TTR Pro Snowboarding and WSF World Snowboard Federation announce host city of next World Championships of Snowboarding: Snowboarding and its lifestyle set to expand in China

Oslo – March 9th, 2013

“After the great success of the first World Championships of Snowboarding (WCS) 2012 in Oslo, the next edition will take place in China’s most renowned winter sport resort Yabuli, in the Northeast of the country, between February 21 and March 13 2016 in the disciplines Slopestyle (F/M), Halfpipe (F/M) and for the first time, Big Air for men. TTR Pro Snowboarding and the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) announced this in conjunction with the 6Star event The Arctic Challenge in Oslo today. In a 12-month bidding process, Yabuli resort was able to convince TTR and WSF of its capability and commitment to realize the event in 2016. TTR and WSF are both the event's organizer and rights owners. Yabuli resort received a unanimous positive vote from the board members of TTR/WSF. The currently existing sportive, touristic and technical infrastructure in combination with the unsurpassed know-how of the World Snowboard Tour’s execution of Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Big Air events, will ensure optimal conditions for athletes, media and spectators on-site and worldwide.”

Yabuli is China’s major winter sports resort. It is located in the north-eastern province of Heilongjiang, a two hour train ride away from the province capital of Harbin, a city of 3.5 million inhabitants, world famous for its annual ice sculpture festival. Thanks to its high snow reliability, Yabuli is blessed with a rich tradition in winter sports, especially considering that China is a country rather new to winter sports. Yabuli has all necessary facilities lined up for hosting the World Championships of Snowboarding, a vivid snowboarding community and substantial experience in hosting major international sport contests, such as Winter Universiade or World Cup events.

Reto Lamm, President of TTR Pro Snowboarding commented:

„The decision in favour of Yabuli in China represents a major step forward in our ambition to establish the World Championships of Snowboarding as the world´s most respected snowboarding contest and bring back full control over snowboarding to snowboarders. To have our next World Championships in China is a great chance for snowboarding and a great opportunity to develop one of the most promising growing winter sports markets. As WCS company, and in the name of TTR and WSF, it is important for us to spread the authentic spirit of snowboarding globally – to Yabuli and the Heilongjiang province, and beyond. I am very excited to see snowboarding’s youth lifestyle blend with Chinese culture and I am sure that the WCS 2016 will become a great showcase event for our sport.

Snowboarding has changed winter sports and the youth’s lifestyle around the globe massively and in a positive way over the years. We are aiming to continue that journey in China and other countries still new to the sport. We feel that Yabuli is the best spot in China to start this venture. “

Marco Sampaoli, President of World Snowboard Federation commented:

„The second edition of the World Championships of Snowboarding will showcase the full spectrum of contemporary freestyle snowboarding at the highest competitive level, also by adding the Big Air discipline. It will be amazing to watch the best riders of our times pushing the limits even further in Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Big Air. Every rider coming from all around the world to China’s northeast will undoubtedly have a memorable experience. We expect riders from at least 20 countries to make their way to the World Championships. Yabuli winter sports resort’s topography, as well as the enthusiasm and commitment of the responsible people at Yabuli and in the government of Heilongjiang province will make for an awesome Snowboarding Championship environment.“

Mr Zhou Yi Yun, General Manager of Yabuli Resort:

‘’We have full confidence that our skill and enthusiasm, combined with the guidance and assistance of TTR and WSF will result in a splendid event in 2016. We would like to say welcome to all the riders, snowboarding fans and everyone present today, to come to Yabuli and witness this great event.’’

Chas Guldemond, World Champion Slopestyle 2012 and Member of the TTR Pro Snowboarding Board, commented:

„I am very excited to go to the WCS in Yabuli! Not only do I get to defend my Slopestyle title, but I can help push the sport of snowboarding in China in a major way. Snowboarding is growing really fast in China. I was able to witness that myself, when I visited for the 3^rd edition of Oakley Air & Style in Beijing. With that experience in mind, I don’t see any better place to have the WCS than Yabuli. They have the terrain, support, and are very eager to show this awesome sport to Chinese youth and the rest of the world! “

Published on Transworld Snowboarding on Thu, Feb 21st

By Matt Barr

A few months ago, I spoke to one of the members of the TTR inner circle. How, I wondered, did the organization intended to move forward now that the battle to control slopestyle qualification at the 2014 Sochi Olympic games had been lost?

“Well, we do not want to limit our raison d´etre to the Olympics. There is more to snowboarding than the Olympic Games. Our main focus remains to follow our own path and create undeniable realities that, in the end, the IOC cannot ignore if they want to represent snowboarding as it truly is.”

“Undeniable realities.” It’s a fitting phrase given the events of the last month or so on both sides of the FIS/TTR divide. The biggest news from the FIS camp was the cancellation of the key Sochi 2014 slopestyle test event. The official reason given is that a lack of snow meant the slopestyle course couldn’t be built in time or to the correct standard. Worrying stuff indeed a year ahead of the main event. As ex-TransWorld SNOWboarding Editor-In-Chief Annie Fast put it on Twitter, “I mean, did we learn nothing from the 20,000 cancelled Olympic halfpipe tickets, airlifted snow and hay bales of Vancouver 2010?”

Evidently not, and it does cast real doubt on the ability of FIS to put on a pinnacle slope event a year before the 2014 Olympics are due to go down. After all, this is an organization with very little experience of building something comparable with, say, the X Games slopestyle courses, where the highest level of contest slopestyle riding to date has gone down. It’s no wonder snowboarding confidence in FIS is low.

Especially in the light of the lukewarm reception given to the FIS World Championships in Stoneham, with the grapevine humming with rumors that some of the riders were seriously unhappy with the state of the course and the way they were treated.

All of which was in stark contrast to what was being showcased at flagship TTR events at the same time.

The first of these was the Winter X Games in Aspen — highly significant this year for two reasons. Firstly, because Shaun White, Mark McMorris, and Torstein Horgmo respectively won the halfpipe, slopestyle and big air events with some of the best snowboarding ever seen.

Secondly, because of the deal struck back in September 2012 between TTR and X Games organizers that meant X Games evens now counts towards the TTR-endorsed World Snowboard Tour rankings. As a way of marking this agreement, this was quite a show.

That was followed a week or so later by the 20th anniversary of the Billabong Air & Style in Innsbruck, an event that saw the great and good of snowboarding gather in the Tirolean capital to celebrate this flagship shred occasion with two wildly contrasting but stellar events.

The first, on the Friday, was the Burn Style Session, a throwback jam session over the famous Bergisel kicker featuring legends such as Jamie Lynn, Bryan Iguchi, Gig Ruff, Mike Basich, and Max Plotzender. As a spectacle, this was a hugely entertaining celebration of snowboarding’s rich heritage over the last twenty years.

Saturday’s main Air and Style contest itself, eventually won by Eric Willett, saw yet more ridiculously high level snowboarding thrown down by riders such as Mark McMorris, Seb Toots, Seppe Smits and Stale Sandbech. The world’s best, in other words.

And now this week has seen the entire crew decamp to Laax, for the Burton European Open. The competitive highlight of this? Undoubtedly 14 year old Japanese ripper Ayumu Hirano and Arielle Gold’s halfpipe victories, the perfect example of how TTR events are acting as a fast track for the world’s best talent. A year ago, this pair won the Nokia Best Rookie award at the US Open. A year later, they’re winning the actual Burton European Open.

You get the point: the contrast between the undeniable reality of top-level competitive snowboarding as demonstrated by this triumvirate of TTR-backed snowboarding occasions, and the shabby, underwhelming events unfolding at first Stoneham and then Sochi, is clear.

At the same time, events off the snow point to real signs of clear leadership and a concerted strategy at the highest levels of the snowboarding community.

As recently as a couple of years ago, the lack of consensus in snowboarding was a real concern. There really did seem to be no real game plan coming from snowboarding’s top table. Indeed, many of the industry’s most important figures — from Jake Burton to Shaun White — have so far been conspicuously silent on this most important of issues. True, we’ve had Terje Haakonsen (“snowboarding’s conscience” as one Burton ad went so far to say) as de facto figurehead since he boycotted Nagano, with Chas Guldemond and the We Are Snowboarding guys picking up the baton over the last couple of years. But organized and defined leadership? Not so much.

Then, in February 2012, the TTR announced the launch of the universal World Snowboarding Points List (which will include results from all major snowboarding events — including, cutely, all FIS events) to create one overall ranking list for freestyle snowboarding. This was soon followed by the announcement that the world snowboard tour would now be called — well, the World Snowboard Tour.

Not, on the face of it, anything of much interest to a few contest organizers and pro riders. Yet the announcement made it clear that the TTR had been playing the long game all along.

“After FIS rejected the Joint Qualification Process we knew we had to move onto a new phase,” Reto Lamm said when I interviewed him about this. “We had several talks and our solution is that we will forget about Sochi 2014, that we should pursue a bigger goal. Instead of trying to interact with a system that won’t let us interact, we will grow our sport into an international federation that will be acknowledged by the IOC.”

Other new developments soon followed: firstly, a Round Table event in LA in May 2012, at which snowboarding industry heavyweights gathered to discuss the issues and try and plot a way forward.

Then in September came the aforementioned X Games announcement, clearly a significant moment. For the first time, the World Snowboard Tour could genuinely claim to be the only snowboarding tour to feature each of the world’s key freestyle events — something that should surely be a prerequisite for any Olympic qualifying program, and which the rival FIS tour cannot claim while to hoping to retain a shred of credibility.

The inclusion of the FIS World Cup-affiliated USSA Grand Prix as WST events was also a canny move, and proved the ingenuity of making all FIS events count towards the WST as well. Simultaneously granting these events WST status gives more credence to that event series, and means that riders won’t have to choose between either camp, relieving the pressure on riders in what is already set to be a packed calendar year.

The announcement also strengthened the claims of the World Snowboard Tour in another way — geographically. Until now, the only major North American event to feature on the WST Tour had been the Burton US Open, making the old TTR a predominantly Euro affair. The inclusion of the Aspen X Games and USSA events redresses this balance, and should presumably make the tour that much more appealing for any previously ambivalent US pro shreds.

Slowly but surely then, the problems that have bedevilled competitive snowboarding for the last decade or so are being tackled — on snowboarding’s terms. It’s an increasingly confident strategy, a mixture of pragmatism and idealism that is a long-term game but based around — that phrase again — the undeniable competitive realities of our sport. Rather than the artificial, politically-inspired construct that the FIS/IOC version of slopestyle snowboarding seems to be.

Read part two on the possibility of big air in the Olympics and what the TTR still needs to do if they want to represent Olympic snowboarding: snowboarding.transworld.net/1000197521/photos/why-the-ioc-can-no-longer-ignore-the-world-snowboard-tour-part-2/

Innsbruck, February 1st 2013 – Marko Grilc lit up the Bergisel Stadium and won the Burn Style Session in which 23 Snowboard Legends participated. Taking home the €10.000,- cheque, Grilo was very happy, but mostly about the fact that it was so much fun. The “once in a lifetime” rider field that gathered for this event in honour of the 20th Anniversary of Air&Style, were judged by snowboard legends Reto Lamm, Dani ‘Kiwi’ Meier, Jim Rippey and Ingmar Backmann. Freestyle was the absolute key in this event, riders were allowed to drop in as much as they wanted and do whatever they felt like, paying tribute to this celebrated event, presented since 1994.
First winner of the Air &Style 1994 and current World Snowboard Tour president Reto Lamm commented: “A lot has changed since the first time I participated in this event. Everything got so much bigger and better. However, one thing is still the same: the great fun, creativity and energy that the crowd brings is something we all get to experience here time and time again. Air&Style is a pinnacle event on the World Snowboard Tour, and I am proud to still be a part of it.”

It was a good warm up for the action expected tomorrow, in Air&Style’s main event. An even bigger crowd will cheer on the 24 world’s best Big Air riders, who will battle for the Ring of Glory, and in addition for the World Snowboard Tour Big Air Championship title. This season’s Tour winner will be crowned right here in the Bergisel stadium, after a gripping Finale.
Antoine Truchon is currently leading the World Snowboard Tour Big Air ranking, but fellow Canadian Maxence Parrot has a good chance of grabbing that podium spot and the Big Air trophy. Other favorites for this year’s Big Air Tour title still include Stale Sandbech (NOR), Mark McMorris (CAN), Seppe Smits (BEL) and Roope Tonteri (FIN) amongst others, making this event the one to watch.

For videos, webcast and all the event information check www.worldsnowboardtour.com

Nokia and Burton US are inviting creative enthusiasts from around the world to submit films, photographs or artwork inspired by the subculture and lifestyle of snowboarding. Participants should capture the snowboarding spirit either on and off the slopes and draw inspiration from the associated music, fashion, artwork and culture.

2 winners will join Nokia’s official AAA media team at the Burton US Snowboarding Championships from February 27th 2013 – March 3rd 2013 to document their journey through art, photos or films through the lens of a Nokia #Lumia920.

This is your chance to join the biggest snowboarding event, meet the boarders, explore the festival and all in the stunning mountains of Vail, Colorado. Check out the conversation to get inspired - #NokiaXBurton #Lumia920.

Nokia’s Choice

People’s Choice

About Nokia

At Nokia we believe that everyone has the right to a richer, fuller life. That’s why we make devices and experiences that empower people to look at the world with new eyes. To reach out and take risks, to push themselves, express themselves, share more and grow. Live adventure everywhere!

It’s a non-surprising congregation of Europe’s Snowboarding Royalty making the commitment to re-visit the resort of Davos, close to the heart of all of us who have been part of the fabric of this beautiful garment called snowboarding, in celebrating the man, the myth and the legend called Gian Simmen. While it has been quite an emotional ride to set up this session, true to who he is, I asked Gian if he wanted to communicate the ‘Legends Session’ as his swansong or his Testimonial. He and he replied simply as he always does, “It’s a session for all of the Legends, it has nothing to do with me.” Personally, I disagree…

As you will see by the photo’s associated with this article, swan song or not, Gian is not going out with a whimper. Not only has he been blasting the pipe all week in training, going almost a meter higher than any other rider, but there is more than an outside chance he could take the Men’s Halfpipe title on Thursday night. However, win, podium or lose…  Gian will graciously leave the competitive side of the sport for good following his result, but one would hope not the sport in general.

If a Testimonial is a testament to a person’s worth, then, the ‘Legends Session’ is shaping up to be a fitting send off and thank you for everything that this true icon and gentleman of the sport has contributed to all of us over all these 23-years of his involvement…

…and where more fitting than here in Davos where it all started…

Thanks – for everything – Gian.

Jamie Nicholls started of snowboarding on dryslopes, still he sure knows how to handle snow and big mountain action. Not only did he impress becoming 3rd at this year’s World Snowboard Tour 4Star O’Neill Pleasure Jam presented by Opel, but he also gets you in the mood again to hit the slopes yourself – with his full part of the 2011/2012 season!

Check Jamie’s rider profile and enjoy his banger part!

Jamie Nicholls Full Part 2011 // 2012 from www.jamienichollsuk.com on Vimeo.

Sven Thorgren currently sits in 2nd position of the Slopestyle World Tour ranking, so we thought it’s time for you to find out some quick facts about this swedish ripper:

Sven won last years 4Star Protest World Rookie Finals and is on the seeded riders list for the upcoming Oakley Shaun White Air & Style Beijing.

His board of choice is the Nitro T1.5 which is the same board our Limited Edition World Snowboard Tour is based on.

Check Sven’s rider profile and enjoy his bonus footage from Nitro’s movie Hyped!

Hyped! Bonus: Sven Thorgren in Sweden from Nitro Snowboards on Vimeo.

Switchstance Recordings, music provider of the World Snowboard Tour,’ latest roster addition Astroboter will release a 30-minute beat tape called “Beat Sutras Vol. I” next month. The digital version of this outtake selection will be available for free and released over a course of six weeks (two tracks each week). There will also be a Limited Edition of 40 cassette tapes for fans of the good old way. Now you have the chance to tune into the video for the song “Sounds Of Psylence”, which is taken from the mentioned release. Go back to the Summer Of Love!

Join the Astroboter Fanletter (http://eepurl.com/gG7KX) and you’ll receive this track directly. The whole collection will be send to you on its release, so you don’t have to wait for 6 weeks.

Swiss watchmaker SWATCH is excited to announce the winner of the SWATCH ART RULES DESIGN CONTEST. Latvian designer and artist Marta Zarina-Gelze won the contest with “Scream of Victory,” a design aimed to embody the great joy of snowboarding and emotion of victory.

The SWATCH ART RULES NIGHT was held May 12, 2012 at Royal/T Gallery in Culver City, CA. An international jury chose Marta Zarina-Gelze’s design from over 1,300 entries submitted by artists and designers from 90 different countries. The winning design will be applied to the World Snowboard Tour Trophy and Swatch Tour Watch which will be presented to TTR Pro Snowboarding’s World Snowboard Tour Champions at the conclusion of the 2012/13 season.

Marta Zarina-Gelze’s design focuses on capturing the sensation of winning, expressed by the TTR trophy recipient. The unique addition of a sound dimension landed the design in first place, highlighting the excitement and raw enthusiasm of future 2012/13 World Snowboard Tour champions.

“Art and sports are important pillars at the heart of the Swatch brand identity,” says Swatch president Arlette-Elsa Emch, “The winning design highlights a very emotional moment in a striking and completely convincing way. We were so impressed by submissions this year, it was a very difficult decision.”

The SWATCH ART RULES DESIGN CONTEST jury consisted of snowboard and art experts Arlette-Elsa Emch, President of Swatch together with Reto Lamm, President of TTR Pro Snowboarding, former pro snowboarder Ingemar Backmann, Baptiste Bourgain from Fubiz (French street culture blog) and Kassia Meador (Swatch Proteam), pro longboard surfer and photographer.

Now in its third year, the SWATCH ART RULES DESIGN CONTEST has garnered massive awareness from artists and designers around the world. Entries are on display in the online gallery at www.artrules.swatch.com.

Master of Ceremonies for the SWATCH ART RULES NIGHT was legendary Swedish rapper ADL. The ceremony was followed by live performances from LA-bred DJ Skee and West Coast hip hop producer and rapper Warren G.