beanie, t-shirt, fl annel, fl eece, backpack, and belt)
You’ve only got until January 15th to enter, so be fast!

Send your sketches to:
designunlikelyfeatures@analogclothing.com (mention europe in subject box)
snail Mail:
Analog
Design unlikely Features Contest
z.a de Pedebert
180 av. des menuisiers
40150 soorts-hossegor
France
You can also upload your submission on the Analog website.

Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

HIGH FIVE

GJERMUND BRÅTEN

He might have an unpronounceable name but you’d better fi gure out how to say it [Ok, it’s Yer-mund Braw-ten] because this young Norwegian ripper has been holding down the top spot on the TTR rankings for the fi rst part of the season. A good enough reason for us to dial him into a High 5.

We’ve followed you since you won the Rookie Fest two years ago. Now you’ve been TTR #1 for quite a while, how do you explain such a rapid progression in the world establishment?

A lot of hard work, helpful people and great sponsors!

Are you gonna focus all your season on the TTR to defend your points, or still go out in the backcountry to shoot?

My main goals are to win or place top 3 in the TTR, ride the US X-Games and fi lm for Standard.

What are the essential tricks you have to have in your bag if you wanna hold it down in the top ten these days?

10s for sure, and good rails skills.

Which upcoming contests are you the most confident for?

Air&Style China will be fun, looking forward to that one, and then the O’Neill Evolution and BEO.

What will you do if you win the TTR at the end of the season?

I’ll buy a Rolex, and go to Bali with the 6.0 team!

Reporter of the Month – Enzo Nilo

Here’s the fine reportage that made young French ripper Enzo Nilo about the beginning of his winter season. seems pretty hectic…

It all started with the strikes in October/November, when my school was closed. I then went to Grenoble for the French snowboard awards, where I had to get my best suit on since I was nominated in the category ‘Rookie of the Year’. Good thing I did that because I ended up winning the trophy and represent my A Branler Crew on stage, with the help of the usual losers Victor Delerue and Victor Daviet, Daviet, who disintegrated my boxers.
Thomas Delfino and Bruno Rivoire were on fire on the dancefloor and literally killed it. After this hard piece of work done, I went on the road to Saas Fee where plenty of pros were training, and where all the French team was hanging: Mat Crepel, Arthur Longo, Aluan Ricciardi, Max Tevelle and the rest of the crew. I only rode one day because of the shitty weather, but it was nice to dial again some basic tricks and get the legs ready. Plus I learned switch backflips!

Then I was back in Les 2 Alpes for the Rock On Snowboard Tour, where we planned to shoot a ‘Day in the Life’ podcast for Vans… But once again the weather was against us. Bastard. Nevertheless the park was good and I could get confi dent with my 5s and 7s. I spent the last evening with the Harakiri crew for the premiere of their video. After another hard weekend, it was time to go back to Saas Fee for a Euro Cup contest. Hard return in the icy pipe but I manage to ride at my level enough to qualify for the finals, where I end up in 7th place – which qualifi es me for the World Cup events. I want here to big up the brilliant performance of my partner Maxence Tevelle, aka ‘the only man brave enough to put his face down the icy pipe twice’. But more fear that pain for him. Hectic did you say? Hope it continues like that!

MOVERS & SHAKERS

It’s all go at APO right now. Regis Rolland’s baby has been boosted with the arrival of 24-year-old Brit ripper based out of Andorra, Tyler Chorlton, who you’ll no doubt know from his sick parts in the Pirates movies the last few years. “So stoked to be in the APO family,” said Tyler, pumped on his new BC 160 fl at cut board and Dual entry system bindings. “It’s an honor to hang out with the legendary Regis and to be part of the root of European snowboarding!” 23-year-old René Schnöller from Sölden has also jumped aboard the APO happy bus.

Rene Schnoller

Our senior photographer Matt Georges was recently honoured by having some of his shots printed on a very special and limited Rip Curl collection, as part of their eco-friendly program. Matt is already the sixth AOTS (Artist of The Search) so we give him the fi st of nuff respect for that. This collection, including two hoodies, one t-shirt and boxer shorts (on top of being awesome obviously) is a genuine way of reconciling the environmentally friendly and the artistic, of improving awareness among ‘Searchers’ and offering consumers a range of highly distinctive 100% organic cotton t-shirts. Find those products online at myripcurlshop.com

Thomas Gerin

Anne-Flore Marxer is now hot-stepping with Etnies and ThirtyTwo, and joins Danny Larsen, Markus Malin, Ville Paumola, Steve Gruber, and Kareem El Rafi e on the team roster. “My boots are made for shredding and that’s just what we’ll do!” was what AFM had to say, and she did just that: as soon as she’d picked up her Best French Female Rider award, Anne-Flore started her season early with a long preparation in Sass Fee. In addition to etnies and thirtytwo Europe, Anne-Flore’s sponsors include Billabong, Oakley, Swatch, Neff, Bluebird, Dakine and Les Ettes. Sticking with Etnies and ThirtyTwo, they’ve also signed Flo Achenrainer, for boots, footwear and outerwear.

Tyler Chorlton

How about that? Slap bang in the middle of the season, Forum comes up with another all-new board release: The Contract LTD, a Limited Edition urban board that puts the “&” in “Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll”. With the same urban-specific tech and construction as The Contract, this 154 features an additional photo from famed NYC photographer Allan Tannenbaum. Now it gets interesting: just like the regular series, every person who buys this board is eligible to go online and sign up to be on “The Contract Team.” Once on the team and listed on the Forum website, riders can send in their best urban shots on The Contract for a chance to score photo incentives if the shot is run. Go to www.forumsnowboards.com for more info.

Matt George's Rip Curl

With the arrival of David Livet as team manager for Oxbow it was just a question of time before some fresh news arrived on the team. And here it is: there are four new arrivals – Marion Gouwy, Sophie Rodriguez, Thomas Gérin (all from France), and Adán Baserba from Spain.

Marion Gouwy, Sophie Rodriguez

Airhole facemasks have fi nally arrived in France and some other countries in Europe that they’d not made it to before. The Canadian brand, created by Wildcats Kale Stephens and Chris Brown, is hitting hard on the team front with a monster roster, with the likes of the Jackson & Helgason brothers, Niemela, Backstrom, Heiskari, Geeves, Rencz, Stephens, Brown…. Morgan Le Faucheur, Max Delayen and Alicia Bonnaud being the first French members. Another Wildcat’s offspring, Endeavor, is also completing its European distribution, with some solid Euro representation in the shape of Kareem El Rafie, Jody Washniak or Torgeir Berre.

Forum LTC Contract

AFM in 32s

Adan Baserba

DC PARK LES HOUCHES:

One Spot. One concept. One Park. One chalet for the second year, Dc installs its Snowpark concept in les houches, chamonix, france.

From the 15th of December till the end of the winter season, the DC area will be providing snowboarders with all they have dreamt of in a premium snowpark, shaped by the fi nest shapers, with a new and specific program of entertainment, contests, shows, and more. Strongly inspired by the DC Mountain Lab in Utah, the concept of the DC area was to cater for riders of any level wanting to hit the best lines and best obstacles in order to make snowboarding more easily accessible. The base camp of DC area has been built around a shipping container that is the source of life and entertainment at events. After being delivered by helicopter last December, the container has a number of jobs: being as used for storage, to play music, have good times in and even as an additional rideable component in the park. But the most important element the DC area project has brought to the park is the “Know How” for building the park, with the best shapers. In choosing Les Houches as its Partner Resort, DC plants its flag in front of the highest mountains of Europe, which gives the park one of the best backdrops around. Chamonix has always been home to the freeriders, but despite its credentials as one of the fi nest ski areas in the world the resort has been lacking a decent snow park for a number of years. Now, with the DC area in place, that’s all changed and freestyle is fi rmly on the map. Les Houches appears to be the best place to re-activate the AREA 43 concept, together with the other European DC area in Kitzbühel, Austria.

New for 2011:

RIDING:
- An additional snowpark.
- several zones to ride (for different levels of riders).
- new exclusive obstacles mixing skate and snow inspiration.entertainment:
- An exclusive Chalet dedicated to riders, ViP and media.
- Parties and festivities.

PROGRAM
16-18.01.2011 snow Avant Premier les houches Fr
31.01-04.02 2011 DC special shoot la Clusaz Fr
12-13.02.2011 rookie Contest les houches Fr
13-14.02.2011 snow test les houches Fr
28.02-04.03 2011 Warriors les houches Fr
15.04.2011 Closing les houches Fr

www.facebook.com/dcshoes.europe
www.facebook.com/dcshoes.france

Though better known for all that Billy-goating XXX-Treme gnarl, Chamonix now boasts a full-on legit park in Les Houches at the DC Area 43. Its multiple hits are made even sicker when you realise you get to shred with one of the sickest backdrops in snowboarding. Check it out as some of France and Norway’s DC team get amongst the terrain…

Check out this slick edit featuring the riding of Seb and Nate Kern, Sam Cullum, Jake Terry and Sam Turnball as they score the goods from Kitzbühel to Chamonix.

Where: Les Houches, France

The spot.

As you probably all know by now, Area 43 is the new DC concept for snowboard parks, their own exported version of their infamous DC Mountain Lab. To celebrate the first season of activity of the Area 43 in Les Houches, France, close to Chamonix, DC put together a master size pro invitational, from February 15th-18th.

And let’s just say the conditions were epic. Les Houches got a bit of snow just before the event, and the park was jacked up for the riders who came out. Speaking of which, here is the list of riders that showed up to the 4 day photoshoot:

DC Europe: Mat Schaer
DC Norway: Olav Stubberud, Mons Røisland, Mats Hoffgård, Håkon Tønnessen, Sondre Tiller, Torjus Thomassen, Mikkel Benzon
DC UK: Sam Turnball
DC France: Dimitri Biau
Electric: Ben Thomas Javid, Thomas ‘Chazou’ Chasagne
Les Houches DC local riders: Jean ‘Jahknow’ Fanjat , Raphael Roux

DC UK's Sam Turnball, FS 720 tailgrab. Photo: Julien Petry

Schaer and Thomas-Javid over the Gap during the night sessions. Photo: Perly.

All in all, the event went along great. The riders really put up a great show in DC’s fine-tuned AREA 43, and the weather conditions were everything we could have asked for. DC and the crew thank Mardu, Ravach and Nico and the DC park team for the sweet set up. And Onboard thank Perly for his work, that you will have other opportunities to admire in the mag itself in no time we’re sure.

Dim Biau, pole jam to Tucknee over the fire pit. Photo: Remy Barreyat

A Podcast is being edited and should arrive shorlty. Stay tuned for all the action on video!