New Dates and Venue Announced for 2008 British Snow Tour (Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2008 by joannebrown)
The 2008 British Snowboard and Freeski Tour returns this summer, announcing six new dates, introducing a brand new venue and continuing to represent and showcase the highest level of Snowboard and Freeski competition in the UK.
New to the British Snow Tour, Halifax Ski and Snowboarding Centre will join the list of existing and successfully tested venues: Chatham, Norfolk, Castleford, Milton Keynes and Glasgow for 2008. By adding new venues and continuing to incorporate a dedicated schools tour program, which will visit over 6,000 kids and give away 1,000 lessons, the British Snowboard and Freeski Tour will create new breeding grounds for emerging talent and continue to provide a path from grass roots participation through to international competition.
British Snow Tour dates for your diaries:
5th & 6th July 2008 – Halifax, British Big Air Championships
12th & 13th July 2008 – Chatham, British Slopestyle Championships
19th & 20th July 2008 – Norfolk, British Snowboard/Skiercross Championships
20th September 2008 – Castleford, British Slopestyle Championships
27th September 2008 – Milton Keynes, British Big Air Championships
4th October 2008– Glasgow, British Snowboardcross/Skiercross Championships
The 2008 British Snow Tour will also be returning to this year’s Metro Ski and Snowboard show for the Invitational Championships, to keep up-to-date with new event news and info, check out the British Snowboard and Freeski Tour website: www.britishsnowtour.com The British Snowboard Tour continues to be the only UK event to award competitors with prestigious Ticket to Ride (TTR) points and TTR World Snowboard Tour Ranking. Giving UK riders the opportunity to not only win British Championships Titles, but secure World Ranking Points. Artificial Events = TTR ONE(1)STAR event, Indoor Events = TTR TWO(2)STAR event, The BRITS = TTR THREE(3)STAR event, for more information and to find out where UK riders are currently ranked check out: www.ttrworldtour.com
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.
2007 British Snow Tour Finishes in Style (Posted Tuesday, November 6, 2007 by joannebrown)
Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships
The British Snowboard and Freeski Tour wrapped up the 2007 series in style on Saturday 3rd November at Braehead SNO!zone with the Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships. The impressive 10m all-snow jump guaranteed riders serious air time, with 900’s and 1080’s being thrown down, whilst freeskier Teri Spencer secured her spot in the UK’s Freeski Hall of Fame after she became the first ever British female to land a misty flip 540!
Quiksilver British Indoor Snowboard Big Air Championships The British Quiksilver Snowboard Big Air Championships kicked off the day’s competition, with each rider getting three jumps to qualify into the top eight men and four women final. Local Scottish rider Mark Watson, qualified second into the final but crashed out on the landing of a huge rodeo 540 during his last qualification jump and had to pull out, giving local Braehead instructor Andrew Binnie the 8th spot after he landed a big one footed air during qualifications.
In the women’s final all four girls were hitting the big 10m jump spinning 360’s and 540’s. Laura Berry on her final jump stomped a huge frontside 360, with a super solid indy grab to take the women’s Quiksilver Big Air Championship Title. Scottish rider Claire Frost demonstrated her big bag of tricks, spinning a big frontside and backside 540 during the final to take second, whilst third place went to Samantha Rodgers who landed a big 360. In the men’s final Jamie Nicholls dominated the competition and took first with a huge backside 720, whilst newcomer to the tour Joe Howard finished in second place with a big cab underflip. Third place went to GB development team rider Billy Neilson, who had been killing it all day and stomped a super stylish backside 360 melon.
Quiksilver British Snowboard Big Air Championship Results
Men
Women
1st - Jamie Nicholls - Bradford
1st - Laura Berry, Milton Keynes
2nd - Joe Howard, Somerset
2nd - Claire Frost, Edinburgh
3rd - Billy Neilson, Milton Keynes
3rd - Samantha Rogers - Reading
The Salomon “Best Un-sponsored” awards went to Kara Anderson, who made it through to the final and newcomer to the tour Joe Howard who finished in second place overall, winning them both £200 worth of Salomon kit.
Quiksilver British Indoor Freeski Big Air Championships The afternoon’s competition made way for the UK’s Crème de le Crème of freeskiing, who had been raring to get out on the slope and hit the 10m jump. They didn’t disappoint and the standard of skiing was amazing, with a battle of the switch 720’s going off during the men’s final and newcomer to the tour Ben Parks landing an impressive 1080.
In the women’s competition there was an incredible display of tricks witnessed, with Teri Spencer landing the first ever misty flip 540 by a female in the UK to take the 2007 Quiksilver Big Air Championship Title. Second place went to youngster Katie Summerhayes, who had been charging the big jump all day and landed a huge 540, whilst third place went to Shelly Jones with a solid 540. During the men’s final, Paddy Graham pulled out all the stops on his final run and stomped an amazing switch misty flip 900 to rightfully walk away with the 2007 Quiksilver Big Air Title. Second place went to Scottish skier and 2007 Quiksilver Artificial Big Air Champion, Murray Buchan, who had been skiing super strong all day and landed a huge switch 720 true nose. Andrew Collin was also on top form and took away third place after he pulled out a sick switch 900.
Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championship Results
Men
Women
1st - Paddy Graham, Sheffield
1st - Teri Spencer, Warmwell
2nd - Murray Buchan, Edinburgh
2nd - Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield
3rd - Andrew Collin, South Yorkshire
3rd - Shelley Jones, Stoke-on-Trent
Faction Skis “Step Up” awards were presented to local skier Graham McGrath and the overall female indoor award went to Teri Spencer, each winning a pair of handmade skis and entry into the grand prize draw to win a year’s sponsorship deal.
The next event on the British Snow Tour calendar will be the BRITS 2008, which is heading back to Laax, Switzerland, from 29th March – 5th April. Combining six days of World-class snowboard and freeski action and heavy après policy, the BRITS 2008 is guaranteed to be an amazing winter week and one that simply cannot be missed. So, what are you waiting for, get involved at www.brits08.com, to book a package, from as little as £179pp and to find out further information.
See all PICTURES from the British Snow Tour click here
See all VIDEO REVIEWS from the British Snow Tour click here
British Snow Tour Heads to Glasgow (Posted Wednesday, October 31, 2007 by joannebrown)
Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships
The British Snowboard & Freeski Tour heads up north for its final stop of the series at Braehead, SNO!zone, Glasgow on Saturday 3rd November for the Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships. Stopping off at two local schools along the way on the 1st & 2nd November, the tour looks to inspire even more newcomers, give away 100 FREE lessons, offer FREE product testing and freestyle coaching, plus display some of the UK’s finest snowboarding and freeskiing.
The Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships Over the last three weeks, Braehead SNO!zone have been stockpiling snow in preparation for the 2 star TTR Quiksilver Big Air Championship event. The 9m all snow jump is being hand crafted as we speak and promises to elevate the UK’s top riders, including 2007 British Freeski Artificial Big Air Champ Murray Buchan and snowboarders, Laura Berry and 2007 British Halfpipe Champion, Angus Leith to new heights.
To compete, all riders must pre register online, so to secure your spot and check out further information about the FREE coaching from Method Snow School and product testing from Ride, K2, Salomon and Faction Skis up for grabs go to: www.britishsnowtour.com Salomon and Faction Skis are continuing to reward fresh talent during the event by giving away new set-ups in the “Salomon Best Un-sponsored” and Faction Skis “Step Up” awards. At the end of the event all previous Faction Skis Step Up award winners will be shortlisted, with the most deserving skier being invited to join the team with an exclusive one year sponsorship deal.
Schools Tour The British Snow Tour team, will again be taking over the PE curriculum for the day in each school, holding high impact, interactive presentations to over 1,000 pupils, and offering them FREE beginner ski or snowboard lessons, courtesy of Quiksilver, during the Championships at Braehead SNO!zone.
Quiksilver British Big Air Competition Schedule: •Thursday 1st November: - Smithycroft Secondary School, Glasgow •Friday 2nd November: – Shawlands Academy, Glasgow •Friday 2nd November: - 19.00 – 22.00 Braehead, SNO!zone, Glasgow, FREE snowboard and Freeski coaching, plus FREE product testing (Ride, K2, Salomon & Faction Ski’s) •Saturday 3rd November: - 09.00 – 16.00 - Braehead, SNO!zone, Glasgow: - Quiksilver British Snowboard Big Air Championships •Saturday 3rd November: - 14.00 – 20.00 - Braehead, SNO!zone, Glasgow: - Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championships •Saturday 3rd November: - 12.00 – 16.00, Braehead, SNO!zone, Glasgow, FREE Ski & Snowboard Lessons with the Quiksilver Ski and Snowboard Academy
London Streets are paved with Gold for British Champions (Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2007 by joannebrown)
The British Quarterpipe Invitational Championships at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, London
Huge inverts, 900’s and the legendary wake’n bake, were among the tricks of choice being thrown down at the British Quarterpipe Championships on Friday 26th October at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, London, Olympia. 20 of the UK’s best freeskiers and snowboarders were invited to compete and showcase their tricks in front of a crowd of thousands with the hopes of winning the British Quarterpipe Championship titles and a FREE holiday out to the BRITS 08.
The qualification round kick started the competition, with each rider getting two runs to impress the judges, before going through to the final, with the top 2 skiers and snowboarders then going through to a one run super final. The younger competitors including, freeskiers, James Woods, Josh Fawcett and snowboarders, Jamie Nicholls, Cody Hierons and Sparrow Knox, were pushing the limits throwing down a selection of 900’s and Mctwists, whilst the likes of snowboarders Dom Harington, Gary Greenshields and freeskier Andy Bennett, were reaching some crazy heights out of the quarterpipe.
British Snowboard Quarterpipe Championships The prestigious TWO STAR TTR Event, witnessed riders pulling out all the stops during the snowboard final, with Gary Greensheilds going huge with a big backflip to fakie. Dom Harington was also on top form with some super stylish frontside 720’s, Jack Shackelton also going huge with impressive cripplers and Mctwists, whilst Jamie Nicholls stepped it up by attempting a Mctwist 900. Sparrow Knox, who had been trying to land a Mctwist 720 throughout the competition, landed a super clean one, giving him top spot in the two man final. Not to be out shone by his 14 year old brother, 19 year old Ben Knox claimed the remaining spot in the super final after landing a big stylish Mctwist. The battle of the Knox brothers commenced in the one run super final, with Ben showing Sparrow some brotherly love before dropping in to hit the quarterpipe first. Ben stomped a big Mctwist, and the pressure was on for Sparrow, who was the youngest rider in the competition. Sparrow pulled out a big Mctwist 720, but slightly sketched out on the landing, giving Ben the advantage needed to take the British Quarterpipe Championship Title and the FREE holiday out to the BRITS 08. Snowboard Results: 1st Ben Knox, Crouch End 2nd Sparrow Knox, Crouch End 3rd Dom Harington, Leeds 4th Jack Shackleton, Bracknell 5th Jamie Nicholls, Halifax 6th Gary Greensheilds, Edinburgh 7th Kevin Mills, Dorset 8th Cody Hierons, Chatham 9th Luke Paull, Glasgow 10th Chris Kightley, Tamworth
British Freeski Quarterpipe Championships In the Freeski final the competition was tight, with the likes of 2006 and 2007 British Halfpipe Champion, Paddy Graham and 2006 British Slopestyle Champ, Andy Bennett, pulling out huge flares and stylish 720’s with ease. Back from injury, one of the UK’s most fearless freeskiers, Mike Wakefield, proved he was back on top form with a series of flares and huge wake’n bakes, his signature trick (frontflip, 180 with a mute grab). With performances to close to call, an unprecedented three men, James Machon, Mike Wakefield and James Woods, went through to the super final. First to drop in was James Machon, who had been killing it all day and landed a super stylish corked 720 during qualifications, which was tipped by judges as the best trick of the day. James didn’t fail to impress in the super final, with a huge 900, but didn’t quite get the grab giving James Woods and Mike Wakefield the chance to answer back. James pulled out a massive flare landing a little flat, whilst Mike stomped a huge text book wake’n bake to take the British Freeski Quarterpipe Championship title and holiday out to the BRITS 08 for the second year in a row. Ski Results 1st Mike Wakefield, Wakefiled 2nd James Machon, Sheffield 3rd James Woods, Sheffield =4th Josh Fawcett, Sheffield =4th Paddy Graham, Sheffield 6th Andy Bennett, Sheffield 7th Joe Murrell, Devon =8th Joe Tyler, Sheffield =8th Murray Buchan, Edinburgh 10th Charlie Smith, Stoke on Trent 11th Rob Machon, Sheffield
The next and final event on the British Snow Tour calendar will be the Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships at Braehead SNO!zone, Glasgow on Saturday 3rd November. To pre register to compete or for event timings and info go to: www.britishsnowtour.com
The BRITS 2008 event is back in Laax, Switzerland, for the week of March 29th – 5th April, 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 heavy après policy, the BRITS 2008 is guaranteed to be an amazing winter week and one that simply cannot be missed. So, what are you waiting for, get involved at www.brits08.com, to book a package, from as little as £179pp and find out further information about flights and transfers.
British Snow Tour Hits the Capital (Posted Monday, October 22, 2007 by joannebrown)
The Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, London, hosts British Quarterpipe Invitational Championships
The British Snowboard and Freeski Tour brings the UK’s freestyle elite to the must-attend event of the month, the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, London, Olympia, on Friday 26th October 2007, for the British Quarterpipe Invitational Championships. Ten of the UK’s top Snowboarders and Ten Freeskiers, among them British Champions and Olympic hopefuls, will battle it out on the quarterpipe for the hotly contested British Quarterpipe Championship Title, plus a FREE holiday out to the BRITS 08.
The invitational contest is set to be the highlight of Friday’s action, with the UK’s freestyle elite pulling out all the stops during the qualification round, with the hopes of making it through to the grand final. Back in action will be 2005 Best of British Freeski Champion Mike Wakefield, who took the title after being the first Brit to ever land a D-spin 900 during the competition. 2006 British Quarterpipe Champion, Andy Bennett and 2007 British Halfpipe Champion, Paddy Graham will also be in action making the Freeski competition one certainly not to miss… With last years Champ, Sam Cullum, out with injury, the TTR TWO(2) STAR British Snowboard Quarterpipe Championship title is for the taking, with the likes of 2006 British Halfpipe Champion, Dom Harrington and 14 year old Jamie Nicholls eager to step upto the challenge.
Competition Schedule and Confirmed Snowboarders and Skiers: 16.30: Qualification - British Snowboard / Freeski Quarterpipe Championships 18.45: Final - British Snowboard / Freeski Quarterpipe Championships
Snowboarders: Dom Harington(2004 – 2006 British Halfpipe Champion) Gary Greensheilds(2nd Big Air, 3rd Halfpipe, 2007 BRITS) Jamie Nichols (2007 Kids British Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air Champion) Sparrow Knox (2007 Kids British Artificial Snowboardcross Champion Jack Shackleton(2007 Junior British Big Air, Slopestyle, Halfpipe Champion) Ben Knox (2006 British Artificial Big Air Champion) Kevin Mills (1st 2006 Artificial Quarterpipe Jam) Chris Bratt (3rd Rail Jam, 2007 British Snow Tour) Luke Paull Matt Gibson, TBC
Skiers Paddy Graham (2006, 2007 British Halfpipe Champion) Andy Bennett (2006 British Slopestyle Champion) Mike Wakefield (2005 British Halfpipe Champion) Murray Buchan (2007 Artificial Big Air Champion) James Woods (2007 British Artificial Slopestyle Champion) Joe Tyler (2006 – 2007 British Big Air Champion) James Webb (1st Slopestyle Jam, 2007 British Snow Tour) James Machon (2nd Big Air Jam, 2007 British Snow Tour) Richard Martin (3rd Big Air Jam, 2007 British Snow Tour) Charlie Smith (2007 Junior British Indoor Slopestyle Champion)
The British Quarterpipe Championships at the Metro Ski and Snowboard show will begin with an afternoon qualifying event at 4.30pm, leading into the final at 6.45pm, and concluding with an ultimate one run super final for the top two skiers and snowboarders. Along with the British Quarterpipe Championship titles the top skier and snowboarder will each receive a FREE holiday to the BRITS 08 :www.brits08.com For more information about the Metro Ski & Snowboard Show and to pre book tickets, check out:www.metrosnow.co.uk
After taking in all the action during the day, the party atmosphere will continue over at the Shepherds Bar, for SCUK’s third birthday celebrations. The doors open at 9pm and instead of paying an entrance fee, get your money out for the raffle (all proceeds’ going to the GB squad) for a chance to win a FREE trip out to the SCUK Winter Bash. The next and final event on the British Snow Tour calendar will be the Quiksilver British Indoor Big Air Championships at Braehead SNO!zone, Glasgow on Saturday 3rd November. To pre register to compete or for event timings and info please go to:www.britishsnowtour.com
MK Locals Set the Pace on British Snow Tour (Posted Tuesday, October 16, 2007 by joannebrown)
Trespass Snowboard/Skiercross Championships and Slopestyle Jam
On Saturday 13th October over 300 competitors and spectators descended upon Milton Keynes SNO!zone for the Trespass British Indoor Snowboard / Skiercross Championships and Slopestyle Jam. Competition was fierce as riders went head-to-head in the four-way races, with some spectacular wipe-outs along the way. Over at the Trespass Learner Academy 100 beginners inspired by the high-speed action took advantage of the FREE lessons that were up for grabs.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships In the Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships, over 55 riders went through the start gates in heats of four with the top two qualifying into the next round until only the fastest four male and female competitors were remaining. In the Women’s final there was a crash out of the gates between Vickie Pullin and Charlotte Keirle, leaving the race for first and second place between Jules Chappell and Rebecca Cullum. Jules edged her way over the finish line first to take the 2007 Trespass British Snowboardcross title, whilst Rebecca who was hot on her heels came in second. After her earlier collision, Vickie dusted herself off and finished the race to take third. In the men’s final it was a tight race out of the start gates with boards and elbows touching resulting in a collision between hot favourites Harry Kingsley-Jones, Ben Knox and George Springfield. Riding away unscathed Gary Walsh took advantage and cruised home first to take the 2007 Men’s Trespass Snowboardcross Championship title, whilst first to his feet Harry, then Ben charged down the course to take second and third respectively.
During the afternoon’s Slopestyle Jam, riders flexed their freestyle boards and demonstrated an assortment of technical rail and kicker lines. In the Kids Jam Tom Hunt impressed all to take the kids title with a huge 270 onto the street rail. The ladies where stepping it up in the Women’s Jam, with Samantha Rogers taking first with some smooth and consistent grinds, lipslides and an impressive 270 out on the box. Mixing it up on the rails in the Men’s Slopestyle Jam, Dean Horsfield took the men’s title, with a super clean and stylish, frontside noseslide 270 out, and a 270 on, switch up, 270 out, on the rails.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships Results
Men
Women
1st - Gary Walsh, Milton Keynes
1st - Jules Chappell, Milton Keynes
2nd - Harry Kingsley-Jones, Salisbury
2nd - Rebecca Cullum, Bracknell
3rd - Ben Knox, Crouch End
3rd - Vickie Pullin, Tewkesbury
Slopestyle Jam Results
Men
Women
Kids Men
1st -Dean Horsefield, Accrington
1st - Samantha Rogers, Reading
1st - Tom Hunt, Leeds
2nd - Ben Knox, Crouch End
2nd - Lynsey Ashdown, Macclesfield
2nd - Sparrow Knox, Crouch End
3rd - Sam Turnbull, Leeds
3rd - Jules Chappell, Milton Keynes
3rd - Will Smith, Bradford
Trespass British Skiercross Championships
Just after lunch, the Trespass British Skiercross Championships got underway with 60 skiers charging through the start gates and on into the head to head qualifying rounds, with the hopes of being crowned the Trespass British Skiercross Champions. In the women’s final, Danielle Bosher, charged into the lead after the first turn to set the pace, with Kate Williams, Danielle Freeze and Helen Moore hot on her tail. Holding onto her lead, Danielle Bosher crossed the line in first place to take the title leaving second place for Kate Williams and third for Danielle Freeze. In the men’s final it was an extremely tight race, with all riders neck and neck throughout the entire course and all determined to take home the title. With serious fast action, no spectacular wipe-outs, and none of the competitors easing up on their fight to win, it was a photo finish with Angus Morrison flying across the finishing line first to take home the gold and the prestigious title. Split seconds later, James Woods followed to take the silver and on his heels was Billy Wilson who finished in third place. During the Slopestyle Jam, James Webb, Amber Connors and Harry Hancock set the standard linking together a variety of consistent and technical runs, resulting in them each winning the title for their age categories. James linked together a solid run which included a 450 on, 270 off, on the street rail and misty 720 over the kicker, whilst Amber hit every rail and landed a big 360 over the kicker.
Trespass British Skiercross Championships Results
Men
Women
1st - Angus Morrison, Lanarkshire
1st - Danielle Bosher, Middlesex
2nd - James Woods, Sheffield
2nd - Kate Williams, Sheffield
3rd - Billy Wilson, N/A
3rd - Danielle Freeze, Kent
Slopestyle Jam Results
Men
Women
Kids Men
1st -James Webb, Bracknell
1st - Amber May Connors, Milton Keynes
1st - Harry Hancock, Stoke-on-Trent
2nd - Charlie Smith, Stoke-on-Trent
2nd - Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield
2nd - Tim Hales, Cheshire
3rd - James Woods, Sheffield
3rd - Kelly O'Donnell, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
3rd - Jordan Baily, Barnsley
The next event will be the British Snow Tour Quarterpipe Invitational, at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, Olympia, London on Friday 26th October. The soon to be announced top 12 invited snowboarders and top 8 freeskiers, will battle it out under one roof in front of a crowd of thousands with the hopes of being crowned the British Quarterpipe Champions. So watch this space for details…
See all PICTURES from the British Snow Tour click here
See all VIDEO REVIEWS from the British Snow Tour click here
[Slopestyle] 
[Snowboard/Skiercross] 
[Big Air]
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
