Over the coming months, news will be hitting these pages of the latest
performing artists, the themed club nights, the fancy dress preferences
and the fashion do's and don'ts... though I think we can confidently state
here and now, that a funky pair of moon boots are a passport to a memorable
night.
LATEST
NEWS
The BRITS Snow & Music Festival Finishes in Style (Posted Thursday, April 1, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The BRITS, which fuses together a week-long festival of top class British Snowboard and Freeski competitions, banging après sessions with some of the finest DJ’s bands and entertainers, came to an exciting close last weekend. Records were smashed, new speeds and heights reached, future stars found and a plethora of parties kept the resort rocking well past most peoples’ bedtimes!
The final day of the BRITS, Saturday 27th March, witnessed over 200 skiers and snowboarders take part in the hugely anticipated Red Bull Homerun, an en-masse race from the top of the mountain to the bottom five miles below. Competitors jostled for a space on the front row, with little regard for the frail and the meek, before strapping their freshly waxed boards and ski’s on and riding flat-out all the way to the bottom.
Local skier and ex Swiss Skiercross Champion, Christian Corey, proved his local mountain knowledge to be priceless when he reached the bottom in a record time of 3min’s – the fastest time achieved over the past three years. 14 year-old Katie Summerhayes was the first female skier to reach the bottom whilst Jessie Smith and Silke Voithoter where the first male and female snowboarders to cross the line.
Throughout the BRITS week, hundreds of revellers jumped at the chance to test one of the Garmin GPS devices and charge the slopes to register their fastest time. The Top Gear style, leader board logged the fastest male and female skiers and snowboarders from each day and at the end of the week, times were logged and results verified before the Garmin Downhill Challenge Champions where crowned. Registering a whooping 111km the overall title went to skier, Rob Andean. Danielle Freeze and a respectable speed of 102.8km clinched it for the female skiers, whilst the fastest snowboarder times were awarded to James Stentiford (107.83km) and Ivy Taylor (70.5km).
The celebrations carried over to the Riders Palace Club on Saturday night, where two times DMC World Battle Champion, DJ SWITCH and the legendary break beat and hip hop master, A Skillz wrapped up the BRITS music-line up in style.
To check out all of the BRITS podcasts and picture galleries from throughout the week go to:www.brits10.com
Jamie Nicholls & Laura Berry take Gold in the Animal Slopestyle Championships (Posted Friday, March 26, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The Animal Slopestyle Championships wrapped up the final day of snowboard competition at the BRITS on Friday 26th March with Laura Berry scooping up the women’s gold and Jamie Nicholls taking his second overall British title for the week.
The women’s Animal Slopestyle Championships kicked off the day’s action, due to high winds the women’s final results were taken from their qualification run.
In top spot and taking the women’s 2010 Animal Slopestyle Championship title was Laura Berry. Laura threw down a solid and stylish run including a frontside boardslide on the top rail followed by a boardslide to fakie on the kinked rail and frontside wall ride. Over the kickers Laura stomped a huge straight air over the big kicker, a stylish nose grab and Indy over the bottom big kicker.
Second place and the silver medal went to 12 year old Katie Ormerod who stepped it up and landed a solid run including a backside noseslide all the way down the box, followed by a boardslide on the up box, backside switch up on the kinked box and frontside wall ride. Over the kickers Katie stomped a big method over the medium kicker, followed by a backside 360 Indy and nose grab over the bottom medium kicker. Stefani Nurding finished in third place with a 50-50 on the top rail, 50-50 to boardslide on the up box, nose slide on the kinked box and frontside wall ride. Her kicker line included a backside 360 and nose grab over the medium kickers.
Laura Berry quoted:“I'm really stoked to have won because I've been injured loads this season. My collarbone’s in two pieces and I had some problems with my arteries, so I was in hospital before the start of the season. I just made sure I was solid. Knowing that I only had one run, I just made it a bit safe. Now, I'm just going to cruise around, have some fun, try and learn some new stuff. I'll definitely come back next year and try and defend the title”.
High winds forced an early end to the full slopestyle run, with judges making the call to shorten the course to the top rail section for the men’s Animal Slopestyle Championships. In true British spirit riders embraced the new format and threw down some well honed rail riding skills from across all of the age categories.
Jamie Nicholls, who had been riding strong all week, added the 2010 Animal Slopestyle title to his already impressive collection with a winning switch run. Jamie’s run included a cab boardslide, switch up, 270 out, switch boardslide on the c-box, switch 50-50 switch front-flip on the box rail and finishing with a cab wall ride. Declan Power, threw down a super smooth run to take second place with a frontside 180 switch up on the first rail, a super clean and stylish boardslide on c-rail followed by 180 switch up on the kinked box and backside lipslide on the top of the wall ride to finish. Third place went to Chris Kightley with a super solid, clean and consistent run including a frontside boardslide on the rail, boardslide on the c-box, followed by a boardslide to fakie on the kinked box and big frontside wall ride.
Jamie Nicholls quoted:“It feels pretty good to have won. The standard was really good this year. And I won the halfpipe yesterday, too, so I'm pretty stoked! My best trick was probably a 270 on 450 out on the box to that massive drop-off, that was cool, and the switch front-flip as well was also good. I'm out there to get podiums now, on European events. I've been getting closer this season at some big competition. So hopefully, next season it'll all happen.”
Animal British Slopestyle Championship Results Women 1st – Laura Berry 2nd – Katie Ormerod 3rd – Stefani Nurding Men 1st – Jamie Nicholls 2nd – Declan Power 3rd – Chris Kightley
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Andrew Matthew and Katie Summerhayes take Gold! (Posted Friday, March 26, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The Giro Freeski Big Air took place on the fourth day of the BRITS and an exceptional standard was set by both the guys and the girls; with Andy Matthew taking first place for his massive bio 9, and Katie Summerhayes showing the crowd that she’s a true international contender.
The weather conditions were tough due to high winds and closed-in weather and the event was brought forward to early morning. The girls were up first but as the wind was getting stronger the judges decided it was to be a one-run showdown for them. Unfazed by the challenge, Katie Summerhayes pulled a spectacular switch 5 off the big kicker. “Big up Katie she’s blatantly going to win Gold at the X-Games in the next few years,” commented judge Jamie Cameron. Taking second place was Molly Summerhayes, who pulled a smooth 720 off the medium kicker. Sissy Herant came third for her 540 off the medium kicker.
Katie Summerhayes quoted:“I really enjoyed it today but I’m surprised to hear I’ve won – what with the wind I thought anyone could have claimed it.”
After an anxious two-hour break the wind finally dropped and the judges decided the men’s final could go on. First place went to Andy Matthew for his massive bio 9 mute, in his second run he pulled a flat spin 5 with two grabs – a Japan and a true nose which also impressed the judges but it was the huge bio 9 that clinched it. James Woods won second place for his Switch 10 mute and Murray score bronze for his switch ten tail grab.
Andy Matthew quoted:“It’s so good to have won. This is the first time I’ve won and this is my third year - I’ve been fourth every year, just missing out. Practice went well and when my runs came round I wasn’t that stoked on them but obviously the judges were!”
Giro British Big Air Championship Results Women 1st – Katie Summerhayes 2nd – Molly Summerhayes 3rd – Sissy Herant
Men 1st – Andy Matthew 2nd – James Woods 3rd – Murray Buchan
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Charlotte Bankes takes Gold again – this time on skis! (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The skiers went head to head in a close battle at the Trespass Skiercross Championship on the third day of the BRITS 2010. But it was Andrew Longley and snowboarder Charlotte Bankes who shone through and went home with the gold medal and the glory.
In the men’s final - Andrew Longley – predominantly a freestyle skier - was first out of the start gates and maintained his lead down the challenging course to cross the finish line first and take the 2010 Trespass British Skiercross Championship Title. After a spectacular wipe-out on the first banked turn and another one just moments later, second and third place where left wide open. First to his feet and continuing down the course at top speed was Thomas Bankes, who placed first in the Monday’s Trespass Snowboardcross Championships, with third place going to Andrew Buckingham. Winner Andrew Longley said: “It’s been amazing to come back and win gold in the Skiercross. I compete in mogul skiing but I wanted to diversify so I’m really happy to have won.“
In the women’s final, 14-year old Charlotte Bankes; who won gold in the Snowboardcross Championships earlier in the week dominated. She made a great start out of the gates and increased her lead down the course to take her second gold. “I haven’t skied for two years to focus on my snowboarding but I thought I’d try the skiercross for fun and I’ve put a bit of practice in the last few months.”
Trespass British Skiercross Championship Results Men 1st – Andrew Longley 2nd – Thomas Bankes 3rd – Andrew Buckingham
Women 1st – Charlotte Bankes 2nd – Grace Lake 3rd – Becky Hammond
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Jamie Nicholls and Kate Foster take home the Gold at the (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The third day of the BRITS saw some explosive action from all age categories in the SNO!zone Snowboard Halfpipe Championships but the podium spots ultimately went to Team GB riders, Kate Foster and Jamie Nicholls, with Nicholls throwing down a super clean run that featured a backside 9 – a trick he learned in practise today.
Conditions held well throughout the day meaning the pipe stayed in great condition throughout. In the women’s finals, Kate Foster, who qualified in first position following her consistently strong runs in the qualifiers, set the standard and walked away with the gold and the 2010 SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship Title. Her winning run included a huge frontside air to backside mute, a smooth frontside 360, to cab 360, frontside 360 and stylish stalefish. Stefani Nurding took second place with a selection of big front and backside airs and back to back 360’s, whilst third place went to Ivy Taylor who nailed a smooth and solid run.
Kate Foster quoted:"I just tried to get a bit of amplitude today. I love the Brits it's been a great week and I'm really happy I just got a gold medal."
Strong performances from several of the youngsters saw, Lewis Courtier-Jones from the kid’s age category and Cody Hierons, Jamie Nicholls and Henry Shackleton from the youth age category make it through to the top 12 men final, giving them the chance to compete with the big guns – an experience an event like the BRITS can only create.
The men’s final was an exciting performance showcasing how international the standard is amongst the British men. Jamie Nicholls proved his riding skills to be world class and his ability to learn new tricks phenomenal in the men’s final when he threw down a super clean run, including a big backside 900 – a trick he’d only learned during practice. Jamie’s run which included a massive frontside air, backside 900 and back to back 7’s synched him the gold and the 2010 SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship Title.
Second place went to Dom Harington, who qualified through to the final in top spot. Dom’s run, was technical, stylish and consistently big and included a backside 900, frontside 720, Haakon flip and backside rodeo. Sam Cullum, riding just three months after shattering his pelvis, impressively finished in third after he landed a smooth and clean run.
Jamie Nicholls quoted:"I wasn't going to compete but I rode the pipe in practice and it felt pretty good I thought I might as well give it a shot. I learnt that run today which was pretty funny - because I never thought I'd be able to do that in the pipe cause I don't really ride the pipe. I was wearing Ben Kilner's Olympic jacket so I think that's where the luck came from."
SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship Results Men 1st – Jamie Nicholls 2nd – Dom Harrington 3rd – Sam Cullum
Women 1st – Kate Foster 2nd –Stefani Nurding 3rd – Ivy Taylor
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Summerhayes and Woods win their second consecutive Gold medals (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The youngsters stepped up to hold their own against the established names at the Animal Freeski Slopestyle on the second day of the BRITS. “It was the best slopestyle finals I’ve ever seen,” commented MC Pat Sharples, “The course held up really well and the standard was just sky high – it wasn’t just British class it was world class.”
With a cool cloud cover keeping the course in pristine condition all day, Katie Summerhayes, aged 14, showed the crowd why she’s in the world’s elite by throwing down a clean run that included a long rail slide on the street rail and a switch 5 Japan, a 7 then a 5 to win Gold for her second consecutive year. Sissy Herant, also 14, showed a solid combination of rail slides on the top section of the C-Box and wall ride. She then booted a 3 off the big kicker and a 5 of the bottom one to take second place. Kelly O’Donnell, aged 19, pulled a Switch 5, a Straight air and then one of the biggest 7s of the day to take third place.
Other stand-out performances from the girls came from the next generation of female stars - nine-year old Maddy Rowlands showed the crowd she’s not only the youngest but one of the finest by going big over all of the kickers. Molly Summerhayes, who qualified in third place had one of the cleanest runs of the day and laid down some textbook rail slides, followed by a super smooth wall ride. She then stomped a 360 mute on the first kicker, followed by a truck driver on the second and a big 540 on the third.
Katie Summerhayes said:“It’s amazing. I won it last year and I didn’t expect to win again this year – big up to the other girls they were all great – this week is the best week of the year for me.”
In the men’s qualifiers, 30 riders threw down all the stops in the hope of getting one of the 12 spots in the finals – it was an open fight and some of the new breed proved they’re tough competition for the established names. But ultimately, the final podium places were a dual between James Woods and Paddy Graham. Woodsy secured his second consecutive Gold with a 270 upslide onto the street rail, a double flip, a 9 tail shifty followed by a switch 10. Paddy Graham, made his run look like a walk in the park with a run that featured a corked 540 off the wall ride, followed by huge clean switch cork 9, double cork 10, cork 9 tail on the kickers to land second place. James Machon, the current British Halfpipe champion, fresh from training in the States proved he’s also handy on the slopestyle and laid down a really smooth pretzel 450 off on the box then stomped a 9 tail, switch 9, and 7 to take third.
James Woods said:“The course was fun and it was quite similar to the course I did a few weeks ago at the European Open so maybe I had a little bit of a head start on the practise, but I’m pretty stoked because the European Open got cancelled because of the weather so I finally got to put down my run today so I’m absolutely psyched. I can’t really put it into words – it’s not just the competition, its great to catch up with all my ski and snowboarding friends and seeing what everyone’s been up to in the winter so winning is the cherry on the icing on the cake!”
Animal British Slopestyle Championship Results Men 1st – James Woods 2nd – Paddy Graham 3rd – James Machon
Women 1st –Katie Summerhayes 2nd –Sissy Herant 3rd – Kelly O’Donnell
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Billy Morgan & Katie Blundell Take the Giro British Big Air Titles (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
Blue skies welcomed in the second day of snowboard competition and the Giro British Big Air Championships at the BRITS with newcomers Billy Morgan and Katie Blundell taking the 2010 Giro British Big Air Championship Titles.
During the men’s qualification rounds a selection of stylish 7’s 9’s, corked 10’s and double front-flips were being thrown down showcasing just how high the current standard of UK snowboarding is.
Only 12 spots in the final were up for grabs and it was Billy Morgan who was crowned the 2010 British Giro Big Air Champion, his first ever BRITS win, after landing a super technical double corked 1080. Jamie Nicholls who had qualified through to the final in top spot finished in a very close second after riding super strong all day and also landing a double corked 1080. Third place went to Scott Penman with a double front flip, with a special mention also going to Nelson Pratt who missed out on a podium placing by just 1 decimal point after he stomped a stylish frontside 900.
Billy Morgan quoted:"I landed pretty clean so I was pretty happy, I came sixth last year as I just couldn't land my tricks but this time I've done less partying, spent more time on the hill and just done a lot more training so I think I was a lot more focused this time."
During the women’s competition Amiee Fuller was leading the way and setting the standard, qualifying through to the six women final in top spot with a huge stylish laid out back-flip. Amiee unfortunately crashed out in the final and the title was left wide open for newcomer, Katie Blundell, who scooped up her first ever BRITS gold and the 2010 Giro British Big Air Title after she landed a huge, solid straight air over the big kicker. Second place with a stylish nose grab went to Sophie Addison, with Rebecca Cullum finishing in third with a straight air tweaked tail grab over the big kicker.
Katie Blundell quoted:"I just can't believe I've won the standard was really high today and it's only my fourth or fifth competition. I've been in America for the last three months and literally ridden every day except for three days so I think that's definitely helped.”
Giro British Big Air Championship Results Men 1st – Billy Morgan 2nd – Jamie Nicholls 3rd – Scott Penman
Women 1st – Katie Blundell 2nd – Sophie Addison 3rd – Rebecca Cullum
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Brother and Sister take Gold at the Trespass Snowboardcross (Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The first day of the British Snowboard Championships kicked off in style when the Trespass British Snowboardcross took place in perfect spring like conditions that saw a double family victory from newcomers Thomas and Charlotte Bankes, who both dominated all day with super fast runs that were peppered with Olympic influences.
Around a hundred competitors gathered to battle it out on the new improved course in Laax. The men’s contest saw some very close rounds with strong runs from the likes of Simon Brown, Nelson Pratt, Tim McGregor and last year’s winner James Foster.
The course got progressively faster as the day went on and the final was a very close match that saw some really solid runs with big airs on the final jump, showboating and shifties. Ultimately, newcomer Thomas Bankes, who held the fastest time in qualifiers, managed to keep his lead and claimed first place and his first BRITS gold medal. Last year’s winner James Foster from Sussex finished a close second followed by Scotsman Tim McGregor in third place. “I wasn’t expecting to win because there are a lot of good riders here. The standard is really good so I’m happy to win. I’m definitely coming back next year for Team GB,” said Thomas of his win.
The women’s final saw some exciting runs with a notable Olympic influence in winner Charlotte Bankes’ riding which saw her pulling the nose of her board up to edge that little bit faster over the finish line. Charlotte, aged 14, had been riding super fast all day and posted some of the fastest times in both men and women, “I’m quite pleased to have won because I’m quite young to be competing with the big ones. I didn’t really think I’d win because I’m a kid so it’s quite hard. I feel like I’ve improved quite a lot – last year I was falling a lot but this year I’ve got better,” said Charlotte.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Results Men 1st – Thomas Bankes 2nd – James Foster 3rd – Tim McGregor
Women 1st – Charlotte Bankes 2nd – Ivy Taylor 3rd – Kate Foster
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
Emma Lonsdale and James Machon Take Top Honours (Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st - 28th March 2010
The SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships kicked off the BRITS 2010 Freeski Championships in style with the 2009 British SNO!zone Halfpipe Champions, Emma Lonsdale and James Machon boosting out of the 19ft superpipe to retain their titles for the second consecutive year.
In the qualification rounds the younger competitors including, 11 year old Mia Cheshire, 13 year old Molly Summerhayes and 13 year old Tyler-Jay Harding all stepped it up with impressive runs to secure a spot through to the top 6 women and top 12 men finals.
In the women’s final it was 2008 and 2009 British Halfpipe Champion, Emma Lonsdale who claimed the title for the third consecutive year cementing her position as one of the most talented female halfpipe riders in the UK. Her run was smooth and consistently big with back to alley-opp 360’s and solid grabs. In second place with a selection of alley-opps and an impressive 540 and 720 was 14 year old Katie Summerhayes, with Becky Hammond finishing in a close third after riding solid all day.
Emma Lonsdale quoted:“It feels so good to have won, because I thought I was going to come second. Genuinely surprised! I didn’t do very well in my second run but my first run was really solid so i guess that was enough.”
As the men’s final got underway the sun came out and the crowds gathered as the top 12 qualifying skiers threw down consistent runs making the top three podium places a tough call for the judges. James Machon qualified in first place and continued his top form in the final to take the 2010 British SNO!zone Halfpipe Championship title for the second consecutive year. His winning run included a huge 540 followed by back to back 900’s, a solidly grabbed flat spin 360, to switch 360 and an impressive 720 on his final hit. In a very close second was Murray Buchan who had been charging the pipe all day and landed a big 1260, and 1080. Third place went to James Woods who threw down a solid technical run.
James Machon quoted:“I’m really excited to have won. I was really nervous before because the other guys had really good runs, so I just decided to go down and go for the landing and I did it. I’ll definitely be coming back for the treble next year”.
SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship Results: Men 1st – James Machon, Sheffield 2nd – Murray Buchan, Edinburgh 3rd – James Woods, Sheffield
Women 1st – Emma Lonsdale, North Yorkshire 2nd – Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield 3rd – Becky Hammond, Sheffield
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at:www.brits10.com , where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
A SKILLZ & DJ SWITCH Headline The BRITS (Posted Thursday, March 18, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The BRITS Snow & Music Festival, which hits Laax, Switzerland this weekend, 21st – 28th March 2010, are excited to announce that world renowned DJ, A SKILLZ and twice DMC World Champion, DJ Switch will be wrapping up the BRITS Music line-up in style when they headline the BRITS final night at the Riders Palace on Saturday 27th March.
Record label owner, producer and DJ extraordinaire, A SKILLZ incredible deck talents fuse funk, soul and hip-hop with D'n'B, dub-step and breaks, all sliced, mashed and cut together with a unique style of scratching and mixing. His reputation as a true party rocker has won him prime-time slots across the world at a who’s who of major events, festivals and music industry parties including FabricLive (London), The Hit Factory (New York), WMC (Miami), Shambhala (Canada) and Field Day (Sydney).
Two times DMC World Battle Champion, scratch master and musical freak, DJ Switch serves up Hip Hop, jazz, soul, funk, rock, house, garage, breakbeat and drum & bass – all cut, sliced, mixed and layered to make a very tasty musical lasagna, that will keep you coming back for more!
With international status and highly regarded reputations in the music industry, A SKILLZ, DJ Switch and special guests, Urban Knights, are guaranteed to leave a trail of exhausted but ultimately satisfied party goers in their wake, finishing off the BRITS week in true style!
To recap over the BRITS musical menu on offer during the week, we’ve got:
Trespass Hip Hop Night in Association with Natives, featuring DJ Woody and Rodney P Kicking off the BRITS music week in true British Hip Hop style on Monday night will be top DJ collective, SCRATCH. Fresh, fly, bold and wild – is the legacy, encompassing all forms of Hip Hop culture from djing, rapping and breaking.
Extreme Premiere Night in Association with Metrosnow, ‘THEY CAME FROM’ & ‘TRANSITION’ A night of sweets, popcorn, a large coca-cola and top-notch movie action of incredible, unique and un-human like abilities will leave you paralysed in your seat on Tuesday night at the Riders Palace.
Cushe Dub-Step and Breaks Night in Association with SCUK, featuring, Urban Knights With their refreshing blasts of audio visual delights, the Urban Knights will be sure to create the most dazzling and contemporary show which will leave you on the dance floor in a state of exhausted wide eyed amazement!
GIRO7” Throwdown night in Association with Ski Club Find that inner DJ and come along to mix with the best on the 7”Wheels of Steel. For all riders, dj’s and general dudes and dudettes. It’s your time to shine in the spotlight!
Animal Rock night and Guitar Hero in Association with Whitelines The stage has been set for you to unleash your inner guitar hero and rock star on Friday night as Animal presents the ultimate 21st century karaoke! Groups of up to four band members can rock out on guitar, drums and vocals with the best two bands fighting it out in a final ‘rock-off’ at the end of the night. Prizes from Animal and Guitar Hero are up for grabs so make sure you sign your bands up and pick your tracks at the Animal tent during the week and Rock Fancy Dress is compulsory so make sure its spandex tight!
ERISTOFF presents the 2010 ‘Après Sessions’ at The BRITS (Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
With less than 2 weeks to go before the BRITS Snow and Music Festival returns to Laax in Switzerland, event organisers are excited to announce that ERISTOFF will be hosting this year’s Après Sessions Stage.
ERISTOFF, the Vodka from the Land of the Wolf, will be hauling its Airstream bus into town, which, at the touch of a button, transforms into the ERISTOFF ‘Après Sessions’ stage and will play host to great live acoustic and DJ sets throughout the week. The Godfather of British Hip Hop, Rodney P is rumoured to be taking to the stage to alight the dance floor along with the all-comers B-boy battle.
ERISTOFF is one of the leading vodka brands in Europe & launched last year in the UK as part of a global campaign. It will be the official spirit for festival-goers and plans to make its ERISTOFF ‘Icy Black’ the signature drink of The BRITS – ERISTOFF Black is the natural wild berry flavoured spirit that doesn’t like to mix when poured over lemonade.
Demo sponsors K2, Ride, DC, Salomon, Lib Tech and GNU snowboards along with Line, Volkl and K2 skis will also be displaying a range of their 2011 hardware with free trials in the Après Sessions Arena for all BRITS wristband holders. Their teams of UK pros will also be on hand to answer questions and to offer insider tips.
If you’d like to be a part of the ultimate alpine gathering and enjoy the ERISTOFF Après Sessions at the this year’s BRITS, then packages start from as little as £230 (GBP - CHF equivalent may vary with exchange rate) and include - seven nights accommodation, seven day lift passes, event pack and the all important BRITS festival wristband:www.brits10.com
Giro Stamps its Mark on the BRITS Big Air! (Posted Thursday, February 11, 2010 by stu)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
With less than 40 days to go before the BRITS 2010 Snow & Music Festival hits Laax in Switzerland, organisers are excited to announce that Giro, a worldwide leader in protective gear and accessories for action sports, have secured the title rights for the Giro British Snowboard & Freeski Big Air Championships at this year’s event.
“The seemingly endless rate of progression among British athletes is continually increasing the importance of safety, which makes this new partnership all the more credible, and they don’t come any bigger and more successful than Giro to help drive this responsible message.”claimed Event Director, Spencer Claridge.
The 3-STAR TTR Giro Snowboard Big Air Championships will take place on Wednesday 24th March with the Giro Freeski Big Air Championships bringing the weeks Freeski action to a spectacular close on Friday 26th March 2010. The coveted British Big Air titles, a £3,000 cash prize purse and a stash of Giro’s finest gear will all be up for grabs.
Already sponsoring an elite team of UK snowboarders and freeskiers including British Champions Scott Mcmorris, Murray Buchan and James Woods, Olympian Ben Kilner, and X-Games Gold Medalist Jenny Jones, Giro are really demonstrating their support for the UK scene and taking things a step further by hosting the Giro British Big Air Championships.
“We are very excited about the partnership with such a prestigious event for the Giro brand. Along with our support of some of the UK’s top athletes, this sponsorship of the British Big Air Championships further endorses Giro’s position as market leader and its commitment to British snow sport.” Matt Rushton - Giro
Giro, based in Scotts Valley, California, is a worldwide leader in high-performance protective gear and accessories for action sports and active lifestyles. Their mission is to create products on the leading edge of inspired design that look, fit and feel like a part of you, and allow you to be at your best.
To pre-register to compete in the Giro Big Air Championships, which welcomes all ability levels and ages or to book a package deal out to the event, which starts from as little as £230* and includes - seven nights’ accommodation, seven days lift pass, event pack and BRITS festival wristband go to: www.brits10.com
Animal Get the BRITS Rocking! (Posted Thursday, February 4, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
For the fourth consecutive year, leading UK brand Animal will be spreading their freestyle wings to take the title rights of the Animal British Slopestyle Championships, and host the brand new Animal Rock Night featuring Guitar Hero at the forthcoming BRITS Snow & Music Festival, 21st – 28th March 2010, Laax, Switzerland.
Following on from an inspirational 2009 Slopestyle Championships, which witnessed BRITS records being smashed, Animal Pro Mountain Biker, Sam Pilgrim attack the course on his bike and younger riders including, Jamie Nicholls, Katie Summerhayes and James Woods pushing up through the ranks, the 2010 Animal Slopestyle Championships looks set to be a major highlight of the BRITS week.
A huge number of the UK’s top slopestyle riders including, Jenny Jones, Ben Kilner, Dom Harington and freeskiers, James Webb and Paddy Graham will be hitting Laax’s World-class course to showcase their ever growing bag of tricks in the Animal Slopestyle Championships, on Wednesday 24th and Friday 26th March 2010.
After ditching the dirt for snow during last year’s slopestyle event it’s rumoured that Animal’s World Champion Mountain Bike rider Sam Pilgrim is up for the challenge again this year and looks set to hit the entire course including the 18m kicker on wheels!
Get ready to unleash your inner rock legend on Friday night at the BRITS when Kerrang’s DJ, Christian Stevenson presents the Animal Rock Night featuring Guitar Hero in association with Whitelines & Snowboard Club UK. Stevenson will be cranking up the volume to 11 to get your Rock On for the ultimate Air Guitar symphony. Spandex and eyeliner are compulsory as Rock Night means Rock Dress!
To register to compete in the Animal Slopestyle Championships or to book a package deal out to the event, which starts from as little as £230* and includes - seven nights’ accommodation, seven days lift pass, event pack and BRITS festival wristband go to:www.brits10.com
BRITS High-Speed Action and Wristband privileges! (Posted Thursday, January 21, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
With less than 60 days to go before the BRITS 2010 Snow & Music Festival hits Laax, Switzerland, organisers are excited to announce the brand new Garmin Speed Challenge and the return of the Red Bull Homerun and much loved Cushe Airbag at this year’s event, 21st – 28th March 2010.
This bevy of additional, exciting events including the admission into all of the BRITS club nights, and the chance to demo the latest equipment from our hardware sponsors is absolutely FREE for all BRITS revellers when they arrive in Laax and flash a BRITS festival wristband fixed firmly around their wrist.
Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation and creators of a series of GPS devices geared toward the snowsport enthusiast, will be introducing the brand new Garmin Speed Challenge at this year’s BRITS. Throughout the week revellers will charge the slopes to register a fastest time to be displayed upon the Garmin Leader board positioned centre stage at the Après Arena. Destined to spark post-slope boasting and debate, the Garmin Speed Challenge winner will naturally receive bragging rights plus a trip to The BRITS 2011 to defend their crown.
Back by popular demand Red Bull Homerun will finish off the high-speed BRITS action spectacularly on Saturday 27th March, when hundreds of competitors race en-mass from the top of the mountain to the bottom five miles below. The starting line sees an army of skiers and snowboarders jostling for position before racing to their kit – Le Mans style – and then tanking it flat-out all the way to the bottom for glory.
Known for their innovative way of doing things, BRITS official footwear partner, Cushe will be on hand again this year to offer some extra slope time on the Cushe Air Bag. Situated in the heart of the Après Session Arena, it will give the maverick an opportunity to push the boundaries all week, and set the scene for the Cushe Huck Fest, a one night only all-comers contest encouraging BRITS wristband holders to throw their inhibitions to one side and their bodies skyward for crowd appreciation and a haul of Cushe prizes.
Amazing package deals for the BRITS are available and start from as little as £230* per person, which includes - seven nights’ accommodation, seven days lift pass and an event pack containing an exclusive BRITS Ignite beanie and BRITS festival wristband giving access to the Club Nights and discounts. To book one of the package deals go to:www.brits10.com
BRITS Music line-up Announced, Don’t Miss Out! (Posted Monday, January 11, 2010 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, Laax, Switzerland, 21st – 28th March 2010
The BRITS are excited to announce the initial music line-up for their 21st annual Snow and Music festival in Laax, Switzerland from the 21st – 28th March 2010. If the fact that you can get a week’s package deal out to the BRITS from as little as *£230 wasn’t enough to convince you to book, then the promise of five banging Club Nights, an Air Guitar Rock Session and a 3-D Movie Premiere should!
Kicking off the BRITS music week in true British Hip Hop style and christening one of Laax’s hottest new club venues will be top DJ collective, SCRATCH. Fresh, fly, bold and wild – is the legacy, encompassing all forms of Hip Hop culture from djing, rapping and breaking. Featuring the Godfather of British Hip Hop, Rodney P and a DJ demi-god against mere DJ mortals, DJ Woody, described by friends Scratch Perverts as “one of the most creative djing forces the UK scene has ever produced”!
Into the week and DJ Adam Freeland will be hitting Laax and tearing up the dance floor with his iconic electro beats. The LA based DJ/producer and owner of, ‘Marine Parade’ record label was nominated for a Grammy award for his remix of, Sarah Vaughn’s ‘Fever’, whilst his latest album ‘Cope’ has received critical acclaim. With more than his fair share of club killers, Freeland will throw the BRITS into an electro climax. Be expecting the unexpected!
It’s all about the taking part at this year’s BRITS and there’s plenty of opportunity to do so, from the 7” Throwdown night, delivering a twist (of the vinyl variety) of the much loved Stick-It-On night, to the Guitar Hero antics of the Animal Rock Night where Kerrang DJ Christian Stevenson will be throwing rock hammer after rock hammer and conducting the Air Guitar symphony. Spandex at the ready, rock dress is compulsory!
To ensure people last the week the Extreme Sports Channel will be offering respite from the dance-floor and immersing BRITS goers into a whole new depth of movie viewing as they host the 3-D movie premiere of ‘THEY CAME FROM’. A brand new feature at this year’s BRITS that promises cinema quality action at the sophisticated Riders Palace.
The International Headlining Act will be announced very soon and looks set to finish the BRITS week off in truly epic style, so be sure to keep checking the BRITS website for updates: www.brits10.com
Don’t forget that The BRITS is as much about the British Championships as it is about the nightlife. Competition registration is no live so to register to compete in any of the British Snowboard and Freeski Championship events including the Animal Slopestyle, SNO!zone Halfpipe and Trespass Snowboard/Skiercross go to: www.brits10.com
Amazing package deals for the BRITS are available and start from as little as £230* per person, which includes - seven nights accommodation, seven days lift pass and an event pack containing an exclusive BRITS Ignite beanie and BRITS festival wristband giving access to the Club Nights and discounts. To book one of the package deals go to: www.brits10.com
Trespass Snowboardcross and Skiercross Championships (Posted Tuesday, December 22, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, 21st – 28th March 2010 Laax, Switzerland
With less than 90 days to go before The BRITS 2010 Snow and Music Festival hits Laax Switzerland it’s time to make the most of the UK’s recent snowfall and get the shred stick out, head for the nearest hill or snow covered common and practice manoeuvring between those extreme sledgers in preparation for one of the BRITS first events, the Trespass Snowboardcross and Skiercross Championships.
The Trespass Snowboardcross and Skiercross Championships witnessed the largest number of entrants to date at The BRITS 09 with over 200 competitors, ranging from novice to pro stepping up to the start gates to race against the clock and each other down the challenging 700m course. Team GB, and in particular Zoe Gillings and James Foster will be looking to get amongst the medals, where victories will secure them a third consecutive Trespass British Snowboardcross Championship each.
Gillings, who is considered one of Britain’s best hopes for a medal at the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, will be back at the BRITS in March to defend her current British title. Hopefully we’ll discover a few more future stars, inspired by her performance and looking to follow in her footsteps.
The Trespass Snowboardcross Championships will kick start the snowboard competition schedule on Tuesday 23rd March, with the Trespass Skiercross Championships taking place on Thursday 25th March 2010. The BRITS welcomes all ability levels and is served up across five age categories, Kids, Youth, Junior, Senior and Masters. Competition registration will be live from the 1st January 2010, for more event information and to register to compete, check out: www.brits10.com
Don’t forget that The BRITS is as much about the nightlife and music as it is about the British Championships and amazing package deals are available from as little as £230* per person, which includes - seven nights accommodation, seven days lift pass and an event pack containing an exclusive BRITS Ignite beanie and BRITS festival wristband giving access to the Club Nights and discounts. To book one of the package deals go to: www.brits10.com
Countdown to the BRITS 2010 Begins! (Posted Thursday, December 10, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS, 21st – 28th March 2010 Laax, Switzerland
100 days to go and counting! The official countdown until the first day of the BRITS 2010 starts today. The hugely anticipated BRITS festival will be heading to the European freestyle mecca that is Laax, Switzerland from the 21st – 28th March 2010.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the ultimate alpine gathering, event organisers are offering unbeatable early bird and package deals that blow any other winter festival out of the... ahh...snow. There are options available to cater for all budgets, from the “I can’t believe it’s so affordable” to the, “I can’t wait to be hand fed my next peeled grape”.
Accommodation Options & Package Deals Riders Palace Making the ‘Hip Hotels’ book listings and winning awards for its stylish design, the Riders Palace is well priced, excellently placed and the hub of many of the BRITS goings on. With three different room options available, suitably named the 180, 360 & 540 rooms, there is something for everyone. The loan rider can bunk up with four other like-minded souls in the 180 room, or a group of mates or couple can kick back after a long day of riding in the trendy 360 or 540 rooms. • £230* - based on 5 people sharing a 180 room, including 7 nights’ accommodation, 7 days liftpass, event pack and festival wrist band. • £264 - £285* - based on 2-3 people sharing a 360 room and includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 7 days liftpass, event pack and festival wrist band. • £306 - £355* - based on 2-3 people sharing a 540 room and includes 7 nights’ accommodation, with plasma TV and Xbox, 7 days liftpass, event pack and festival wrist band.
Rocksresort ***Early Bird Deal! - Book before the 31st December and save a whooping £126*** The brand new Rocksresort, already appointed as a “member of design hotels’, blends naturally into its surroundings at the base of the mountain which is also home to the BRITS Après Sessions Arena. The stylish apartments offer an open-plan living area, under-floor heating and make use of an elegant local stone for the kitchen tops, walls and wet rooms (the whole bathroom turns into a steam room!). The bedrooms have huge windows with views of the home run and clever storage, hidden in the untreated oak walls. • £359* - based on five people sharing and apartment (Sunday –Sunday) and includes, 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 day lift pass, event pack and festival wrist band. • £399* - based on four people sharing and apartment (Sunday –Sunday) and includes, 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 day lift pass, event pack and festival wrist band.
SigninaHotel The SigninaHotel is situated next to the base station in Laax and offers outstanding four-star service and accommodation options. With a stylish lobby and bar, exquisite restaurant and relaxing wellness and health spa, the SigninaHotel could be a perfect slice of luxury this BRITS. • £444* - £646*, including 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast, 6 days liftpass, event pack and festival wristband.
Lift Passes Only If you can’t find an accommodation option to suit you, but still want to head up the mountain and join in with all the BRITS fun, organisers have struck another amazing deal where upon purchase of a liftpass and quoting BRITS2010, you will receive a BRITS festival wrist band absolutely FREE! The BRITS wristband will provide you with FREE entry to all of the club night shenanigans plus a bevy of discounts and event privileges.
How to Get There! Flights With return flights to Zurich from London, Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh starting from just £70, departing Sunday 21st and returning Sunday 28th March 2010 (including luggage allowance!), there really is no excuse to stay at home... Blimey, you could be allergic to snow and find it hard to resist at that price!
Transfers To get you and your kit safely to resort, at wallet friendly prices, check out the BRITS10.com travel page for all of the lowdown on transfers, including a coach, private shuttle, or train service option, which runs like clockwork and is only £34. Swiss public transport is amazing and trains and buses run in sync with each other to make your journey as smooth and trouble free as possible.
So in classic Vorderman style, but without a conundrum in sight, let the BRITS countdown begin!
For all booking information and prices go to: www.brits10.com or to book direct call Laax reservations and quote ‘BRITS2010’ to receive your event pack and festival wristband on Tel: +41 (0)81 927 7777
The BRITS is back and fully charged for 2010! (Posted Friday, November 13, 2009 by joannebrown)
21st – 28th March 2010 Laax, Switzerland
The BRITS, Europe’s longest established winter festival and number one event on the British Snowboarding and Freeskiing calendar is back! Returning to the award-winning Swiss resort of Laax from the 21st - 28th March 2010 at a head-turningly unbelievable £230 per person!
The BRITS is a unique, week-long winter festival that everyone should experience. Combining eight British Snowboard and Freeski Championship events including the Animal Slopestyle, SNO!zone Halfpipe and Trespass Snowboard/Skiercross and a musical juggernaut set to shake the pretty little Swiss resort to its very foundation. This year we’re offering packages at rates that would make a backpacker double-take. Starting from as little as £230* per person, packages include - seven nights accommodation, seven days lift pass and an event pack containing an exclusive BRITS Ignite beanie and BRITS festival wristband, providing FREE entry to all of the club night shenanigans plus a bevy of discounts and event privileges. With its choice of hotels or apartments including the stylish Riders Palace and the brand new design hotel, Rocks Resort, the BRITS 2010 is offering champagne taste for beer money, and we’re bracing ourselves for an almighty lock-in. As well as saving you a tidy packet, The BRITS also unites the UK’s top athletes such as X-Games Gold medallist, Jenny Jones and Olympic hopefuls Ben Kilner and Zoe Gillings with budding amateurs, kids and rookies. Giving all-comers the chance to compete for British titles and World-ranking points. All standards are welcome and competitors can pre-register online for any one or more disciplines. For 2010 we’re adding even more to the Après Sessions, so hold tight for some Home Run adrenaline-fuelled antics, Air Bag bravado, Highest Ollie posturing, free Demo Testing, plus some banging Live Acoustic Sets. The evening music menu will be covering all bases, with melodic flavours coming courtesy of internationally acclaimed solo artists, live bands and DJs that cross a spectrum of musical genres and styles.
Previous artists to have graced The BRITS include exuberant Brit-hoppers The GO Team, US hip-hop legends Ugly Duckling, and cut ‘n’ paste maestro DJ Yoda to name a few. The music line-up set to tear the roof off The BRITS 2010 will be announced shortly. So bookmark this page, register to receive our newsletter and get following us on Twitter and let’s make sure we see you there: www.brits10.com. The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour, would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: :Animal, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Snow+Rock Demo partners: DC, Ride, K2, Line, and Volkl skis. Media partners Whitelines,Dark Summer, Spiked, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk, Skiclub.co.uk,and Natives.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Record label owner, producer and DJ extraordinaire, A SKILLZ incredible deck talents fuse funk, soul and hip-hop with D'n'B, dub-step and breaks, all sliced, mashed and cut together with a unique style of scratching and mixing. His reputation as a true party rocker has won him prime-time slots across the world at a who’s who of major events, festivals and music industry parties including FabricLive (London), The Hit Factory (New York), WMC (Miami), Shambhala (Canada) and Field Day (Sydney). 
