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More than 200 people gathered in La Grave last weekend for the 5th annual Swallowmania. A dozen Euopean and American ski and snowboard manufacturers set up tents at the 3200 station to show-off next year’s “fat skis et surf swallow”.
These powder planks would have loved some deep conditions, but none could be found in this corner of the Alps. Rock and ice ruled (in addition to grass and shrubs), but decent turns could be found in les Vallons de La Meije, one of the two main arteries of the resort. Luckily when conditions aren’t ideal in France, one can always fall back on long wine and nicotine-induced lunch on the deck—c’est la vie!
Pow or no pow, a bunch of skiers hanging out in La Grave always means a good time. Multiple bands rocked Friday and Saturday nights and Le Pub was jammed packed.
Doug Coombs joined French riders and organizers Laurent Besse, Serge Cornilla, Tina and Franky Moranval, Anne Cattelin, Brice Lecartier, Fred Moras, Fred Serin, Regis Rolland and Didi Haase to really make the festival a party.
Don’t miss next year’s Swallowmania!
Laura Ogden of Whistler, B.C. named women’s champion
