Photo by Jeff Nokkeo

The Legendary Banked Slalom at Kirkwood took place on April 14, 2013.  This was my first time attending the event but for years I’ve heard that it’s awesome and that Kirkwood takes care of snowskaters, laying down sick trophies, cash, and other prizes.  My expectations were high going in, and I wasn’t let down.

The course was legit. It carved up and down the sides of Snowsnake Gully off Chair 11.  Each participant got 2 runs and the lowest combined time won.  In other words-no throw away run, you had to stick them both.  We were allowed time in the morning to practice, but the gully was a solid ice, death trap.  Many people chose not to take a practice run at all.

The first run for the snowskaters started at about 11:00 AM, and the gully was still rock hard.  Naturally, ladies went first.  Then, the guys had a go at it.  The times for the first run were displayed on a board at the bottom so you knew where you stood after that one.  Billy Bradford had the best time after the first run with Pat Bonser 3 seconds behind, and Matt Hightower 7 seconds behind Pat.

Kirkwood local and snowskate legend, Pat Bonser, has had this event on lock for the past 4 years.  Since there has been a Snowskate Division in the Kirkwood Banked Slalom, he has won it.  And, the entire field was gunning him down.  When Billy beat him in the first run, everyone erupted with chatter, “Pat’s reign is over.” “He’s walking with a limp!  He’s injured.”  “He’s on a new Predog Snowskate; he’s not comfortable on it!!”  “He forgot his wax at home!”  “Pat’s gotta step aside, FINALLY!”

The second and last run started at 3:00 PM, by this time the ice had turned to slush and the line was well worn in.  Ladies again went first each of them improved their times over the first run.  Snowskates can slay on the soft slush.  The guys saw this and knew that this was the run to smoke.  Each guy dropped until it got to the last two: Pat and Billy.  Pat dropped first knowing that he had to make up 3 seconds on top of whatever Billy was able to put up for his second run.  He had a solid drop in, and from the first gate, you could see that he wasn’t holding back.  He was FLYING!  Then, halfway through the course, disaster struck!  He crashed!  He recovered quickly though and didn’t miss his gate.  He sped to the bottom but knew that he had lost it.  Then Billy, knowing he had a 3 second cushion on top of the crash that Pat just had, dropped in. He laid down a solid run.  And, without seeing the times, EVERYONE knew that Billy had it in the bag.

Everyone arrived at the awards ceremony ready to see Billy at the top of the podium.  But first, the snowskate ladies:  There has never before been a female snowskater entered in the Kirkwood Banked Slalom and this year, we put together a field of 4. Go girls! Results:

1^st Kendra Wilson
2^nd Tara Atkins
3^rd Becky Gentile
4^th Jill Zapata

When the girls stepped down, the men were called:  3^rd Place went to Pat “Goblin” Quinn who put up a crazy impressive 2^nd run. Then, 2^nd Place was called, BILLY BRADFORD!! Crickets.  Then, murmurs, “What the hell?  Who got first then?”

1^st Place….PAT BONSER!  ERUPTION!!!!! AAHHHHH!  Pat pulled the fastest 2^nd run with a fall!  He was on pace with snowboarders’ times before his crash!  Holy crap.  Nutso!! Legend Status: Solidified.

And, the Snowskate Division solidified its place in the contest being the 2nd largest division of 25!  Proving that if you allow them, they will come!

And, that was it!  Yummy Passholder lunch provided by Kirkwood, super fun race, cool people, drama, suspense, rad prizes, awesomeness, MUST GO TO THE KIRKWOOD BANKED SLALOM!!!

Thanks Kirkwood!!

Alan Gerlach by Gergis Maximus Photography

The Olympic Snowskate Championships took place at Hurricane Ridge on March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013. The event was organized by North by Northwest Surf Co. located in Port Angeles, WA. Owner, Frank Crippen, teamed with terrain park architect Matt Eggleston and Brendon Corroa to create a banked slalom course and a snowskate specific slopestyle course jam packed with features. The weather was beautiful – clear skies, great views, and warm temperatures. The event took place over two days with three separate contests.

Jake Tomlinson

Day One began with the Powder Downhill which on this particular day was more of a slush race.  This event is famous for big crashes, and this year lived up to it’s reputation.   Just a few turns in, there was a huge pile up.  Joachim ended up taking the win and a GNU powderskate cut out.  Check out the video footage from Erik Nelsen.

Then came the slopestyle competition.  The course included two jumps with hit options on all sides, a large hip jump, and Ollie on rail, and the outskirts of the course were littered with jibs and wall rides too numerous to name. The format was jam session for the first hour.  Then in each heat the field was narrowed until the last three.  Joachim and Alan raged on and on and took 2nd and 3rd respectively with big airs and lots of technical attempts.  Jake stole first with his effortless style.

Brendon Corrao by Gergis Maximus Photography

The Banked Slalom competition was on day 2.  Each skater got 3 race runs, and their best time got put up against the other best times to determine the winner.  The course was fun, and it seemingly got faster as the day went on.  The race was close.  I could not believe the times that some of the guys were putting up.  Matt Edgers got 3rd,  Paul Elkins got 2nd and Brendon Corrao pulled first.

In the end, the trip was amazing.  Washington was so hospitable, the party was raging, and the snowskating was rad.  One comment: where were my home girls?  We need more girls competing pronto!

Results:

Powder Downhill:
1. Joachim Bronzich – GNU powderskate cut out

Men:

Slopestyle:
1. Jake Tomlinson – Sick trophy, $375, bag o’ swag
2. Joachim Bronzich – Sick trophy,  Lib Tech Powderskate, bag o’ swag
3. Alan Gerlach – Sick trophy, Lib Tech sub deck, Ungi Bungi Leash

Randi Rettke

Banked Slalom:
1. Brendon Corrao – Sick trophy, $175, Chiller sub deck
2. Paul Elkins – Sick trophy,  $100, Circuit top deck
3. Matt Edgers – Sick trophy, $100, Ralston Mini sub deck

Women:

Slopestyle:
1. Kendra Wilson - Lib Tech top deck and sub deck, Ungi Bungi Leash
2. Randi Rettke – Lib Tech sub deck

Banked Slalom:
1. Kendra Wilson – Pile o’ swag
2. Randi Rettke – Pile o’ swag

(If I got the prizes wrong, please comment the correct distribution.)

For more photos, visit Gergis Maximus’ or Burton Cooper Photography’s Facebook photo albums.

The skatecross went down first with the women and youth semis leading the way.  Then the semis for the men got going.  After that were the 3 skatercross finals.  The course was short and weaved through the slopestyle course with 4 turns, so there was no time to make up for any mistakes, and the start was crucial.  Jeff Nokkeo compiled nice video coverage but I can’t share Facebook videos on here, so just click here to go watch it!  This is how it shook out:

View from the Top of the Skatercross course.

Youth:
1. John Zapata
2. Chris Cassetta
3. Blake Bonito

Women:
1. Kendra Wilson
2. Becky Gentile
3. Mathilda Spiers

Men:
1. Joachim Bronzich
2. Pat Bonser
3. Randy Mertl

The course for the slopestyle contest was compact and on the face of the mountain which made spectating and hiking easy.  The Minus 7 crew made a custom snowskate park which included an up “shotgun” pipe, a flat ride-on box, an ollie-on rail, and a barrel hit. The shotgun pipe was a favorite for the women and youth, but by the time the men got on course, the feature was just about destroyed, so the men proved themselves with huge ollies and flip tricks on to and over the rail.  Final results for slopestyle:

Pat Jerome going huge. Sorry for the blur!

Youth:
1. Kain Meiser
2. Chris Cassetta
3. Collyn Kellogg

Women:
1. Kendra Wilson
2. Michelle Minahan Hickman
3. Mathilda Spiers

Men:
1. Pat Quinn
2. Joachim Bronzich
3. Sean Davis

Finally, the whole crew met up at the top of The Face at 3:45 for the Chinese Downhill.  Rules: None…oh except don’t run over the children. First one to claim the beer at the bottom in the bar was the winner.  The twist to this one was that the start was right after the group picture, so people posing in front were at a distinct disadvantage.  Joachim got to the bottom first, but the youngin’ had to order a Sprite!

Rad snowskater trophies!

The swag pile was huge!  Trophies were blown glass snowskaters doing a variety of tricks made by a local artist.  Everyone who podiumed got a pile of stickers and tshirts.  And, Season Passes at Donner Ski Ranch were up for grabs for skaters who swept their division. Then after the awards, the deck of cards was pulled out.  If the card that you were wearing on your tee shirt was pulled, you got even MORE prizes!

To summarize, the Melee this year lived up to its “melee” reputation.  It proved to be a big party, with good people, lots of beer, gnarly hits, and prizes.  What is not to like?

Thankfully this post doesn’t end there! Boyd Hill Snowskates has initiated a fundraiser and raffle to help our homie Todd out. They are raffling off a special edition Newborn/Boyd Hill complete with Rocker trucks and December top deck along with other swag!

To be entered in the raffle, you just have to donate whatever you can. Cards and Paypal accounts accepted! The whole process is smart phone friendly so you can do it right now from your phone or computer!

Keep Snowskating core and help a homie out by clicking here!

The Bonser Pipeline is the snowskate festival that takes place the weekend of the Ralston Cup.  The climax of the festival is definitely the day after the contest, but the party rages from Friday until Sunday and then slowly fizzles (I think there are still a few snowskaters camped at the pipeline partying on…right now).  Last year, I neglected to do a recap of the event, but it is most definitely worthy.

Pat Bonser is the mastermind behind the whole deal.  He spends weeks building a back yard snowskate park.  This year, there was a tree stump bonk, boxes galore, picnic table, sail board, and bench jibs, rails, and more.  Pat also provided a keg of Pabst Blue Ribbon, Barbeque, and Tees for everyone who showed up and donated $10 to the cause.

Really, the Ralston Cup paired with the Bonser Pipeline is what makes snowskaters from around the world travel to South Lake Tahoe for this can’t miss weekend in snowskating.

Photo by Braden Pratt

Photo by Gergis

The party got started Sunday morning.  Lots of people were shoveling snow around, salting, and eyeing their favorite features.  The keg arrived around noon and that’s when the party started going off.  And, it didn’t stop until well into the night.

Photo by 0910

Joachim Bronzich dominated the Bonser Pipeline just as he dominated the Ralston Cup the day before.  He hit everything and made his technical tricks look easy.

Photo by Pat Bonser

Snowskate legends like Shag, Mark Spicolli,Victor Zurn and others slayed all day long.  Brian Wilson got the award for best biff with his “tree plant to head plant” as Ralston rider Eric Debruyne so cleverly named it. Predog groms including Aidan Spiers were just CRUSHING it.  And, of course, Pat Bonser made sure to get some skating in between maintaining the course and mingling.

Photo by Pat Bonser

Locals like Michelle Minahan Hickman, Matt Hightower, Billy Bradford, John Zapata and others all stopped by to take part in the debauchery.  0910 owner, Mike Steinhauser flew in from France and greased all the features.  Others just stopped by to hang and watch, or nurse injuries from the day before.

And, luckily Gergis was there getting everything on film! Enjoy!

March 2^nd was the 6^th Annual Ralston Cup at Sierra at Tahoe.  There were a handful of media professionals present to cover the event including representatives from Transworld Snowboarding, Newborn Snowskate Magazine, Ralston Snowskates, and, of course, ProjectSnowskate.com.  The event was fully commentated by Seth Hall and Ryan Palmer, who also competed in the Pro division (what a stud).  Music was cranking for the athletes’ and spectators’ enjoyment.  Judges were Ralston owner Danny Sheehan, former Lib Tech snowskate builder and snowskate champ Mark Spicolli, and snowskater Seth Hall.

Sheehan worked closely with Sierra to build a fun, snowskate specific park for the slope style competition.  Features included a ride-on down box, a small and large jump, a corrugated up-pipe, a barrel bonk (provided by sponsor Tahoe Moonshine), an Ollie-on box, an Ollie-on rail, and a corrugated jib pipe.

The contest was divided into 4 classes: Youth, Amateur, Women, and Pro.  Each athlete got 4 runs down the slopestyle course to show their best tricks.  Judges looked for “Full Pulls” or flawless runs and for trick technicality.

The level of skating was ridiculous.  This event is the most organized snowskate competition of the year.  Instead of a jam format where everyone is skating at one time, athletes take runs individually.  A name is called and all eyes are on one athlete.  Stomps and bails are broadcasted from the judge stand for all to hear. The Ralston Cup is where riders come from all over the world and lay down their best lines.

Photo by Chris Wellhausen

Official results:

Best Trick: Huge pop shove it over the barrel.

1. Reek Ellis – $150

Pro:

Photo by Chris Wellhausen

1. Joachim Bronzich – $250 + MTN Approach Skis
2. Reek Ellis – $100 + Rayne deck and grip
3. Jommy Smith – $50

Women:

1. Kendra Wilson – Rayne deck and grip
2. Randi Rae Rettke
3. Michelle Minahan Hickman

Ams:

Photo by Gergis Maximus

1. Jacob Juice-Toe (?) – Rayne deck and grip
2.  Dustin Orr (1^st place in youth class last year)
3. Brian Wilson

Youth:

1. Denver Orr – Rayne deck and grip
2. Drayden Gardner
3. John Andres Zapata

All on the podium got rad custom trophies.

Check out this video by Gergis Maximus, you be the judge!!

For more coverage and pictures visit Transworld Snowboarding and like the article to show support!!  There should also be more footage from Ralston Snowskates coming soon!

Here’s an Itinerary of all the attractions you should visit during your Snowska-tion (get it…like “vacation”- gimme a break):

February 28-

• Predog Bowl @ Homewood, CA

March 2nd-

1. Ralston Cup @ Sierra at Tahoe, CA
2. Midwest Snowskate Championship @ Hawk Island Snow Park – Lansing, MI

March 9th-

• Snowskate or Die @ Hoodoo Ski Area -Sisters, OR

March 16-

• Minus 7 Melee @ Donner Ski Ranch, CA

March 22-

• Snowskate Cross World Championships, Oslo Vinterpark, Tryvann, Oslo , Norway (More info)

March 23-

1. Squirrel Skate Jam @ Summit at Snoqualmie, WA
2.  Snowskate Cross World Championships, Oslo Vinterpark, Tryvann, Oslo , Norway

March 24-

• Serpentine Massacre @ Hyak, WA

March 30-

• World Snowskate Championship @ Hurricane Ridge, WA

March 30-

• World Snowskate Championship Day 2 @ Hurricane Ridge, WA

April 3, 4, and 5-

• Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom @ Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC

April 5-

•  Big White 2nd Canadian Snowskate Open @ Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC

April 6-

•  Big White 2nd Canadian Snowskate Open @ Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC

April 13-

1. 2nd Annual – Christian “Integrale” Steiner – Memorial @ Ramsau am Dachstein- Türlwand, Austria
2. Kirkwood Banked Slalom @ Kirkwood, CA

April 14-

1. Snowskate RoundUp @ Stevens Pass – Skykomish, WA
2. Kirkwood Banked Slalom @ Kirkwood, CA

Check Predog‘s site if you want more info on each one!

Good Luck!!! Go win some prizes!  But, save some money to visit the US Open of Snowskating at Mt Hood this July!

My brother is a solid snowboarder, skateboarder, wakeboarder, and surfer.  And, he took to snowskating super quickly.  On his last day here this time, he called up his friend Chris to come snowskating for the first time. So, we had Derek on his third day on a snowskate, Chris on his first day, and Pat Bonser and I.  Derek and Chris were hitting jumps, hips, slashes, boxes, and rails on their third and first day respectively!  And, could I let them out skate me on their THIRD and FIRST day?  Nope.  So, when they hit that rail – I had to also!  (even though I had never ever hit a rail on my snowskate.)

This is the point, when you posse up with people you are a little competitive with, the progression just happens.  Sometimes when you are riding alone, or with your normal group, everyone can just stagnate and skate within their comfort zone.   If you are stuck in a rut, maybe you haven’t built that perfect posse yet.  Maybe it’s time to make some new friends, call up some old ones, or be THAT guy who’s pushing everyone to the next level.

Here, enjoy some pictures!

Thanks to Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood for being snowskate friendly, we had fun at both these resorts while Derek was in town!

Competitors got discounted tickets on the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd of February so there was plenty of time for practice and free riding.  Mt Crested Butte proved once again to be a great, snowskate friendly host mountain conveniently located a short walk or bus ride from Fuse headquarters.

Josh Jackson

Contest day was sunny and warm-ish. The Derby followed the golf inspired format of last year where each feature was a “hole”.  There were wide and narrow ride-on boxes, Ollie-on rails, and jumps with and without stump bonks.  Each rider scored themselves on each feature using the scorecards provided.  Lowest scores advanced to the Finals.

Stump Bonk for the Win

The Fuse Team turned out in full force and was ripping!  Ultimately, the Finals included Josh Jackson (not this guy) and Paul Elkins on Fuses, Sean Davis and Matt Quam on Lib Techs, Pat Bonser on a Ralston.  Josh had the gnarly skater skills, Paul was solid and creative, Sean was getting technical as usual, Quam was versatile, and Pat had the style.

Pat Bonser, Sean Davis, Matt Quam.

The Finals were judged.  After each rider had hit a “hole” three times, a winner of that hole would be announced.  Then, they’d move on to the next hole and whoever was the first to win two holes, was the winner of the contest.  First up was the jump line.  Pat took the win with steezy tweaks.  The next hole was a box line that included a down box, a flat-down box, and an up box.  Sean took this hole with his dialed box maneuvers.  The next hole was a stump jump.    According to the rules, if Sean or Pat took this hole, the contest would be over.  And, this one was close!  Pat nailed a solid bonk that chipped the wood and cracked loud.  Sean (and Paul) planted a foot on it.  The contest was called, and we all rode down to the awards ceremony for free beer and to find out the winner.

Fuse Prize Packages!

All contestants received as many Bud Lights as they could drink before they froze to death or fell over drunk.  Then, the winners were announced and prize packages revealed.  Matt Quam took 3^rd place and a swag bag including tees, beanies, leashes, stickers, and tons more.  Sean took 2^nd place, a swag bag and a Fuse Sub Deck (he won the complete for placing first last year!!).  Pat Bonser took first place and a MTN Approach Backpack full of swag and MTN Approach Skis!

Giveaway Table!!

Then the prize table was opened up to all contestants, and no one left empty handed.  Thanks to all the sponsers of the event including Predog Snowskates, Bud Light, MTN Approach, FUSE, Spacecraft, Rocker Trucks, Ungi Bungi, Marley Audio Systems, and many more!!

Then we still had the whole next day to ride and party on!

Bottom line:  Get to the Fuse Derby next year.

How did you first get involved with snowskating?
I’m not sure what year Burton made their first ones, but I remember liking it.  I never gave it much thought or time, though. Then, I saw the northwest clan putting out a few vids.  The snowskates had gotten bigger and a little easier to jump on.  I live in Oslo, and we’ve got hills not mountains.  It’s not really a stoke to ride the hills on a snowboard when you are spoiled with mountains. Ha Ha. So, when my kids wanted to shred, I began using a snowskate.  It makes the hills so much more rad!  Small hills are fun again.  I think it’s closer to surfing.

What is the most impressive snowskate trick you’ve seen?
Ha Ha. I don’t know, but if you check out Youtube, there are some pretty cool vids there. Some are hella sick.  It makes urban snowboarding look like fruitbooting. I like rails, and there is hella gnarly shit done in the streets, but it’s just easy to rail and ollie with bindings, especially when they make kickers up to the rails.  Hitting rails on a snowskate is just on a different level of gnarliness.

You met up with Ralston owner Danny Sheehan last spring. What is your relationship with Ralston Snowskates?
Ralston boards have got POP.  I haven’t tried any other snowskate that had that. Making it possible to ollie is everything. Danny is true mechanic. His home shop is impressive.

What are your thoughts on how to progress the sport and people’s perception of it?
I’ve got no thoughts about this. I’m just doing. The gear will slowly get better.  People will try it and understand that it’s hella tech, fun, and surfy. Just bringing it in the back yard where you don’t need a lift ticket, or taking the kids between the legs, or sledding on it – it’s all good! It’s simple, and it gives you challenges without flying 100 feet or dropping 10 meter cliffs.

What are your thoughts on some sort of Snowskate Commission which would act as a voice for snowskaters? Is it needed? Or, is it overkill?
I guess when people see money involved in sport, all kinds of dudes come out trying to get something out of it, that’s the downside of it – look at snowboarding.  But, there is good stuff about that, too. I’m sure it will come.

In your opinion, any chance of snowskating becoming an Olympic sport?
Why the fuck do people think the Olympics are the shit? It’s a bunch of old men making millions on sports without going to an event or  the mountain themselves – corrupt and so old school.  Nationalism is not my thing. I could write a book about things they do wrong for their own benefit. It creates an environment where, fundamentally everyone agrees, but they get so wrapped up in thinking about fame and fortune, that they lose the real spirit of the sport.  Then, it’s like a snowball effect, everyone starts joining in and getting consumed in the money aspect.  They are smart, though, fooling people and countries for so many years now.

Is the rumor true that you are putting on snowskate competitions in Norway?
True, I like boardercross, but the world-cup of boardercross just ruined the format. They made shitty race courses – not tech courses. So, it turned into this race for ex-hardboot guys and guys over six feet. Ha Ha. None of the freestyle riders wanted to keep doing it. Courses were taxing guys so hard, too. So, I thought it would be easier and more tech to make a SKATERcross. We’ve had two so far. Still smalltime, but good! We are trying to put the third one up before New Year’s. We call it the world championship, but just for shits and giggles.