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DOUBLE BLOG DIAMOND

We welcome The Ski Journal community to post their own adventures, images, thoughts, and shouts outs right here. Tell us how Bridger rules and $80 lift tickets suck.

Hunting Yeti Webisode 3, Part 1 & 2

The team from Nimbus keeps it rolling into summer with Webisode 3, a two part installment. The first segment features volcanic action on Mount Saint Helens and a natural cornice turned wall ride at Hood. Part 2 follows through with a visit to Snowboarder’s Superpark event and a return to Hood to do some camping and session a quarterpipe at sunset. Peep it for yourself.

posted by: Wibby / added: 6.12.2008 / Comments (0)

TSKJ Spring Update

Mt. Baker, WA - As spring fights to emerge from May pow sessions, The Ski Journal prepares to drop its next edition, #2.3, and we look forward to late-season turns to continue. With lifts running in Whistler, Mammoth, Hood, A Basin, Alpental, and others starting to warm up in Chile and Argentina, The Ski Journal, likewise, continues the stoke year-round.

In springtime TSKJ notes, publisher Jeff Galbraith was recently invited to participate as a judge at the Whistler Pro Photographer Shootout featuring five of the top up-and-coming action sports photographers. Competition was tight with the refreshments flowing smoothly at this uber event. In addition to the Pro Shootout and its 2,000 attendees, Whistlers Telus festival raged onward and downward outside with staffers Colin Wiseman and Matt Wibby attending the Orage Masters event the week prior. And Kamp K2's gypsy RV caravan took over Mt. Baker for a private session which all of TSKJs crew made, including Kris Kaiyala and Grant Gunderson. April never felt so good with 16 inches of fresh and cold temps greeting all for this unique event and a TSKJ- and PBR-sponsored party with the all-female AC/DC cover band Hells Belles.

Though it hasnt been easy with fresh dumps, rocker parties, and pass closures continuing into May, we have managed to move into our expanded new office (which we share with frequency) located off the Mt. Baker highway. Now were putting this bad boy to rest. With #2.3 shipping in the next few weeks, this issue features travel to Greenland, classic Hawaiian corn turns, a profile of top fall-line femme fatale Lynsey Dyer, plus a fond look back at the honeycomb revolution.

For readers of The Ski Journal, the season continues long after the other titles have made their tee times.

posted by: Wibby / added: 6.4.2008 / Comments (1)

Stairway to Hell

Tahoe, CA - Baldface Lodge tail gunner, Reno 911 ER doctor, Alpine local and purveyor of the burgeoning interior extreme movement, Lanning Andrews drops into a particularly challenging split-level chute with a dog-leg left exit. Note his precision "schmear" technique at the terminus, as well as the mindful "what's the worst that could happen?" moment up top.

Wow.

Thanks, Lanny.
posted by: JG / added: 4.28.2008 / Comments (4)

Hunting Yeti Webisode 2

The wait is over! It's been two months since Nimbus Independent premiered their first installment of a five part webisode series titled, "Hunting Yeti". Witness the crew of Pep Fujas, Chris Benchetler, Andy Mahre, Ike Smith, Justin Wiegand, Eric Pollard, Christian Sirianni, and Shin Campos as they hit the backcountry slopes around Whistler, BC, Sonora, CA, and Cooke City, MT.

The second webisode takes you more behind the scenes with injuries, travel challenges, down days, herding Bison and the crew's snowmobliling skills, while maintaining the same signature vibe only Pollard edits bring. Also returning are some original music tracks from H-Mob Productions, the group that brought you the original soundtrack to the debut film "IDEA."

Hunting Yeti Webisode 2, Part 1

Hunting Yeti Webisode 2, Part 2

posted by: Wibby / added: 4.21.2008 / Comments (0)

The Orage Masters Kicks off the TWSSF in Style

The contest scene can be pretty boring. From played out ‘stock’ tricks to waiting around for hours in the cold just to huck meat in front of sometimes questionable judging, spectators and competitors alike can get a bit fed up with the cookie cutter scene that is ironically referred to as freeskiing by the well coiffed jocks on sportscenter. But every now and then something comes along that breathes a bit of life back into the competitive side of freeskiing the Orage Masters is one such event.

Previously held at Mammoth, CA, this year’s event kicked off the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, BC. And the timing was right as t-shirt weather greeted representatives of 8 teams, ranging from big timers like Rossignol and Salomon to Utah’s Surface Skis and indie giant Armada, competed for everything from surf trips to new sleds. But the focus wasn’t really on the prizes—skiers were just there having a good time. Costumed competitors in everything from super hero outfits to Viking garb threw down on a jump and jib line in packs of four, hitting twin hips in sync and sending the 60 footer at the bottom side by side.

It was more the kind of skiing you would expect to see in the park on a sunny Saturday afternoon than a contest scenario. Teams were given 20 minutes to complete as many laps as they could, often getting in 4 or 5 runs before the horn sounded. While technical tricks like switch 1080s were being thrown off everything in sight, Sarah Burke swinging a mace overhead 30 feet in the air might have gotten more cheers. K2’s Frank Raymond did what could have been the first ever screamin’ semen 900 in competition—what would that score at the X-Games?

At the end of the last 15 minute free for all, K2 most impressed the judges—the other competitors—prevailing over Volkl, 4FRNT, and, finally, Dynastar in the head to head format.

Thanks to Jamie, Mike and Mavis at Orage for pulling off a contest like no other—one where skiers and spectators alike are inspired to just have fun skiing some jumps on a sunny spring day.

Photos by Colin Wiseman

1 - Sarah Burke swings her mace, viking style, at the gathered masses.

2 - Sean Pettit went big over the hip all day.

3 - Xena, warrior princess of Salomon gets to know the spread eagles.

4 - K2 celebrates their win. They also ate glass.
posted by: Colin / added: 4.14.2008 / Comments (0)

Kamp K2 timed perfectly for late-season Baker pow fest

For rent: fully outfitted Washington ski resort in the heart of the North Cascades with 200" base and eight chairlifts accessing steep bowls, chutes, and tree lines. Resort comes stocked with 20" of fresh, cold-smoke powder in world-class, high-alpine backcountry. Must stay in one of the hundred or so RVs temporarily stationed in parking lot. Three hot meals a day in posh day lodge included. Plus portable hot tubs, party tents with concert stage and skate ramp, live music, beer pong, massive slopeside bonfire, and all the PBR you can handle. Available second week of April.

Kamp K2 kicked off on Monday, April 7 as K2 pro skiers and riders, company staff, selected media, and invited guests flew into Seattle and shuttled through Bellingham and up to Mt. Baker Ski Area in hundreds of rented RVs for three days of riding and partying. As if free beer and use of the chairlifts for two days wasn't enough, the cold Pacific Ocean and North Cascades delivered one more epic storm, perfectly timed for the event, with low temps and plenty of blower pow for all to share.

The late-season event was a chance for shop employees and buyers from North America and Europe to demo next year's product, as well as hang with the likes of Shane McConkey, Shane Szocs, Bryce Phillips, Andy Mahre, and other K2 team riders in a low-key, open-format atmosphere. There was beer pong. And tricycle races. Raw wieners were flipped into the air. And an all-female AC/DC cover band (Hell's Belles) that might have been better than the real thing.

On Tuesday, conditions and visibility kept everyone inbounds, but when 200 people have the whole mountain to themselves, no one complains about elbow room. Tuesday night saw an additional 4-6" of snow fall from the sky, and on Wednesday morning, the clouds parted and the Shuksan Arm became a steeze fest of ripping skiers and snowboarders reveling in a PNW season that just won't quit.

Many thanks to K2 staff and the Mt. Baker management for hosting a great event that won't soon be forgotten by anyone lucky enough to attend.
posted by: Kris Kaiyala / added: 4.11.2008 / Comments (2)

Exploring RMR

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the most recent resort development in BC’s interior. Offering 4,735 feet of vertical and plans for significant future expansion, a small contingent from the TSKJ office made the drive through the mountains last weekend to check things out.

Upon arrival conditions were mixed—the resort hadn’t received significant snowfall in a couple weeks and was experiencing spring like snow on the lower mountain. But, thanks to the significant vertical rise, things were still cool up top and a quick hike into North facing aspects revealed the goods: dry, knee deep powder waiting to be skied in the alpine bowls. Thanking ourselves for packing the appropriate avalanche safety gear, we proceeded to yo-yo our way around the ridges of the North Bowl on the resort’s backside, getting fresh turns and a few nice drops in the process.

RMR is the real deal: big lines from the alpine to tree line and long, wide groomers top to bottom. Expansion should only improve this already diverse mountain, which was definitely worth the trip.
posted by: Colin / added: 3.5.2008 / Comments (1)

Now shipping to stores and subscribers: The Ski Journal Issue #2.2

Wallabies. UFOs. Hoh Chi Minh trails. Dark Matter. Urspruenglichkeit. Frosted and feathered hair. What any of these have to do with skiing is anyone's guess, unless you pick up a copy of The Ski Journal issue #2.2, now shipping to stores and subscribers. From Australia to Alta, the French Alps to Schlap-istan, the 1960s to the present and all points between, the newest issue of The Ski Journal continues the transportive vibe clearly established with the success of the magazine's first two issues.

Aussie Tony Harrington is one of the world's foremost ski and surf photographers. Via his words and stunning alpine images, he adamantly answers the question that plagues him on chairlift rides throughout the world: "How come you can ski that well? There's no snow in Australia!" Turns out the world is wrong. Very wrong. And if you've ever wondered what kangaroo tastes like (hint: not chicken), this story is for you.

In a lengthy interview, French freestyle newschooler Candide Thovex reveals he’s done with competition. “We are not robots,” he says, referring to the limits of the human body, a sentiment he’s acutely familiar with following a near-paralyzing injury last spring at his home resort of La Clusaz. Candide also discusses his future, memories of the past decade, and why he won’t be singing classic rock tunes any time soon.

Other 2.2 standouts: Jake Moe reminisces the decades of love in Sun Valley Jill Adler profiles the soulful Alta Lodge and its 90-year-old owner, Bill Levitt six essays on various "Lines in Skiing" three decades of images by legendary shooter Hank de Vré a review of the documentary "Steep" a profile of Theory-3 filmmaker Jeff Thomas and much more.

To subscribe or purchase a gift subscription, click here.
posted by: Kris / added: 1.31.2008 / Comments (1)

Golden Gaper Days

Maybe it was the cube pack of Pilsner. Or maybe the one piece suit. Or it could have been the altitude—Kicking Horse Resort is pretty high up for a coastal dweller like me. But I’ll just admit it: this weekend I went snowlerblading… and it was fun.

I was in Golden, BC, for gaper days, the end of season party featuring live music, a dummy downhill, a couple strategically located sun pits (don’t fall in the holes) and plenty of neon. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, with intermittent snow flurries putting a bit of damper on the sun pits’ allure, but at least the snow was decent and that made for good skiing. Or I guess I should say good snowlerblading.

I’m not sure exactly what started it. Certainly the lack of significant snowfall over the past week or two made it a little less appealing to ski bigger lines. But that wasn’t totally it, because after a few turns off the top the snow wasn’t bad. I think we were inspired by the guys playing hockey on short skis, they definitely made it look like fun. Halsey’s mustache helped. Regardless, dropping into tunnel vision, a rocky chute right off the peak, was one of the scariest things I did all year. Schmear turns take on a whole new meaning on 105’s: you can hip check through rocky zones like a miniature Scott Schmidt, snaking through the skinniest of spots with limited edge hold.

Carving out the bottom, low speeds felt fast and keeping my hands in front became a bit of a struggle. But it was a good way to celebrate the impending end of the season at Kicking Horse. One day a year might be plenty for snowlerblading but that one day is totally worth it: new things can be scary and scary can be fun. Now go grab a cube of Pilsner and throw on your flannel ‘cause gaper days are here and the snow never looked better for a couple schmear turns on a pair of ski blades—no matter what your friends might say.
posted by: Colin / added: 4.7.2008 / Comments (0)

Hunting Yeti Webisode 1

Here is Webisode #1 of the highly anticipated online film series Hunting Yeti. Nice work Eric Pollard and crew. Click on the comment link below to view the video.
posted by: Wibby / added: 2.19.2008 / Comments (0)

Whistler on a Wednesday

Whistler, BC: To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting much out of the skiing this Wednesday. Sure, I was at Whistler to ski with my dad—always a good time—but there was only an inch of new snow upon arrival at the gondola for first tracks breakfast. We were treated, however, to alpenglow across the valley as the first bluebird day in a week broke over the Coast Mountains. And a buffet at the roundhouse lodge was a nice way to get things started above the village. When the call went through the lodge that the lifts were spinning it was time to get out for a few warm up laps and to my surprise the familiar sounds of avo control floated down from Whistler bowl. Apparently the peak had been closed for a day and there was fresh snow up top. A quick run to the Peak Chair set us on top of around 6 inches of windblown fresh—fast, soft snow, perfect for high speed turns in the open alpine bowls.

After a couple laps under the chair there were plenty of lines left to be plundered and the typical Whistler show was going off—people hucking the highly visible cliffs looker’s right of the Peak Chair and collecting their yard sales to the heckling of the lineup. As the crowd dispersed into the Harmony and Symphony Bowls they left plenty of fresh lines still available if you were willing to hike a little.

Blue skies and untracked snow is about as good as it gets. Not bad for a Wednesday with only an inch of fresh.

Photo: Bruce Rowles
posted by: Colin / added: 2.15.2008 / Comments (1)

Heroes of the Slopes

Featured in The Ski Journal Issue #2.2, a new video entitled Heroes of the Slopes offers unique insights into the world of disabled skiing. Produced and directed by one-legged freeskier Marc Romero, Heroes takes the viewer inside the lives of over a dozen skiers who are taking the sport of skiing to new levels. From sit-skiing’s founding father Kenny Lacome to Michael Milton, who holds the speed skiing record for all of Australia on just one leg, it is clear that disabled skiers are pushing the sport.
posted by: Colin / added: 2.7.2008 / Comments (0)

Night Skiing the North Shore

Vancouver’s north shore mountains can be seen from my front window here in Bellingham—pasty white peaks waiting to be skied above the barely visible skyline of our northerly neighbors. Last Friday I had the chance to hop over the border and get to know the north shore by way of night skiing at Grouse Mountain.

Grouse is as much of an attraction for a night-lit terrain park as its views over the city. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and as we shot up the mountainside in the loaded tram, the city quickly faded into the snow below.

Up top the slopes crawled with kids up for the bi-monthly Friday night jam session, vying for prizes from Oakley on a couple down boxes and a little kicker. After a few quick laps, we stopped to shoot a trash can bonk with one of the park’s employees. His willingness to huck hand plants (and an obligatory spread eagle) into the rutted out landing was evidence enough of the mentality of the city bred park rider. Solid conditions and a flash firing in his face didn’t even phase this kid.

Once they shut the lifts down the lineup to the bottom got a little crowded—waiting it out over a pitcher or two was the only option. Regrettably, a freak accident involving a pair of goggles resulted in a bit of blood loss in the restaurant. The staff, however, responded quickly and got things cleaned up. A-plus first aid work by the serving team at Altitudes Bistro.

Even though the idea of riding a hard packed park at night seems a little alien to a powder spoiled Baker local like me, Grouse managed to come through with a nice mix of kickers, Canadian beer, and one particular employee who liked to huck his meat for the camera. Nice one eh!

Skier: Liam Mulluly Photos: Colin Wiseman
posted by: Colin / added: 1.24.2008 / Comments (0)

Seven at Evo

Seattle, WA Saturday, January 5, 2008 Board sports icons Andy Howell, Steve Caballero and Squindo presented a unique gallery at evo seattle saturday night. The gallery brought together skiing and skate/surf/snow culture using Rossignol Skis as the canvas.

The result is a group of seven limited edition twin tips. The project is being called Seven Artistic Sins. The SAS collection is canvassed with artistic interpretations of the seven sins as imagined by iconic board sport legends Andy Howell, Steve Caballero, Caia Koopman, Mr. Jago, Andrew Pommier, Will Barras and Squindo whose work has covered skateboards, snowboards, surf boards and album covers for much of the last decade.

“Our goal was simple We wanted to give these artists the recognition they deserve, collectively, they have basically created the visual identity for board culture and they have been behind the scenes for far too long,” said Jason Newell, Director, Sports Marketing & Promotions for Rossignol . “ These artists have shaped the evolution of our sports and created a deep emotional connection with our equipment.”

Evo was packed with fans of the artists are well as pros and friends. Fueled by sweet beats from Matt the Alien along gourmet food and stiff drinks, break-dance battling ensued along with talks of an impending snow dump the following day. When you bring music, artists, and serious skiers together, what else could be expected but a great launch for some killer looking skis!

The Seven Artistic Sins collection will be formally introduced to the global market at the January 2008’s SIA show in Las Vegas, NV to the industry and an ultra limited pre-release of the skis will be available at evogear.com to lucky collectors right now.
posted by: Maxx / added: 1.8.2008 / Comments (0)

Whistler opening weekend delivers the goods

Now this is the way to start off a season: sunny, crisply cold, eight inches of fluffy snow--and an entire upper mountain closed to chairlifts but open to the willing. Whistler Peak and its sprawling bowls were awash in mountain light and buffed with a solid enough base to allow for touring to its outer extremities. While Saturday was confined to cold, windy, and snowy piste skiing, Sunday was the day that powder skiers had been dreaming of over the long, hot summer. If Sunday was any indication, the Pacific Northwest is in store for another great season. Many thanks to Whistler's Michelle Leroux. Whistler will remain open daily and Blackcomb plans to open Thursday, Nov. 22.
posted by: Kris Kaiyala / added: 11.19.2007 / Comments (2)

Thanks Ullr

It was mid-November and it hadn't snowed in weeks. The people of Golden, British Columbia, were getting antsy. Not only was Kicking Horse lacking snow, nearby resorts such as Sunshine Village, Alberta, had delayed opening due to a shortage of the white stuff. Rather than sit idly by, yours truly and a contingent of snow-jonesing locals banded together to appease Ullr with a ritual ski burning. Piling a couple pairs of rock weathered K2's onto the fire, we worked through a cube of Pilsner and a bottle of fireball, sitting, waiting for Ullr to respond. And respond he did. Flakes started to fall from the sky big, thick, sticky flakes. As the storm came slowly across British Columbia's interior, it was apparent that this was no early season trickle--it was a full on blast of winter. Four days later, the drive west over Roger's Pass and through the Coquihalla looked entirely different. Sideways snow obscured the tail lights of chain adorned big rigs working their way westward. More importantly, the resorts were reporting snow--lots of it. 37cm (14 inches) and counting was enough to get Sunshine Village open, while the site of the ski burn, Kicking Horse Resort, is now reporting 132cm (55 inches) of fresh over the past week, deeming the alpine ready to go for those willing to hike for it. Whistler-Blackcomb is opening early with 95cm (36 inches) over the past seven days and plenty more in the forecast. Winter is here for those of you lucky to live enough in BC, thanks Ullr!
posted by: Colin / added: 11.16.2007 / Comments (0)

Reviews on the new TSKJ #2.1: 'Three Thumbs Up'

"It is here, and it is good," begins the glowing review of The Ski Journal issue #2.1 by author, critic, and backcountry blogger extraordinaire Lou Dawson, whose opinion on all things technical and cultural in the ski industry turns heads from ski-shop boot rooms to corporate boardrooms. "You open up Ski Journal and the ski porn hits your retina like you’re staring at the sun with your eyelids duct taped," he continues. "The format is big, almost full bleed to the edges with color reproduction that yields painterly tones that seem to engage senses beyond the optic nerve." Read Lou's entire critique Here

And from the French title, Skieur :

Translation: “The second issue of The Ski Journal is out, and it's another success, both in form and content. A coffee table format with images worth fawning over, it's also as dense as a newspaper in weight as well as content. A large article on Shane MacConkey, a return to the madness of the 80's with mythical [director?] Greg Stump, a little on Jackson Hole, a little "east coast" skiing in Vermont, and even an alpine piece on Kitsbuhel. With contributions from experienced journalists (Jeff Galbraith, Grant Gunderson, Kris Kaiyala, etc.) formerly of Powder, Snowboarder, Skier and others, we wish a long life to this American cousin and the format that made The Surfer's Journal great...”
posted by: Kris Kaiyala / added: 10.18.2007 / Comments (2)

TSKJ releases issue #2.1

Mt. Baker, WA – The snow is already falling and stoke is rising at the headquarters of The Ski Journal, skiing’s highest quality publication, with shipping having begun on the new limited edition, #2.1. Featuring a lot more skiing than advertising, the coffee-table quality and craftsman printing of TSKJ compliments the home of any dedicated skier.

Incidentally, on the same day The Ski Journal shipped the new issue, nearly 30 inches of fresh snow fell in the nearby North Cascades. Coincidence. We think not.
Building upon the same high-quality that sold out our premiere issue, TSKJ #2.1 transports readers to an endless global winter. Anchored by a lengthy and revealing interview with Shane McConkey, this issue is all about ski culture. Other standout features in #2.1 include a tell-all on the making of Greg Stump’s classic Maltese Flamingo by cinematographer and long-time Stump collaborator Bruce Benedict Jackson Hole in the post-Vietnam/pre-TGR era the deep soul of Vermont hardcore hideaway Jay Peak Austria’s legendary Hahnenkamm and much more.

The Ski Journal is a publication whose time has come—a collectible journal of skiing’s greatest imagery and compelling stories. More than just another ski magazine, TSKJ is a fresh perspective for the future: The world’s highest quality ski publication. Owned and operated by skiers. In the mountains. Subscribe today before another issue sells out.

posted by: Wibby / added: 10.10.2007 / Comments (1)

It’s On! Record Early Fall NW Storm

On October 4th, a La Nina cold front dropped 20~30 inches of white gold on the Mt. Baker Ski Area setting a new record for the largest dump ever recorded in October. Thus signaling the start of the 07-08 season. With bluebird weather on tap for the following day, four generations of Baker locals blew off school, work, cutting firewood and family obligations to see the curiosity of it all. Arriving at the ski area early Friday a.m. a motley crew of skiers and boarders had assembled to put in the first boot pack and skin track of the season up Table, out to Herman Saddle, and up to Pan Dome. Not be left out, even Fido was eager to put time in to break trail. After many turns, a group of normally unlikely associations united in the parking lot for apres high-fives and beers with the common stoke of the earliest start in memory.

Photo caption: Fubar looks on with curiosity as Eliot Marsh drops into the start of the 07-08 season.
posted by: Grant Gunderson / added: 10.12.2007 / Comments (1)

Win The Golden Wicket!!

*All entries must be received by February 15, 2008, current subscribers automatically entered.
posted by: Wibby / added: 9.6.2007 / Comments (1)

Chilean Adventures

Portillo, Chile: After nearly 20 hours of travel, our elite force of alpine scribes, retailers, athletes and assorted skiing underworld characters arrived in Santiago, loaded up into a not-quite-big-enough passenger van, survived aggressive tip-seeking porters, rallied up past a couple hours with of vineyards, the most ridiculous switchbacks on earth... and made it to one of South America's premier resorts. K2's "Fall Training" was on. Jet-lag be damned, the crew, including Seth Morrison, Pep Fujas and Bryce Phillips, hit up the lifts. With sunny skies, soft but carvable snow and the granduer of the Andes around us, all agreed instantly that this trip was worth it.

Built in the earlier part of the last century on the foundations of German-immigrant estqablished ski camps, American ski developers purchased Portillo and eventually hosted an FIS World Cup in the late 60's

The vista is utterly spectacular with a large lake (Laguna del Inca) directly in front of a stately lodge built in the 1930's. Amazing terrain, and perfect spring conditions. We all gathered to watch Pep, Andy Mahre, and Eric Pollard's new film "Idea" last night in the cine. This film is really, really good and I can see that is has the potential to changes things. Taking progressive skiing from the park all the way to the gnar of Alaska.

Another day, more sun, more turns in Chile's version of March.

Skiing is believing.

JG
posted by: Jeff Galbraith / added: 8.30.2007 / Comments (1)

New issue goes to press

It may be sunny and the corn high as a house where you live, but up here in the shadow of Mt. Baker in Washington state--or southern Alaska as Mike Ditka once called us--it's cloudy, cool, and rainy, pretty much the way it is most of the year. The winter-like appearance of our August sky is providing extra motivation to get the second issue of The Ski Journal to the printer and to your mail boxes in as little as a few weeks. After a short hiatus in publishing (our premiere issue came out in January), issue TSKJ 2.1 is set to make industry waves with some of the best alpine photography and writing on the planet.

We won't give anything away here, but there's a little bit of everything from rocket science to gaiters and wool knickers, BC fairy tales to lawsuits and ammo. And Mohawks. Subscribe now to be first in line.
posted by: Kristopher Kaiyala / added: 8.23.2007 / Comments (3)

TSKJ Exclusive: Stump to Return to Feature Filmmaking with “Legends of Aahhhs”

When Dick Barrymore stopped making ski films, he “retired” to the sunny beaches of southern Mexico. Today, when not at his other pad on the Idaho side of the Tetons, Barrymore’s most famous protégé, Greg Stump, calls Maui home. For these legendary filmmakers, there must be something in the palm trees and warm water that provides the yin to the subfreezing yang.

Stump is ostensibly rehabbing a bum knee in the tropics, but he’s far from retired. In mid-May he revealed to The Ski Journal that he’s working on his first major ski feature since making Fistful of Moguls with Glen Plake and Jonny Mosely in 1999. The working title alone of the new film should get die-hard Stump fans excited. Legends of Aahhhs will be far more than a follow-up to 1988’s landmark release The Blizzard of Aahhhs. Stump is dreaming big, as in winning the Sundance Film Festival. He says his new movie—which will feature skiing but will transcend the sport and be more of a cultural documentary—will have the ammo to gun down the competition.

So, the question on everyone’s mind… What is Clodumbia Invades America?

[Laughs] I was a paperboy when I was a kid, and the first thing I did with my money was buy a regular 8 mm camera and a little 2-reel editing splicer at Kmart. My dad bought a bunch of film for me under the condition that I would film our family vacation. So we all left on a cross-country road trip but instead of filming my family, my brother, Geoff, and I decided that I would basically film him acting like a retard at all these national parks. His character was “Clodumbia” and he was invading America’s treasures by acting like an idiot. The funny thing is, I still use a lot of the abstract angles and film techniques I used back then.

That was in 1971 according to the filmography on your new Web site (www.gregstumpproductions.com). How old were you?

Geoff was nine and I was ten. We were visionaries.

And now you’re rubbing shoulders with Willie Nelson and Tony Hawk…

What can I say.

Regarding the new project, Legends of Aahhhs, when will it release?

It will come out in fall of 2008. We’re in the middle of securing investors and sponsors right now, and I’m doing a lot of writing and pre-editing. My mom and I have saved every image, every article, basically everything about my films and skiing and this whole “extreme” phenomenon over the years so we have a lot of media to use. I’ve also been dreaming up the music segments. It will be a great soundtrack.

Will Legends be a "Blizzard of Aahhhs II," or something different?

It will be different. It’s basically a semi-autobiographical look back at the rise of the concept of “extreme” and the way it has been documented on film. So yeah, there will be a lot of my own and Bruce Benedict’s footage for sure, including some great stuff from the archives people haven’t seen before, but we’re going to way back before the ‘70s and ‘80s, starting with Nazi Germany and the 1936 Berlin Olympics to examine some of the action film techniques used by Leni Riefenstahl, which at the time were revolutionary. The way she used the camera to follow athletes around and show the events from different angles was incredibly new at the time.

You say you’re going to go on a “house by house” search for the “culprits” who “transformed the smoldering rubble of freestyle skiing into the ten-ton monster that became ‘extreme.’" Does this mean the original players—Glen Plake, Mike Hattrup, Scot Schmidt, and others—will make cameos?

Yes. But the film will also trace the rise of an entire industry and culture that grew out of the “extreme” movement. People like Steve Rectschaffner, who was at Swatch when I got started back in the early ‘80s. He started off with a tiny budget just like I did and our businesses grew together over the years. He’s just one example. Look at Seal. When I made Groove Requiem he didn’t even know his music was in a ski movie. People would come up to him and say, “Man, I love that new ski movie you did,” and he’d be like, “Huh?” Same with Trevor Horn at ZTT. Legends will show how all these different friendships and business relationships grew over the years and ultimately culminated in a marketing force that went way beyond any of us and resulted in things like “extreme” burritos and deodorant. Plus we’ll show the effect it had on contemporary skiers like Micah Black, who I share a house with in Victor [Idaho], Jeremy Nobis, etc.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since you made Blizzard?

No, I can’t believe it. It’s crazy. I made Blizzard when I was 27, and I’m 46 now. I’m fat and I have gray hair. No, I’m not that fat, but if I’m not careful I’m gonna be. Since that time I’ve had a lot of good experiences and met a lot of fun, crazy people. Here in Maui I basically hang with powerful women and Vikings.

Do you ever get tired of people telling you how much they enjoy your movies?

No! I love it. It’s really rewarding. Ultimately I was making the movies for myself, but it’s gratifying that others can relate to them so much. It’s really something to have someone come up to you and say, “Your movie changed my life.” I think my films brought a form of escapism to the forefront. People, especially those who grew up in the east like I did, realized they didn’t have to be a banker or broker. They could go chase their dreams. Of course, being a banker does go a long way toward helping you afford skiing…

So what’s your favorite Greg Stump film?

Groove Requiem walks a really delicate political line. I had to be careful because of the world climate at that time. I also like P-Tex, Lies, and Duct tape. It’s just a happy movie, people really enjoying themselves.

And your least favorite?

The Good, The Rad, and The Gnarly never really clicked in my opinion. And I know a lot of people didn’t like Dr. Strangeglove, but I think there are some good elements in there. I remember sitting on the marquee at the Seattle showing and hearing two guys debate the movie down on the street below. One guy says, “That sucked!” The other guy says, “That was rad!” It was like my own little “Tastes great, less filling” moment.

Do you still use film, or have you switched to digital?

I use both. It depends on the situation. But there are tricks you can use with digital equipment to make it look every bit as good as film. For Legends we’ll use both digital and 16 and 35 mm film.

Outside of ski cinema, who is your favorite director?

Probably Terry Gilliam. I’m a huge fan of Brazil and The Fisher King.

Finally, is it true that you never wanted Glen Plake in your movies?

At first, yes. I didn’t want anything to do with him. We were such opposites. People used to tease me that I was just like Michael J. Fox in Family Ties. I was never a Republican like that, I’ve always voted Democrat, but I was pretty clean cut when I started out. Plake was trouble from the start, but obviously it ended up being good for both of us. I started hanging out with Glen and I guess I got used to him.

posted by: Interview by Kristopher Kaiyala / added: 5.18.2007 / Comments (11)

Ullr Girl is Crowned

For those not familiar with Norse mythology, Ullr, son of Sif and stepson of Thor, is the deity many crusty mountain folk believe, to be the patron god of winter he is the one that bring snow to the hills and is the beneficiary of many early season sacrificial bonfire rituals. According to legend Ullr is a man, but the fine folks at Whistler Resort held a contest to find out, “What if Ullr was a Girl?”

The contest started out with ladies submitting profiles of themselves to the www.ifullrwasagirl.com website, with thousands of women submitted photo’s and bios. After months of voting, the top 14 vote’s were brought to Whistler for the other three parts of the contest, big mountain, park, arts and culture… And to up the ante a bit Whistler, threw in a $25,000 purse. That’s $25K (CDN) cash, not a purse worth $25K.

Arriving in Whistler this posse of very talented females included top names such as Meg Olenick, FHM’s very own Sarah Burke, Pip Hunt, Grete Eliassen and a few hopeful ams from around the globe. While I only viewed the Arts and Culture event, I was completely blown away by these athletes, honestly expecting a junior-high level talent display these ladies went all out and put on a very impressive show of dancing, singing and art that would please even the harshest critics. These women certainly do more than just tear up the mountains...

When all the votes, numbers and beers were counted, Grete Kliassen walked away with the cash and the title. Congrats Grete…Keep an eye out for this Norse god-turned-godess. And in a dramatic finish to an impressive event -- and as if to answer the question of the day, “What if Ulr was a girl?” -- Grete donated here entire purse to charity. Amazing.

Check this link to download the Ullr video Special thanks to Michelle, Kim, Heather, Verity, Meredith, Lisa and the rest of the WB staff for the invites and hook ups.

posted by: Wibby / added: 5.4.2007 / Comments (0)

Closing Weekend Mt. Baker

Chair 1 mid-station, Mt. Baker, WA – With 160”+ of snow capping the terra around Pan Dome, many resorts would call this a record January base. At Mt. Baker, they call it closing weekend.

As the sun shone through a clear sky, the early birds could be identified by their exterminator grins, having scored several inches of surprise pow from the cool night before. You’d think it was Aspen or Ketchum or something with the whole snow-at-night-clear-in-the-morn-program, but a quick drive through the Rainforest Riviera of Maple Falls and Glacier makes the differences clear.

As it was, the skiing was a perfect blend of hidden pow wiggles and soft, but not gloppy, spring snow. With both the pinky park and Chair 8 parks in full effect, a jib contest at the base, and a mechanical bull run by aggressive rednecks from Sumas, it was hard not to feel like the season was just getting going. Sigh. Visiting VIPs from Mervin Mfg’s Lib Tech NAS division included Steven Cobb, who was indicating the company’s new “skate banana” designs may join the rocker vs. camber revolution in ski form next season.

With this much snow and this much stoke, Mt. Baker may want to consider a return to the Franz Gabl glory days of summer skiing, when visitors included Stein Eriksen and Tamara McKinney.

For the self-ascent and Hibachi crowd, however, this year’s season will be going well into July.

posted by: Jeff Galbraith / added: 5.3.2007 / Comments (1)

Mt. Baker Raven GS

Mt. Baker, WA – With clearing skies, warming temps, and a generally glorious spring day, there was no way out. Having claimed several times earlier in the season that I would, in fact, race in Mt. Baker’s annual recreational event, the Raven GS, reality was staring at me in the form of a couple dozen Spandexed, helmeted, and seriously amped up pre-teens in full regalia. I had foolishly joked to a couple of friends previously that my goal was to simply “beat at least two 12-year-old girls.” Now, looking at said competition’s skills and times, this seemed unlikely.

To be fair, I wasn’t actually racing simply forerunning. My aversion to standing around for anything longer than a few minutes at the top originally killed my grandparent’s aspirations for my alpine racing career by the time I was ten. I still feel this way. And so I asked the gate keeper if I could go “before anyone really was paying attention.” He laughed and made me wait until the crowd grew a little thicker.

Queuing for the big drop, I heard one of the coaches say, “I’m up, right? I’m going first?” “No,” said Mr. Gatekeeper, pointing at me, “he is.” The temps dropped a little as the coach simply said, “Who’s he?” “A friend of the Howat’s,” I replied, referencing the mountain management family and my ace card in the situation. “Oh,” he said.

As the ten-second count began, a million Technicolor memories of my juvenile Mitey Mites career at Alpental, WA flooded my synapses. Debbie Armstrong and gruff, old Austrian men barking at me to bend my knees. I heard nothing, but somehow managed to exit the gate and make the first, sharp right set of gates—and the next, and the next, and the next.

Damn, this was fun.

I imagined the gaggle of kids up top having a good laugh at my haggard technique and decidedly non-race outfit, and no doubt the befuddled coach was still shaking his head, trying to figure me out, but I couldn’t care less. I was making each turn with decent control, and perhaps, for the first time ever in a course (now that no one was yelling at me), I bent my knees and let the skis do the work.

Skidding past the finish, I skated back to watch my time keep rolling. Handicapping for the hike back to the clock, I made the course in only moderately sucky time. Though most of the junior class would smoke me badly, it mattered not.

I was one of them, again, if only for one minute.

posted by: Jeff Galbraith / added: 4.24.2007 / Comments (1)

Telus Festival 07

It's always good to be back in Whistler, and especially for the 07 Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. For those not in the know, the Telus Festival is one of, if not the largest, winter festival in the world. Ten days of music, art, booze, contests and general skiing on Whistler/Blackcomb. Each day features an impressive assortment of events and activities ranging from last night's Stephen Marley performance to the week-long urban-inspired art show, Brave Art.. Check whistler2007.com for the event schedule.

Besides the planned PG activities, each night in this fabled après town lasts early into each morning. Telus Tip #1: if you are not a local, and want to get into any of the popular bars, arrive early the lines build up fast and once the club is packed, ain't nobody leaving. A quarter-million additional visitors rolling through town this a week--you get the idea. All in all, if you can, get up to here! The deepest snowpack in 10 years, snowing in the village and the skiing is pretty damn good for April.
posted by: Wibby / added: 4.19.2007 / Comments (0)

NW Release Party

Seattle, WA – Seattle’s Fremont district, known mostly for hippy sculpture, condos and naked bike rides played host to The Ski Journal’s local kickoff event sponsored by funny feelings LLC, Evo, K2, Orage, Full Sail, The Summit at Snoqualmie and attended by subscribers, friends, and alpine celebs.

With festivities getting going post-post happy hour, arrivals were greeted with comp beverage tickets, the progressive beats of dj Rad'em and an impressive K2 retrospective art show, documenting nearly 40 years of American ski history. With original artwork from ads featuring freestyle genius Wayne Wong, Lake Placid-era Mahre bros, and modern original graphics by contemporary K2 artist, Ryan Schmies, serious magic was in the air. Also included: Original proofs of the legendary “Chew K2” barn sign photo ad campaign featured employees of The Seattle Splendid Sign Company looking like Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention proudly gesturing to the Stevens Pass landmark.

And the art wasn’t the only thing to feature both veteran and youngster with EVO and K2’s own Bryce Phillips, fellow alpine athletes Patrick McCarthy and Sean Genovese, funny feelings LLC edit crews: Gunderson, Laing, Kris Kaiyala and The Jerk, to the VIP guests of honor: Powder’s original founding publishers, David and Jake Moe blessing the event with their attendance. With his trademark beaming grin, David (AKA Captain Powder) reminisced about early Sun Valley days and made plans to ski with the TSKJ crew at a later date.

The evening’s highlight came when punk rock veteran and snowboard photographer Josh Thompson won a pair of Pep Fujas’s signature Fujitas skis in the evening’s drawing. Turning to the cheering crowd, he held a PBR in one hand, and his new sticks in the other declaring: “I’m a skier now, bitches!!”
posted by: Galbraith / added: 2.21.2007 / Comments (1)

Mamafest 2007

The morning of daylight savings is a doozie of a time to hold a slopestyle competition, but add in warm weather and torrential downpours, a dearth of organic coffee at Starbucks, and a late night the night before, and you can understand my reticence to attend Mamafest at The Summit at Snoqualmie this weekend. Luckily, what began as a most difficult day turned into a fantastic event for snowboarders and skiers alike, all while raising money to support breast cancer research and educating people about the importance of regular breast self-exams.

The local heavyhitters were in full force, participating in the slopestyle event as well as holding down the tents, getting kids excited to try out the new 2008 snowboard gear. Among those in attendance were Ryan Schmeis of K2 Skis, Andy Heinzle and Kyle Phillips from Roxy and Mervin Manufacturing, and many more.

Despite the early rains, the skies parted for a few hours in the early afternoon, giving respite to those sporting plastic garbage bags and marking the beginning of a heated rail and garbage can bonk session near the main lift entrance. Riders were treated to an afternoon performance from local hip hop artist Macklemore, and scurried to buy lottery tickets in hopes of being the lucky recipient of a cornucopia of possible prizes from supporting companies.

Thanks Mamafest attendees for making this year's the largest and most successful one ever!
posted by: Michelle Massey / added: 3.12.2007 / Comments (0)

Peaks, Valleys, and Burning Quads

It wasn’t until everyone around me started undressing that I got nervous.

Being the ski-racing neophyte that I am, I showed up at the starting gate of Whistler 's 22nd annual Peak-to-Valley Race on Feb. 3 in my usual brown baggy ski pants and blue puffy jacket. It was windy and snowing. I’d heard from locals and competitors that survival was the biggest factor in finishing the race, and you might think so too considering the following: 180 GS gates spread along a 5 km race course from Whistler saddle to the base of the Creekside gondola. Survival. I took the mantra literally. With warm, regular ski clothes I’d be slow, but at least I’d survive.

What made me nervous was that underneath their jackets and pants, these people were wearing tight downhill suits. Some of the suits had national team names on them like “Russia” and “Canada.” Clearly I was in trouble here. I reluctantly took off my jacket and pulled bib number 145 over my fleece, figuring the move would shed a few seconds. It didn’t. I got smoked by more than two-thirds of the field, including one Hilary Lindh who completed the course a good 90 seconds faster than I. Let’s hear it for racing against Olympic silver medalists.

The Peak to Valley is a team event (at least one of the team members must be of the opposite sex), with two members racing the first day and the other two on the following day. Given the mixed bag of racing skill on our team, after much debate we settled on the name Team Shmooks (Team Creampuff was a close second). My wife’s sister and her husband are former collegiate racers, while my wife and I are life-long freeskiers, and judging by the video footage we saw of ourselves in the middle of the course, we’re likely to remain well off the racing circuit for a long, long time.

While Team Shmooks’ overall performance will go down in Peak-to-Valley lore as pretty much forgettable, the event—and its swanky mountaintop after-hours dinner awards reception—were anything but. In fact, even though our weekend ended with us stranded on the Sea-to-Sky Highway for seven hours behind a landslide, we pledged to be back next year— squeezed into downhill suits all around and primed with off-season gate training.

Forget survival, next year Hillary will not beat my ass by more than 80 seconds.
posted by: Kris Kaiyala / added: 2.13.2007 / Comments (1)

TSKJ release party in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV – With breakbeats and beers, journal publishers funny feelings LLC officially launched their newest product at the SIA tradeshow at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Partnering with Orage to host the event, several hundred people enjoyed Pink Floyd colliding with Public Enemy courtesy of DJ Toddy Flores as well as several kegs of barley-based joy while Theory 3 Media’s latest video teaser for next season’s “PNW” release looped. Attendees included pro rads Bryce Phillips, Anthony Boronowski, Lynn Kennen and others, as well as heads from Cloudveil, Evo, K2, Spacecraft, Helly Hansen, TWS, and of course The Ski Journal crew.

Praises, toasts, and accolades were handed out by the hardest of critics and all agreed that a new day was dawning for ski media. See for yourself and Subscribe today -- become a part of skiing’s new true voice -- skier-owned and based in the mountains.
posted by: Galbraith / added: 2.7.2007 / Comments (0)

The Ski Journal issue #1 release!

Mt. Baker, WA – After months of late nights, anguished photo edits and weighing every adverb, Award Winning journal publisher funny feelings LLC is proud to announce the premier issue release of The Ski Journal. Featuring global adventure, individual icons, amazing landscapes, big personalities--and a refreshing lack of advertising, The Ski Journal is skiing’s new true voice and only coffee-table publication.

Issue #1 features a full interview with skier’s skier Eric Pollard, and a special report on “The Fight for Day Areas” examining the changing dynamics of regional resorts via Bridger Bowl, MT Alpental, WA Mad River Glen, VT and Powder Mountain, UT. Additionally TSKJ’s first photo Gallerie features previously unpublished works by the late master mountain photographer Carl Skoog. Plus historical maven Dick Barrymore, the up-and-coming Wells Bros of NZ, and synchronized farm skiing.

TSKJ is available in limited editions at select retailers, bookstores, and online, drop in here to subscribe and secure your complete collection starting with issue #1: Shipping now.

Thanks and enjoy your turns.
posted by: Wibby / added: 1.19.2007 / Comments (5)

Premier Issue Almost Ready to Print

With editorial and photography fine-tuned and ready to go, and final layout tweaks happening at this very moment, it's only a matter of days before the first-ever issue of The Ski Journal goes to print. How excited are we? Even the publisher's dog is doing a happy dance in anticipation of getting TSKJ out to subscribers and onto newsstands and into the hands of skiers and mountain lovers everywhere. The Ski Journal will be different than any ski magazine you've ever seen. If you don't have a coffee table to set it on, you better get one now. (Porcelain bathroom accoutrements are OK too.)
posted by: Kris / added: 1.6.2007 / Comments (1)

Road Trip

The 2nd Annual Icer Air hits San Francisco, and Jonny Moseley was there...
View article / posted by: Mark / added: 11.9.2006 / Comments (0)

Mt. Baker Film Festival

Thursday, October 26th: Winter has been cleared for liftoff! With the opening scenes of the Annual Mt. Baker Filmm Festival's first offering, winter officially began and Mt. Baker Theater's sold-out crowd of 2,000 went berserk. The year’s festival featured works from local as well as legendary filmers. Standouts included Theory 3 Media, Teton Gravity Research, The Ski Journal provided a short teaser announcing the launch of our premier issue. Shouts of "skiing rules" bellowed throughout the crowd during the TSKJ clip.If you haven’t yet seen this year's videos get down to your retailer, grab a couple, run home, put on your gear, and jib the furniture. First descents off the back deck? It can be done. Railslides down the stairwell? Now that's urban jibbing. Afterward the real party got going at the Wild Buffalo including a slideshow from local photgos Grant Gunderson, Mike Stamm, Josh Thompson, and Mike Yoshida and others. Dancing and general mayhem ensued, Gunderson lost his cell phone and ended up on the floor, and, as one bystander put, ”All I know is those Howat girls can really shake it!” Huge thanks to Mt. Baker Ski and Snowboard Area for a proper winter kickoff.
posted by: Maxx / added: 10.31.2006 / Comments (1)

Timberline is still open

Fall is my favorite and most dreaded time of year. The sweet smell of apple cider, the glow of leaves changing from their chlorophyll-green to rich, dark reds and oranges, and the briskness of cold air in my lungs. My mind fast-forwards to a bottomless midwinter storm day. The three short months of fall seem like an eternity while I wait for that day when the bull cranks for the first time of the year. Fortunately Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood offers some salvation. For $36 you can satisfy your need to ski by making preseason laps on the upper Palmer snowfield.

Meeting up with Eric Pollard and his new wife Erin, we headed up to Timberline where we hooked up with Pat Keene and several minions from the TGR board to test out the newly pressed Bro Models. The Palmer snowfield basked in the sun above low-lying clouds and offered up some great corn and fun times. While the sliver of snow connecting the mid-station with the lower terminal of the lift was fondly referred to as "the ribbon of death," it provided an excellent opportunity to get the Bros up to full speed without worrying about other skier traffic. The biggest hazard was avoiding the jagged rock walls surrounding the ribbon.

So if you're sitting around twiddling your thumbs waiting for the snow, be proactive and head to Timberline. Skiing may seem like a far-off dream, but really it's only a car-drive away.
posted by: Grant Gunderson / added: 10.12.2006 / Comments (1)

Poster Boys

The first time I visited Chateau du Freq in downtown Bellingham, I had the proverbial feeling of being watched. Not just by the meter maid, who casually slipped out of the alley just as I parked and entered the nearby bank seeking quarters. And not just by Jeff, Grant, and Wibby, who eyed me curiously as I walked with them into Jeff's cramped and cluttered office (Katie was rat-a-tat typing behind us at her microscopic desk) to discuss, among other topics, Grant's potent homebrew. I don't recall seeing any two-way mirrors or signs of hidden cameras, but there definitely was another presence in the office, an observant force that strangely reminded me of a Halloween special I watched on TV in the '70s that featured cool on-stage fireworks and speakers covers blowing off.

I took my place on the old chairlift seat directly opposite Galbraith's desk, and as the conversation turned toward Ski Journal banter, my eyes drifted upward until I saw the apparent source of my paranoia. There, hanging on the wall above Jeff's chair, were Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter.

I rubbed my eyes as Jeff went on and on about the ski industry and the magazine market and Frequency and oh yeah, how he'd always been a skier, while Grant and Wibby offered their own occasional "mmm-hmmms" and "no doubts," but I couldn't keep my eyes or attention off the Knights In Satan's Service. The KISS poster is about 4x6 and it commands obedience. There was Gene, mouth blood-red and eyes staring into mine. Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud... I was lip-synching. I blearily surmised the poster was part of Galbraith's mind-control technique to get visitors to Ground Zero of funny feelings LLC to basically see things his way. Whatever the deal was, it worked. I soon found myself shaking hands (with the devil?) and happily agreeing to devote all my time and energy to learning how to spurt blood from my mou--um, to helping make The Ski Journal a commanding new title in the mag industry.

How can you lose with Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter behind you? It's not fair.

posted by: Kris / added: 9.21.2006 / Comments (1)

Snow in Canada

Images of the year's first snows at higher elevations at Canadian ski resorts Whistler and Sunshine Village were cruelly (today's forecasted high for Denver is 85 degrees) broadcast this morning around the globe. Though the snow is all but doomed to melt later in the day or week, one can be forgiven for pumping one's fist in the air given yesterday's dire-sounding NOAA forecast. Memo from Canada to the Pacific: El Nino can stuff it.

Sunshine Village cam

Whistler cam
posted by: Kris / added: 9.14.2006 / Comments (1)

The Ski Journal

Mt. Baker, WA - funny feelings, LLC, independent publisher of the award-winning quarterly frequency: The Snowboarder’s Journal (www.frqncy.com) today announced the launch of a new era in ski magazine publishing. “The Ski Journal is a title whose time has come,” said publisher and frequency: TSJ founder Jeff Galbraith. “We’ve been planning The Ski Journal for several years. Since the first issue of frequency: TSJ, skiers--pros and regular subscribers--have asked us when we were going to produce something of the same quality for them."

Galbraith continued, "I’ve skied since I was three and snowboarded for 20 years-plus. We’ve always believed in a product like this for skiers, and now we’re doing it.”

Featuring the highest-quality paper, printing, and design in the industry, The Ski Journal is a community brought together in a limited edition coffee-table quarterly. The Ski Journal is a year-round catalogue of the sport's culture, not just another gear guide.

Releasing in January of 2007, The Ski Journal features skiing’s top writers and photographers, as well as a global perspective and a real appreciation for all aspects of skiing and ski culture combined with a clean, artful layout. The Ski Journal has built its own forward-looking creative team with personalities as wide-ranging as skiing itself. With (the late) Freeze Magazine’s Mark “The Jerk” Epstein as Editorial/Online director, aspectjournal.com's (and Powder correspondent) Kristopher Kaiyala as Senior Editor, and top young photographer (Powder, Freeskier, etc) Grant Gunderson as Photo Editor, The Ski Journal looks to embrace skiing’s future as well as its rich heritage.

Global adventure, individual icons, amazing landscapes, big personalities--and a refreshing lack of advertising. Located near Mt. Baker, Whistler, and the North Cascades backcountry, The Ski Journal remains connected with skiing on a daily and real basis. Subscribe today and become a part of skiing’s new true voice -- skier-owned and based in the mountains.

#####

funny feelings, LLC is a high-end media/content/event company focusing on mountain sports cultures. Located in Bellingham, WA near Mt. Baker, Whistler, BC and the 2010 Olympics. funny feelings, LLC -- mountain fresh since 2001.

www.funnyfeelingsllc.com,
www.theskijournal.com,
www.frqncy.com.

115 W. Magnolia St #207
Bellingham, WA 98229

posted by: Galbraith / added: 9.6.2006 / Comments (3)

Vashon Island, summer 06

Attending the final major K2 event on Vashon Is, the TSKJ posse also experienced what will hopefully be the last missed Vashon ferry for us ever. Kris tried in vain to hold the boat, but the grizzled DOT workers never fold. We did make the next ride, for our exclusive invitation to a K2 team photo shoot and BBQ. With management wildly slinging dogs and ‘burgs like Texan iron chefs, we got a chance to chill and talk with the likes of Shane McConkey, Seth Morrison, Shane Szochs, Bryce Phillips, Mike Hattrup, Michelle Parker and Glen Plake. With a full-on Western façade movie set town, beer-fueled cattle harassment, and margaritas in the walk-in freezer/R and D facility, the event definitely harkened to K2’s rich ski/party history. Rumor had it next day featured a rented Washington State ferry and a small maritime stampede."
View article / posted by: Jeff Galbraith / added: 9.4.2006 / Comments (3)