1
i
â„– 1 / winter 2011/2012 Issue DE S T I N A T I O N L OF O T EN www.fourelements.se
2
Photo Peter Boman
3
F o u r E l e m e n t s i s h i g h q u a l i t y skiwear for dedicated skiers. Our aim is to combine functionality and high performance with expressive design and distinctive personality. We continuously challenge ourselves to create unique gear with a different approach. Sometimes finding your own way of doing things is not that difficult. At Four Elements we praise individuality and radical thinking. We strive to look beyond the obvious and we try to design clothing that says something about the skier. Our passion for skiing pervades everything we do. Instead of spending an infinite amount of time arguing over next season’s color boards, we turn ourselves inside out to make skiing a more pleasant experience for our users. Whether it’s about hardcore technical details, such as fitting and choice of fabric, or intangible values like attitude and character, we do our best to stay true to our high standards. We mix functionality and high performance with personality and attention to detail. Our skiwear is developed in Sweden and continuously battered all over the world by our
skiing friends. We draw upon their real-world experiences and testimonials to continue to advance the technology we build into our gear. At Four Elements we love skiing and we are not afraid to show it. We do not follow in other people’s tracks if we don’t have to. Instead we keep on searching for new creative ways of making skiing even more fun. In the end it is our passion for skiing that allows us to create high performance skiwear with innovative design and unique character. When we started working with the fall 2011 collection, we discussed a lot about classic colors in moderns shapes, with no compromises on technical aspects. As we see it, our collection is never fulfilled, but our ambition is to always continue working with it to get as close as we can. After using and testing our products materials, shapes, all around the world in every condition we added packable down products, alternative fleece, beanies and more. This to complete the setup for the perfect ski-day.
4 4
5
BMW xDrive xDrive BMW
www.bmw.no
www.bmw.com
Sheer
Ren kjøreglede Driving Pleasure
5
6
7
POCombos
Guess the favorite combos of our team athletes. There are 2814 possible variations. Find your own favorite at pocsports.com POC Team aThleTes Julia manCusO, TJ sChiller*, JOn OlssOn*, Tanner hall*, Blake nyman sTeven nyman, aurĂŠlien DuCrOz, Chemmy alCOTT, anDers BaCke,
POC is a Swedish company with a strong mission to do the best we can to possibly save lives and to reduce the consequenses of accidents for gravity sports athletes. www.pocsports.com * helmetS Only
8
I n t h e g l a s s y w at e r the Lofoten islands spreads out like a wrinkled quilt. This is where nordic nature changes from beautiful to magnificent and it is in these surroundings we get inspiration for our clothes. We have created technical skiwear for over ten years and we will always continue to use the four elements as the cornerstone of everything we do. At Four Elements we have countless ski days behind us. We all have different backgrounds, ranging from skiracing to freeride. With our experience and the skier in focus, we always strive to offer the right outfit, combinding functional design, color and identity. Later in this magazine you can read a story about Lofoten Freeride, an event which put us (both riders and our clothes) up for a real challenge. We are already looking forward to contribute as a main sponsor for next year's event. We have portrayed some of our friends, including our telemark teamrider Jonas Kahrumaa, who designed one of this seasons jackets, named the Saajke Jacket. Another skier we want to highlight is Anders Fritzon. He made his first season in Verbier already at Ingemar Stenmarks time. Today, Anders is a part of Powder Extreme, an Alps' guide company, with celebirty guests such as Peter Gabriel and Sir Richard Branson. This is the first issue of the Four Elements Magazine. Welcome to our approach to skiing. / Peter Supervisor Four Elements
A RT DI R ECTION & GR A PH IC DESIGN Bespoke Design Agency Kristofer Haugvik kristofer@bespoke.no Ole Fredrik Ekern ole@bespoke.no PHOTO Espen Mortensen Senior Photographer www.esmofoto.no image@foto.no Peter Boman www.mediaempire.se Daniel RÜnnbäck www.danielronnback.com COV ER PHOTO Espen Mortensen TEXT Claes Lundh Michael Kamm Sympatex Peter Boman Four Elements Ola Skjeseth Lars-Kristian Haugen Lofoten Freeride FOU R EL EM EN TS Eystein Cato Wang Four Elements Norge eystein@sidecut.no Peter Boman Four Elements Sverige peter@fourelements.se www.fourelements.se
9
18 /
LOFOTEN FREERIDE
10 /
DESTINATION LOFOTEN
12 /
RIDERS OF THE NORTH
20 /
A DAY IN LOFOTEN
34 /
THE SYMPATEX MEMBRANE
10
ST E D
I NAT IO
N
T H E J OU R N E Y W I T H A DI F F E R E N T
T h e L o f o t e n I s l a n d s are without a doubt one of the most amazing, unspoilt regions in the world. Far out in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, Lofoten is an archipelago on the North West coast of Norway just north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten is one of those secret places on Earth with untouched coastline, pristine clear beaches, where mountains meet sea, millions of tons of fish and an incredible wild life – The Lofoten Islands is as close to an environmental paradise as anywhere else on the planet. Svinøya Rorbuer Hotel – Base camp Lofoten, is your place to stay for the ultimate short break adventure which will tantalize your senses. How about a boatsafari to get closer to the elements, be amazed by the arctic light, watch the sea eagles, and keep your eyes open for the orcas. If you are one of those who are looking for a skiing destination with a difference – the Lofoten Alps are some of Europe´s most spectacular. This is the place where you go skiing down some of the steepest peaks you can imagine. Lofoten Islands and Svinøya Rorbuer Hotel is where it all happens. 300 000 visitors every year can't be wrong. Picturesque Svinøya Rorbuer Hotel is situated on the island Svinøya with a bridge connection to the main town
in The Lofoten Islands, Svolvær. ‘The wild nature and the mysterious wonders will mesmerise you’, says Anders Lovik, born and raised in Lofoten. He has an everlasting love for his home and is a part of the team Basecamp Lofoten. ‘Nothing compares to the surroundings and nature here, the light and silence you can experience are unmatched. I've travelled and lived elsewhere for a few years but this is where I belong’. Anders Lovik, in charge of the early winter activities from December until March guides you through exotic birds safaris, where you will see the biggest population of the white sea eagles in the world, and the very popular killer whale safari. Svinøya is the oldest district of the town where the first trading activities began in 1828. During the early 19th century, a row of cabins were built to accommodate the visiting fishermen during the Lofoten winter cod season. These cabins have been restored to perfection and all have three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen cum lounge, and a modern bathroom with shower and wc. One of these 30 cabins could potentially be your home during your stay in this exotic part of the world. Located between
11
Photo Espen Mortensen
the fish landing station, quayside buildings, fish racks and other traditional, local buildings, you can enjoy the sea on one side, and the spectacular Lofoten mountains on the other. The peak season to visit this wondrous place is during the summer, but Anders Lovik and his colleagues have focused on attracting visitors during the winter time. ‘Coming to Lofoten in the wintertime is a different experience altogether and is recommended for the advanced traveller, it requires research and experience as the climate can be challenging, as well as the adjustment to the limited hours of daylight’. British actress Joanna Lumley recently pursued a lifelong dream and experienced the northern lights for herself. This publicity resulted in a boom in the amount of new visitors. People travel from all corners of the world to experience the famed aurora borealis, often with a great longing to see what is said to be one of the world's most stunning spectacle. Anders Alvik, is in charge of the late winter activities, which commence in March and end in April. This is the time when snow is a guaranteed, there is no secret that Lofoten is a the one stop destination for alpine skiing, and a much
loved passion for Mr Alvik who will guide you down the peaks, if needed. ‘Visiting Lofoten in the winter time is more relaxing than in the summer visit, as it's less crowded and you will pretty much have the mountains to yourself’, says Mr Alvik. Basecamp Lofoten welcome large groups of up to 500 people, there are excellent conference facilities and events packages available for companies. Brits, Germans, Italians and French are the predominant nationalities who come to Lofoten. Fishing is another big part of the activities during the late winter and a must is to test the traditional cod fishing experience. The fisheries are still of primary importance of this area, and the Lofoten Cod Fishery has always formed the basis of existence for the people here. Having the opportunity of observing these activities at close quarters in Svinøya and of course, try the dried codfish, is an unforgettable experience.
i
For more information visit: www.svinoya.no
12
Photo Daniel Rönnbäck
13
R ID OF NO
S R E
E H T
H T R
14
‘Our passion for skiing pervades everything we do’
- Four Elements
A N DER S F R I TZON W i t h A n d e r s , we have had great days of skiing, spectacular photoshoots or a good time just hanging out. Regardless of location, sunshine at Tortin, storm at Mont Fort or deep powder skiing in the woods of Bruson, its always fun to ski with Anders. We have never met any skier more weather-beaten, with such an energy. As one of the founders behind the guide company Powder Extreme, he knows where to find the best runs in Verbier.
15
JOONA S K A H RU M A A
JOH A N N I EM I
J o o n a s i s n o t j u s t o u r designers sidekick, he is also by many named as one of the worlds best telemark freeskiers. With his two kids and wife, he spends his winters in Andermatt. From his base he´s travelling around the alps for contests, movie- and photoshoots. This season he will broaden his horizon as he will compete in both telemark and alpine skiing. The Saajke Jacket, as well as the Jalle Pant, was born from a co-laboration with Joonas.
t h i s s e a s o n w e w e l c o m e Johan Niemi to our team. As the Swedish Big Air champion 2011, we are proud to have him with us. This 15 year old youngster from Boden in Sweden has a bright future as one of the next generation newschool skiers, with his unique style and passion for skiing.
16
17
Photo Daniel Rönnbäck
18
L OF O T E N
Text Lars-Kristian Haugen Translation Robert Walker
F r o m t h e s u m m i t o f S v a r t e t i n d peak on the island of Gimsøya, Alexander Kristensen has a view most of us can only dream of. Beneath him a demanding 600 meter powder snow slope awaits, with crags and gullies and surrounded by jagged, majestic mountains that drop straight down to the Arctic Ocean. In a few minutes he will be skiing down some of the world’s oldest mountains, in the mighty Lofoten archipelago, in a way only the best know how. He will drop off cliffsides and do curves in the powder snow, and it will be done at high speed with style and under complete control. Down on the seashore friends, competitors, referees, industry professionals and local visitors are waiting. They are all there to watch the white gladiators challenge their own psyche, strength and stamina.
‘In a few minutes he will be skiing down some of the world’s oldest mountains, in the mighty Lofoten archipelago’ Svartetinden peak on the island of Gimsøya in the Lofoten Islands was on its best behaviour when Lofoten Freeride made its comeback in 2011 after a year’s break. The first competition was arranged in 2007, and after that, many a freeride heart has fallen in love with the Lofoten Islands. Consequently, the competition has received considerable support and over a hundred participants from five different countries had taken the trip across the Vestfjord to the magical archipelago.
The comeback could not have been better. On a long, demanding mountainside crammed with juicy titbits in the form of crags and wind lips, the contestants could enjoy themselves in Kabelvåg’s backyard. During Lofoten Freeride, this small town with some of the country’s oldest settlements and with a population of just under 2000 people, is visited by Europe’s best ski and snowboard freeriders. Kabelvåg town centre, with its seductive town square and quayside buildings is the centre of activity during the week of freeride competitions in the area. Contestants and visiting spectators stay in charming fisherman’s cabins (rorbu) close to the town square, with only a short distance to the Præstengbrygga, where meals and parties take place. In the evenings, everyone congregates at the Arbeider’n for contestant meetings and concerts, at the gallery to visit exhibitions, or at the ‘Brygga’ for a round of After Ski & Sea. This year it was Aleksander Kristensen from Oslo and Anne May Slinning from Ålesund who drew the longest straws, but next time it could be you. See you in Kabelvåg on March 10!
i
To take part in Lofoten Freeride you need to sign up on the Norgescup Freeride website: www.norwayfreeride.no Get the latest information about Lofoten Freeride from our Facebook group: facebook.com/lofotenfreeride
19
Photo Espen Mortensen
20
21
Photo Espen Mortensen
22
23
Photo Peter Boman Photo Daniel Rönnbäck
24
25
Photo R Peter Boman Photo L Espen Mortensen Daniel
26
27
Photo Espen Mortensen
28
29
Photo Espen Mortensen
30
31
Photo L Espen Mortensen Photo R Espen Mortensen
32
33
Photo Espen Mortensen
34
Photo Espen Mortensen
35
THE
M A X I M U M PER FOR M A NCE, M I N I M U M COST T O T H E EN V I R ON M EN T
A s o n e o f t h e w o r l d ’s leading suppliers, Sympatex Technologies has been a byword for high-tech functional systems in clothing, footwear accessories and workwear for decades. Its philosophy ‘If nature had a choice’ reflects the company’s perfect symbiosis of performance and ecology. Eco-friendliness as a self-image. In addition to its standard functions (optimal breathability, 100% waterproofness, 100% windproofness), the Sympatex membrane is also 100% recyclable and Oeko-Tex Standard 100- and bluesign®-certified. Performance At Sympatex, superior quality and well-thought-out technology are essential building blocks for optimal performance and comfort. With this in mind, Sympatex developed a non-porous membrane consisting of billions of hydrophilic molecules which uses a physiochemical process to rapidly transport moisture from the inside to the outside. It ensures that the body always remains dry – even in extreme situations. Not only that, the membrane also provides effective protection against rain. Unlike standard microporous structures, the Sympatex membrane retains maximum functionality even after activity in continuous rain or washing as there are no pores that can become blocked.
‘Its philosophy ‘If nature had a choice’ reflects the company’s perfect symbiosis of performance and ecology’
Ecology Many companies still use PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) in the production of their water-repellent functional textiles. This creates fluorine compounds that are not biodegradable. The Sympatex membrane is completely PTFE free. The Sympatex production method uses a material made of polyether and polyester, better known from the production of PET water bottles. This compound consists of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon and is thus 100% recyclable and poses no threat to health. Because of this high level of environmental compatibility, the Sympatex membrane has been awarded OekoTex Standard 100 certification. This involves extremely stringent testing for possible contaminants. The certification guarantees that the membrane is in no way harmful to health. And as a certified bluesign® partner, Sympatex fulfils strict guidelines for environmental protection, health and safety and operates a high-standard and environmentally sound production chain. Sympatex’s innovative competence has already been acknowledged with a number of ispo awards in the categories of ski clothing and footwear. Numerous manufacturers have recognised the benefits of the environmentally friendly and, at the same time, highly efficient Sympatex membrane system - big-name brands from the skiing, freeriding, bike or outdoor segment now use the membrane. Together with it´s partner Four Elements, Sympatex is the Sponsor of the Lofoten Freeride Event. The archipelago is the spectacular setting for the Scandinavian freeridecommunity and Sympatex is proud to support them with top performance clothes.
i
More information is available at: www.sympatex.com
DESIGNED & DEVELOPED IN SWEDEN fourelements.se
36