Splitboarding seems to be on an ever increasing growth as of late, maybe in an attempt to catch up with skiing or maybe as it has become a whole new discipline away from its big brother, snowboarding. Whatever the reason is I'm glad it happened. It's now easier then ever for snowboarders to get into the backcountry and find the terrain and snow that makes snowboarding so special, coupled with the modern factory splitboards it no longer feels like your riding two planks of wood held together with screws. A lot of people in the snowboard world hate on ski brands that now make boards like K2, Salomon and Rossignol. I have never understood this, these are the companies that have pushed our sport to whole new levels thanks to their innovations, knowledge and boffins in the R&D labs. I don't like the whole 'for boarders by boarders' slogan that seems to be attached to a lot of brands, its kind of like people are trying to hold on to snowboardings rebellious uprising in the 80's and 90's. It makes no difference to me if my board was built by a guy who snowboards or skis, the main thing is that they know HOW to build a board and that they are evolving the sport, otherwise we will just get left behind through stubbornness. Of course, it does make a difference if said person is passionate about snowboarding, but to be honest the thing that matters the most is that they are passionate about all snowsports, after all we are doing the same thing, sliding down a hill on a plank of wood.......... Whoops, i seem to have digressed slightly(this will happen a lot) back to splitboards.....
I recently explored some of the Treble Cone side country on my new Never Summer splitboard with Spark R&D bindings, (top tip, don't leave your snowboard jacket that also contains your lift pass at home....) Never summer have the hybrid camber profile, which means its rocker between the feet and camber underneath the bindings. I am used to a regular camber board for the stability so it was a bit strange dealing with the rocker, especially when in touring mode as the surface area is alot shorter, but it was fine once i got used to it and the performance on the ride down made it all worth while. There was 20cm of fresh, cold, dry snow and it was so much fun to ride on. The bindings were the real hero here though I've always used normal bindings attached to the voile plate but the Spark R&D burners were incredible. You are a lot closer to the board which helps in performance and feel when skinning, and the bindings really firm up the board when in riding mode....in fact it felt no different to my everyday board. This goes to show the effect innovation and technology can have on your riding, i felt so much more comfertable and less exposed as i knew i could put all my trust in the equipment i was using.....the mental factor plays a big part in these kind of sports! Even though we were no more then 20 mins away from the lift, its still that feeling you get that no one else is near you. Its like a state of mind that sends you to a very happy place. We did one run that day, but it was better then a full day of resort riding, Treble Cone is a very special place! Short edit from this trip is here More splitboarding to come.......
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The past few days have been epic, i mean the snow here is all time and it shows no sign of stopping. Ive had some of the best days on snow in New Zealand this winter and its only a few weeks in, The backcountry is looking great and plans are being formed to go explore on the split board and have some adventures. This is going to be an epic winter. This then got me thinking about the age old question, what is it about venturing into the backcountry that is so inspiring and inviting for some people, especially when there are so many risks to factor in. I had also just read an old article about the deaths of JP, Andreas Fransson and Liz Daley who were tragically taken from us this past winter. Many pioneering skiers and snowboarders have lost their lives in the mountains, but the death of JP truly shook the ski world, he was a person who seemed so talented, so inspirational and maybe he didnt know it but was the reason for so many peoples desire to get onto snow. He mastered his trade and performed at the highest level in all parts of his life, he wasn't just a skier....he was so much more. Its so easy to get deep and depressing about this subject, its not pretty. But i have learnt that taking a light hearted and more celebratory approach can be affective. Ive had a similar loss. One of my Closest and best friends lost his life in an avalanche in Scotland in January 2013. Tom Chesters was more then a friend to me, he was the reason i fell in love with the mountains,with the backcountry and at a time when i was pretty lost he was a rock who pushed me every single day. He taught me everything about staying safe in the mountains. A man posessed with natural banter, quick witt and a warm heart he will never be replaced, but even now....two years after his death i still miss him like crazy but his spirit definitely lives on.
They say time is a healer.....its not, they also say that there is comfort knowing someone died doing what they loved......for me thats not much comfort and for a long time i despised the mountains, i hated they had robbed the world of him, and the others who were caught in the same avalanche. It hit me very hard, and everyone else that knew the group. All those good memories come flooding back and it sucks, because thats what they are now...memories.
I have only recently found the love again. I found the love through new people i have met and knowing that Tom would be pissed if i just gave up, I can see his face and the amount of abuse he would dish out to me (probably including some Liverpool FC slating for good measure) We do lose the people we love, and its hard to not get down or upset, but its the memory of them that keeps the fire burning inside us, that keeps us going......and even from the mountain that Tom, along with JP, Andreas, Liz, Mckonkey, Combs, Kelly and the rest are stood on right now, they still inspire us and affect our lives.. I might not be able to see Tom anymore or talk to him or drink copious amounts of Duvel on our legendary nights, but when I'm out on my board or stood on a ridge getting beaten by 90km freezing cold winds i know that he's somewhere, laughing his ass off at me. By carrying on what he taught me its a celebration and a tribute to him and everyone else. So back to my original question. I think that while there are a lot of risks, they are calculated. Most backcountry skiers or snowboarders are deep thinkers, they are meticulous with planning and the best ones will know when the feeling isn't right. But its that feeling deep inside, that fear, that is the drug. Its when you feel most alive, when your right on the edge....its when you learn the most about yourself and grow as a person. Its these short moments that can teach us so much more then a lifetime being sat at an office desk, were he to live, to laugh and to have a fucking good time. " There is no way to explain the edge because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over" Hunter S Thompson Please check out the following BBC film that was made about Tom and his group on that day. Its a little heavy as it involves the families, but its a good documentary and has a technical approach to avalanches. Below is a trailer, but you can download the movie too.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01lyby5
The opening day at Treble Cone is always a big deal, it seems to have an atmosphere unlike most other ski areas I've been to. It lacks that corporate/commercial feel like most European resorts, it still feels like a locals area and although I haven't been to a 'clubby' yet….it has that same aura that everyone uses to describe the clubbies. This was the best start to TC in a long time, the whole area was open which was something that didn't happen the whole of last winter. There was a thick layer of inversion so while it was cold and gloomy in town, it was sunny and warm about the cloud. The car made it up the access road with no problems(Subaru's are the best, when they are working) and we parked right at the base building which was just above the inversion, so we were greeted by the most spectacular seas of clouds over Lake Wanaka. The saddle opened up as soon as we arrived so we headed straight there as thats where most of the best terrain is. Its a smorgasbord of natural gullies, drops and steep skiing. There were local rippers sending big drops already, the standard of skiing here is so good. The snow was a bit heavy in places but was so much fun, its like a playground in there. After a few hot laps of getting fresh tracks, we hiked up to the summit and took in the incredible views over Lake Wanaka and towards Black Peak and Mount Aspiring. The backcountry potential here is endless and so accessible with touring. The freshies off the summit were sweet, it was so good to get first tracks in good snow on opening day. To say my legs were burning is an understatement. No matter how fit you feel, there is no training for spending a whole day riding on your back leg! Free champagne and live music at the bar was a nice treat, and after a few more runs in the saddle we called it a day. Perfect start to what hopefully is going to be a winter to remember. Thanks TC For some its a case of taking a year out from the 'Real World'…...whatever that is nowadays. But for a lot of us its a way of life, its how we make a living and its what we want to do. I hate the term seasonaire, it conjures up images of working in the French Alps for a chalet company when your 18 and just drinking away the winter, although I think its how a majority of people fell for the winter life (I know thats how I did). The people that chase snow around the globe are a special breed I feel. That one week of 'summer' between seasons is enough, the cold accomodation(NZ), the struggle to make ends meet and that ever increasing season lift pass price are all met with a determination and passion that its pretty rare in the modern world. I read an article about why 'Ski Bums' make the best entrepreneurs, and it does seem to be true. 'Ski Bums' are willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone, to live rough, to meet new people and go exciting places on a daily basis and these are all qualities that mean they can deal with the 'real world' more then people that actually live in the 'real world'. A person who epitomises this up is Yvon Chouinard, the founder of the clothing brand Patagonia and the now named Black Diamond. He was a surfer and climbing bum who helped the climbing world with his inventions, now his company is a multi-million pound organisation who offer the best environment for their workers and put profits into helping the world in which Yvon has been a part of al his life. He's also famous for being the most reluctant million pound business owner.......he still hates it. If you have a spare half an hour then read about Patagonia. The people I meet share the same desire and passion for the mountains, and the fact that they choose to go through these hardships in order to find that perfect powder day is inspiring to me, I guess it helps that I share the same thoughts but being around people like this is only a good thing! A good example of this is Travis Rice. Pro Snowboarder, business man, adventurer and all round gnarly dude. He is always good for a sweet quote and this is a ripper from his film 'The Art of Flight' “ Its funny, whats happening to us. Our lives have become digital. Our friends, now virtual. And anything you could ever want to know is just a click away. Experiencing the world through second hand information isn't enough. If we want authenticity we have to iniciate it. We will never know our full potential unless we push ourselves to find it. Its this self-discovery that inevitably takes us to the wildest places on earth” He's right, the only way we can find our potential is to push ourselves out of our comfort zone, otherwise we are just putting a ceiling on our lives. If ever you are doubting if its worth chasing the snow, then just read some of his interviews, he has an ability to get you so stoked on life with just a few words…...a pretty good quality to have. In a world where everything is so fast paced and about making money and being a success, its refreshing to come back to the mountains and meet people who have their minds in the right place, who value the experience. Obviously there are some exceptions in people like Richard Branson, who are equally as inspiring to me…….but then he is all about living his life to the fullest. "No such thing as failure, only learning" The time has come to pack up my gear and head over the pond to New Zealand for another winter. Flights are booked, baggage has been wrestled with to get it under the weight limit ( never gets any easier) and goodbyes said to family and friends. I like travelling but the actual time In the air I'm not too keen on, to much time sat down and when you 6foot 4 that's not always easy on a plane, and until there's a train through the centre of the earth it's going to stay that way. Travelling brings about the same cliches such as -broadening the mind -meeting new people -finding 'ones' self Now, these are all true to an extent(except 'finding ones self, that's not a thing) but I've found that chasing winters brings a slightly different point of view and stresses -no baggage allowance is EVER enough -the amount of people that find it funny asking me if my board bag contains a body(funny the first time, but the next person will end up in the bag) -after 22 hours flying, being asked by that token Aussie in Melbourne airport if it's still raining in the UK, and why would I want to go to New Zealand. Think he answered that question himself. Oh, and the guy on the plane who gets angry when he's not allowed to use his iPad, that is a thing now! Read a book dude, or actually talk to your kids. These aren't moans, they are mearly observations and challenges I like to overcome with true British 'smile and nod' style. Flying was a breeze this time and went fairly quickly and before I knew it I was touching down in Aotaroa. Picking up a rental car at 2am to drive 5 hours to wanaka probably wasn't my best idea, but stopping at Lake Tekapo for a quick snooze was definitely a good idea. When you get older you get up early, that's a fact. That has its advantages when you get to see sights like this......l Arriving in Wanaka has that familiar warmth now, kind of like coming home. People come and go, but there's always the locals to say hello to and reconfirm that I'm back in friendly NZ. I've moved into a sweet house, stepped foot into the amazing workshop and started to get it ready for the busy winter ahead. The mountains have had an early snow and are looking magical once again,Black Peak steals the show. Here to an exciting winter!
I finally got around to sorting through my footage from winter. I didnt have much but I've managed to put together a little edit from the stuff i did have.
Looking through it all reminded me of how good this winter was for riding, Bring on next winter! Click on HD Endofseasonedit1415 from Leon Butler on Vimeo. I call a little island on the south coast of the UK my home. Its where i was brought up and is where my family still live, its always nice to come back and visit. For those that have never heard of the Isle of Wight, its not where the TT is held......as I'm so often asked, and you don't need a passport to get here. You do need a ton of cash to pay for the extortianate cost of the ferries though, this is a greatly discussed debate for us 'islanders'. It was a great place to grow up and i feel very privileged. Theres a relaxed atmosphere and a slow pace of life with the emphasis on getting out into the great outdoors. Summers here are beautiful and warm due to the micro climate we have, and the beaches are some of the best in europe. The fresh food here is some of the best, not to mention the breweries making some fine ale! You always wonder how much has changed in your home town when you've been away for a while, luckily this isn't something i have to worry about on the shire as the biggest news we've had in years is a new Waitrose and TK Maxx being built. Once the snow has started to melt around Bourg St Maurice it opens up another world of walking tracks and roads that are otherwise unreachable in the winter. I wanted to check out an area behind Bourg that looked great for some split board missions, i had been wanting to scope it out all winter but never had the chance. Its a road that in summer links Bourg with the Beaufort area and offers easier access towards Chamonix. It always blows my mind how close we are to a lot of big areas here! Along this road is a hotel that was abondoned in 1938, I've heard a lot about it but never seen it for myself.....so i thought i could kill two birds with one stone. It was about a 2 hour walk to the hotel, it felt like i was walking right into the heart of the mountains.....which i was! Just before reaching the hotel i managed to get a good look at the peaks for touring and how to access them by road On the left was the 'Pont de la Terrasse' and on the right was the 'grand Aguilles' and 'Mont Miravidi'.....just a shame that i will have to wait until next winter as there is no snow up there anymore, but the peaks looked amazing from what i could see. Strangely enough i sat down on a rock and under my foot was a Voile tool used for splitboards, it must be a sign, and proves that there is touring around that part of the valley. Now, the hotel....one of the creepiest sights I've seen. Its on the main road, but you feel like your in the middle of nowhere, like there is no one for miles.......which makes this shell of a building feel strange. The hotel is on one side of the road and on the other is the swimming pool complete with a diving board and slide still there like they have been frozen in time. The swimming pool used to be fed by spring water which is why the hotel was built, it was supposed to be a spa. There's something about old buildings that i like, especially ones in the depths of the mountains as they feel like they have a story behind them.....some kind of mystery. The building was never finished due to the owners running out of cash during the war, but apparently the swimming pool was used by the locals until the 70's. I was tempted to keep walking to see how far i could get, but the thought of walking back to Bourg quickly put that idea on the back burner, but maybe next time as there looked like a lot of good backcountry goodies down there.....save it for next winter.
I have just realised that the past few posts were a wee bit mardy, so heres something slightly happier.
Ive just been reading a blog by an American snowboarder,Colin Boyd, who is kind of an adopted kiwi. He spends a lot of time out in Wanaka and is pretty well known. He's been killing it on the Freeride World Tour this year and finished 4th overall. Check out his line in Alaska, complete with the genius that is Ed Leigh commentating. He's produced a really well made webisode series on freeride in New Zealand. If anyone wants to know what the terrain is like out there then check out the edits, it makes me stoked to be going back to that incredible country..........that and the Afghan biscuits! Terje Haakenson said that if he had to choose one place to snowboard for the rest of his life then it would be Temple Basin, one of New Zealands club fields.........pretty big endorsement right there!
The inter-season weather has set in here in the Tarantaise Valley, grey sky's and rain make for a fairly grim atmosphere. But its good to just wind down after the season and just chill.
Looking back over this past winter its hard to pick out my favourite day, theres been so many. Maybe the surprise pow we found on our tour to Mont Jovet, or the two steep couloirs, maybe the cheese fondu we had.....theres just to many to choose from. The exposed face off the Aguille Rouge is up there for sure but for me there is a standout day, the Saint Foy Freeride Qualifier. For what was just supposed to be a bit of fun and a way to push myself, turned out to be one of the best days I've ever had. I felt confident having already done the Les Arcs qualifier and i put down the run i wanted to do, even if i did fall at the end. Finishing in 6th place was incredible, although it did make me think i could have placed higher if i had stomped my 360......but thats just the competitive side coming out. The event had a sweet atmosphere, and people seemed pumped to just be involved. Although everyone wanted to win, they still cheered on all the other competitors.........pretty rare thing in sport these days! So that day is definitely something I'm proud of, and gets me more pumped to compete more next season. Heres the Red Bull promo video.
These are my favourite photos of the winter, we were lucky to do so many cool things......pictures say a thousand words.
Oli and Anne(the Germans) have also left. The two of them are the most enthusiastic outdoors people i have ever met. Everyday is an adventure with them ( Oli waking up in the mornings is an adventure in itself) While they aren't sure what to do next, I'm pretty sure it will involve going that big further then anyone else. I hope i will see them again really soon. Most of the other guys have already left but Tim is still here for a few more days. He recently splashed out on an old camper van,called the bongo, and i know he's going to have a great time exploring in it. Sometimes its nice not having a set destination.........it means you can just enjoy the journey. Again, he's another thats super keen to be in the great outdoors. Last but not least, Agathe and Chirstophe need a mention. We have become good friends and the two of them, with little Charly, have made our winter. The friendliest people i have met, and hope to stay friend with for a long time. I may try to get out for one last split board trip before i leave....but thats all down to the weather, and right now its hotter then the sun! Saying goodbye to the people you spend a lot of time with is always a hard thing. This winter is even more so. I have got close with some amazing people who are so stoked on the mountain lifestyle that it rubs off on you, it reminds me why the mountains are so special. Im terrible at goodbyes, but its great to know that at some point down the line we will all meet again and go on more adventures. Ive done more this winter then i could ever have dreamed of. People have pushed my limits and I've pushed myself, we bonded over some incredible experiences in this small french town, and those memories stay with you forever. While I'm staying here for another week, my flat mates have all moved out. Sam and Sarah(Spokes and Scroggin) have started their epic bike trip from geneva to greece, 4000km of hard work.........crazy! Im sure they are going to have some hilarious stories to tell us all, i have no doubt they are going to complete the trip. So, the season is coming to an end. The snow is melting, the days are hot and the french start incredibly noisy work at 6.30am!!! Who washes the streets with jet washers at that time of morning! Work is now winding down, the workshop is cleaned and vans are scrubbed and polished, This marks the end of winter. And what a winter it has been! To many adventures to remember, great friends and great cheese. I leanred a new German word the other day, 'Fernweh'. The translation into english is 'to be homesick for a place you have never been to' Its such an inspirational way to describe what its like too travel, and in a way it can be applied to Chasing Winter. It describes the excitement you feel choosing a new adventure or a new place to visit. Most people are heading off to their new adventures this week, i will be sticking around Bourg St Maurice for a mini break before heading back to the Isle of Wight for a few weeks and then onto New Zealand. Ive really grown to love Bourg, and now everything is turning green you can really see why summer here is so enthusiastically talked about. For me, NZ brings another opportunity that i have to take. Its seems that in the snowsports industry opportunities are hard to come by, so when they do you take them. It also means i get to go back to that amazing country and stay in the snowy mountains. I plan on really pushing my riding and training for more competitions for next European winter. My Kiwi friends i live with now are also heading back to Wanaka which is sweet. Before hand though, they are embarking on a big adventure through Europe......on bikes they bought for €150 from Decathlon....check out their blog Spokes & Scroggin and give them as much support as possible! So I'm going to carry on sticking my fingers up to the 'normal' route through life......that mortgage can stay away for now. Ive got new people to meet and new challenges to attempt.
Uk Snowboarder and Red Bull rider Billy Morgan has broken the internet with the worlds first backside quadruple cork 1800.....basicly he's gone flipping' nuts!
People have been slating it saying its too much like gymnastics, but there with always be haters. Personally, i think its a massive feat of what people can do and how far we can push ourselves. Albeit Billy had pushed himself further then most! Its awesome to see a snowboarder from the UK throwing down on such a massive scale! Check it out in all its glory! The Butta Wax samples arrived today, it felt like unwrapping presents at Christmas!
The wax is very well thought out, they have nailed the marketing and the wax smells fantastic. Going to be doing some product testing today with a few of the waxes to see how they cope in the warm conditions. The clothing looks incredible too, pretty understated and low key, but I like that. The home wax kit in particular looks great. Everything you need in a smart looking tin, perfect for a present. So right now its the easter holidays, usually a time when the sun is out, the snow is rapidly melting and families are terrorising the pistes. But something strange has happened this winter, it suddenly feels like it winter again, we had a week of strong winds and snow which now means that we are having the best end of season conditions, there is a lot of nice fresh snow and the sun is out......perfect spring powder! The past four days have been insane. Each day has been spent hiking, split boarding and finding freshies. Two days ago we hiked 4 separate lines in one day and were rewarded with probably the best fresh snow of the season, that day ended with me and Sam putting lines down the most exposed and dangerous face i think i have ever been on, and probably in the les arcs area. We were both pretty nervous but confident. After a long chat with the pisteurs (who blatantly didn't want us to do it) and with a handful of people watching we picked out way through amazing snow, trying to avoid some serious cliffs. Any fall is this part would not have ended well. We made it down and put two fresh lines in the bottom section this was followed by big high fives and over the top whooping! Yesterday was another great day, we decided to do some touring and hit a perfect untracked face we spotted the day before. We started by defending off the Grand Col chair lift in Les Arcs and down to the backside of the face we were trying to get to. A pretty nice 30 min tour up to the summit and we were rewarded with a stunning North-West aspect face with some stunning powder. It was a fun run down with lot of natural hits.
Once at the bottom it was skins back on to tour back up to a slope a bit further up the valley, again a fairly short skin up was rewarded with incredible fresh lines, it was really late in the day so the sun had heated the snow up nicely. It was soft but safe. The sun was intense and made for hard energy sapping touring, the english man in me was not used to the bright thing in the sky and my skin is definitely not thanking me for it now.......but thats nothing a few beers can't fix. Again....what an incredible season this has been. Every week my riding is being pushed and constantly gaining more confidence and skills. Truly has been a great winter here in France with great friends. |
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