Venue: Laax, Switzerland Date: 29th March - 5th April 2008 Music: DJ's, Live bands Snowboard & Ski: Europe's biggest fun park and amazing freeriding
plus demo testing and Red Bull Home Run British Championships: Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle, Trespass
Skier/Snowboardcross & SNO!zone Halfpipe
LATEST NEWS
Brits 2008 - Red Bull Home Run video online (Posted Friday, May 16, 2008 by stu)
The Red Bull Home Run from the Brits 2008 held in Laax, Switzerland is now online.
Youtube Video below (includes all the video's from the week):
LAURA BERRY WINS THE RED BULL HOME RUN WITH A BROKEN COLLARBONE! (Posted Monday, April 14, 2008 by stu)
Friday 5th April saw the first ever Red Bull Home Run tear up Laax, Switzerland at the British Freeski & Snowboard Champs. 201 skiers and snowboarders lined up for a Le Mans start at the top of the mountain, each determined to win the ridiculous en masse Chinese downhill race, one of the most anticipated events at the Brits!
On the starter’s pistol the carnage began, with racers fighting to get their gear on, and away down the hill. It was the skiers who got away quickly, leaving the snowboarders close behind. Just 2200m, 5km of graded black/red slope, 1200m of vertical descent and a few minutes later, the winners in four categories emerged victorious
Freeskier Nick Southwell was the first to fly over the finish line at the foot of the mountain. Clare Hughes took the female skier title, and Ben Kilner took male Snowboard and Red Bull’s own Laura Berry the female snowboarder title.
Incredibly, Laura raced, and won, with a floating collarbone break! The injury was sustained a number of weeks ago during training with the British team, Laura is currently waiting for an operation, but couldn't resist competing, the Home Run win rounded off a great final day for the 19 year old, who also took 3rd place in the Slopestyle discipline at the Brits.
Next stop, the Red Bull wrap party, to celebrate the end of a great week at the ‘08 BRITS and the first ever Red bull Home Run…
Red Bull Home Run Results
Female Snowboard: Laura Berry Male Snowboard: Ben Kilner Female Ski: Clare Hughes Male Ski: Nick Southwell (also fastest down the hill)
Nate Kern and Claire Frost Take Slopestyle Titles (Posted Saturday, April 5, 2008 by joannebrown)
****Animal British Snowboard Slopestyle Championships 2008****
The final event of the BRITS 2008, the Animal British Slopestyle Championships opened up to fresh snow and blue skies on Friday 4th April after being rescheduled from the day before due to poor weather conditions. A record number of 106 riders competed and an amazingly high standard of rail and kicker riding combinations were thrown down.
The younger generation of shredders set the standard during the qualification rounds with 14 year old Jamie Nicholls and 16 year old Amiee Fuller qualifying in top spot through to the finals. Youngster Matt Macwhirter also made it through to the top eight men final, progressing through the ranks after being introduced to snowboarding through the AIM Series Schools Tour three years ago.
In the men’s final Nate Kern utilised the slopestyle course to the full and threw down a stylish and technical run which included a frontside boardslide, 270 off on the top box, a backside disaster on the wall ride and a 50-50 frontside noseslide on the up down kinked rail. On the kickers Nate perfectly landed a back to back frontside and backside 900 and cab 720 to take the gold and the 2008 Animal British Slopestyle Championship Title. Second Place went to the youngest competitor in the final, 14 year old Jamie Nicholls who put down one of the most technical rail runs of the day; switch backside to frontside boardslide to backside boardslide, 270 out on the top box, frontside 540 on the wall ride and switch boardslide on the kinked rail. His kicker line included a backside 720, 540 and a cab 540. Jack Shackleton finished off the podium spots to take third place after he put together and landed a technical run including a frontside tailslide 270, blunt tail stall on the wall ride, noseslide and big frontside 360, 540 and cab 540 over the kickers.
Claire Frost, who won the previous days Big Air competition, continued to be on top form in the women’s final and added the Animal British Slopestyle Championship title and another gold medal to her already impressive BRITS collection. Frost linked together a stylish run including a noseslide 270 out on the top box, 360 tailslide on the wall ride, 50-50 noseslide on the kinked rail and a frontside and backside 180 over the medium kickers, finishing off with a big backside 540 over the last kicker. Second place went to Lucy Passmore with a switch boardslide, 50-50 noseslide, backside 180 and frontside 180 straight into a stylish cab 360. Laura Berry who was riding with an injured shoulder didn’t let that stop her throwing down some technical grinds and jumps including a 270 on, onto the top box, a big blunt stall on the wall ride and a frontside 180 and 360 over the kickers.
Animal British Slopestyle Championships Results Men 1st – Nate Kern, Sussex 2nd – Jamie Nicholls, Bradford 3rd – Jack Shackleton, Newbury
Women 1st – Claire Frost, Edinburgh 2nd – Lucy Passmore, Milton Keynes 3rd – Laura Berry, Milton Keynes
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals.
Joe Murrell and Teri Spencer Take Title at the BRITS Big Air (Posted Saturday, April 5, 2008 by joannebrown)
****The Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championships****
Following the postponement of the BRITS Big Air on Thursday 3rd April due to severe weather conditions, and the high standard of kicker riding from the Slopestyle Championships earlier in the week, all were excited and anticipation was in the air to see what the freeskiers would pull out of the bag for the final day of competition, the Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championships. In the women’s competition, after a two run elimination qualification round in which the best run counted, four girls went head to head in the semi finals until only two remained for the highly adrenalin fuelled final of the Quiksilver Big Air Championships. Teri Spencer took the title after landing a massive and stylish 360 reverse mute grab off of the big kicker whilst Katie Summerhayes came in second place opting for a 720 off of the medium kicker. The bronze medal was awarded to Claire Hughes who pulled a solid 360 off of the big kicker, with a solid 360.
Following the same format as the women’s competition, it was now time for eight of Britain’s finest freeskiers to go through to the final, going head to head in the hope of winning the title. The finalists had been saving something special, and certainly stepped it up a notch with all final scores being extremely close and hard to determine who’d be victorious. Joe Murrell took the men’s comp in hand winning with a perfectly executed switch bio 900, adding more medals to his growing collection. On fine form throughout the whole week’s competition, youngster James Woods added some more silverware to his collection after stomping a switch 1080 mute grab with the third spot going to 2008 British Slopestyle Champion, James Webb who impressed with a switch 900 mute grab.
Quiksilver British Big Air Championships Results Men 1st – Joe Murrell, Devon 2nd – James Woods, Sheffield 3rd – James Webb, Berkshire
Women 1st – Teri Spencer, Weymouth 2nd – Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield 3rd – Claire Hughes, Fife
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals.
British Freestyle Ski Team Triumph in Trespass Skiercross (Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by joannebrown)
****The Trespass British Skiercross Championships****
It was a snowy third day for the skiers as they went head to head in the battle for the sought after skiercross title. British Freestyle Ski Team members Angus Morison and Emily Sarsfield, here at the BRITS specially to compete in the Trespass British Skiercross Championships, were on form and flying the flag for British skiing both taking the gold for the second year running.
The women’s skiercross was seriously fast paced and from the starting gates, the podium was set. 2007 Trespass British Skiercross Champion, Emily Sarsfield led from the start and had the race under control right through to the end ensuring she held onto the title for another year. Second spot went to Danielle Freeze, third to Becky Hammond and in fourth was Elspeth Rogers.
In the men’s competition, Angus Morison led the pack from the start gates, and despite persistence from the other competitors, Andrew Matthew, Edward Cozzi and Steve Trotter who stepped up the pace in the hope of closing the gap on Angus and taking the title from him, there was no stopping Angus as he had the finish line in his midst, cruising through to claim first place and the title for another year. Andrew Matthew took the silver, third and fourth place went to Edward and Steve respectively.
Trespass British Skiercross Championships Results: Men: 1st - Angus Morison, Lanarkshire 2nd - Andrew Matthew, Angus 3rd - Edward Cozzi, West Sussex 4th – Steve Trotter, Berkshire
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals.
Dom Harington and Kate Foster Take Podium Spots (Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by joannebrown)
***SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships***
It was a snowy start for day three at the BRITS, Wednesday 3rd April for the highly anticipated SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships but the weather didn’t dampen rider’s spirits with a selection of World Class Halfpipe runs being thrown down.
Dan Wakeham set the standard during the qualification rounds after putting together a super technical run which included huge back to back inverts, putting him through to the eight men final in top spot. It was a British Snowboard Team showdown during the final with 2007 British Champion Angus Leith, Dom Harington, Sam Cullum, Ben Kilner, Dan Wakeham, Jack Shackleton, James Foster and Ben Knox fighting it out for the top three podium spots.
Dom Harington, who has recently been crowned the Europa Cup Halfpipe Champion took gold and the 2008 SNO!zone British Halfpipe title with a clean run including a big frontside 720, to haakon flip 720, massive frontside air, to Mctwist and alley-oop 540 to finish. Ben Kilner picked up his second silver in as many days to take second place with a textbook run consisting of a frontside 720, haakon flip 720, frontside 540, to a huge and stylish backside melon. The final spot went to Sam Cullum with a smooth run including, a big frontside air, backside melon and cab 720.
Kate Foster demonstrated her well practised halfpipe skills to take gold in the women’s final and the 2008 SNO!zone British Halfpipe title after cleanly landing a solid run including, a backside melon, alley-oop, backside air, frontside 360 to cab 360 on her final hit. British World Cup Halfpipe team member and 2006 Olympian, Lesley McKenna qualified through to the final in top spot but lost a little speed during her final run to take second place overall. Third place went to Laura Hill, who linked together a combination of smooth frontside and cab 360’s.
A special mention goes out to the younger riders pushing up through the ranks including, 15 year old British Junior Team rider Lee Tarran, who just missed out on a spot into the final and fellow team member 16 year old Amiee Fuller who was the youngest rider to make it through to the women’s final. James Foster also gets a shout out for bringing back some old school style with some long forgotten stylish Japan airs.
SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships Results Men 1st – Dom Harington, Leeds 2nd – Ben Kilner, Edinburgh 3rd – Sam Cullum
Women 1st – Kate Foster, East Sussex 2nd – Lesley McKenna, Aviemore 3rd – Laura Hill, Leeds
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals.
James Webb and Emma Lonsdale Showcase Serious Style (Posted Wednesday, April 2, 2008 by joannebrown)
****Animal British Freeski Slopestyle Championships 2008**** The second day of the British Freeski Championships saw stylish, skilful and solid runs as the best of British freeskiers attacked the course for the Animal British Slopestyle Championships, with James Webb and Emma Lonsdale taking home the gold and the glory.
Due to bad weather delaying the start of the contest, it was decided that there wouldn’t be a final and that the skiers would have two chances to put together a winning run. The women’s competition was dominated by reigning Animal British Slopestyle Champion, Emma Lonsdale, who was also fresh from gaining gold in the previous days Halfpipe Championships and was eager to add a second medal of the week to her impressive collection. With a winning run including a lipside unnatural onto the box followed by a switch 180, 360 and 180 over the kickers, she was destined to take the top spot. Teri Spencer scooped the silver with her smooth rail riding finishing her run with solid 360’s over the kickers whilst third place went to Becky Hammond with a selection of solid 360’s.
In the men’s contest, competitiveness was high and everyone was pulling out all the stops in the hope of winning the coveted title. It was regular competitor and winner on the British Snow Tour, James Webb, who was crowned the king of the Animal British Slopestyle Championships, after his impressive run consisting of a 270 on 270 off on the rails followed by a switch 900, 540 and switch 720 mute off of the kickers, much to the delight of the crowd and judges. A very deserving second spot went to youngster James Woods after pulling out a 270 on 270 off and 450 on the rails before finishing off his run with a 720, unnatural rodeo and switch 720 over the kickers. Joe Murrell took the final podium position with a 270 on the rail followed by a switch bio 720, a very impressive switch bio 900 finished off with a rodeo 720.
Animal British Slopestyle Championships Results Men 1st – James Webb, Bracknell 2nd – James Woods, Sheffield 3rd – Joe Murrell, Devon
Women 1st – Emma Lonsdale, North Yorkshire 2nd – Teri Spencer, Weymouth 3rd – Becky Hammond, Sheffield
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals.
New Names Take 2008 Quiksilver Big Air Titles (Posted Wednesday, April 2, 2008 by joannebrown)
*** Quiksilver British Big Air Championships***
The Quiksilver British Big Air Championships opened day two of competition at the BRITS 2008, Laax Switzerland with over 100 riders attacking the 7, 14 and 20 metre kickers. New comers to the BRITS, Richard Hookes and Claire Frost stepped it up to take the overall 2008 Quiksilver Big Air Championship titles.
It was a close competition during the eight men final with only one point separating the top six placings. New to the BRITS and unsponsored rider Richard Hookes, threw down a huge cab 900, switch tail, to walk away with the overall men’s title, not bad for his first BRITS appearance! Second place went to British Snowboard Team member, Ben Kilner, who was riding super strong all day and perfectly landed a text book corked backside 720. Nelson Pratt took third place after he pulled out a stylish cab 900.
A relative newcomer on the scene, Claire Frost made her mark in the women’s final when she landed two textbook backside 540’s to take the 2008 Quiksilver Big Air title. Samantha Rogers, who had been riding strong all day, pulled a big frontflip out of the bag on her final jump, and received a mighty cheer from the crowd and second place. Third place went to Lynsey Ashdown after she landed a clean frontside 540.
Quiksilver British Big Air Championships Results Men 1st – Richard Hookes, Nottingham 2nd – Ben Kilner, Aviemore 3rd – Nelson Pratt, Hampshire
Women 1st – Claire Frost, Edinburgh 2nd – Sam Rogers, Reading 3rd – Lynsey Ashdown, Cheshire
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals.
Murray Buchan and Emma Lonsdale Take Top Honours (Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by joannebrown)
***SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships***
The SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships kicked off the BRITS 08 Freeski Championships in style yesterday, Monday 31st March, Laax, Switzerland with Murray Buchan and Emma Lonsdale taking top honours and the 2008 SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship Titles.
Over 45 skiers dropped into Laax’s freshly cut and shaped Superpipe with the hopes of making it through to the top eight men and four women final. Murray Buchan was on top form and linked together a super stylish run including a 900, to 1080 and reverse mute alley-oop to take home the gold and the 2008 SNO!zone British Halfpipe title. Second place went to James Machon, who threw down a run full of spins including an unnatural 540, 900 and 720. Third place went to Paddy Graham who was going huge and pulled out a super stylish alley-oop 540 and big d-spin 900.
In the women’s final, it was Emma Londsdale who scooped the gold with a selection of big stylish grabs and an alley-oop 540. Second place went to Becky Hammond who linked together huge alley-oops and stylish grabs. Claire Hughes finished in third place with a run including smooth back to back alley-oops. After the competition had finished all 45 competitors headed up to the top of the pipe for a Chinese downhill train through the pipe in true camaraderie style, which was a great finish to an epic first day of competition.
SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships Results Men 1st – Murray Buchan, Edinburgh 2nd – James Machon, Sheffield 3rd – Paddy Graham, Sheffield
Women 1st – Emma Lonsdale, North Yorkshire 2nd – Becky Hammond, Sheffield 3rd – Claire Hughes, Fife
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous days competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals. The webcast for today’s competition will be available to view from approximately 12 noon on Tuesday 1st April.
James Foster and Zoe Gillings Triumph in Trespass Snowboardcross (Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by joannebrown)
****The Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships****
The 2008 British Snowboard and Freeski Championships got underway today with one of the fastest and most exciting snowboardcross events in recent memory. In keeping with BRITS tradition, sunshine welcomed competitors to the start gates to compete in the Tresspass British Snowboardcross Championships which witnessed over 90 snowboarders going head to head down the challenging course until only the fastest remained to battle it out in the adrenalin fuelled finals. Snowsports GB Team members, James Foster and Zoe Gillings dominated the day’s competition, both claiming the top spots as well as the two fastest race times of the competition.
“It’s great to be back at the BRITS after unfortunately missing last year’s”, said Zoe Gillings. “So I am so excited at winning a gold medal at this year’s championships and it is a fun way to end a great season.”
In the women’s final, it was fast out of the start gates for the four Snowsports GB team members making for a tight and highly competitive race and a hard one to call. However, it was clear very early on that Zoe had the gold in her sights as she took a fast lead, which she held for the entire race following an amazingly solid run. Despite Zoe’s long lead, the other finalists, Ivy Taylor, Lesley McKenna and Kate Foster also all had solid fast runs, ready to steal the lead at any possible opportunity. Despite their persistence, Zoe’s textbook riding kept her in front and deservedly won her the gold, with Ivy coming in a close second, Lesley third and Kate in fourth.
The men’s final was just as competitive with all eager to be first out of the gates to get an advantageous lead. James Foster, who had won all of his earlier heats and got the fastest time of the days competition, got away from the others first with a great start and a lead which he held onto for the entire race securing him the top spot and the title. The rest of the riders all had solid faultless runs and continued to try and close the gap on James but his impressive run, in which he also had time to pull a cheeky shifty on the last jump of the course, meant no one got the chance to steal his lead. Second over the finish line was Michael Arrowsmith, followed by George Springfield and in fourth place Ben Knox.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships Results: Men: 1st – James Foster, East Sussex 2nd – Michael Arrowsmith, Dorset 3rd – George Springfield, Devon 4th – Ben Knox, London
Women: 1st – Zoe Gillings, Isle of Man 2nd – Ivy Taylor, Cheshire 3rd – Lesley McKenna, Aviemore 4th – Kate Foster, East Sussex
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2008 daily webcasts at www.brits08.com, where you will be able to review the coolest snowboard and freeski action from the previous days competition, including the best footage from the qualifications and finals. The webcast for today’s competition will be available to view from approximately 12 noon on Tuesday 1st April.
Brits 2008 - Video Reviews (Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by stu)
All the action from this years Brits is automatically updated in this Youtube "Channel"
Or you can view this and all the releases at www.brits08.com
Trespass Takes to the Start Gates at BRITS 08 (Posted Thursday, March 20, 2008 by joannebrown)
29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland Trespass – leading sportswear brand will be stepping up to the start gates again at this year’s BRITS, 29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland when they take the title rights for the Trespass British Snowboard/Skiercross Championships.
Following on from an exhilarating 2007 Championships, which saw one of the most highly competitive Snowboardcross races in the history of the BRITS – the master’s men’s final! The 2008 Trespass British Snowboard/Skiercorss Championships promises to deliver even more nail biting action with top athletes including, Olympian Zoe Gillings, who is currently ranked 6th in the World confirmed to be competing. Competitors will race against the clock and each other in heats of four down a challenging course littered with bumps, burms, tight banked turns and jumps, until only the fastest riders are left victorious.
The Trespass Snowboardcross Championships will kick start the Snowboard competition schedule on Monday 31st March, with the Skiercross competition taking place on Wednesday 2nd April. The Trespass party, in association with Dark Summer, will simultaneously set the tempo for the week’s evening entertainment, when top DJ’s Matt Smooth and Nick Maxwell take to the decks on Sunday evening at the infamous Crap Bar.
To ensure you don’t miss out on being part of this legendary event, which is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style the BRITS are offering amazing packages starting from as little as 442CHF, which includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lift pass, festival wrist band (which gives you access to event clubs and bars) and event bag. Let’s not forget the riding though! Competition registration is also now live so check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits08.com
Quiksilver Says ‘Jump’, You Say ‘How High’ (Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2008 by joannebrown)
BRITS 08, 29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland The British Snowboard and Freeski Championships and Quiksilver are pleased to announce their continued partnership at this year’s BRITS, when they take the title rights for the Quiksilver British Big Air Championships and host the Quik Sessions Night headlined by the legendry DJing duo, South Central.
A huge number of the UK’s big hitters including, Jenny Jones, Tyler Chorlton and Scott McMorris along with 2006-2007 Freeski Big Air Champ Joe Tyler will be unlocking their big bag of tricks when they hit up Laax’s World class kickers on Tuesday 1st and Thursday 3rd April in the Quiksilver British Big Air Championships. The head-to-head format, made up of four rounds of knock-out qualification, with a limit on the repetition of like-tricks throughout, will have riders digging deep to pull out the variety needed to reach the final and take the TTR World ranking points up for grabs – a true test of an athlete’s ability.
The accomplished musicians, remixers and amazing Dj’s, South Central will be tearing up the Riders Palace dance floor on Tuesday 1st March when they headline the Quik Sessions Night in association with Whitelines. On the NME tour last year with The Enemy and The Wombats, South Central spectacularly dissolves the boundaries of what DJing and live music are as they use a laptop, a keyboard and a 'magicbox' of their own invention to remix tracks live. Their legendary DJ slots are a perfect blend of guitar-powered indie and bleepy electro that promises to set the Quik Sessions night off with a bang – bring on the ‘magic box’!
To ensure you don’t miss out on being part of this legendary event, which is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style the BRITS are offering amazing packages starting from as little as 442CHF, which includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lift pass, festival wrist band (which gives you access to event clubs and bars) and event bag. Let’s not forget the riding though! Competition registration is also now live so check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits08.com– www.brits08.com
New Bands and Brand New Sneakers for the BRITS 08 (Posted Thursday, March 13, 2008 by joannebrown)
29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland
The BRITS, the greatest music and snowsports event of 2008, are excited to introduce the three new bands chosen to rock the brand new Live Après Sessions and welcome new footwear brand ‘Cushe’ on board for the BRITS 08 as ‘Official Footwear Partner’.
New independent British footwear brand Cushe (pronounced Cushy) have stepped up to comfortably fit as brand new official footwear partner for the BRITS 08. Cushe has consistently evolved over the past few years as the most innovative and exciting brand to emerge on the market, designing style led footwear for demanding freesport inspired outdoor individuals.
"Working alongside Soul Sports for the first time as 'Official Footwear Partner' of the BRITS 2008 is a fantastic opportunity for us and we're stoked to be part of such a high profile event. The BRITS 2008 is a perfect launch pad for us to demonstrate our commitment to winter freesports and firmly position Cushe as a credible player within the lifestyle footwear market." Ciaran Henderson - Cushe Marketing and Events Manager
After a UK wide search, for three hot new bands to kick off the inaugural, Ride, K2 and Salomon live Après Sessions, votes are in, groupies packed and drum kits disassembled ready for some serious après shenanigans… Oh, and if anybody asks you heard them at the BRITS first……right! K2 Live Après Session, “Kovak” - Sunday 30th March Kicking off the week in style and promising that their latest ridiculously catchy single “Death in the Disco” will still be in your head on the plane home will be the Indie/Electro/Pop band Kovak. They kicked off 2008 by supporting Robots in Disguise at Brighton's Concorde 2 club, and successfully put on their very own legendary Indie/Electro/Pop nights. www.myspace.com/kovakuk www.kovak.co.uk
Salomon Live Après Session, “Hey Molly” - Tuesday 1st April Hey Molly supported festival headliner Muse at the Eden Projects in Cornwall and have been confirmed to appear at Glastonbury, Aeon and Maker festivals as well as being booked for a tour of Holland and Germany in May, but let’s be honest the Salomon Live Après Session has to be their career highlight! www.myspace.com/heymolly www.heymolly.co.uk
Ride Après Session, “Bohica” - Thursday 3rd April This Guildford based four-piece outfit is steadily building a reputation as one of Britain's most promising alt-rock / metal bands, with lead single “Seven Second Syndrome” getting regular MTV2 play. Always gigging, always touring, and as keen snowboarders they’ll be coming out to shred the slopes and close down the Brits in true head-banging style playing the final RIDE Live Après Session. www.myspace.com/bohica www.bohica.co.uk
To ensure you don’t miss out on being part of this legendary event, which is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style the BRITS are offering amazing packages starting from as little as 442CHF, which includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lift pass, festival wrist band (which gives you access to event clubs and bars) and event bag. Let’s not forget the riding though! Competition registration is also now live so check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits08.com
SNO!zone Dropping in at the BRITS 08 (Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2008 by joannebrown)
29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland SNO!zone - the UK’s premier indoor real snow slopes, will continue to take the title rights for the British Halfpipe Championships at this year’s BRITS 29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland. Standards are set to soar in the 2008 SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships with the UK’s top Freeskiers and Snowboarders, including 2007 Halfpipe Champ, Paddy Graham and a full line-up from the British Snowboard Team confirmed to be competing.
Following on from an inspirational 2007 Halfpipe Championships, which witnessed a huge number of emerging young riders pushing up through the ranks, the 2008 SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships looks set to showcase an explosion of progressive World Class Halfpipe riding. SNO!zone sponsored riders, Jamie Nicholls, Claire Frost and James Woods will also be amongst the riders looking to reach new heights when they drop in to Laax’s perfectly shaped 20ft Superpipe.
The SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships will kick start the Freeski competition schedule on Monday 31st March, with the Snowboard competition taking place on Wednesday 2nd April. The SNO!zone party, in association with Ski Club, will be the icing on the cake on Wednesday evening, when the legendry DJ Tony B and Dan Brown take to the decks at the Crap Bar to finish the day off in style.
To ensure you don’t miss out on being part of this legendary event, which is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style the BRITS are offering amazing packages starting from as little as 442CHF, which includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lift pass, festival wrist band (which gives you access to event clubs and bars) and event bag. Let’s not forget the riding though! Competition registration is also now live so check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits08.com
WORLD’S FIRST EVER RED BULL HOME RUN COMES TO THE BRITS! (Posted Friday, March 7, 2008 by joannebrown)
Red Bull Home Run will debut at the British Freeski and Snowboard Championships in Laax, Switzerland. Be prepared for the most ridiculous event the BRITS has ever seen!
At the end of March, the cream of the British snow sports scene will head to Laax to compete (and party) at the BRITS. Red Bull will, as always, be supporting the event with an on-hill energy station, fuelling competitors and providing the tunes, throughout the week.
On Friday April 4th, at 5pm, to celebrate the last run home of the BRITS, Red Bull has created an en masse, elbows-out, race to the bar: Red Bull Home Run.
Red Bull Home Run will start at the top of the mountain, as hundreds of skiers and snowboarders jostle for position on the start line. At the starter’s gun, the pack will race flat-out to the finish line, almost five miles below at the very foot of the mountain, taking in 1200 metres of vertical descent in around 4 minutes!
The first male and female skiers and snowboarders to complete the gruelling race and cross the finish line will take the win bragging rights, and be crowned the 2008 Red Bull Home Run Champions - just in time for the BRITS Wrap Party later that night…
Lighting up the après-championship festivities will be award winning VJ duo Meek.tv and internationally reputed DJ Bonobo. Meek will provide a visual extravaganza to close down the week in true style: mixing live, beat-synched visuals to the tunes spun by Ninja Tune's Bonobo. The end result will be a mind blowing combination of their own award winning images along with footage from the week’s action at the BRITS and Red Bull Home Run.
Red Bull Home Run is open to anyone with a BRITS wrist band, who is brave (and foolish) enough to enter. Registration will be open on the day at the Red Bull Energy Station at the top.
If you want to be part of the mayhem, last minute packages are still available at www.brits08.com
BRITS REGISTRATION LIVE (Posted Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by stu)
Quick one to let you know that the Brits 08 registration is now live. The Brits (British Snowboard & Freeski Championships) is open to anyone holding a British Passport (in their name of course).
British Animal Slopestyle Championships British Quiksilver Big Air Championships British Trespass Skier/Snowboardcross Championships British SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships
For those wanting to participate in the Red Bull Home Run (Chinese downhill/ Mass start from the top of the mountain to the Crap Bar), then a release will be issued very shortly with all the info. There will be no entry fee. However you must have a Brits wristband which you get by either entering one of the above competitions OR with your Official Brits package booked through Laax Reservation.
Animal are Throwin' Down at the BRITS 2008 (Posted Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by joannebrown)
29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland The British Snowboard and Freeski Championships, featuring the Animal Slopestyle returns to Laax, Switzerland, from the 29th March – 5th April for Europe’s ultimate winter festival - The BRITS. UK industry brand Animal will continue to extend their freestyle and party wings at the BRITS 08 when they take the title - Animal British Slopestyle Championships and host the Animal night headlined by hip-hop legend DJ Format.
Widely regarded as the ultimate measure of a riders all round freestyle ability, the Slopestyle discipline is a combination of technical rails and kickers, all rolled into creative lines and clean landings. The 2007 Animal Slopestyle Championships showcased impressive riding, including the infamous ‘Garnier grind’ from freeskier, Marco Eydallin and groundbreaking results from 13 year old snowboarder, Jamie Nicholls, who scooped silver and became the youngest competitor in the history of the BRITS to take a podium spot.
The UK’s top Slopestyle riders including, Jenny Jones, Sam Cullum and Paddy Graham are amongst the names already confirmed to be competing at the BRITS 08, and with the Slopestyle title firmly set in their sights the 2008 Animal Slopestyle Championships, promises to be a major highlight of the week.
If the dance floor is where you prefer to witness or demonstrate creativity then the Animal night in association with the Extreme Sports Channel is certainly one not to be missed. The Animal BRITS party 07, quoted “party of the week” by Whitelines magazine last year, has risen to the challenge once again and put together another marvellous line-up headlined by hip-hop legend DJ Format. Also spinning records will be Animal pro rider, Dom Harington, who can dominate Britain’s best in the Halfpipe by day and then show the top DJ’s a thing or too on the decks by night! We are also expecting an entertaining mystery set from Goldie Lookin’ Chains, Adam Hussain. The date for your diary is Thursday 3rd April, the place, Casa Veglia, Laax. Make sure you don’t miss the action as the Animal BRITS party descends onto the dance floor for a night of awesome turntablism, dancing and aprski shenanigans.
To ensure you don’t miss out on being part of this legendary event, which is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style the BRITS are offering amazing packages starting from as little as 442CHF, which includes 7 nights accommodation, 6 days lifts pass, festival wrist band (which gives you access to event clubs and bars) and event bag. Lets not forget the riding though! Competition registration is also now live so check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits08.com
Want to ROCK and RIDE the Alps this winter? (Posted Thursday, January 31, 2008 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, the greatest music and snowsports event of 2008, is looking for three live acts to rock the Ride, K2 and Salomon ‘Après Sessions’ at this years event in Laax, Switzerland between March 29th and April 5th.
As well as being packed with the best freestyle snowboard and ski action, culminating in the crowning of the British Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Snowboard/Skiercross and Big Air Champions, the BRITS will this year boast the best live music line-up ever – on the hill, at the ‘Après Sessions’ and each night at the best clubs Laax has to offer.
An army of British snowsports and music aficionado’s will be invading Switzerland to check out the action, shred the slopes and rock out every night, and we’re offering three bands the chance to be an integral part of this line-up – and most importantly the chance to play this crowd, the competitors and the attending press. Not only will the bands get to play to an enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd, but will benefit from the huge promotional machine that stretches into core sports, music and mainstream media.
The ‘Live Après Sessions’ are a great new concept this year, co-created by three of the biggest and best names in the industry – Ride, K2 and Salomon - and will be held early each evening at the ‘Crap Bar’ (crap by name, not by nature!) in Laax – the main meeting point and liveliest party spot for everyone at the end of each day on the mountain.
Each band will receive: • 2 nights accommodation and 2 days lift pass each.
• Each band member will receive a full snowboard/ski set-up from either RIDE, K2 or SALOMON worth around £1500 per band.
• Each band will be promoted via websites, newsletters, BRITS brochure, and reportage from attending media.
All you have to do is get yourselves out to the event!
Our mates used to be in a band but they were rubbish so they broke up. If you're in a band and NOT rubbish, take up this totally amazing opportunity to show your fellow BRITS what you’ve got and submit you’re demo tracks to john@soulsports.co.uk or send demos, marked ‘BRITS Live Après Sessions’ to John @ Soul Sports, Unit B5, Enterprise Point, Melbourne Street, Brighton, E Sussex, BN2 3LH, UK.
All Tracks will be promoted on the BRITS website: www.brits08.com and Myspace page:www.myspace.com/britsapressessions for the public to listen to and comment. The three successful bands will be selected from a combination of the public choice and the BRITS music coordinators’ decision.
Details: • Competition opens – now! So get those demos in ASAP. • Competition closes – Winners will be announced March 1st 2008
If you’re not in a band, don’t fret! We have accommodated for the more observational music and snowsports devotee by providing holiday packages from as little as £179pp. This includes 7 nights Accommodation, 6 days lift pass, event bag AND the festival wrist band which gets you free access to all of The BRITS club venues. So, what are you waiting for, get involved at www.brits08.com to book a package and find out further information about the event, flights and transfers.
The BRITS 2008 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Salomon, Ride, K2 and Faction Ski’s. Official retail partners TSA and Ellis Brigham. Media partners Whitelines, Dark Summer, Extreme.com, Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk and Official Destination Partners, Laax.
Amazing Holiday & Travel Deals to The BRITS 2008 (Posted Monday, January 7, 2008 by joannebrown)
29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland
The British Snowboard and Freeski Championships, returns to Laax, Switzerland, from the 29th March – 5th April for Europe’s ultimate winter festival - The BRITS. To help make it even more affordable and easier to get from your sofa to the slopes, The BRITS have teamed up with Laax and Transfer Intelligence to offer some amazing package deals and transfers out to the event.
• Packages start from as little as £179pp, which includes 7 nights Accommodation, 6 days lift pass, event bag and most importantly the festival wrist band, which will get you free access to all of The BRITS club venues along with a bevy of discounts in a number of Laax’s fine drinking and eating establishments and event bag (DVD, T-shirt, event programme)
• Transfers from Zurich (Switzerland) to resort are approx £50 return. (1½ hour transfer) • Transfers from Friedrichshafen (Germany) to resort are approx £60 return. (1½ hour transfer)
• A great range of well priced flights are available from a number of major airlines including: - BA, Swiss International Airlines, KLM and Easy Jet all fly into Zurich Airport - Ryan Air flies into Friedrichshafen Airport
A staple in the winter snowsports calendar, The BRITS is a true celebration of everything that is great about UK snowboarding and freeskiing - uniting kids, pros and Olympians to compete in the SNO!zone Halfpipe, Trespass Skiercross / Snowboardcross, Quiksilver Big Air and Animal Slopestyle disciplines. The BRITS 2008, a prestigious 3-star TTR event, is also set to attract more great British talent than ever before – including Jenny Jones, Dan Wakeham, Dom Harrington, Mike Wakefield and Paddy Graham and promises to deliver a display of the most progressive snowboarding and freeskiing talent the UK has to offer.
Combining six days of World-class snowboard and freeski action and a heavy après policy, throwing down world renowned live bands and talented tunesmiths all day, everyday, The BRITS 2008 is guaranteed to be an amazing winter week and one that simply cannot be missed.
To ensure you don’t miss out on being a part of this legendary event, which is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style and set to be the biggest and best yet, check out The BRITS website to book now and get the best deals – www.brits08.com. The BRITS website also has a new helpful addition – a completely free 14 day weather forecast for Laax, provided by Netweather, ensuring you can keep an anticipated eye on those clouds starting to gather full of lovely snow just in time for your week away in Laax!
The BRITS 2008 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Salomon, Ride, K2 and Faction Ski’s. Official retail partners TSA and Ellis Brigham. Media partners Whitelines, Dark Summer, Extreme.com, Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk and Official Destination Partners, Laax.
The BRITS 2008 - UK’s Ultimate Winter Music & Snowsports Festival (Posted Wednesday, November 14, 2007 by stu)
29th March – 5th April, Laax, Switzerland
You know winter's officially arrived when The BRITS rocks up to premiere freestyle resort, Laax, Switzerland, for Europe’s ultimate winter festival. Confirmed for the week of March 29th – 5th April, the 2008 event is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style and is set to be the biggest and best yet.
Combining six days of World-class snowboard and freeski action and a heavy après policy, throwing down world renowned live bands and talented tunesmiths all day, everyday, The BRITS 2008 is guaranteed to be an amazing winter week and one that simply cannot be missed.
A staple in the winter snowsports calendar, The BRITS is a true celebration of everything that is great about UK snowboarding and freeskiing - uniting kids, rookies, pros and Olympians to compete in the SNO!zone Halfpipe, Trespass Skiercross / Snowboardcross, Quiksilver Big Air and Animal Slopestyle disciplines on Laax’s perfectly groomed snowpark, home of the famous super pipe and European Open Slopestyle course. The BRITS 2008, a prestigious 3-star TTR event, is also set to attract more great British talent than ever before – including Jenny Jones, Dan Wakeham, Dom Harrington, Mike Wakefield and Paddy Graham, to name just a few, and promises to deliver a display of the most progressive snowboarding and freeskiing talent the UK has to offer.
Whether in resort or on the mountain, all holiday makers, residents and competitors alike, with an exclusive BRITS 2008 Festival band wrapped securely round their wrist, will be treated to six days of incredible live Rock and Hip Hop acts from across the globe. Previous guests to have graced The BRITS include the likes of the Scratch Perverts, Stanton Warriors, DJ Yoda, The Cuban Brothers, Ugly Duckling, Dub Pistols and many more.
A new and exciting addition to the BRITS 2008, bringing the week long festivities to an unforgettable close, will be the ‘Red Bull Home Run’. Open to all who dare, it’s a no holds barred race from the top of the mountain right down to the Crap Bar’s 24 tonne granite bar, which will serve as the official finishing line, where ice cold Red Bull will be awaiting everyone’s arrival. The day will then culminate with Red Bull hosting a big shindig in the Rider’s Palace Club with a headline act to be announced shortly. Watch this space.
So, after a hard day of checking out some world-class freestyle action and tearing yourself some new lines you can then jump shoulder-to-shoulder with the cream of the music and UK Snowboard, Freeski scene in one of Laax’s stylish venues including the ‘Riders Palace’, the famous 'Crap Bar', the much-loved ‘Casa Veglia’ and due to increased demand we’re set to involve one of Flim’s fine party venues. Be sure to keep your beady eyes on the schedule for confirmed acts as it unfolds www.brits08.com.
To help make it even more affordable and easier to get from your sofa to the slopes for the BRITS 2008, the organisers have teamed up with Laax to offer some amazing package deals and exclusive rates. Packages start from as little as £179pp, which includes 7 nights Accommodation, 6 days lift pass, event bag and most importantly the festival wrist band, which will get you free access to all of The BRITS club venues along with a bevy of discounts in a number of Laax’s fine drinking and eating establishments. So, what are you waiting for, get involved at www.brits08.com, to book a package and find out further information about flights and transfers.
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Friday 5th April saw the first ever Red Bull Home Run tear up Laax, Switzerland at the British Freeski & Snowboard Champs. 201 skiers and snowboarders lined up for a Le Mans start at the top of the mountain, each determined to win the ridiculous en masse Chinese downhill race, one of the most anticipated events at the Brits!
On the starter’s pistol the carnage began, with racers fighting to get their gear on, and away down the hill. It was the skiers who got away quickly, leaving the snowboarders close behind. Just 2200m, 5km of graded black/red slope, 1200m of vertical descent and a few minutes later, the winners in four categories emerged victorious
