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
Vail, CO — January 20, 2006 — The 2006 Jeep U.S. Freeskiing Open, the largest and most respected contest in freeskiing, completed the third day of competition in Vail, Colorado today with the men’s and women’s Slopestyle competitions. Corey Vanular of Toronto, Canada took first in men’s Slopestyle, claiming the $7,000 prize, while Grete Eliassen of Salt Lake City, UT placed first in women’s division carrying a $2,500 prize. Events continue Saturday with Halfpipe and Big Air finals. For a complete schedule, please visit www.usfreeskiingopen.com
In its ninth year, the 2006 Jeep U.S. Freeskiing Open features more than 300 of freeskiing’s top and up and coming athletes competing for a $60,000 purse in three disciplines: Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air.
Complete results for Slopestyle at the 2006 Jeep U.S. Freeskiing Open include:
Men’s
1. Corey Vanular
Toronto, OT
2. Sammy Carlson
Portland, OR
3. Jon Olsson
Sweden
4. Peter Olenick
Aspen, CO
Women’s
1. Grete Eliassen
Salt Lake City, UT
2. Sarah Burke
Whistler,
BC
3. Michelle
Parker
Squaw Valley, CA
4. Claudia
Bouvier
Vail, CO
A total of 8 feet of snow fell on Mammoth in a 36 hour period.
Back on his feet.