Val d’Isere was recently shot to a new level of life by Frost Gun; a freestyle event where we welcomed Scandinavian party goers, some of the worlds best pro skiers and boarders, alongside a 30m kicker which is the largest competitive kicker in Europe. The spectacle was nothing short of impressive on both a freestyle and partying level. That combined with a Ticket to Ride & Basecamp Valley Rally aptly name the Espace Silly instead of Esapce Killy, plus a few powder days…life in the Terantaise Valley has been rad.
For our snowboarders, the days leading up to Frost Gun was the last few days of intense training available before a week off for the French half term in order to complete shadowing exercise. It’s not my interest to falsely document epic powder days as if they were occurring daily here in Val, but yet again the universe had aligned perfect conditions. To make matters better for the BASI riders, a lesson had been cut short earlier in the week meaning that 6 hours was needed on Thursday Feb 11th in order to complete the weeks 20 hours of training.
I won’t bore you with words that can’t quite convey how good the day actually was, for that simply look at the photos below. The guys cruised around the Espace Killy exploring the hidden valley, a few of the powder bowls around the Borsat and Grand Pre lifts, as well as venturing across to Tignes in order to work on the variable terrain (off piste, steeps, bumps) needed to complete BASI Level 2.
Week 6 is allocated for completion of some of the 35 hours needed in order to partake in BASI 2. A lot of these hours are acquired through contact times with the instructors during the training sessions, however its not all practical fun. Everything nowadays has some theory, and the teaching manuals and booklets are something the guys have had to digest thoroughly in order to fill out the 15 page shadowing booklets. This covers everything from general lesson etiquette, to risk assessments, first aid procedures and detailed lessons plans that have to be simulated with their peers during the week off.
To touch on the slightly funner side of Val life, last week we indulged fully in the street style and immaculate monstrous kicker event of Frost Gun. Heads bouncing to big tricks and top end DJs, the spirit was high. The bottom of the Face de Bellevarde was overrun with thousands of cheering fans, making it the best-ever Frost gun according to words around town.
Stealing podium spots was Emiliano LAUZI from Italy who laid down a Backside Double 1260 Mute and a Frontside 1080 Melon to crown his victory, and claim his $15,000 prize…all in a casual day’s work. The rest of the event ensued with phat beats from the DJs, followed by the skiers big air the following night. Many of us wandered to Doudoune for the closing party, which was an electric atmosphere yet bit of a tinned sardine can.
On the Ticket to Ride side of things Sunday was the chance for the Val d’Isere crew to get to know their neighbouring Meribel Basecampers. I had organised a massive valley rally event in Val for everyone, with 7 teams of 6-7 people where they had to partake in the most crazy race of the season – a fancy dress race with mixed teams of Val and Meribel Basecampers, boys and girls, young and old, wise and foolish. Pushing their common sense, knowledge of resort and sense of shame…it was time for the guys to explore Val and get to know each other.
The day went a little like this, wacky races, a big apres at Cocorico followed by an Award Ceremony at Rize Cafe. Thanks to all that took part, it was an epic day!
All from Val for now till next time. Big ups!