Colby West Wins US Freeskiing Open Big Air

J Dogg — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:41:10 -0500

Rating

American Colby West threw down the biggest air of the night with a Switch 1080 Stomp, clinching the championship title for Big Air.

X-Games Medalist Jossi Wells, of New Zealand, cheered his friend on from the second spot on the podium, pulling a flawless mute grab in his final run. Michael Clark placed third, Russ Henshaw, yesterday's slopestyle medalist, nails fourth.

New snow was falling throughout the night, making the jump slow and the air smaller, really bringing out the champions.

Big names Peter Olenick, Sammy Carlson, and Andreas Hatveit fell in the final eight, eliminating their chances to move on to the finals.

"It was really fun being in the air and twisting like that," West said after his first run. The crowd "felt the earth shake," according to announcer Luke Van Valin.

Other notable tricks throughout the night included a nearly perfect Switch 1080 from Charles Gagnier's little bro, Vincent, and a Kangaroo Flip in the second run from Bobby Brown, with a less than perfect landing.

As snowfall became one problem, fences turned into another. Thomas Doplads skied under the fence after an off landing, staying safe. On his second run in the final eight, Doplads ran into the fence again, taking a moment to get up. That second fall eliminated him from competition.

The U.S. Freeskiing Open continues tomorrow with Men's and Women's Superpipe in the morning. Check www.usfreeskiingopen.com for live streaming as well as up-to-the-minute results.

See the RESULTS>>>

Armadageddon at Snow Park NZ - RESULTS

J Dogg — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:55:36 -0400

Rating

No-fear freestyle action was on display at Snow Park NZ today for the annual Armadageddon slopestyle extravaganza.

Jossi Wells from Wanaka took the title of Best Open Male, winning a 50 cc miniature motorbike, he pulled a flawless switch 270 on to the rail and rodeoed (inverted spin) off the end. Second place male went to Jonas Marcinko from USA.

Kim Lamarre from Canada dazzled the judges with a rare smooth spin on to the high box and claimed the Best Open Female category. Closely behind on the scoreboard Ella Spittle from Dunedin claimed second place.

Jossi Wells boosting off the rail.

The sun glimmered all day on the primed slopestyle course which included: three kickers 40, 50 and 60ft, a downward rail over wooden stairs and a 6ft elevated rail. The field were going all-out to impress the judges gaining some huge air off the kickers, somersaults over the stairs and triple spins off the rails.

Jake McCleary New Zealand professional skier and Head Judge was in awe of the tricks and jumps performed today, “Some of the competitors really were pushing the boundaries of freestyle skiing today, with the Kiwi competitors hotly challenging the internationals for the podium positions,” he said.

Each competitor completed three runs with best-scored run taken. Skiers were judged on style and difficulty of the tricks they pulled off on the rails and jumps.

The Groms field put on an impressive show of talent during their competition yesterday with a good turn out of 32 competitors. Younger brother of today’s winner Jossi, Byron Wells (15) from Wanaka took the title of Best Male Grom for the 16 and under age group. Mikey Austin (13) from Wanaka claimed top honours of Best Female Grom 16 and under and Ryan Read (11) from Auckland won the category for Best Grom aged 12 and under.

Following the prize giving, two world movie premieres will be screened in the Woolshed Restaurant and Bar. Believe and Yeah Dude both display amazing ski footage from around the world, with Tanner Hall starring in Believe. The after-party kicks off tonight with Jagermeister creating an ice sculpture and ice luge to get the party underway. DJ’s will be spinning the tunes into the night.

Armadageddon is supported by Armada, Joystick, Destyn Via, Leedom, Rojo, POW, Jagermeister, McGregor’s Bakery and V. For further information, snow reports and web cams, visit www.snowparknz.com

Doglotion.com - Freeskiing Community - Jossi Wells

Colby West Wins US Freeskiing Open Big Air

Armadageddon at Snow Park NZ - RESULTS