WhiteNoize

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The Noize from the UK snow scene

Woodsy The Brits Ross Woodhall

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Contents

06 Rider Profiles

08 News

10 Highlights

24 James Woods - Interview

32 Ross Woodhall - Interview

36 My Reason - Feature

42 Season Slovakia - Feature

45 Andorra on a Budget - Feature

48 Diary - Upcoming Events

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Editors Letter Welcome to the pilot issue of WhiteNoize.

Spending a whole season in a resort which had next to no snow all winter may have driven me slightly mad. Weather it was insanity, boredom or just instinctive creativeness i’ll never know, but out of it WhiteNoize was born.

Our goal for WhiteNoize is to give the UK snow scene a voice and those who belong to it a platform, covering UK events, picturing UK riders, featuring budding UK journalists and photographers, we want to bring the scene together.

Our concept was for WhiteNoize to truly be for riders by riders (both skiiers and boarders), hoping that those involved in the scene would want to contribute to the magazine - sending in photo’s, covering events and writing features. This way the scene really can be represented, not just by one small group but by all.

This is our pilot issue, and hopefully the first of many but with anything new we need to know that WhiteNoize delivers. Suggestions, contributions, advice, love it or hate it - we want to hear it!

Now to thank those who have made this possible - The biggest thanks must go to Mother Nature for giving us snow and then to all those who work within the industry who make it possible to do what we love: The brands, designers, the factory guys, shops, lifties, domes, slopes, instructors, event organisers, park shapers... the list carries on.Thanks to; Oliver Lees who without im sure this magazine wouldn’t have made it to completion, to everyone who has contributed to the issue, to the Cellardoor Magazine girls who inspired me and answered all of my stupid questions, to everyone who has shown their support over the last month and now to anyone who’s reading.

Harri Bennett - Editor

ContactSend your contributions, photo’s, comments, queries, praise and abuse to - [email protected]

Follow us on twitter - WhiteNoize_Mag

Find the latest issues www.WhiteNoizemag.co.uk

Contributors

e Wallace Wainhouse ee Tom Smith e

e Sam Cullum ee Barry Cairns ee Ross Welch e

e Richard Clark ee Neil MacGrain e

e Steve McKenna ee Rupert Pedley ee Sam Mellish e

e Vanessa Sharples ee www.the-brits.com e

e Aivaris Zarins ee Aaron Sneddon e

e Oliver Lees ee James Woods ee Yanis Ourabah -

Yanis Ourabah.com ee Joseph Preston - JP @

PixelPerfect Media ee Benjamin Nickolls ee Ross Woodhall ee Joshua McLeod e

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Rider: Matt FarrPhotograph: Wallace WainhouseLocation: Jasna Snow Park

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Name: Tom Smith Age: 22Sponsors: StepChild Snowboards, Colour Outerwear, Dragon Goggles and Sputnik Snowboard Shop.Setup: StepChild - Joe Sexton 150, ThirtyTwo - 86 Boots, Burton - Cobra Shark Bindings. Local Slope:The Snow Centre - Hemel HempsteadDryslope or Indoor: Indoor, because the parks are more creative and have more original features. When did you get into snowboarding? I skiied from the age of three.I first tried snowboarding when i was 15 and loved it, I haven’t looked back!What have you been up to this season? This season has been brilliant! I was filming for our crew all summer (The Fun Crew). I entered the Burton Hi5 where I won best unsponsored rider and was referred to as “the hardest working rider on the slope”. I later found out that I had a shot in Whitelines, a week later there was an article about The Fun Crew in The Reason where I had a full page shot alongside Ben Rumney. As if that wasn’t good enough I then had a photo shoot for Loaded Magazine and was named “2010 Best Unsponsored Rider” which was radtastick! In December I was invited to the Nike Stairset Battle in Castleford. Since all of this I have gained my sponsors and been on two trips, one to Tignes and one to Tahoe and still filming for my blog smithy.blog.com. Plans for the summer? Alot of snowboarding,

probably skating and wakeboarding too.Plans for next season? See what happens, I’d love to go on more trips, do more photo shoots, filming and have fun.Favourite trick? At the moment I’d say back 540’s or switch tailslide 270 out.Any new tricks you want? Triple Cork, haha nah, I want to work on my kicker riding - bigger kickers and

bigger spins. Get up to anything when your not riding? Watching snowboarding and in the summer skating because I live next to the park.Most stoked achievement? Getting sponsored, I was so stoked when that happened, and the Loaded Mag thing was pretty rad too. Who:s your inspiration? My inspiration comes from Halldor Helgason, Torstein Horgmo, Joe Sexton, Keegan Valaika but also my mates I ride with like Ben Rumney, Chris Allso, Rich Wilder and James Grifiths they all have rad tricks and inspire me to learn them.What do you love about the UK scene? Everything! How friendly everyone is - like at Hemel you can go up to most people and ask for advice on how to get a new trick, how good all the parks are, all the videos going on, these crews poping up all across the place like the Devil Dogs and Grindhouse.Current favorites on your riding playlist? Pretty much songs from snowboard movies. I like Black Keys - She’s Long Gone, Mode Rat - A New

Name Sam CullumAge 22Sponsors? DC, Oakley, Grenade, Clast, Skullcandy, The Snowboard Shop, Bawbags, The Snow Centre,Setup DC Devun Walsh 2012 Pro ModelLocal slope The Snow Centre - Hemel HempsteadDryslope or Indoor Indoor, I spent many years riding dryslope and as much as it makes you consistant because you don’t want to fall, you cant beat a good indoor real snow slope... Or at least you cant beat The Snow Centre's.When did you get into snowboarding? I started snowboarding when I was 13 on a summer camp at my local dry slope and havent looked back since.What have you been up to this season? This season I have been riding a lot with DC on a few different trips shooting photos and filming.Plans for the summer? Over the summer I will be running Definition Camps (www.definitioncamps.com) with Gav which takes up most of our weekends as the courses fill up quickly. Surfing as much as I can and hopefully going on holiday somewhere nice for a week

or so.Plans for next season? Most likely much of the same maybe trying to go to a few different places iv never been before.Favourite trick? Back or frontflipAny new tricks you want? Double corksGet up to anything when your not riding? Surfing, Skateboarding, riding my Fixie spending time with my family, friends and GirlfriendMost stoked achievement? Representing the UK in Trafalgar square in london for the redbull rails storm a few years agoWho's your inspiration? Travis Rice What do you love about the UK scene? I like the way that people get on and ride whatever they have in front of them; weather it be Snow,indoor, dryslope or a bit of dendex in the back gardenCurrent favorites on your riding playlist? I listen to a lot of club music when riding like the ministry of sound albums etcAnd lastly... any advice to give? Your gonna fall its gonna hurt, get back on it as soon as you can and don’t let it put you off! It will make you a stronger rider and person!

Rider Profiles:

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Rider: Andy Flynn Photograph: Barry Cairns Location: Sno!Zone Braehead

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e James Woods placed 3rd in Winter X Games Europe Ski Slopestyle and 5th at AFP World Slopestyle finals

e Jenny Jones placed 8th in Winter X Games Europe Snowboard Slopestyle

e Katie Summerhays placed 9th in Winter X Games Ski Slopestyle

e Jamie Nicholls placed 18th in Winter X Games Europe Snowboard Slopestyle

e Fin Bremner placed 2nd in 2011 Quicksilver RADAR at X Games (snowboard)

e Monty Wright placed third in 2011 Quicksilver RADAR at X Games (ski)

e Jake Terry moves from DC Outerwear to Billabong

e Hill End Dry Slope has been saved from closure after 27,000 people signed a Facebook campaign to save the UK’s longest and most famous dry slope.

e All John Nike Leisure Centres with Perma Snow will have full sprinkler systems installed.

e Rossendale Dryslope has been closed since 31st March 2011. The council is in the process of hearing from all interested parties, Ski Rossendale Social Enterprise is one of the main parties hoping to re-open the facility.

e Laura Berry, Billy Morgan (Slopestyle), Kate Foster and Ben Kilner (Halfpipe) have all preliminary qualified to represent Britain at the 2012 World Snowboard Championships. However they still need to finish in the top 100 male / top 50 female riders in their discipline in the TTR rankings by the end of the calender year.

e Huge new Snowflex slope planned for Ireland

e Scottish Snow Sports Festival date set - 24-26th Feb 2012. The festival will combine The Scottish Winter Music Festival, Winter Comedy Festival and snow sports action. The event will be raising funds and awareness for two charities: Disability Snowsports UK and Children with Leukaemia.

e Freeze Festival returns on 28-29th Oct 2011. Early Bird tickets go on sale Tuesday 3rd May at last years prices. General tickets go on sale 16th May.

e News

News

Rider:Ross Welch Photograph: Richard Clark Location: Hemel Snow Centre

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Rider:Ross Welch Photograph: Richard Clark Location: Hemel Snow Centre

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Snowcross ChampionshipsThe Western Saab Challenge, Scottish Snowcross Championships hit Glenshee Ski Centre the weekend of 5th March.

Skicross Results: 8-11 years Male1st Harry Brown, 2nd Jonathan Bingham, 3rd Hamish Farquharsoncw12-15 years Male1st Scott Garvie, 2nd Rhys Brown, 3rd Grant Scott12-15 years Female1st Aleysha Rattray, 2nd Matilda Jarvis, 3rd Taelar Shand16-29 years Male1st Edward Cozzi, 2nd James Filsel, 3rd Robert Kingsland16-30+ years Female1st Louise Kochalski, 2nd Ella Peters, 3rd Sarah Norton 30+ years Male1st Ross Mickel, 2nd Steven Gray, 3rd Dave JacobsSNOWBOARD8-15 years Male1st Lewis Gray, 2nd Duncan Pogson, 3rd Duncan Raitt12-29 years Female1st Anna Richardson, 2nd Jen Surma, 3rd Claire Birnie16-29 years Male1st Tim McGregor, 2nd Gordon Adam, 3rd Colin Phillip30+ years Male1st Michael Whyte, 2nd Frazer Rennie, 3rd Simon Barrett

e HighlightsScottish Freestyle ChampsThe Scottish Freestyle Championships took place on Sunday 3rd April, a day later than planned. Winds were high and enthusiasm was higher with valuable British Snow Tour ranking points up for grabs and prizes coming from sponsors; SNO!zone Scotland, Armada Skis, Freeze Pro Shop, Synergy Snowsports, Bamboo Rider, Boax Headwear and Skullcandy.

After a lot of hard work from the park shapers the course was in great shape, featuring two rail lines, a multi hit kicker with a side hip and another kicker to finish.

Snowboard GirlsOrla Doolin Emilia Vanni Natalie Riley

KidsBrandon Bow Fin BremnerRowan Cameron

Youth Matt McCormick Angus Trinder Matt Corry

Open Danny McCormick Jamie Trinder Jordan Gee

Ski GirlsAnna Vincenti

KidsChris McCormick Cal Sandieson Fin Jacobs

Youth Grant Donald Harris Booth Kyle Beattie

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e Highlights Glencoe Park Project After a few technical problems and a lot of hard work the first Glencoe Park Project Jam went off on the 5th March with classic Scottish conditions.

Skiiers and boarders of all ages from 7 to 40 were all throwing down in hopes of claiming prizes from Librance, Clan Skates, Trespass, WhiteDot Ski’s and GPC.

Things got started with a huge 720 off the kicker from Matt McCormick, Gareth Mclean slaying the rails and Jamie Trinder front flipping off the box. Chris McCormick stepped up for a 10 but just quite didn’t stick the landing. Female boarder Kate Andrews killed it on both rails and the kicker.

All competitors stepped it up and were throwing down, the event was a huge success and an awesome day was had by everyone.

Ski:1st - Hector Barbour age 172nd - Chris McCormick age 123rd - Gareth Mclean age 16

Board:1st - Mark Mclement age 172nd -Matt McCormick age 143rd -Jamie Trinder age 16

Top female rider: Kate Andrews

Best Rookies: Snowboard - James BowmanSki - Ben Willson

Best Slam: Greg Bow

Photo’s by Steve McKenna

Rider: Marc McClement

Rider: Chris McCormick

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Rider: Hector BarbourPhotograph: Steve McKennaLocation: Glencoe Park

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Jam For Japan

Even with the Brits going on in Laax there was a great turn out for the fundraising jam. With prizes coming from WhiteDot, Nike 6.0, Skull Candy, Bond Clothing, SLVDR Clothing, K2, Bawbags Transworld Snowboarding, GPC, Clan and Librance.

Over £200 was raised with more to come after the raffle of the WhiteDot ski’s on Easter Sunday.

Results Ski1st - Gareth McLean2nd - Ben Wilson3rd - Regan DingwallSnowboard1st - Jamie Trinder2nd - Marc McClement3rd - Adam GairnsBest ski GromsJo Dunn and Caol HindleBest snowboard GromsJJ and Aiden CoulterBoard masters class1st - Colin Andrews 2nd - Scottie3rd - Steven HolowayBest boarding femaleKate Andrews Best line though the park and Japan grab progression during the compJamie Bowman Best local rider/ pirateDave Reaka and Glen Arnott

e Highlights

Photograph: Rupert Pedley

Rider: Gareth McleanPhotograph: Rupert Pedley

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e Highlights

The Brits 2011...British Freeski Half pipe Championships - Tuesday 22nd March

Girls dropped in first and Emma Lonsdale bagged gold with some huge switch 3’s. Beanie Milnehome was getting serious air and pulled some stylish tricks to take silver and Katie Summer Hays took bronze with 540’s.

Boys in all age categories were throwing down. 14 year old Tyler Jay Harding pulled out some nice 9’s and 7s. Murray Buchan threw down an unbelievable 12. James Machon took overall gold with huge back to back 9’s. MensKids 1st - Chris McCormick2nd - Cal Sanderson3rd - Jack FormanYouth 1st - Tyler J Harding2nd - Michael Rowlands3rd - Harris BoothJunior 1st - James Woods2nd - Pete Speight3rd - Josh IngramMasters1st -Matt Highland2nd - Paul WebbOverall1st - James Machon2nd - Murray Buchan3rd - James WoodsWomensKids -1st - Maddie RowlandsYouth 1st - Katie Summerhayes2nd - Rowan Cheshire3rd - Anna VincentiJunior 1st - Zoey Lewis2nd - Beth BritainOverall1st Emma Lonsdale2nd Beanie Milne Home3rd Katie Summerhayes

Trespass Snowboardcross Championships - Tuesday 22 March

Lack of snow meant the event needed re-thinking, the decision was made to change the format from the heats to riders racing the course individually, being judged on their best time. WomensKids 1st - Ayla Thielding2nd - Becky Menday3rd - Skyla BaileyYouth1st - Maizie Potter2nd - Natalie Silkstone3rd - Alex TheildingJunior1st - Rowena Keily2nd - Sophie Nicholls3rd - RobinMasters1st - Sarah Mariott2nd - Chrissie Elleswall3rd - Alex KellyOverall1st - Masie Potter2nd - Kate Foster3rd - Rowena KeilyMensKids -1st - Jake Terry2nd - Fin Bremner3rd - Tomski RobinsonYouth1st - Max Thielding2nd - Jonny Chan3rd - Sam McGrathJunior1st - James Barrow2nd - Jesse Smith3rd - Oliver JacksonMasters1st - Ian Rushmore2nd - Dale Taylor3rd - Mr CoxOverall1st - James Foster2nd - Max Thielding3rd - Simon Nicolson

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The Brits 2011...e Highlights

Giro Snowboard Big Air Championships - Wednesday 23rd March

This years championship was described as “the highest standard of British Snowboarding I’ve ever seen” by judge Will Hughes with switch backside 9’s and double corked backside 10’s being thrown down.

Protest Freeski Slopestyle Championships - Wednesday 23rd March

the course featured an eight metre down rail, six metre street-style and flat downs, three kickers lines - the large kickers measuring 16, 17 and 19 metres.

Woodsy wowed the crowd with a double cork mute taking gold. 14 year old Tyler Harding spun 270’s over the down rails to win silver and Julian Ball took bronze stomping a K-Fed and corked 9.

Katie Summerhays threw down a 9, switch 5 and stomped a 270 onto the gaspipe to claim gold for the third year in a row. Servanne Herant pulled a big 7 and took silver and Molly Summerhays took bronze.

MensKids1st - Fin Bremner2nd - Jake Terry3rd - Tomski RobinsonYouth1st - Lewis Courtier Jones2nd - Rowan Coultas3rd - Matt McCormickJunior1st - Tom Hunt2nd - Cody Heirons3rd - Jesse SmithMasters1st - Mike AustinOverall1st - Billy Morgan2nd _ Chis Knightley3rd - Sam Turnbull

WomensKids 1st - Becky Menday2nd - Ayla ThidlingYouth1st - Natalie Silkstone2nd - Mazie Potter3rd - Lucy PriorJunior1st - India Stevenson Overall1st - India Stevenson 2nd - Katie Blundell3rd - Becky Menday

Rider: India Stephenson Photograph: Sam Mellish

Location: www.the-brits.com

MensKids 1st - Chris McCormick2nd - Cal Sandieson3rd - Monty WrightYouth 1st - Tyler J Harding2nd - Harris Booth3rd - Michael RowlandsJunior 1st - James Woods2nd - Chris Wadsworth3rd - Tom CoeMasters1st -Matt Highland2nd - Paul WebbOverall1st - James Woods2nd - Tyler J Harding3rd - Julian Ball

WomensKids -1st - Maddie RowlandsYouth 1st - Katie Summerhayes2nd - Sissy Herant3rd - Molly SummerhayesJunior 1st - Beth BritainOverall1st - Katie Summerhayes2nd - Sissy Herant3rd - Molly

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Rider: Katie Summerhays Photograph: Vanessa SharplesLocation: www.the-brits.com

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e HighlightsTrespass Skiercross Championships - Thursday 24th March

Weather complications and lack of snow meant the cross event was closed after the qualifier which meant the competitors were judged on their qualifying run.

British Snowboard Halfpipe Championships - Thursday 24th March

25 year old Katie Foster beat the two young teens to gold with a huge Japan air, front and back 3’s. Nathalie Silkstone took silver pulling out a cab 3 and a frontside 360. Bronze went to Becky Menday.

Ben Kilner took the mens gold with a 7, 9 and Japan Air. Dom Harrington stomped a huge McTwist, front 7 and a Haakon flip to take silver. Former Olympian placed third pulling out s front 7 and a Haakon.

MensKids 1st - Jake Terry2nd - Fin Bremner3rd - Brandon BowYouth1st - Max Thidling2nd - Lewis Courtier Jones3rd - Sam McGrathJunior1st - Cody Heirons2nd - Ollie JacksonMasters1st - Mike Austin2nd - Jamie Thelps3rd - Nick AtkinsOverall1st - Ben Kilner2nd - Dom Harrington3rd - Dan Wakenham

WomensKids -1st - Becky Menday2nd - Ayla ThieldingYouth1st - Natalie Silkstone2nd - Maizie PotterJunior1st - Rowena Keily2nd - Sophie NichollsMasters1st - Sue GarlickOverall1st - Kate Foster2nd - Natalie Silkstone3rd - Becky Menday

MensKids 1st - Monty Wright2nd - Eden Potter3rd - Harry ForemanYouth 1st - Liam Beardsmore2nd - Tom SaundersJunior 1st - Mariq Benick2nd -Byron Heywood3rd - Joshua PenthouseMasters1st - Mark Jeffers2nd - Andrew Buckinham3rd - Matt HighlandOverall1st - Peter Whelan2nd - Greg Samuals3rd - Mariq Benick

WomensKids -1st - Maddie RowlandsYouth 1st - Meril Summerhill2nd - Sophie Skipper3rd - Molly SummerhayesJunior 1st - Beth BritainMasters1st - Katie SaltbyOverall1st - Emily Southfield2nd - Michala Tishner 3rd - Beanie Mildholm

Rider: Liam BeardsmorePhotograph:Vanessa Sharples Location: www.the-brits.com

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e HighlightsGiro Freeski Big Air Championships - Fri 25th March

The juniors set the standard with 12 year old Chris McCormick throwing down a 1260, Cal Sandieson followed with an impressive switch 1080 and 14 year old Tyler Harding pulled out a corked 1080.

In the girls competition Katie Summerhays took home gold for the third consecutive year throwing down a massive switch 900. Sissy Hetant took silver with a cool 540 and Molly Summerhays won bronze with a 720 and 900 off the small kicker.

Fresh from the X Games podium, James Woods bagged gold in the Mens laying down a double cork 1260 mute.For second place Murray Buchan pulled out a switch 1080 tail grab just beating Hector Barbour who stomped a double 1080 Japan but knuckled on his second jump. MensKids 1st - Cal Sandieson2nd - Chris McCormick3rd - Monty Wright Youth 1st - Tyler Harding2nd - Harris Booth3rd - Michael RowlandsJunior 1st - James Woods2nd -Hector Barbour3rd - Nathan ConnollyMasters1st - Matt Highland2nd - Paul Webb3rd - Alex LinkyOverall1st - James Woods2nd - Murray Buchan3rd - Hector BarbourWomenKids -1st - Maddie Rowlands Youth 1st - Katie Summerhayes2nd - Sissy Herant3rd - Molly SummerhayesJunior 1st - Cory McVickers2nd - Zoey LewisOverall1st - Katie Summerhayes2nd - Sissy Herant3rd - Molly Summerhayes

Protest Snowboard Slopestyle Championships -Friday 25th March

The girls had first run of the course and with a run that included a 50-50 to frontside 180 on the down rail, tweaked nosegrab and a backside 3 Laura Berry claimed gold. Katie Blundell took silver stomping a backside 3 and Nathalie Silkstone won bronze.

Billy Morgan was on form and took home gold with a double backflip and a Cab 9 in his trick list. Sam Turnball bagged silver by landing a back 7, back rodeo 540 and a huge frontside 9. Bronze went to Scott Penman who through a frontflip and some nice rail skills.

MensKids 1st - Fin Bremner2nd - Jake Terry3rd - Brandon BowYouth1st - Rowan Coultas2nd - Lewis Courtier Jones3rd - Matt McCormickJunior1st - Joe Power2nd - Tom Hunt3rd - Declan PowerMasters1st - Mike Austin2nd - Steven Maverick3rd - Mick HawkesOverall1st - Billy Morgan2nd - Sam Turnbull3rd - Scott Penman

WomensKids -1st - Becky Menday2nd - Ayla ThieldingYouth1st - Natalie Silkstone2nd - Maizie Potter3rd - Lucy PriorOverall1st - Laura Berry2nd - Katie Blundell3rd - Natalie Silkstone

Rider: Katie SummerhaysPhotograph:Vanessa Sharples Location: www.the-brits.com

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Rider: Billy Morgan Photograph: Sam Mellish Location: www.the-brits.com

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Men Cash Open - 1. Sam Turnball 2. Angus Leith 3. Stewert Gairns

Girls Cash Open - 1. Emilia Vanni 2. Rebecca Cullum 3. Faye Young

Senior Men - 1. Ed Greig 2. Gordon Adams 3. Collin Andrews

Senior Girls – 1. Orla Doolin 2. Natalie Riley 3. Kate Jachacy

Junior Men - 1. Jamie Trinder 2. Danny McCor-mick 3. Adam Gairns

Youth Men - 1. Matt McMornick 2. Rowan Coultas 3. Matt Corry

Mini Men - 1. Jacob Sellars 2. Fin Bremner 3. Cameron McLelland

Best Kicker Trick Pro: Sam Turnbull with a BS7

Best Kicker Trick Am: Nik McIntosh with a FS7

Best Rail Trick Pro: Angus Malloch 5050 to fs boardslide

Best Rail Trick Am: Orla Doolin with a 5050 on a kink

Vans Dawn Of The Shred 5Saturday 9th April saw Dawn of the Shred rip up Aviemore once again, back for its fifth year with a £1000 prize purse.

Riders from all over the UK flocked to Scotland, as well as the usual locals.

e Highlights

Photograph’s: Aaron Sneddon

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When competing in the European X-Games this year one of the commentators referred to James ‘Woodsy’ Woods as ‘The Fridge Kid’. Clearly this was in reference to the indoor snow slopes that are now so popular in the UK.

However, Woodsy didn’t grow up with the privilege of riding indoor snow slopes, he learnt to ski on the artificial slope of Sheffield ski village. Surely a better name would be The Dry Slope Kid, or even The Artificial Kid. I am certain that artificial kid is not fitting of his talent or status. Therefore, i feel it necessary to call out all the commentators and let them know that if he has to have a nickname, and all the greats do, then ‘The Dry Slope King’ is here to stay.

After what has undoubtedly been a break through season for the Sheffield skiier we caught up with him to ask him a few questions about being sponsored and his career so far.

Age 19

Home “Mountain”:

Sheffield Ski Village

Sponsors:

Salomon, Monster Energy, Adidas, 3H Italia Watches, Skull Candy, Bawbags, Planks.

Set up:

Salomon Pro Pipes, size 181. Salomon STH 16 bindings.

If you could only ride one mountain for the rest of your life which would it be?

It would be Breckenridge, Colorado, USA.

Where did you learn to ski and who with?

I learnt to ski originally with the Sharks ski club at the Sheffield Dry Slope, they taught me my basic skiing but as for my freestyle skills I picked up almost everything from the other Sheffield locals. There was such a great scene of skiers and snowboarders (even snowbladers) there that it was probably the best environment for me to have been in for learning freeskiing.

What was it about skiing that made you want to continue with it?

It was and still is all I want to do, I love it. I can’t give you a solid answer because I don’t know exactly why it so special for me. I know that I love the fact there is no one telling you what to do or what is right or wrong (I hate that!). The ‘free’ part of freeskiing, that’s what’s so special.

James Woods The Fridge Kid ?

Photograph: Joseph PrestonLocation: Sheffield Dry Slope

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Rider: James WoodsPhotograph: Yanis OurabahLocation: European X Games

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How did you get yourself sponsored?

The most important part of this answer is that - I didn’t get myself sponsored. When I was first picked up by Salomon I didn’t know what sponsorship was or meant, all I knew was a tiny little bit about skiing and even less about freestyle, the only thing I truly did know was that I loved the crowd we were with, the atmosphere and doing tricks. I didn’t at the time but I know now that when Pat Sharples (Salomon UK Team manager/ my own manager) saw me and my skiing and then decided to sign me with Salomon back in 2005, it was because he saw my passion for the sport and some (I still question how much, but) potential for the future.

Is being a sponsored rider everything you thought it would be?

Before I was sponsored I didn’t have many thoughts on it. I had no knowledge of what it entailed. Although I can say that in all those years learning I dreamed of going away, skiing everyday, doing big competitions and living in the mountains. What I didn’t see in those dreams were the implications of traveling almost every week, how much I’d miss being at home, being with my family and friends. But that’s just something about being human, you can have everything and you’d still want more - I am happy, my dreams are coming true all the time... this is what I want.

Do you have a mentor that helps you learn and progress?

No, but I learn a lot from riding with other skiers and my friends. Although as I mentioned earlier Pat Sharples who is still my Manager is always on the other end of a phone, when I’m traveling and at the top of the course with me at major contests, and he is great for me to let some steam out with. I can get really angry with him and he understands and then be totally chilled out at the contests or with other people, my parents and friends at home are so great for that too.

What is it like to compete with pros like Bobby Brown and Tom Wallisch?

It is amazing and it has always been what I’ve dreamed of doing (although I only really get the awestruck thing with Tanner Hall and Candide

Thovex). I try to see them as just other skiers and that’s the best way to perform your best against them, but their talent is incredible.

How did it feel to win bronze at X Games?

It’s coming up to a month after the Tignes X Games 2011 and it totally hasn’t sunk in. I know that I have made my biggest dream a reality. If this makes any sense at all it’s like I don’t know it yet!

After what has undeniably been your breakthrough season, in terms of results, what do you hope to do next season?

I obviously want to carry on competing at the highest level and try to sustain it for as long as

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possible. My goals for next season is to try and compete at the Aspen X Games and also to perform better on the Dew Tour. I feel as though I massively underachieved there this winter. What is for sure next season is that I am going to plan my time better, this year has been a pretty crazy one!!

What do you do with your summers?

In the summertime I head out to Whistler, Canada to ride and coach on the Momentum Freeski camps before returning to Saas- Fee, Switzerland to coach on the British Freeski Camps. As well as skiing this year, I’d really like to find some time off to see my friends and hopefully do some surfing as well.

Who are your most Inspirational riders?

Tanner Hall and Candide Thovex when I was growing up. Now, Phil Casabon and Andreas Hatveit. Among others, these are the guys that I really aspire to for their individual styles and creativity.

Favourite trick?

No favourites any more, I love doing as many as I can everyday!

Rider: James WoodsPhotograph: Vanessa SharplesLocation: www.the-brits.com

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Freeskiing has come a long way in the last 10 years, where do you see it in 10 years time?

You’re right Freeskiing has come so far in such a short amount of time, it’s moved so quickly that I couldn’t give you an honest answer. I don’t know, or have any idea where we’re going to be in 10 years time. I do believe that in the next year or two the name of the game will be all about spinning all four directions with perfect grabs and landings, and linking them together down the slope style courses.

One thing you miss when you’re on the road?

Normal life... Family, friends, home, my bed, real food, washing machines, pubs, brown sauce, real gravy, routine, proper bacon, proper sausages, good milk, Yorkshire accents, home cooked food, Internet, only one time zone, not a different hotel room every night, cars go on the LEFT! Steering wheel goes on the RIGHT! Not having to put my boots on everyday, not living out of a bag, knowing whats actually going on in the world, having something to talk about other than skiing, knowing the language to speak in, not scared about loosing my passport day and night, not being in a constant battle with the

bank about the fact that this IS REALLY ME and yes I decided to go to a different country!Although it probably doesn’t sound like it, I do really enjoy being on the road, that’s just a few things that sum up ‘normal life’ for me, and I miss that... a bit... but not enough to change anything.

Keep your eyes on woodsy in the 2012 season, we’re sure there is a lot more to come from this incredibly talented young skiier. Thanks must be given for proving that with the right attitude it is possible for a UK rider to take it to the top.

Interview By Oliver Lees

Photograph: Vanessa SharplesLocation: Euopean X-Games

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Photograph: Vanessa SharplesLocation: Euopean X-Games

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Rider: Tom Smith Photograph: James North

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Working for eight years as senior photographer and photo editor for Fall Line Magazine has given Ross Woodhall that sought after and hard to come by title of ‘Professional Snow Sports Photographer’.

As well as Fall Line, Ross also helped set up Dark Summer Magazine, the UK’s only freeski magazine of the time, as well as working with The North Face as a contracted photographer for four years.

With well over 15 years of experience in his bag Ross know’s the industry like an old friend. We caught up with him and asked him about his life as a snow sports photographer.

Talk us through your equipment? I was on Canon for 15 years but I’ve recently switched to Nikon, I have a D3x, D300s & just got rid of my D3 and I’m waiting for the D4 to launch, 14-24, 27-70, 70-200mm zooms + various small primes. I rent anything larger. I use Elinchrom Ranger and Quadra Flashes on location.

First camera? Russian Zenith.

Dream camera? I’ve already got it... Nikon D3x

What got you into snow sport photography? I was out to be a Pro Snowboarder, It was pretty easy back in 1991, snowboarding was in its infancy, you could pick up product only deals without much problem. After a couple of seasons I went to do an instructors qualification in NZ, I ended up doing quite a bit of snowboard modeling for a photographer. I figured he had a job with better long term prospects, so I ended up working for him as a photographer at the top of the chair lifts, crap work but you really learnt how to use a camera.

Where has your work taken you?Europe, America & Alaska, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand.

What was your favourite trip?3 weeks in Valdez heli and cat skiing/boarding & shooting The World Extremes ( A lab ruined everything in processing...gutted!)

Highlight of your career? Private Helicopters

Anywhere you haven’t been and would love to shoot? Patagonia and until recently Japan

Ever had a photo published in which the rider didn’t land the trick you shot? Loads

Do you have a favourite rider you like to shoot? Nope, not fussy I’ll shoot anyone!

Who have you worked for? Most of the big names at one point or another, I also shoot a lot of stock pictures for the likes of Getty, Corbis etc

Has sport photography changed since you have been in the industry? Massively, digital has made life much easier, not sure if it’s for the best yet though. Learning with film was a costly business when you made mistakes and you learnt pretty quickly not to do it again.

Any advice to give? Have fun and don’t take it too seriously!

Capture Release, .

Photograph: Ross Woodhall

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35Photograph: Ross Woodhall

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With the heat of the summer sun long chilled and the long days cut drastically shorter many of us start to feel that itch of excitement as we realise winter really is coming. With winter comes the blustery showers,

knitted scarves and woollen gloves, roaring fires and crackling twigs, creamy hot chocolate and heart warming soup, twinkling Christmas lights and cheesy festive carols. To many of us winter really is a magical season and that’s without even mentioning the snow.

Yes, the snow owns the true beauty of

winter. When the pure white powder covers everything in sight the world seems a different place, a simpler, less complicated and far more beautiful place.

For those of us who spend our winters slaving away in the UK, that rare fall of snow can bring with it bitter sweet memories and overwhelming excitement for the next trip to the mountains. Spending the whole season with nothing but a board and a lift pass (maybe a suitcase of absolute essentials) to some is a way of life, to others a distant dream. However much

My Reason...We all have a reason for doing what we love.

When the pure white powder covers everything in sight the world seems a different place, a simpler, less complicated and far more beautiful place.

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Photograph: Harriet BennettLocation: Jasna

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time we get to spend on the snow, we all share the same love.

But just what is it that makes us crave that first drop of snow whilst others bitch and moan about the cold and the inconvenience of it all whilst giving us “Are you crazy” look as we sit drooling over the thought of new gear and fresh lines.

There are a bazillion reasons to love snowboarding but what gives us that inescapable bug that takes over not just our minds but also our hearts? To the magnitude of us living in the UK everyday life can become a routine bore. Day in day out of battling through rush hour crowds, fighting for that last seat, the pile of work mounting up on our desks which never seems to get any smaller, the glare from our computer screens and taking the same crap from the same old people.

Occasionally life can start to feel too much and to most of us into the sport,

snowboarding acts as a form of escapism. When we take a trip to the mountains we really can escape our lives and leave our problems behind. Whilst being surrounded by the remoteness and wilderness of the mountains, home can be easily forgotten.

The view from the top will never fail to overwhelm. That feeling of seeing nothing but endless white peaks and a sea of the tallest, greenest trees is mind blowing, no matter how many times you see it. There’s a beauty right there that you could never comprehend unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes and it’s a beauty you can never forget.

You get a feeling that you’re nowhere near normal, modern, civilised society. None of life’s trivial problems can touch you all the way up here. The only worries that bother you here is the next days weather forecast.

From the top there’s really only one way down, and that’s where the fun begins.That feeling of speed and the bitter wind

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slashing across your face, the buzz you get as you carve your path through the powdery

snow, the excitement as you criss-cross through the trees and tackle the unknown terrain… That range of feelings doesn’t come in everyday life; it only comes when you take it to the extreme. Something else you don’t get in your everyday routine is that blissful silence you get on the chairlift, or that moment when your iPod skips between songs and you’re the only rider in sight. The only noises you hear are the snow crunching and sifting under your board, the singing of birds in the tree tops overhead and maybe the whirring and jangling of a distant chairlift. Everything else is silent, there’s no ringing of phones, noise pollution from cars and trains, no sirens, no mechanical voices announcing useless information. There’s no nothing. The modern world really is a bunk here.

You just can’t beat that sense of achievement after landing the perfect trick you’ve been trying to get for what seems like forever. Those few seconds spent in the air as you grab your board and spot the landing, in a state of nothingness, suspended in air, time

seems to slow down around you, this is how life should always feel. In a moment you touch ground, your knees bend underneath you and you realise you’ve actually done and your hand goes up into the air to claim your victory. Stoked!

There are those times when you feel completely invincible, untouchable. As you speed over the white nothingness, dart through the clustered trees, soar through the air and over obstacles, you feel like nothing could ever take this feeling away. That is until you catch an edge, fly through the air and land flat on your chest. But that pain is irrelevant, it will fade soon enough. What’s important is getting back up and chasing that buzz

In my long twenty-three years on this Earth nothing has ever given me that sense of

complete freedom and empowerment that I get from snowboarding. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to give that up. There’s no drug on Earth that can give me the buzz that I get from snowboarding.

None of life's trivial problems can touch you all the way up here.

Words by Harriet Bennett

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Rider: Wallace Wainhouse Photograph: Benjamin NickollsLocation: Jasna Snow Park

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Giving up life in the big smoke to spend the winter riding a cold, snow covered mountain was almost too easy, I made the decision, gave my months notice, packed my board-bag and left on a jet plane. It was literally that easy.

The best things in life usually are the simple things and I knew the simple pleasure of riding my board down the mountain everyday beat the hell out of working a 9-5. For me snow = happiness.

When asked where I was heading for the winter my answer seemed to cause some surprise. Slovakia is not an obvious snow destination; in fact there were some who even had to ask, “Are there mountains in Slovakia?”

Yes is the answer, I can confirm that there are definitely mountains in Slovakia. The Low Tatra’s is where I headed and is home to Slovakia’s biggest resort – Jasna.

By no means Is Jasna on the same scale size wise as any of the more popular snow destinations in Europe like the big ones in France or Austria but it’s the perfect alternative for those seeking somewhere a little off the beaten track.

A former Soviet secret Jasna is the Gem of Slovakia, huge amounts of money are being poured into the resort to bring it up-to date and competitive with the rest of Europe. Whilst modernised, the resort is still able to keep its local charm.

Jasna is a real beauty of a resort; tree lined runs, panoramic views of white peaked mountains and distant lakes make up the scenery and the uncrowded and laidback slopes feel like somewhat of a luxury.

Season Slovakia

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The resort caters for all levels of riders with 36km of well-maintained piste, ranging from blues to blacks. When the snow is good the huge stretching forests and jagged white peaks aren’t only for beautiful scenery but they are also great for freeride and tree-runs, easily accessed from the lifts. Jasna also offers five designated free-ride zones and is venue for the Free Ride World Tour Qualifier, Jasna Adrenalin.

This seasons been an odd one, there’s been a serious lack of snow not just here but across the whole of Europe. Having been here before when the snow was in abundance I know the potential of the resort but sadly, with the sorry amount of snow we’ve had in the past few months there’s been nothing but piste and park riding all season.

Even with the disastrous levels of snow we’ve had so far this season across Europe the resorts been more than ride-able. The piste’s have been snow-cannoned and groomed to keep them maintained and the park shapers have been at in non-stop to ensure the park stays fun.

The snow park claims the title of the biggest freestyle park in Slovakia and holds regular sponsored camps and comps and is the home turf of pro girls Basa Stevulova and young talent Klaudia Medlova.

During the week the park is never too busy as there’s not a massive freestyle scene here, with the majority of the visitors being holiday makers from the neighbouring countries but when the local kids get a chance come up and play (weekends) they sure can throw it down.

Other than the great snow and terrain there is another reason for choosing to shred here rather than the big Alpine resorts… €1 beers!

Yep, €1 beers. On the mountain you can easily get a pint in for under €1.50 or add lunch to that for under €5. Down in the town you can get a beer in for even less, which makes it the ideal

base for any trip as the resort is only a 10-minute drive.

The local town Liptovsky Mikulas offers everything you’d need for a base and will be cheaper than renting in the resort. Bus services run daily from town up to resort. There’s no shortage of bars or restaurants, supermarkets and stores.

There’s a few English run chalets which host UK guests – they probably make up 90% of the UK tourists. Propaganda Snowboards and Chalet Slovakia are the main two – get in touch

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Photgraph: Benjamin Nickolls Rider: Matt Farr

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with these guys for info about seasoning here - they may even have space for seasonaires.

A season here is definitely recommended, although if you’re planning on coming alone be aware that this is not an English speaking country, a lot of locals do speak basic English, and some of the younger generation speak conversational English but the vast majority don’t.

I’d recommend coming out with friends or trying to hook up with other English speakers before coming out so that you have riding/drinking buddies at the ready upon your arrival.

Slovakia’s definitely an awesome place to season – Awesome people, awesome value and an awesome mountain.

Photgraph: Benjamin Nickolls Rider: Wallace Wainhouse

Words by Harriet Bennett

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Andorra on a Budget“Ibiza on ice” it certainly wasn’t but Mandorra it sure was.

We stayed in Pas De La Casa at the hotel Llac Negre which is owned by a friendly Austrian called Pat. Pat was great - sorted us out with beers at any time be it at 3am (Cheers Pat).

Pas De La Casa is not a typical Alpine pretty little village but for what paid we couldn’t have cared. As for the reviews of the place saying it was “The Ibiza on ice”, maybe we went at the wrong time of year, but that wasnt the case for us, after all the shops and slopes had closed it was basically a ghost town.

However it did live up to its name “Mandorra” the only females around were the ones trying to sell you something. So a lot of sausage around but like i said we may have gone at the wrong time of year.

The 3 main bars and clubs in Pas were Paddy’s Irish Bar, Milwaukee and Billboard nightclub all of these had Happy Hours and Paddys even had a Crazy Hour so this helped saved the euros. If even on a tighter budget bottled alcohol like vodka or JD was buttons, a good size bottle of absolute vodka (So not paint stripper) was 8 euros, so drinking before we went out was a good idea.

Now to the riding, the great thing about Andorra is where else can you ride a whole country! A six day lift pass cost us 200 Euros which gave us access to the seven areas: Pas De La Case, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo, Encamp and the new El Peretol.

The boarding was great, the runs were long and wide, it even snowed for two days and if your just getting into freestyle like myself, theres big and little parks scattered everywhere with loads

of beginner features as well as loads of natural kickers to hit on side the runs.

Riding from area to area its a real adventure and you never really have to do the same run twice, there always alternative route to take which i really enjoyed, like a true sense of freedom.

One good thing about the time of year we went, was that the slopes were dead! So lots of room to ride and hardly any waiting at the parks or lifts. The only issue i had about the mountain, the lifts were the slowest iv ever been on! You’d be on some for a good 25 minutes, which was a killer. Patience is a virtue i guess!

So if your strapped for cash next season get yourself to Andorra for a week. Snow, cheap riding and cheap beer, not much else to ask for!

Joshua McLeod gives us a short review from his time spent in Andorra.

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Rider: Matt FarrPhotograph: Wallace WainhouseLocation: Urban Slovakia

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Diary

05/05/2011 - SNO!zone Castleford - Airbag Night

14/05/2011 - Hemel Hempsted Snow Centre - SCUK - Spring Bash - Annual SCUK get together with freestyle coaching all day and a jam session in the evening

29/04/2011 - SNO!zone Breahead - Spring Fling - Project Friday welcomes home the returning seasonairs, offering 20% off a four hour ticket with any season pass, or just wear a kilt!

27/05/2011 - SNO!zone Castleford - Park Strife - Monthly freestyle session

07/05/2011 - SNO!zone Castleford - SNO!down - Slopestyle jam event with tons of prizes to give away - open to all ages, ski and board, boys and girls.

21/05/2011 - Swadlincote - Southern Freestyle Series - Round 1 of 3, Freestyle competition open to Skiiers and Boarders.

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28/05/2011 - Chill Factor Manchester - Oakley Grom Games - Both skiers and snowboarders battle it out for big prizes.

29/05/2011 - Kendal Dryslope - K-JAM - The annual K-JAM is back for another year.

10/06/2011 - SNO!zone Castleford - Airbag Night

04/06/2011 - Chatham - Southern Freestyle Series - Round 2 of 3

12/06/2011 - CairnGorm, Nevis - Big Spring Clean - Volunteers gather to tackle the rubbish left from the winter season

27/05/2011 - SNO!zone Castleford - Park Strife - Monthly

freestyle session

18/06/2011 - Bearsden Snowsports Centre - Go Big Or Go Home - Free style Jam event.

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16-18/09/2011 - Norfolk Ski Club - Farmers Jam - The annual three day ski and snowboard jam/festival is back!

24/06/2011 - SNO!zone Castleford - Park Strife - Monthly freestyle session

9-11/09/2011 - Tamworth Snowdome - SCUK Summer Bash - Back for its ninth year, camping, beer, bonfires, and snowboarding.

18/06/2011 - Bracknell - Southern Freestyle Series - Round 3 of 3

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Rider: Ross Welch Photograph: Aivaris ZarinsLocation: Hemel Snow Centre

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