While mega resorts like Squaw, Alpine, and Mammoth are blasting our Facebook newsfeeds with updates like: BUY, BUY, BUY season passes now! (Except if they are talking to snowskaters, then: Get lost.), some resorts are actually posting some worthwhile content.

Little bit o’ freshies!

Jay Peak Resort in Northern Vermont got a little bit of snow and just posted their first “Jay Moment” of the season.  And, guess what.  It was a snowskate exclusive edit!  Jay Peak has been snowskate friendly for years now.  They’ve seen what snowskates can do on the mountain.  They recognize the progression of the sport.  They not only allow us on their mountain, they endorse our sport by posting videos like this.

If Squaw, Alpine, and Mammoth would open their minds and allow snowskates, they would also see that snowskates are safe, fun, and the next big thing to happen in the snow industry!  Until then, snowskaters will continue to support all the other resorts which support us.

Big thanks to December Snowskates for finding and sharing this news.  Also, kudos to the mystery dudes Andrew Lanoue & Tom Saulnier who submitted their footage to Jay Peak.  Here is the video!

I’m compiling a Gear Guide which will include Snowskates, Powderskates, Accessories, and Powder Surfers.  Originally, it was going to be one post.  But there is too much good stuff!  So, I’m breaking the guide up into 4 posts.  First up is Powder Surfers! Enjoy!

From Grassroots Powdersurfing:

The Powder Skate. If you are in to riding the deeps, boosting off jumps, throwing in a flip trick, and riding away switch. Twin shape and reverse sidecut give this board the versitility and surfy feel that Powdersurfing is all about. Available in 140cm and 120cm.

Wood Base: $349.99   Sintered Ptex Base: $379.99

The Powder Slut.  All your buddies are gonna want to ride her? This stick is stable and floaty, poppy and surfy.  The rounded fang tail allows it to bite into smooth turns. This surfer is going to make your buddies jealous.  It’s up to you whether or not you’ll share.  Available in 140cm.

Wood Base: $349.99
Sintered Ptex Base: $379.99

Slasher! The sidecut makes for stable and easy directional riding.  And, with a little work, you could make this thing ride switch too.  A great board to learn and progress on. Available in 140cm and 120cm.

Wood Base: $349.99   Sintered Ptex Base: $379.99

The Powder Shark is your ride if you are in to speed and big open terrain turns.  With the big swallow tail combined with this sidecut, you’ll give up some agility and surfy-feel for serious speed.  Available in 140cm. *If speed is your game, better go Ptex.

Wood Base: $349.99   Sintered Ptex Base: $379.99

The Bullet is one of Grassroot’s custom shapes that has got you covered if you aren’t quite sure that there is enough fresh stuff for a Pow Surfer.   You need this stick built with a narrower waist  to get you through the shallows, and fast!  Available in 140cm.

Wood Base: $390   Sintered Ptex Base: $420

The Phish is another customizable surfer – available in a swallow tail and round tail.  This surfer is for the deeps.  It is designed to keep its nose up. Available in 140cm.
*Wanna ride away switch? Go for the round tail.

Wood Base: $390
Sintered Ptex Base: $420

From December Snowskates:

The 80′s Board (Pictured) is a throwback to the soulful roots of powder surfing, with a few upgrades including grip and ptex base.  This fully customizable swallow tail board is available 125-146cm, flat, camber, or reverse camber.

The Deep Shred Skateboard (Not pictured) takes powder surfing into the next generation.  It’s a twin shaped, reverse camber, and reverse sidecut stick that allows for agility and versatility.

Each starting at $250

From Circuit Snowskates:

Circuit Snowskates will have available later this month a 145cm powder surfer for deep days and a 115cm one for more aggressive freestyle riding.  We don’t have pictures yet, but here is a picture of what they have done in the past.

$300-350

In this edition of ProjectSnowskate‘s gear guide, we give you the deets on Powder Skates for the 2012/2013 season.  Powder Skates differ from Powder Surfers in that they have metal edges, trucks, and a top deck.  All these things combined with innovative shapes and sizes allow these snowskates to handle powder AND ride on groomed and packed runs with ease, which is something that Powder Surfers are unable to do.

From Boyd Hill:

Boyd Hill sub decks are vertically laminated poplar cores.

134cm Powder Board  This subdeck has a big nose, tapered tail, and a generous sidecut allowing for optimum float and easy turning. It is a powder hound, but it is designed to be manuverable on the groomers and tracked stuff too.

Sub: $285.00

From CHILLERdecks:

CHILLERdecks come complete with 38″ top decks, CD quick release trucks, and Cap constructed sub decks.

Mountain Skate 135 (Not Pictured) has a short board inspired shape that sweeps out into a nose big enough to float.  This is the skate for the rider who wants to feel like he’s riding his park skate in the powder.

Mountain Skate 145 (Pictured) has a wider nose than the 135 with a relatively narrow waist.  This skate floats and rails.

135 Sub: $240.00
145 Sub: $260.00
Complete: $425.00

From Florida Powderskates:

All Florida completes come standard with a laquered Maple Top Deck with Ungi Bungi Closed Cell EVA foam grip, Dolphin Geometry, Cap construction, Rocker Classic Trucks, Ungi Bungi Leash, and a 1 year warranty agains defects – the 100% Shred Guarantee.

125cm Powderskate is recommended for up to 18″ of fresh snow.  This is Florida’s most versital skate option. Although its size makes it a viable option as a all-mountain skate, its shape and contour are for powder ripping.

Sub: $380.00
Complete: $480.00

140cm Powderskate is recommended for up to 24″ of fresh snow.  This subdeck has a more mild side cut to allow all your freestyle, powder riding dreams to come true.

Sub: $425.00
Complete: $525.00

152 Powderskate is recommended for up to 48″ of fresh snow. Updated this season to add 1″ of nose length, this board will float and the aggressive sidecut allows for all mountain performance. I had the best powder day of my life riding a custom FPS very similar to this one.  This Powderskate is a must have!

Sub: $475.00
Complete: $575.00

160 Powderskate is the skate you need when you are swimming in powder.  The progressive side cut adds versatility.  The bottom line is that this monster powder ship will sail you home free when nothing else will cut it.

Sub: $560.00
Complete: $660.00

From Lib Tech:

Pow Ski is a 50″ directional peice of art that is sure to ride nice.  It’s BTX rocker combined with it’s enormous nose is bound to keep afloat in the deeps.  Shoreline of Tahoe has them in stock!

Sub: $199.95

From Minus 7 Snowskates:

Minus 7 Snowskates come complete with a Minus 7 waterproof, maple, ”popsicle shaped” top deck (41″x9″) with Eternal Grip II, Phase 4 Rocker Trucks, and dual arbor (oak and poplar) construction sub deck with ABS sidewalls.

Powder Skate 61″ (not pictured) is a twin tip, camber charged beast.  It’s designed with two hole patterns, one set back for powder, and one set forward for racing.  A cambered, twin tip for powder – this thing is definitely outside the industry norm.

Complete: $450.00

From Pioneer Snowskates:

Pionner snowskates come complete with a 38″x9″ top deck with hydro turf grip,  pioneer trucks (Rocker trucks optional for additional $45), and a sub deck with a core made of poplar, bamboo, and basswood with UHMW sidewalls.

The Pioneer Powder Skate is 57″ of pure surfy goodness.  It has a big nose, narrow tail, and a lot of flex.  This skate was built next to the ocean, by a surfer, for riders craving that surfy feel.

Sub: $300.00
Complete: $425.00

From Predog Snowskates:

Predog powder skates come complete with a Maple top deck with a plastic base and embossed EVA foam grip, Roulette Trucks, and a vertical laminate poplar wood core subdeck.

143cm Tanuki (Pictured) This is the brand new powder skate from Predog.  I was lucky enough to take a ride on the prototype last season, and I am so excited for this swallow tail beaut.  It floats, it slashes, and it will bring you home through the chop and on the groomers.  But, this skate belongs in the deeps.

The Sista (Not Pictured) is the women specific graphic available in all Predog Snowskates this year.

Complete: $439.99

Here are the deets on this year’s snowskates! (Click here if you need help remembering the Anatomy of a Snowskate!)

From 0910 Snowskates:

Comes complete with grip and 0910 trucks.

Park snowskate with stiffer sub deck.  Available from Snosk8.com

Complete: $287

From Boyd Hill:

Boyd Hill sub decks are vertically laminated poplar cores.

The 109cm is the smallest, lightest, and snappiest of the Boyd Hill line up.  Its tapered shape makes it a versatile, easy to ride skate.

Sub: $250

The 112cm – the “almost twin” is ideal for park riding and switch tricks. This sub deck also has all mountain abilities.

Sub: $260

The 115cm has the tapered shape of the 109 but with a little more meat to it.  It’s nose is wider with early rise for stability in landings or powder capabilities.

Sub: $265

From Caveman Snowskates:

Brand new this season, Caveman Snowskates come with a maple top deck, Rocker trucks, and a leash.

Caveman Skate is a 51″ twin tip sub deck.  Hand built in the USA.  It will be interesting to see what this first skate from Caveman will be capable of!

Sub: $240
Complete: $420

From Circuit Snowskates:

Epoxy laminated maple and fiberglass.  Rubber under edges for vibration dampening.

The Renegade from Circuit is a 36″ twin tip with zero camber.

Sub: $200

From Fuse Snowskates:

Fuse Snowskates come complete with hand crafted bamboo core sub decks, Rocker trucks, Gravity top decks, and #6 Eva grip.

The General, introduced last season, is the result of years of snowskate R&D. It’s dolphin geometry allows for precise turning while offering forgiveness on jibs.  It’ll handle hard packed groomers and soft packed powder. And, the graphics are wicked!

Complete: $299.99

4x’s – Fuse is the only company left (that I know of) that offers 4x (“four by” ) snowskates which simply replaces each wheel of a skateboard with a ski. Check them out.

4×4 kit: $50-$79.95
Complete: $100- $199.95

From Lib Tech:

Made in the USA…near Canada. Lib Tech Snowskates are notoriously durable. Available at Shoreline of Tahoe!

Snowskate 39″ is Lib Tech’s park skate.  It is true twin with BTX rocker and magnetraction. Comes complete with Bent Metal Trucks.

Sub: $189.95
Complete: $339.95

Snowskate 48″ ATV is the All Mountain skate from Lib. Twin with BTX rocker and magnetraction. Big news this year is that it comes complete with Rocker Trucks! (Same graphics and shape as 39″-Not Pictured)

Sub: $199.95
Complete: $449.95

From Minus 7 Snowskates:

Minus 7 Snowskates come complete with a Minus 7 waterproof, maple, ”popsicle shaped” top deck (41″x9″) with Eternal Grip II, Phase 4 Rocker Trucks, and dual arbor (oak and poplar) construction sub deck with ABS sidewalls.

Park 42″ is a twin tip, cambered board with 6″ wide nose and tail.

Complete: $350

Mid Mountain 51″ is a twin tip, sub deck with aggressive camber between the trucks and rocker from front truck to nose. Nose and tail are 7″ wide.

Complete: $400

From Parole Boards:

Parole Board snowskate completes come with Fulcrum trucks, EVA grip, Parole top deck, and a bamboo cored sub deck.  They are in production now and not yet pictured.

The Felony is a 41″ sub deck that adds stability for any rider.

Complete: $300

The Chain Gang is a 41″ sub deck featuring a composite top deck - bamboo and Maple.

Complete: $330

The Misdemeanor is a 36″ sub deck with more park capabilities.

Complete: $300

From Pioneer Snowskates:

Pionner snowskates come complete with a top deck with hydro turf grip,  Pioneer trucks (Rocker trucks optional for additional $45), and a sub deck with a core made of poplar, bamboo, and basswood with UHMW sidewalls.

Pioneer 1 is 35 1/2″ with a moderate side cut which makes it easy to ride.  This is a great skate for beginners, children, and park riders. Comes complete with a 32 1/2″ top deck.

Complete: $225.00

Pioneer 2 is a 43″ twin tipped, versitile snowskate that will handle the park and the rest of the mountain. Comes complete with a 39″ top deck.

Sub: $150.00
Complete: $275.00

The 49er is 49″ of solid ride-ability.  The 49er is as stable as a snowboard with all the advantages of being a snowskate.  This thing handles the chop, slush, corn, and packed pow no problem.  This board is an essential for your quiver, and if you value stability over manuverablity, this stick could be your main ride. Comes complete with a 38″ top deck.

Sub: $250.00
Complete: $375.00

From Predog Snowskates:

Predog Snowskates come complete with a maple top deck with a plastic base and embossed EVA foam grip, Slot Machine Trucks, and a vertical laminate poplar wood core subdeck.

The 94cm (Sista and Tanuki) is designed for the skaters.  It is the smallest skate in the Predog lineup designed to pop, flick, flip, shove, and land. Complete comes with 35″ top deck.

Complete: $379.99

The 105cm (Sista and Tanuki) is the all-mountain, versital skate by Predog.  It can handle the park, top to bottom groomers, trees, whatever.  This skate rails.  Complete comes with a 37 1/2″ top deck.

Complete: $399.99

From Ralston Snowskates:

As of this season, Ralston no longer sells snowskates as “completes.”  As an alternative, they offer “kits” which include everything except the top deck.  “Kits” include Fulcrum trucks, closed cell EVA foam grip, and hardware.  All Ralston sub deck cores are vertically laminated bamboo tip to tail.

Team 36″ is replacing the Mini from last season.  This sub deck is 35″ long and a killer in the park.  This skate is built to handle all the skateboard tricks made difficult on a bigger snowskate. Recommended top deck size is 33″.

Sub: $190.00
“Kit” (no top deck): $260.00

Standard 41″ is my favorite all around snowskate.  I’ve ridden the standard for 2 seasons straight and it handles amazingly well.  This skate is stable in the park, it edges like a dream, and it’ll even handle trees, moguls, and packed powder. Recommended top deck size is 34.5″ to 37″.

Sub: $190.00
“Kit” (no top deck): $260.00

The Pieces and Parts Edition of Project Snowskate’s gear guide includes everything you NEED to get on the mountain.  The Accessory Edition will be published next which will include soft goods, shoes, and other miscellaneous accessories.

Trucks

Trucks are arguably the most important part of a snowskate.  Designed well, trucks allow the sub deck to flex torsionally and longitudinally minimizing or eliminating dead spots and allowing for pop.  Trucks provide leverage to the edges by placing the stance of the rider 1-3 inches above the sub deck which (in combination with metal edges on a well designed sub deck) is what enables snowskates to carve turns on hard packed snow.  When chosing trucks, consider the hole patterns on your top deck and sub deck. 

Bent Metal:

Lib Tech’s snowskate trucks.  Come with hardware.  Each truck is one fixed piece.
$34.95

Classic Rocker:

Rocker’s classic design.  Each truck has one pivoting point on the sub deck mount.
$45.00

Fulcrum:

Not pictured, very mysterious trucks by Ralston Snowskates.  Presumed to be using some sort of ramp technology. Comes with hardware.
$55.00

Glam Rocker:

Rocker’s most flexible trucks.  Featuring two pivot points on each truck, one on the sub deck mount and one on the top deck mount.  This allows for unsurpassed sub deck flexibility from tip to tail.
$70.00

Punk Rocker:

Rocker’s trucks that feature one pivot point on the front truck and two on the rear truck intended for increased flex in the rear and stability in the front.
$60.00

Ramp Rocker:

Designed to push an additional flex point farther toward the tail, these trucks are said to have the best skate feel, and pop the biggest ollies.
$50.00

Slot Machine Trucks:

Predog’s more compact but still adjustable trucks new for this season. One pivot point on sub deck mount. Comes with hardware.
$70.00

Roulette Trucks:

The most adjustable snowskate trucks available.  Predog has created a mid mountain and powder skate must have in this design.  It will fit any hole pattern and it adjusts forward and backward with the pull of a pin.  No tool required!
$70.00

Hardware

Screws and bolts needed to attach trucks to sub deck and top deck.

Available from Rocker ($15).

Top Decks

Although many skateboard decks will work on snowskates, several snowskate companies make snowskate specific top decks which usually have some level of water resistance and  hole patterns compatible with trucks and sub decks.

CHILLERdecks:

Super light, great concave shape.  Available in sizes 9.25″, 9.75″, 10.25″ and the bigfoot 10.75″ by 38”.
$100

Circuit Snowskates:

Renegade top deck is 9″x33″.  Available in 16″ or 14″ hole patterns.  Epoxy laminated maple.
$95

December Snowskates:

Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and rad graphics.
$58.00

Parole Boards:

Available in square or round noses, a variety of sizes,  green, red, or blue.
$50

Pioneer Snowskates:

Comes with Hydro Turf grip.  Available in 8.5″ x 32.5″ and 9″ x 38″
$50-$65

Snosk8.com:

Snosk8.com offers a variety of polymer composite skate decks from Pool King and others.
$56-$78.95

Leashes

Leashes are an essential part of snowskating at ski resorts.  This piece of equipment enhances the safety and convenience of snowskating.  Designed well, leashes will keep a snowskate within the reach of the rider at all times while minimizing the risk of the snowskate slinging back at the rider without tangling and collecting snow.

Boyd Hill Leash:

Nylon tubing with shock cord inlay, ankle strap with buckle.  7′.
$25

Predog Coiled Leash:

Urethane coated coiled leash connects to belt with detaching velcro.  Reduces snow build up and drag.
$25

Predog Retractable Leash:

Urethane coated retractable leash that clips to belt. 10′.  Eliminates snow build up and reduces drag.
$25

Pioneer Leash:

Urethane coated coil leash with velcro ankle strap. 5′. Reduces snow build up.
$20

Ungi Bungi:

Urethane coated coiled leash with velcro ankle strap.  Reduces snow build up.  Available on Snosk8.com and TheSnowskateShop.com.
$25-$27

Grip

Like skateboard decks, snowskates need grip to give the rider traction on the skate.  Snowskate grip is specific for wet and cold conditions.

Closed Cell EVA Foam:

Blank available from Snosk8.com ($21.50), TheSnowskateShop ($18), and Ralston ($15)

Embossed available from Boyd Hill in colors ($15), Predog ($15.99).

Hydro Turf:

Available in 3 colors from Pioneer Snowskates ($15).

Extreme Grip:

$46.00

 Heated Grip: (not pictured)

By December Snowskates ($38)

Accessory Edition next!!!  Thanks for reading!

Apparel:

Wearing snowskate branded apparel helps to identify yourself to other snowskaters and a good way to make new friends!  It’s also super awesome to support snowskate companies by buying their swag!

From December Snowskates:

December Plastic Sweatshirt $42

From Fuse Snowskates:

Fuse Tee $15 Avail in green and blue!

From Pioneer Snowskates:

Pioneer Tee $15

From Rocker Trucks:

Rocker Hoodie with wings $38

 Movies and Mags:

Movies from The Snowskate Shop $10

Movies from Strapless $10

Subscribe to Starfish Magazine!

Shoes:

Snowskaters use all sorts of different shoes for snowskating.  Shoe choice will vary with conditions and riding style.  The two universal things you want out of a “snowskate shoe” are a flat sole and water resistance.  Many skaters also prefer defined tread and ankle support.

DC Lieutenant Boot is a water-resistant, high top, skate style shoe with skate style tread.  It is available in several colors.
$50-$100

DVS Militia Snow Skate Shoe
is a water-resistant skate shoe with soles designed to grip in cold weather and a stash pocket! Available in 2 colors.
Get some for your groms too!
$79.99 – $89.95

IPath Trenchtown is a good example of a skate style shoe with ankle support for those who want it.  Available in 3 colorways!
$94.99-$109.95 

Keen Snow Rover Boots are a great boot for powder days:  tall, cozy, and decent tread.
Girls, this one is a cutie in the women’s version! (And, you get a discount!)
$224.05

North Face Mens Back-To-Berkeley Boot 68 is a mid-high, waterproof, insulated, breathable boot with aggressive tread.
I got the girly version of this boot this season.  They’re cute but there is less ankle support than the men’s!
$119.95 – $129.95

Tecnica No Stop Boot looks exactly like a skate shoe until you pull up your pants to reveal it’s a boot.  Super stylish and functional too!
And, there is a funky girl version!
$63.64-$125.00

Vans Switchback Boot is a skate shoe with ankle support and water-resistance.
Available at Pluto Sports.
$39.99-$96.99

Shoe Accessories:

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax is a great way to treat your shoes to keep them waterproof!

Still have wet feet?  Try Gore-Tex Socks!

Misc:

Bags available from December Snowskates soon!

Deck Scraper from Predog.  Essential for clearing snow and slush off of your grip.
$10

Koozie from Snosk8.com
$6

Stickers from Predog.
$4

Stickers from Rocker.
$4

Wax from Boyd Hill
$10.

Get out the popcorn because it’s that time of year again!  Snowskate films are dropping now!

The Strapless Premier on November 24th featured Set ‘em Free.  The film included bangers from Mark Spicolli, Reek Ellis, Quinton David, Sean Davis, Alan Gerlach, Joachim Bronzich, Jeremy Jensen, Paul Elkins, Ryan Palmer, and many more!  The film should be available for purchase HERE soon.

Fuse Snowskates just shared a rad edit featuring some back yard and back country debauchery followed by footage from the last Fuse Derby.  This is 4 minutes 17 seconds of raw riding and a throwback sound track.  Must watch!

Ambition Snowskates just released a FREE Full length film (25 mins!) Safari Time featuring back to back gnarly flip tricks, urban grinds, and big airs.  This is flat deck snowskating at its best.  So check it out…because it’s FREEEEE…and because these guys froze their butts off filming!

On December 22, 2012, The Cali Rush premier is happening at American Legion Hall.  This film features all sorts of action sports including snowskating with parts by Sean Davis, Seth Hall, Pat Quin, Pat Bonzer, Jomi Smith.

The first issue of Newborn Snowskates Magazine was published in October.  My first chance to go through the magazine was today, and I was very impressed!  It is professional, informative, and inquisitive!  Snowskate Bavaria and Fresh Lines creators Scott and Beanie have created a much-needed free and fair Snowskate Magazine for pros and novices alike.

It featured 4 interviews:  Kurt Zapata, Pat Jerome, Jim Spiers, Tim Wesley.  All were interesting, fresh, and offered different perspectives to snowskating.

It included ads for various snowskates, gear, and yummy snow cone syrup!

I loved hearing from the snowskate pioneers that were interviewed, but my favorite part of the magazine was a “Beginners Guide to Bi-level Snowskating” which was a sort of Snowskate 101 which explained all the parts of a snowskate.

You gotta check it out and show Newborn some LOVE!

Please, keep the issues coming!!

Komunity.com has teamed up with Ambition Snowskates and is hosting a snowskate photo contest!  The winner receives a bunch of snowskate shwag from Ambition Snowskates.  Both flat deck and bi deck pictures are welcome.  The picture that receives the most likes WINS!

This is a great way to bring visibility to our sport, so I encourage everyone to submit their raddest picture!!  Girls, you better get in there and represent, too!!!  I did!

Don’t forget to check out Safari Time – the FREE snowskate video by Ambition.  And, if you want more, go déjà vu the Skrill Clinton and Jam Pack videos!

Now, get after it!

To add to the influx of snowskate videos coming out now, Rose Street Studio has released a Ralston Snowskates  clip on Vimeo.  It features commentary by Ralston owner Danny Sheehan on how he got involved with snowskating and how he sees the sport progressing.

It’s got plenty of riding, crashes, coffee, snowskate production, and Preston – a mind controlling snowskate press who’s out to tell you what’s up.  Pretty rad.

Watch it!!

Do I need to introduce Terje?  He is a world champion snowboarder.  The world record holder for biggest snowboard air.  He’s had numerous movie parts.  He is a rider advocate and activist.  He’s one of the most influential snowboarders of all time.  From the beginning, he’s been on a mission to keep snowboarding pure and core and keep the riders central to the sport.  And now, he’s got something to say about snowskating:

How did you first get involved with snowskating?
I’m not sure what year Burton made their first ones, but I remember liking it.  I never gave it much thought or time, though. Then, I saw the northwest clan putting out a few vids.  The snowskates had gotten bigger and a little easier to jump on.  I live in Oslo, and we’ve got hills not mountains.  It’s not really a stoke to ride the hills on a snowboard when you are spoiled with mountains. Ha Ha. So, when my kids wanted to shred, I began using a snowskate.  It makes the hills so much more rad!  Small hills are fun again.  I think it’s closer to surfing.

What is the most impressive snowskate trick you’ve seen?
Ha Ha. I don’t know, but if you check out Youtube, there are some pretty cool vids there. Some are hella sick.  It makes urban snowboarding look like fruitbooting. I like rails, and there is hella gnarly shit done in the streets, but it’s just easy to rail and ollie with bindings, especially when they make kickers up to the rails.  Hitting rails on a snowskate is just on a different level of gnarliness.

You met up with Ralston owner Danny Sheehan last spring. What is your relationship with Ralston Snowskates?
Ralston boards have got POP.  I haven’t tried any other snowskate that had that. Making it possible to ollie is everything. Danny is true mechanic. His home shop is impressive.

What are your thoughts on how to progress the sport and people’s perception of it?
I’ve got no thoughts about this. I’m just doing. The gear will slowly get better.  People will try it and understand that it’s hella tech, fun, and surfy. Just bringing it in the back yard where you don’t need a lift ticket, or taking the kids between the legs, or sledding on it – it’s all good! It’s simple, and it gives you challenges without flying 100 feet or dropping 10 meter cliffs.

What are your thoughts on some sort of Snowskate Commission which would act as a voice for snowskaters? Is it needed? Or, is it overkill?
I guess when people see money involved in sport, all kinds of dudes come out trying to get something out of it, that’s the downside of it – look at snowboarding.  But, there is good stuff about that, too. I’m sure it will come.

In your opinion, any chance of snowskating becoming an Olympic sport?
Why the fuck do people think the Olympics are the shit? It’s a bunch of old men making millions on sports without going to an event or  the mountain themselves – corrupt and so old school.  Nationalism is not my thing. I could write a book about things they do wrong for their own benefit. It creates an environment where, fundamentally everyone agrees, but they get so wrapped up in thinking about fame and fortune, that they lose the real spirit of the sport.  Then, it’s like a snowball effect, everyone starts joining in and getting consumed in the money aspect.  They are smart, though, fooling people and countries for so many years now.

Is the rumor true that you are putting on snowskate competitions in Norway?
True, I like boardercross, but the world-cup of boardercross just ruined the format. They made shitty race courses – not tech courses. So, it turned into this race for ex-hardboot guys and guys over six feet. Ha Ha. None of the freestyle riders wanted to keep doing it. Courses were taxing guys so hard, too. So, I thought it would be easier and more tech to make a SKATERcross. We’ve had two so far. Still smalltime, but good! We are trying to put the third one up before New Year’s. We call it the world championship, but just for shits and giggles.

The 2^nd Annual Fuse Derby took place on February 2, 2013.  This was the first snowskate event I attended this year, and it was a great way to kick off contest season!  I said it last year, and I’ll say it again: if you’re a top level snowskater, like beer, cool dudes, and free stuff you gotta be at the FUSE DERBY!

Competitors got discounted tickets on the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd of February so there was plenty of time for practice and free riding.  Mt Crested Butte proved once again to be a great, snowskate friendly host mountain conveniently located a short walk or bus ride from Fuse headquarters.

Josh Jackson

Contest day was sunny and warm-ish. The Derby followed the golf inspired format of last year where each feature was a “hole”.  There were wide and narrow ride-on boxes, Ollie-on rails, and jumps with and without stump bonks.  Each rider scored themselves on each feature using the scorecards provided.  Lowest scores advanced to the Finals.

Stump Bonk for the Win

The Fuse Team turned out in full force and was ripping!  Ultimately, the Finals included Josh Jackson (not this guy) and Paul Elkins on Fuses, Sean Davis and Matt Quam on Lib Techs, Pat Bonser on a Ralston.  Josh had the gnarly skater skills, Paul was solid and creative, Sean was getting technical as usual, Quam was versatile, and Pat had the style.

Pat Bonser, Sean Davis, Matt Quam.

The Finals were judged.  After each rider had hit a “hole” three times, a winner of that hole would be announced.  Then, they’d move on to the next hole and whoever was the first to win two holes, was the winner of the contest.  First up was the jump line.  Pat took the win with steezy tweaks.  The next hole was a box line that included a down box, a flat-down box, and an up box.  Sean took this hole with his dialed box maneuvers.  The next hole was a stump jump.    According to the rules, if Sean or Pat took this hole, the contest would be over.  And, this one was close!  Pat nailed a solid bonk that chipped the wood and cracked loud.  Sean (and Paul) planted a foot on it.  The contest was called, and we all rode down to the awards ceremony for free beer and to find out the winner.

Fuse Prize Packages!

All contestants received as many Bud Lights as they could drink before they froze to death or fell over drunk.  Then, the winners were announced and prize packages revealed.  Matt Quam took 3^rd place and a swag bag including tees, beanies, leashes, stickers, and tons more.  Sean took 2^nd place, a swag bag and a Fuse Sub Deck (he won the complete for placing first last year!!).  Pat Bonser took first place and a MTN Approach Backpack full of swag and MTN Approach Skis!

Giveaway Table!!

Then the prize table was opened up to all contestants, and no one left empty handed.  Thanks to all the sponsers of the event including Predog Snowskates, Bud Light, MTN Approach, FUSE, Spacecraft, Rocker Trucks, Ungi Bungi, Marley Audio Systems, and many more!!

Then we still had the whole next day to ride and party on!

Bottom line:  Get to the Fuse Derby next year.

My brother Derek was in town a couple of weeks ago, and he really wanted to go snowskating.  The last time he was in town, he snowboarded the whole time until the last hour of his last day here, then he unstrapped and stepped on a snowskate.  Since then, he’d been jonesing to get on one again.  This time, he didn’t even bring his snowboard.

My brother is a solid snowboarder, skateboarder, wakeboarder, and surfer.  And, he took to snowskating super quickly.  On his last day here this time, he called up his friend Chris to come snowskating for the first time. So, we had Derek on his third day on a snowskate, Chris on his first day, and Pat Bonser and I.  Derek and Chris were hitting jumps, hips, slashes, boxes, and rails on their third and first day respectively!  And, could I let them out skate me on their THIRD and FIRST day?  Nope.  So, when they hit that rail – I had to also!  (even though I had never ever hit a rail on my snowskate.)

This is the point, when you posse up with people you are a little competitive with, the progression just happens.  Sometimes when you are riding alone, or with your normal group, everyone can just stagnate and skate within their comfort zone.   If you are stuck in a rut, maybe you haven’t built that perfect posse yet.  Maybe it’s time to make some new friends, call up some old ones, or be THAT guy who’s pushing everyone to the next level.

Here, enjoy some pictures!

Thanks to Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood for being snowskate friendly, we had fun at both these resorts while Derek was in town!

The calendar is chock-full of snowskate contests from now until mid-April.  It’s time to call in too rad for work.  Let them know that you anticipate feeling too rad to come in until the snow melts!

Here’s an Itinerary of all the attractions you should visit during your Snowska-tion (get it…like “vacation”- gimme a break):

February 28-

• Predog Bowl @ Homewood, CA

March 2nd-

1. Ralston Cup @ Sierra at Tahoe, CA
2. Midwest Snowskate Championship @ Hawk Island Snow Park – Lansing, MI

March 9th-

• Snowskate or Die @ Hoodoo Ski Area -Sisters, OR

March 16-

• Minus 7 Melee @ Donner Ski Ranch, CA

March 22-

• Snowskate Cross World Championships, Oslo Vinterpark, Tryvann, Oslo , Norway (More info)

March 23-

1. Squirrel Skate Jam @ Summit at Snoqualmie, WA
2.  Snowskate Cross World Championships, Oslo Vinterpark, Tryvann, Oslo , Norway

March 24-

• Serpentine Massacre @ Hyak, WA

March 30-

• World Snowskate Championship @ Hurricane Ridge, WA

March 30-

• World Snowskate Championship Day 2 @ Hurricane Ridge, WA

April 3, 4, and 5-

• Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom @ Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC

April 5-

•  Big White 2nd Canadian Snowskate Open @ Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC

April 6-

•  Big White 2nd Canadian Snowskate Open @ Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC

April 13-

1. 2nd Annual – Christian “Integrale” Steiner – Memorial @ Ramsau am Dachstein- Türlwand, Austria
2. Kirkwood Banked Slalom @ Kirkwood, CA

April 14-

1. Snowskate RoundUp @ Stevens Pass – Skykomish, WA
2. Kirkwood Banked Slalom @ Kirkwood, CA

Check Predog‘s site if you want more info on each one!

Good Luck!!! Go win some prizes!  But, save some money to visit the US Open of Snowskating at Mt Hood this July!

March 2^nd was the 6^th Annual Ralston Cup at Sierra at Tahoe.  There were a handful of media professionals present to cover the event including representatives from Transworld Snowboarding, Newborn Snowskate Magazine, Ralston Snowskates, and, of course, ProjectSnowskate.com.  The event was fully commentated by Seth Hall and Ryan Palmer, who also competed in the Pro division (what a stud).  Music was cranking for the athletes’ and spectators’ enjoyment.  Judges were Ralston owner Danny Sheehan, former Lib Tech snowskate builder and snowskate champ Mark Spicolli, and snowskater Seth Hall.

Sheehan worked closely with Sierra to build a fun, snowskate specific park for the slope style competition.  Features included a ride-on down box, a small and large jump, a corrugated up-pipe, a barrel bonk (provided by sponsor Tahoe Moonshine), an Ollie-on box, an Ollie-on rail, and a corrugated jib pipe.

The contest was divided into 4 classes: Youth, Amateur, Women, and Pro.  Each athlete got 4 runs down the slopestyle course to show their best tricks.  Judges looked for “Full Pulls” or flawless runs and for trick technicality.

The level of skating was ridiculous.  This event is the most organized snowskate competition of the year.  Instead of a jam format where everyone is skating at one time, athletes take runs individually.  A name is called and all eyes are on one athlete.  Stomps and bails are broadcasted from the judge stand for all to hear. The Ralston Cup is where riders come from all over the world and lay down their best lines.

Photo by Chris Wellhausen

Official results:

Best Trick: Huge pop shove it over the barrel.

1. Reek Ellis – $150

Pro:

Photo by Chris Wellhausen

1. Joachim Bronzich – $250 + MTN Approach Skis
2. Reek Ellis – $100 + Rayne deck and grip
3. Jommy Smith – $50

Women:

1. Kendra Wilson – Rayne deck and grip
2. Randi Rae Rettke
3. Michelle Minahan Hickman

Ams:

Photo by Gergis Maximus

1. Jacob Juice-Toe (?) – Rayne deck and grip
2.  Dustin Orr (1^st place in youth class last year)
3. Brian Wilson

Youth:

1. Denver Orr – Rayne deck and grip
2. Drayden Gardner
3. John Andres Zapata

All on the podium got rad custom trophies.

Check out this video by Gergis Maximus, you be the judge!!

For more coverage and pictures visit Transworld Snowboarding and like the article to show support!!  There should also be more footage from Ralston Snowskates coming soon!

The Bonser Pipeline is the snowskate festival that takes place the weekend of the Ralston Cup.  The climax of the festival is definitely the day after the contest, but the party rages from Friday until Sunday and then slowly fizzles (I think there are still a few snowskaters camped at the pipeline partying on…right now).  Last year, I neglected to do a recap of the event, but it is most definitely worthy.

Pat Bonser is the mastermind behind the whole deal.  He spends weeks building a back yard snowskate park.  This year, there was a tree stump bonk, boxes galore, picnic table, sail board, and bench jibs, rails, and more.  Pat also provided a keg of Pabst Blue Ribbon, Barbeque, and Tees for everyone who showed up and donated $10 to the cause.

Really, the Ralston Cup paired with the Bonser Pipeline is what makes snowskaters from around the world travel to South Lake Tahoe for this can’t miss weekend in snowskating.

Photo by Braden Pratt

Photo by Gergis

The party got started Sunday morning.  Lots of people were shoveling snow around, salting, and eyeing their favorite features.  The keg arrived around noon and that’s when the party started going off.  And, it didn’t stop until well into the night.

Photo by 0910

Joachim Bronzich dominated the Bonser Pipeline just as he dominated the Ralston Cup the day before.  He hit everything and made his technical tricks look easy.

Photo by Pat Bonser

Snowskate legends like Shag, Mark Spicolli,Victor Zurn and others slayed all day long.  Brian Wilson got the award for best biff with his “tree plant to head plant” as Ralston rider Eric Debruyne so cleverly named it. Predog groms including Aidan Spiers were just CRUSHING it.  And, of course, Pat Bonser made sure to get some skating in between maintaining the course and mingling.

Photo by Pat Bonser

Locals like Michelle Minahan Hickman, Matt Hightower, Billy Bradford, John Zapata and others all stopped by to take part in the debauchery.  0910 owner, Mike Steinhauser flew in from France and greased all the features.  Others just stopped by to hang and watch, or nurse injuries from the day before.

And, luckily Gergis was there getting everything on film! Enjoy!

Snowskater Todd Delyea broke his fibula in a gnarly crash at the Mission Ridge Snowskate contest. He’s racked up a ton of medical bills due to the ordeal. Bummer.

Thankfully this post doesn’t end there! Boyd Hill Snowskates has initiated a fundraiser and raffle to help our homie Todd out. They are raffling off a special edition Newborn/Boyd Hill complete with Rocker trucks and December top deck along with other swag!

To be entered in the raffle, you just have to donate whatever you can. Cards and Paypal accounts accepted! The whole process is smart phone friendly so you can do it right now from your phone or computer!

Keep Snowskating core and help a homie out by clicking here!

The Minus 7 Melee took place at Donner Ski Ranch on March 16, 2013.  The contest consisted of skatercross, slopestlye, and Chinese downhill heats.   At registration, everyone got a t shirt with a playing card printed on the back.  The meaning of the cards was revealed at the awards ceremony.  Gotta be in it to win it!!

The skatecross went down first with the women and youth semis leading the way.  Then the semis for the men got going.  After that were the 3 skatercross finals.  The course was short and weaved through the slopestyle course with 4 turns, so there was no time to make up for any mistakes, and the start was crucial.  Jeff Nokkeo compiled nice video coverage but I can’t share Facebook videos on here, so just click here to go watch it!  This is how it shook out:

View from the Top of the Skatercross course.

Youth:
1. John Zapata
2. Chris Cassetta
3. Blake Bonito

Women:
1. Kendra Wilson
2. Beckstar Galactica
3. Mathilda Spiers

Men:
1. Joachim Bronzich
2. Pat Bonser
3. Randy Mertl

The course for the slopestyle contest was compact and on the face of the mountain which made spectating and hiking easy.  The Minus 7 crew made a custom snowskate park which included an up “shotgun” pipe, a flat ride-on box, an ollie-on rail, and a barrel hit. The shotgun pipe was a favorite for the women and youth, but by the time the men got on course, the feature was just about destroyed, so the men proved themselves with huge ollies and flip tricks on to and over the rail.  Final results for slopestyle:

Pat Jerome going huge. Sorry for the blur!

Youth:
1. Kain Meiser
2. Chris Cassetta
3. Collyn Kellogg

Women:
1. Kendra Wilson
2. Michelle Minahan Hickman
3. Mathilda Spiers

Men:
1. Pat Quinn
2. Joachim Bronzich
3. Sean Davis

Finally, the whole crew met up at the top of The Face at 3:45 for the Chinese Downhill.  Rules: None…oh except don’t run over the children. First one to claim the beer at the bottom in the bar was the winner.  The twist to this one was that the start was right after the group picture, so people posing in front were at a distinct disadvantage.  Joachim got to the bottom first, but the youngin’ had to order a Sprite!

Rad snowskater trophies!

The swag pile was huge!  Trophies were blown glass snowskaters doing a variety of tricks made by a local artist.  Everyone who podiumed got a pile of stickers and tshirts.  And, Season Passes at Donner Ski Ranch were up for grabs for skaters who swept their division. Then after the awards, the deck of cards was pulled out.  If the card that you were wearing on your tee shirt was pulled, you got even MORE prizes!

To summarize, the Melee this year lived up to its “melee” reputation.  It proved to be a big party, with good people, lots of beer, gnarly hits, and prizes.  What is not to like?

Alan Gerlach by Gergis Maximus Photography

The Olympic Snowskate Championships took place at Hurricane Ridge on March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013. The event was organized by North by Northwest Surf Co. located in Port Angeles, WA. Owner, Frank Crippen, teamed with terrain park architect Matt Eggleston and Brendon Corroa to create a banked slalom course and a snowskate specific slopestyle course jam packed with features. The weather was beautiful – clear skies, great views, and warm temperatures. The event took place over two days with three separate contests.

Jake Tomlinson

Day One began with the Powder Downhill which on this particular day was more of a slush race.  This event is famous for big crashes, and this year lived up to it’s reputation.   Just a few turns in, there was a huge pile up.  Joachim ended up taking the win and a GNU powderskate cut out.  Check out the video footage from Erik Nelsen.

Then came the slopestyle competition.  The course included two jumps with hit options on all sides, a large hip jump, and Ollie on rail, and the outskirts of the course were littered with jibs and wall rides too numerous to name. The format was jam session for the first hour.  Then in each heat the field was narrowed until the last three.  Joachim and Alan raged on and on and took 2nd and 3rd respectively with big airs and lots of technical attempts.  Jake stole first with his effortless style.

Brendon Corrao by Gergis Maximus Photography

The Banked Slalom competition was on day 2.  Each skater got 3 race runs, and their best time got put up against the other best times to determine the winner.  The course was fun, and it seemingly got faster as the day went on.  The race was close.  I could not believe the times that some of the guys were putting up.  Matt Edgers got 3rd,  Paul Elkins got 2nd and Brendon Corrao pulled first.

In the end, the trip was amazing.  Washington was so hospitable, the party was raging, and the snowskating was rad.  One comment: where were my home girls?  We need more girls competing pronto!

Results:

Powder Downhill:
1. Joachim Bronzich – GNU powderskate cut out

Men:

Slopestyle:
1. Jake Tomlinson – Sick trophy, $375, bag o’ swag
2. Joachim Bronzich – Sick trophy,  Lib Tech Powderskate, bag o’ swag
3. Alan Gerlach – Sick trophy, Lib Tech sub deck, Ungi Bungi Leash

Randi Rettke

Banked Slalom:
1. Brendon Corrao – Sick trophy, $175, Chiller sub deck
2. Paul Elkins – Sick trophy,  $100, Circuit top deck
3. Matt Edgers – Sick trophy, $100, Ralston Mini sub deck

Women:

Slopestyle:
1. Kendra Wilson - Lib Tech top deck and sub deck, Ungi Bungi Leash
2. Randi Rettke – Lib Tech sub deck

Banked Slalom:
1. Kendra Wilson – Pile o’ swag
2. Randi Rettke – Pile o’ swag

(If I got the prizes wrong, please comment the correct distribution.)

For more photos, visit Gergis Maximus’ or Burton Cooper Photography’s Facebook photo albums.

Photo by Jeff Nokkeo

The Legendary Banked Slalom at Kirkwood took place on April 14, 2013.  This was my first time attending the event but for years I’ve heard that it’s awesome and that Kirkwood takes care of snowskaters, laying down sick trophies, cash, and other prizes.  My expectations were high going in, and I wasn’t let down.

The course was legit. It carved up and down the sides of Snowsnake Gully off Chair 11.  Each participant got 2 runs and the lowest combined time won.  In other words-no throw away run, you had to stick them both.  We were allowed time in the morning to practice, but the gully was a solid ice, death trap.  Many people chose not to take a practice run at all.

The first run for the snowskaters started at about 11:00 AM, and the gully was still rock hard.  Naturally, ladies went first.  Then, the guys had a go at it.  The times for the first run were displayed on a board at the bottom so you knew where you stood after that one.  Billy Bradford had the best time after the first run with Pat Bonser 3 seconds behind, and Matt Hightower 7 seconds behind Pat.

Kirkwood local and snowskate legend, Pat Bonser, has had this event on lock for the past 4 years.  Since there has been a Snowskate Division in the Kirkwood Banked Slalom, he has won it.  And, the entire field was gunning him down.  When Billy beat him in the first run, everyone erupted with chatter, “Pat’s reign is over.” “He’s walking with a limp!  He’s injured.”  “He’s on a new Predog Snowskate; he’s not comfortable on it!!”  “He forgot his wax at home!”  “Pat’s gotta step aside, FINALLY!”

The second and last run started at 3:00 PM, by this time the ice had turned to slush and the line was well worn in.  Ladies again went first each of them improved their times over the first run.  Snowskates can slay on the soft slush.  The guys saw this and knew that this was the run to smoke.  Each guy dropped until it got to the last two: Pat and Billy.  Pat dropped first knowing that he had to make up 3 seconds on top of whatever Billy was able to put up for his second run.  He had a solid drop in, and from the first gate, you could see that he wasn’t holding back.  He was FLYING!  Then, halfway through the course, disaster struck!  He crashed!  He recovered quickly though and didn’t miss his gate.  He sped to the bottom but knew that he had lost it.  Then Billy, knowing he had a 3 second cushion on top of the crash that Pat just had, dropped in. He laid down a solid run.  And, without seeing the times, EVERYONE knew that Billy had it in the bag.

Everyone arrived at the awards ceremony ready to see Billy at the top of the podium.  But first, the snowskate ladies:  There has never before been a female snowskater entered in the Kirkwood Banked Slalom and this year, we put together a field of 4. Go girls! Results:

1^st Kendra Wilson
2^nd Tara Atkins
3^rd Becky Gentile
4^th Jill Zapata

When the girls stepped down, the men were called:  3^rd Place went to Pat “Goblin” Quinn who put up a crazy impressive 2^nd run. Then, 2^nd Place was called, BILLY BRADFORD!! Crickets.  Then, murmurs, “What the hell?  Who got first then?”

1^st Place….PAT BONSER!  ERUPTION!!!!! AAHHHHH!  Pat pulled the fastest 2^nd run with a fall!  He was on pace with snowboarders’ times before his crash!  Holy crap.  Nutso!! Legend Status: Solidified.

And, the Snowskate Division solidified its place in the contest being the 2nd largest division of 25!  Proving that if you allow them, they will come!

And, that was it!  Yummy Passholder lunch provided by Kirkwood, super fun race, cool people, drama, suspense, rad prizes, awesomeness, MUST GO TO THE KIRKWOOD BANKED SLALOM!!!

Thanks Kirkwood!!