Wo rld Oly Cha mp mp i o i c Tem C n h ple am p B ion By a ro sin nW Bu ell ye s rs Gu ide
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ISSUE #92 2010 ANNUAL $9.95 incl. gst
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RETURN OF THE MAC
Words by Neil Kerr In 1996 Transworld snowboarding ran a feature article entitled ‘The nutcracker sweet’ based around the Arthur’s pass club field ‘Temple Basin’. The lasting memory from the article was the quote “If I had to stay in one area to snowboard for the rest of my life, it would be Temple Basin. Its that good!” This was a bold statement for such an illustrious and well-travelled magazine as Transworld and the reverberations felt around the snow sports world saw Temple in the limelight for the next few years. But the wave of media attention of the late 90’s soon broke and receded, and over the last decade Temple has slipped back into its low key, hard to find, backwater demeanour. I have had a few trips to Temple over the last ten years and each time I’ve been reluctant to leave, knowing I’ve only scraped the surface of its massive expanse. Every time I have skied epic lines, experienced the gut wrenching fear of being out of my comfort zone and had that serene feeling of the isolation of this magnificent mountain environment. Each time, as I’ve walked down the track towards the car, the urge to return as soon as I can has been over-powering. Temple’s location and lack of easy access is what makes it so special. The car park sits 4km’s past Arthur’s pass village on state highway 73. Though the ski field itself is still a long way off, 45 mins up the walking track and you are at the main lodge, if you have timed it right your skis and pack have beaten you up there on the goods lift.
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Todd Windle warming up in the setting sun, with a wee bit of Temble gnar.
E CROWD
TH STANDING OUT FROM
360 Japan in the land
drona of the rising sun – Car STODDART
Acland Interview By Hamish
PNZ
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DRY
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PHOTO: CAMILLA
ed to Byron s is exactly what happen bottom of the pipe. Thi ten rly flip. en I first met Byron nea whilst trying a double When I think back to wh ition to a grasshopper. h hig e kne t jus s wa ult and the early compet he years ago, si’s little ised heels were the res Jos Bru as re ve mo tati ten him a ber saw re Funny thing is I remem e skied season in the Northern Hemisphe tead of dow. Jossi and Byron hav way through comps ins his g sin brother, his virtual sha si nur Jos lls, n, We the k on Bac Byr s. ski h one flat on wit t od tha sto g t win firs y roach, kno together since the ps his usual aggressive app ed from the front charging into jum tch wa out He ays in. alw s aga wa w er sno eld as the landing, he could be off Tour, as ing hot on his ski tails. t stops on the Winter Dew with little Byron follow sidelines during the firs world the in lls a from him. All the ski has gone on to become his peers pulled away lly. nta me ce spa Jossi, as we well know, ht i rig esk the not in superstar within the fre don’t matter if you are precocious talent and you are carrying a tough, especially when making an impression d ely rte rem sta ext has It’s too on world. Byr . low is rs yea nce fide r the last couple of lingering injury and con on the freeski scene ove email the world over he is rs the bro r nge stop of the Dew Tour, an you but like After missing the second Always d coach . oar dow wb sha sno d si’s lan Jos in Zea constantly caught camp Wells from New into e the by cam to train red an ssu hig pre and itation to come to Mic compared to his sibling wn Tom Willmot with an inv kno not is r. an hig the bro Mic m. big d Tea achievements of b h the Olympic Snowboar Clu wit y ntr Cou g kin , but a forward-thin ssing world of freeskiing as a hot spot for skiing wboard sno ited inv In the constantly progre n had ofte are and t tha be the next big thing?’ there is trying to change and train. phrases like ‘Will they obvious they have the und the world to come is aro It . m ies fro dig ms pro tea ng you applied to m fro out has a mere t will see them stand b in Gaylord, Mischigan skill set and talent tha l The Otsego Country Clu fts and in is the same for all: Wil irli n cha stio of que ple the cou a but , rs their pee catapulted 250 feet of vertical terrain ic teams m the ‘bubble’ and be However, for the Olymp they break through fro mer it’s a golf course. sum fpipe, as hal t foo g centre with a 22into the next echelon? it was the perfect trainin with an but e pip the ing iing ick esk elon of competitive fre hip with a transition mim as ech ll er we upp the ng chi Rea biggest events, like the airbag to land on. means invitations to the uld unity to compete for the ort and his father Bruce wo X Games, and the opp It was here that Byron uld be the athletes in this top wo of ich ber wh m, num for The to . urn zes biggest pri lement an amazing ret years due to imp five t of four las iod the in per a d r ble his season. Ove tier has probably dou catalyst for the rest of down safely nts and series such as ks eve tric jor his ma of get n to ctio ag odu the intr backing. days, Byron used the airb e he left he as increased industry the halfpipe. By the tim the Dew Tour, as well or el, lev er before taking them to low the in ers ski of ber . num led the dia , ver run Howe remely had his competition up tenfold, making it ext n run would the ‘bubble’, has gone skier a e onc n Eve . rld Aspen and his qualificatio wo oat Next stop, X Games in ability to the competitive. It’s a cutthr l has wil y on the Byr s s. tee itor ran pet re are no gua him soar above his com see s down goe has broken through, the he er as ski g a actually increasin m or an injury can see go BIG, his amplitude . On his stay there. A drop in for uck str er ast dis hit, t las e risen. the pipe, however on his fall as quickly as they hav lost a ski on landing, g 540 bent nose grab he to d din rte pen sta ent on pat Byr n, tee of six cut as a result. In 2009, at the tender age 11th in and missing the finals . Solid results of 8th and l stop of s break out of the bubble iou stig best 7th place in the fina an invitation to the pre Byron achieved a career ding hea the Dew Tour gained him t ore bes bef the nt, mo ide Ver ngs in the halfpipe alo Tour, at Mount Snow Dew es. the Gam X an X Games to compete in y ope ver a Eur for the inaugural big brother. He placed over to Tignes, France as the del of the best, including his mo e of ice sam not the e on tak up to n set ple started This new event has bee cheering respectable 11th and peo Wells’. h literally thousands of i boy nicknamed ‘Lil B American version but wit the modest, likeable Kiw ng the ndi atte m the of 00 19,0 style that French ski fans, some has developed a skiing Over the years, Byron t fpipe finals. tha hal e pip ime htt the in nig hit t firs Japan is truly his own. The 540 below and rphed into e with a sea of people years ago has now mo Byron left the start gat simply oozed style two first hit, into 720 itch sw e; ty. pip cul the diffi and proceeded to tear up tricks double the height g him towering above the are n 540 (pictured) leavin you spi if flat e, a pac g rin ht 900 – the gge sta a n a left 900 spin, to rig As the sport evolves at will be left behind. spectators below. The you on en X Games – ssi Asp gre the pro at k ted tric mp not part of the ct same run he had atte ards take off) exa ckw (ba t nose grab -hi 540 itch his sw d e l hit he booste Today if you don’t hav but this time on his fina see a podium, nor will a big score in h n’t Wit wo . you run s g flip nin ble ope t dou fec tricks or r and stomped it: the per next two runs to anothe you even get close. he attempted to take his bag itch the sw ted mp e in New . This included an atte ition season started her level, chasing a medal The 2009-2010 compet drona. Car at p t run. las cam g his inin on tra hit e 1080 first Zealand with a springtim attempting his 5th te, ova inn to rt sta uld Wells stood out, taking Here Byron wo text, the night in Tignes, Byron t con in truly Tha flip has ble on Byr dou . the 6th si who came in first double flips. To put place, one ahead of Jos - say fifteen feet, to r, showing le the sib bro pos d as nte big tale as his go of dow skier has to ough stepped out of the sha , then they flip twice thr es his spot in the top gain the airtime needed t he more than deserv tha the t rld spo wo to t the cul diffi ely rem w that he was simply ext it rvie g inte kin an ma n in d the rotatio tion of 20 feet; echelon. Byron once sai nsi tra e fpip hal es. Now it’s safe to a is Gam g tX landing. The landin the get an invite to his firs on to d ked lan sto you and e podiums. pip of the g not for invites, but for land a couple feet out you land in the flat say that he is gunnin and k tric r you in ch deck; pop too mu
Facebook or Twitter? PHOTO: TIM PIERCE
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JOSSI WELLS ST ANTON, AUSTRIA PHOTO: NATE ABBOTT
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1. Atomic Crimson Ti L. 164,171,178,185cm D. 132-88-117mm
4. Atomic Cloud 9 L. 144,151,158,165cm D. 121-73-106mm
88mm wide all mountain ski with adaptive camber construction, step down sidewall, wood core reinforced with 2 titanium layers.
Perfect piste all-rounder for women. Lightweight. Boasts dynamic flex and ensures smooth skiing in all conditions.
$1699 with XTO 12 binding
2. Atomic Blackeye Ti L. 160,167,174,181cm D. 126-82-111mm Extremely smooth on trail yet sufficient lift in powder. Combination of wood core and titanium ensure superb stability and unrivalled performance.
$1599 with XTO 12 binding
3. Atomic Smoke L. 150,157,164,171,178cm D. 121-77-105mm Perfect introduction to the all mountain experience. Lightweight, versatile ski with optimal performance characteristics on all terrain and every type of snow.
$1299 with XTO 10 binding
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$1299 with XTL 9 bindings
5. Atomic Cloud 6 L. 142,149,156,163cm D. 115-70-97mm Ideal entry level model. Easy handling is guaranteed thanks to different Flex Zones which provide a progressively softer flex at the shovel and tail.
$899 with XTL 9 bindings
6. Dynastar Sultan 85 L. 158,165,172,178,184cm D. 126-85-110mm
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7. Dynastar Sultan 80 L. 152,158,165,172,178cm D. 126-80-108mm Fluid and versatile. New tip shape and side cut, gives excellent all-terrain and on-Piste ski ability. Vertical sidewalls give performance, stability and control.
10. Elan Waveflex 78 Ti L. 160,168,176,182cm D. 123-78-105mm
13. Fischer Watea 84 L. 159,167, 176, 184cm D. 126-84-112mm
Waveflex technology means this ski has great edge hold and easy turn initiation. The perfect all mountain ski.
$1399 with NX12 Fluid bindings
11. Elan Pure Magic L. 152,158,166cm D. 123-78-105mm
Light weight, stable, and versatile, the perfect mid fat ski for the advanced adventure seeker. I-Beam technology and the perfect waist width give a mountain of options.
8. Dynastar Legend Idyll L. 152, 158, 165cm D. 124-78-106mm Women’s specific tip and side cut shape for fluidity and control. Excellent edge grip from vertical sidewalls. This very popular ski has just got a whole lot better.
$1299 with Idyll fluid bindings
Excellent all terrain ski ability, On or Off Piste. Wide tip transition facilitates easy turn entry with full sidewall construction for control and stability
9. Elan Waveflex 82 Xti L. 160,168,176,184cm D. 123-82-109mm
$1299 ski only $1849 with PX12 bindings
$1849 with bindings
Piste, Pow, Crud or Ice. Built to tackle everything NZ can throw at you.
$1449 with bindings
Lightweight, easy turning all mountain ski, for the ladies looking to ski the whole mountain. You won’t be disappointed.
$1249 with bindings
12. Elan Black Magic L. 146,152,158cm D. 119-72-100mm Great value. Good looking, easy turning and stable. Exactly what the ladies look for in a ski, when they want an enjoyable day on the slopes.
$999
$1349 ski only
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14. Fischer Koa 84 L. 140,150,155,160cm D. 119-75-102mm
17. K2 Aftershock Ti L. 167, 174, 181cm D. 130-86-114mm
20. K2 Tru Luv L. 142,149,156,163cm D. 118-74-103mm
23. Volkl AC 50 L. 163,170,177,184cm D. 128-85-112mm
26. Volkl Tierra L. 147 154, 161cm D. 129-78-99mm
Carbon I-Beam construction, vertical sidewalls, and poplar woodcore for less weight and the right flex. The notched tail for skins means they are ready to explore.
Camber underfoot for power, energy and edge hold with all terrain rocker up front for soft snow performance. The best of both worlds.
Blending forgiveness and stability makes this the ultimate tool for intermediate skiers. All Terrain Rocker provides effortless turn initiation.
The legend continues, skis anything, anywhere, anyway you want. Wide ride iPT bindings enhance edge hold & smoothen the ride.
$1699 with iPT bindings
$1599 with bindings
15. Head Peak 82 FLR L. 161,172,177,183cm D. 122-82-108mm
$1795 with MX14 bindings
18. K2 Photon L. 163,170,177cm D. 118-74-103mm
21. Salomon XW Tornado Ti L. 159,166,173,180cm D. 120-78-106mm
24. Volkl AC 30 L. 156,163,170,177cm D. 124-80-107mm Perfect for groomed slopes or for all mountain adventures, wideride iPT binding makes for a smoother ride.
$1249 with M2 10 bindings
$1899 with binding
$1799 with iPT WR bindings
19. K2 Lotta Luv L. 149,156,163cm D. 125-82-110mm
22. Salomon Lady L. 153,161,169cm D. 128-85-113mm
25. Volkl Aurora L. 154, 161,168cm D. 132-82-103mm
Our top selling woman’s ski with proven all round performance.Lightweight Aircoat and Head Intelligence
Advanced women skiers who like to explore all corners of the resort from corduroy to powder and everything in-between.
Big mountain ski combining solid edge grip and onpiste performance with flotation for the occasional backcountry adventure.
Ultimate woman’s ski for NZ conditions, 82 underfoot, with iPT wideride bindings for extra edge grip and smoothness .
$1299 with Lite Rail bindings
$1595 with ERS 11 bindings
$1399 ski only
$1999 with iPT WR bindings
$1655 with PR 12 bindings
16. Head Everyone L. 149,156,163cm D. 122-72-106mm
Versatilty personified,ideal for piste yet not afraid to get off trail. Woman specific Bio-logic technolgy for easier turning.
$1999 with iPT WR bindings
Strong expert skiers who ski mostly on piste but like to explore the mountain on the right day.
New Flow Ride construction gives easier handling, more agility, better floatation and automatic rocker in deeper snow.
A true recreational ski that provides unmatched forgiveness and control. All Terrain Rocker equals all mountain performance.
$1249 with ERP 10.0 bindings
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