Yes yes we know, the winter season of 2010/11 is over... sob, cry, whimper. But, the season down under is just beginning, and while we allow our knees some chill time, and massage our weary bones, some of the luckier ones have managed to scrape pennies together and shred it up on the south side of the globe.
That's why Tignes Spirit has created Mountain Mondays, designed to keep those snowy dreams alive and get us through these difficult summery times!! Check in with us each Monday to get the lowdown on the action from the mountains...
Brits 2011
Each year the UK's snowsport glitterati head on over to Laax, Switzerland to see who has been pushing their limits the most over the season. Here, Tignes Spirit riders Rich Jonas and Katie Blundell hook up with other UK pros to give us a true insight into what really goes on behind the scenes.
Edit: Rich Jonas
Dalikfodda Leeds video
This next vid has been splashed all over the internet recently, mainly because it's really rad, and just goes to show, you don't even need all that much snow to ride rails in Leeds... Dalikfodda, we salute you!
Summer in Tignes
The glacier ski areas of Tignes and Val d’Isere have now been open since June 11th, along with an extensive area of mountain biking.
The lifts and runs of Tignes between 3,000 to 3,456 metres above sea level on the Grande Motte glacier will be open daily from 7:15am to 1pm from June 18th to September 4th 2011. 20km of runs and a top class terrain park will be available, served by 12 ski lifts.
Since March 1993, the Perce Neige underground funicular offers a lift from the heart of Tignes to the base of the slopes in just seven minutes – far faster than the access times to most summer ski areas.
The summer terrain park in 2011 will have three lines. For experts the red rail « X Games » (8m long), a red kicker (8/10m), a second red kicker (12m) and a black kicker (15m) with a hip to be added. For intermediates four blue kickers (about 5m), a blue wave rail (5m), a box rouge descente entrée street (6m), the blue box « X Games » (4m), a blue flat box (6m) and a blue rainbow (5m). For beginners there are woops, two green kickers (2m) a green flat box (4m) and a green rainbow box (3m).
Tignes' summer ski school is available for all ability levels from beginner to freeride expert and there are a number of summer camps operating through the summer snow season too. Lessons start at €120 for a 5-day group workshop or €71 per two hours for private lessons.
**If anyone is living in Tignes for the summer and would like to take photos for Tignes Spirit, please contact [email protected]
Summer Mat & Fridge Scene
The gransioso return to dryslope and indoor slope has now begun in the UK, with competitions aplenty for all those freestyle kids out there. The Bearsden's 'Go Big or Go Home' event took place this weekend, with Low Snow Rider's wonder kid Fin Bremner taking first place in his category.
Next up is the Billabong 'All For One' at Hemel Hempstead on July 9th. The day will be split in two, with the ‘snowboard show’ running from 10am-6pm. Riders can have a free demo on some of next year’s boards and bindings, get freestyle coaching, or just have a cruise around. Then at 7pm the All For One freestyle comp will get going, featuring a unique jam format that rewards the riders who step it up the most and have the most fun. DJs will be keeping things amped, and there’s a heap of prizes up for grabs.
£65 gets you the whole days’ riding (£48) for juniors, or you can get seperate passes for either the show or the comp. Get all the details of the event at the Billabong All For One website.
Camp Lobster
Every summer sees hundreds of freestyle ski and snowboard camps taking place all over the globe. Looking like the most fun would be the 'Lobster Camp', run by the crazy Helgason brothers and aimed at nurturing young Icelandic groms. Check out the videos from the first couple of days here...
Day 2...
Tignes Spirit Product Review
Each week, we preview one of our products from our stock. After all, that's why we're here.. to give you (probably) the best rental equipment that Tignes has to offer. Don't forget we have plenty of equipment for sale too..
First up is one for the ladies, the 'Boyfriend' snowboard from Endeavour.
The Boyfriend Series is the ultimate park and freestyle board. Its true twin shape and soft flex allow for the beginner grom and the rock solid ripper to enjoy its ride. Torsionally soft, the Boyfriend still stays under your feet when stepping to those massive park jumps, while the low profile nose and tail are perfect for jibbing in the park or in the streets. For the backcountry rider, the 148 reverse camber allows for a smooth, freestyle ride, playing on those natural hits whether riding switch or regular.
You can reserve your rental equipment for the coming season by simply contacting us!
Katie Blundell's new website
Tignes Spirit rider Katie Blundell has recently released her new blog, documenting her tales from around the world. Check out her pics, videos and general snowboarding gnarliness from the pint-sized pro, and get the lowdown on the weather in Perisher, Australia, where she is currently working for the Daily Snow Report!
Team Tignes Spirit
We've got a whole host of teeshirts and hoodies on sale at our shop in Lavachet. Take a look at our website for designs and prices, and be part of the Tignes Spirit crew!!