SNOWBOARDING MAGAZINE - 2009 BUYERS GUIDE by snowboarding

Board Buyers Guide ’09 BOARDS / BOOtS / BinDingS / gOggleS

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE

Hardware Guide

We have worked hard to load all the information you need to make your selection easier this year. We have incorporated the team managers and brand managers. These are the people who are behind the scenes working with the brands and coming up with new, creative ideas. These selected few people have a wealth of information on their brands and know exactly what they endorse. What follows is 32 pages of Snowboarding’s selection of the best mens and womens boards, boots, bindings and goggles for the ‘09 season.

BOARDS

BOOTS

BINDINGS

GOGGLES

Define yourself as a snowboarder. To narrow down your choices so you can choose the right snowboard, think about what type of riding you do the most. If you’re into freestyle snowboarding, you’ll want to look at different boards than if you’re an all-mountain rider. Listen to the team managers and brand managers, they have been in the game a long time and know what they’re talking about. Listen to the pros. These guys spend more time snowboarding than anybody and always have input to inject into the brands. That’s their job! Ask plenty of questions in the shops, no matter how silly that might sound. But the best way to see if it is the right board for you is demo, demo, and demo! Take the boards for a shred and try before you buy. Snowboarding’s demo day is on the 27th and 28th June, where you will be able to test all these insane boards.

Choosing the right snowboard boot is a very important decision and can make the difference between an awesome day riding and having the most painful and agonizing day on the hill. Have a flick threw the boots pages and absorb all the tips and tech info but most importantly make sure you try them on before you lay down your cash.

The important component between your boots and your board are the bindings. There a few simple rules to follow when buying bindings make sure they fit your boots well. Make sure they sit on the board without hanging over the edges, make sure they are comfortable and are easy to get in and out of. Check out the banging bindings in the next few pages, suck up the info and work out what binding will suit your style of riding.

Quite possibly the most important accessory you will own as a snowboarder. After all, vision isn’t over-rated! We have included the best goggles with the freshest designs and functions on the market, listen to the pros and team managers and pick a pair that makes snowboarding easy on the eyes. ❖

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Arbor (arborsports.com)

Nick Gregory (Burton pro rider) Age: 27. home town: Avalon NSW. Your board of choice? Custom 54 V-Rocker, Hero 55, Seven 54. Stance: Reg 18 front, -12 back, 23 inches (I wish). You recently signed for Burton, what are your first impressions of the boards? The boards were really solid in all conditions. I was on the V-Rockers (reverse camber) so I was able to get away with a 54 or 55 with a fairly centered stance in the deep powder. The Hero 55 was killer in the powder and the Seven with the shovel nose was perfect in the park however I would have to play favourite with the Custom 54 which has a stiffer flex than the Hero, so not only did it destroy the powder but it was surprisingly good in the park. What boots are riding in and why did you choose them? Burton Australian team manager and all-round good bloke, Chris Boadle, flowed me a pair of Ozone with a medium flex - the boots were perfect from day dot. No foot pain and the quick lacing system made light work of the worst part about boots, putting them on and taking them off! Burton have a number of different binding systems, which model did you pick

A-FRAME

ELEMENT

LENgThS / 154, 158, 162, 166, 170 cm

LENgThS / 152, 155, 158, 161, 165 cm

RiDER LEvEL / Advanced

RiDER LEvEL / Intermediate to

ShAPE / Directional

advanced

STiFFNESS / {1(soft) to 10 (stiff)} 7

ShAPE / Directional

TERRAiN / All-mountain

STiFFNESS / {1(soft) to 10 (stiff)} 6

PRiCE / $899.00

TERRAiN / All-mountain

and why? I had a pair of the EST Cartels. To be honest I was a bit dubious about those guys that is fanatical with my stance being in the perfect spot and it’s super easy with EST having only two screws per binding which slashes the set-up time, and there is no need for a tape measure anymore with the easy to use on-board measuring system. Good luck to those who are still fumbling around with the four or three screw disk. What new features would you like to see on the Burton boards in the future? They

PRiCE / $849.00

Arbor

the whole system but now I don’t ever want to ride anything but EST. I am one of

for sure need to attach pussy magnets.

Bataleon (bataleon.com)

EDEN (WOMENS)

EviL TWiN

FuN kiNk

gOLiATh

LENgThS / 144, 148, 152, 156 cm RiDER LEvEL / Intermediate

LENgThS / 147, 151, 155, 159 cm

LENgThS / 149, 153, 157 cm

LENgThS / 153, 157, 157W, 161, 161W, 164W

RiDER LEvEL / Intermediate

RiDER LEvEL / Intermediate to

ShAPE / Directional

to advanced freestyle

advanced freestyle

STiFFNESS / {1(soft) to 10 (stiff)} 5

ShAPE / Triple Base - True Twin

ShAPE / Triple Base - Directional Twin

TERRAiN / All-mountain

STiFFNESS / 6-4-6

STiFFNESS / 3.5

PRiCE / $599.00

TERRAiN / Park, jibs, anywhere!

TERRAiN / Anything fun!

PRiCE / $699

PRiCE / $629

STiFFNESS / 5 TERRAiN / Freestyle PRiCE / $729

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Burton (burton.com)

custOn ics

farm

fiX

LOVE

LEnGtHs / 144, 148, 151, 154, 156, 162,

LEnGtHs / 150, 154, 161, 164 cm

LEnGtHs / 149, 152, 158, 162 cm

LEnGtHs / 152, 158, 162 cm

166, 157 W, 162 W, 167 W, 172W cm

sHaPE: / Twin

sHaPE / Twin

sHaPE / Directional

stiffnEss / 4

stiffnEss / 3

stiffnEss / 4

stiffnEss / 5

tErrain / Freestyle

tErrain / Park

tErrain / Freestyle

PricE / $649.95

PricE / $659.95

PricE / $629.95

PricE / $759.95

camber / Regular

camber / Reduced camber

camber / Regular

Burton

VaPOr

HErO

fEELGOOD (WOmEns)

trOOP (WOmEns)

LEnGtHs / 150, 153, 157, 158W, 162W,

LEnGtHs / 152, 155, 158 cm

LEnGtHs / 140, 144, 152, 154, 158 cm

LEnGtHs / 141, 151, 154 cm

163, 166W cm

sHaPE / Twin

sHaPE / Directional

stiffnEss / 6

stiffnEss / 4

stiffnEss / 3

stiffnEss / 6

tErrain / Freestyle

PricE / $679.95

PricE / $759.95

PricE / $629.95

PricE / $1299.95

camber / V-Rocker reverse camber

camber / Regular

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Burton (burton.com)

Cohen Davies (Rome Pro Snowboarder) Age: 24. Home town: Wollongong NSW.

FEATHER (WOMENS)

G-TWIN (WOMENS)

LENGTHS / 140, 144, 153 cm

LENGTHS / 142, 146, 150, 156 cm

SHAPE / Directional

SHAPE / Twin

STIFFNESS / 2

STIFFNESS / 4

TERRAIN / Freestyle

TERRAIN / Park

PRICE / $459.95

PRICE / $659.95

Camber / Regular

Board of choice: Rome Artifact 1985 153, Rome Mod 156. Stance: Goofy, +15 -12, 23 inches wide. What’s so special about the board you’re riding? The Artifact 1985 is special because it’s reverse camber, so presses and butters are super easy. It also has copper edges which reduces the risk of catching on jibs. The Mod destroys jumps because it is really light and has what I think is a perfect amount of flex. Really poppy and allows you to land things even if you’re a bit dodgy coming down. How many boards do you travel with? Ususally only two. If you had to choose one board from the range to ride forever, which would you take? The Mod because it’s good for any type of snowboarding.

DC (snow.dcshoes.com)

BFF SERIES (WOMENS)

DEVUN WALSH SIG. MODEL

MTN LAB FREESTYLE

PBJ SERIES

LENGTHS: 144, 148, 150, 152 cm

LENGTHS / 158, 153 cm

LENGTHS / 152, 154, 158, 161 cm

LENGTHS / 138, 144, 149, 151, 153, 153,

RIDER LEVEL / Easy to ride

RIDER LEVEL / Advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

155, 157 cm

STIFFNESS / Six

SHAPE / Directional twin-tip

advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to adv.

TERRAIN / Park and mountain

STIFFNESS / 4

SHAPE / True twin-tip

SHAPE / Directional twin-tip

TERRAIN / Pipe to powder

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 6

PRICE / $649.95

PRICE / $899.95

TERRAIN / Park and backcountry

TERRAIN / Park and streets

PRICE / $749.95

PRICE / $649.95

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE

Chris Boadle (Burton team manager)

Lincoln Jarvis (Rome team/brand manager) Rome has an awesome selection this year, what do you predict will be the best seller this season and why? The Artifact 1985 with its reverse jib camber will definitely be up there,

You have been in the industry for over 15 years now, what new goods

and the all-mountain board, the Anthem, which we are getting in 2010 is

can we look forward to this season? Amongst all the new tech that

going to be really strong as well.

will be released this year I really think that people are out to have a

Describe this season’s range of boards?

damn good time and this year there are plenty of boards to help you do

Tight and tech. A board for every riding style.

that. Features not designed to hold that edge longer but ones that give

Are you using any innovative technology in the board construction?

you a smoother and more enjoyable ride. Bindings that talk to boards,

Depending on the board and what it’s been made for, we have Titanal

reduced cambers and softer, more controlled flexes. Tech that makes

impact plates under-foot to stop core compression, the Z.TechTriax

riding so effortless that it seems like you have nothing on your feet.

45 laminates incorporate Zylon - which has more energy return than

Describe your range of boards for us? The Burton range is large because

carbon, bronze edges on our Jib boards are way harder to crack than

our team is so diverse and demand product that works for them. From park

steel and heaps more catch-free, and the Poweramp technology places

to pipe and all the way out in the backcountry, products have been injected

bamboo in different places to attain varied patterns of pop. That’s just

with new tech and there’s brand new products added to the range.

to name a few.

Are you using any innovative technology in the board construction?

What are your three favourite Rome products this season and why?

Plenty. There are new cores, glass structures, rockers, etc., however

First up, definitely the Libertine boots. If you’ve got wack feet like mine

the EST technology is really what I’m pumped on. It’s all about having

you’d understand, they’re nearly as comfy as sitting on the lounge with a

boots, bindings and boards that talk to each other and give.

longy of Coopers. The Artifact 1985 is a pretty sweet ride as well, heaps

What are your three favourite Burton products this season and

of fun and real poppy. And lastly, I’m loving the girls board the Lo-Fi

why? The Fix Board 155: this thing is so playful and still gives you the

solely because so many girls came back absolutely stoked from riding it

performance you need. With virtually flat camber you can camber it

at the Hotham testings, and that’s what it is all about!

how you want, meaning it’ll dig an edge when you ask, but at the same

How much input do your riders have on the graphics and shapes of the

time be your best friend spinning park laps or just messing around. Triad

boards? Rider feedback is passed on to the guys in the States where they

EST: I am just so down with the EST tech and the control it gives you.

have a massive rider feedback system in place. Testing feedback and

This is a super comfortable park binding with extra cushioning under

acting on that info is at the core of Rome snowboards, the 100-day rider

your feet and the way it flexes with your board is genius. Ozone boots:

feedback ethos is an integral part of the production process at Rome.

these come in a colourway that looks like a ski boot with buckles painted on them. Amazing! Get into après bars with ease in these fruit boot look-a-likes. Plus they ride amazing. How much input do your riders have on the graphics and shapes of the boards? They have all the input and you won’t find anything in the Burton range that the team aren’t behind. Having Burton’s factory in Burlington, USA, they churn out prototypes all year round so that team can ride, test, break and then make the next one a little better. It’s the process behind all new products.

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Drake (northwave.com)

DF2

URBAN

Forum

VENICE (WOMENS)

DESTROYER

LENGTHS / 152, 154, 156, 158 cm

LENGTHS / 149, 153, 156, 158 cm

LENGTHS / 146, 149, 152 cm

LENGTHS / 148, 152, 154, 154W, 156,

RIDER LEVEL / Beginner to advanced

156W, 158, 158W cm

SHAPE / True twin

SHAPE / Twin

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 5

TERRAIN / Park

TERRAIN / All-mountain

TERRAIN / Freestyle

PRICE / $649

PRICE / $599

PRICE / $499

PRICE / $759.95 Camber / Regular

Forum (forumsnowboards.com)

SCALLYWAG

MANUAL

STAR (WOMENS)

AMOR (WOMENS)

LENGTHS / 151, 155 cm

LENGTHS / 147, 150, 153, 156, 159 cm

LENGTHS / 142, 146, 149, 152, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 140, 143, 146, 149, 152 cm SHAPE / Directional

SHAPE / Twin

SHAPE / Directional

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 3

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 3

TERRAIN / Freestyle

TERRAIN / Park

TERRAIN / Freestyle

PRICE / $649.95

PRICE / $589.95

PRICE / $649.95

PRICE / $559.95

Camber / Reverse

Camber / Regular

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Nitro

Darragh Walsh (Nitro pro rider) Age: 23. Home town: Kooyong (Melbourne). board of choice: Nitro Swindle 155, Sub Zero 155. stance: Regular, Duck! +15, -15 and 26” - I’m tall. what’s so special about the board you’re riding? The New Sub Zero is a gull wing shaped reverse camber board. It’s soft and smooth to ride on rails and is super poppy. A great freestyle board. The Swindle is a fun and easy board to ride with

sub pop

swindle

lenGTHs / 148, 152, 155, 158 cm

lenGTHs / 142, 145, 148, 152, 155, 157

RideR leVel / Intermediate to

advanced park rider

sHApe / Twin - gullwing

sHApe / Twin - zero camber

sTiFFness / 3

sTiFFness / 4

TeRRAin / Park - urban

TeRRAin / Park

pRiCe / $699

pRiCe / $599

loads of pop. It also has the killer rail edge for jibbing and the scratch and rip base, so you can show your battle wounds. How many boards do you usually travel with? I normally travel with two to three boards, a rail board and an all-round board for riding park. It’s always handy to have a spare with you too. if you had to choose one board from the range to ride forever, which would you take? I would have to choose the Nitro Swindle 155, I have been riding it for a few years now and it’s definitely the board for me. Great shape, easy to press and holds up on jumps, the perfect freestyle board. God save the Swindle!

Nitro (nitrousa.com)

MisFiT

eeRo pRo

RunAwAY

VoluMe

lenGTHs / 152.6, 155.6, 58.6, 160.6 cm

lenGTHs / 155, 157, 159 cm

lenGTHs / 142, 146, 150, 153 cm

lenGTHs / 152, 155, 158, 162, 156W,

RideR leVel / Intermediate to

RideR leVel / Advanced all-mountain

RideR leVel / Intermediate to

159W, 163W cm

advanced all-mountain freestyle

freestyle

advanced freestyle

RideR leVel / Int to adv all-mountain

sHApe / Directional twin

sHApe / Twin

sHApe / Directional all-mountain

sTiFFness / 6

sTiFFness / 4

sTiFFness / 5

TeRRAin / All-mountain

pRiCe / $799

pRiCe / $829

pRiCe / $599

pRiCe / $569

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Rome (romesnowboards.com)

ANTHEM

Rossignol

ARTIFACT 1985

LO-FI

LOVE

LENGTHS / 150, 153, 156, 159, 162,

LENGTHS / 144, 147, 150, 153, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 140, 144, 147, 150, 153 cm

LENGTHS / 153, 156, 159, 163, 157W,

165 cm

RIDER LEVEL / Beginner to advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

161W cm

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

SHAPE / True twin

advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Advanced SHAPE / Directional twin

advanced

STIFFNESS / 4.5

SHAPE / True twin

SHAPE / Directional standard

TERRAIN / Park/street/jib

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 7

STIFFNESS / 6.5

PRICE / $749

TERRAIN / Mountain

PRICE / $749

PRICE / $799.00

TERRAIN / Mountain PRICE / $849

Rossignol (rossignol.com)

Roxy (roxy.com)

ONE MAGNE TRACTION

DIVA MAGNE TRACTION

EMINENCE BTX

OLLIE POP

LENGTHS / 144, 148, 152, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 154, 158, 161 cm

LENGTHS / 143, 147, 152, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 141, 145, 148, 151, 154 cm

RIDER LEVEL / Advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

SHAPE / Directional twin

SHAPE / Twin

advanced

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 8

STIFFNESS / 5

SHAPE / True twin

TERRAIN / Mountain

TERRAIN / All over freestyle

STIFFNESS / 4

PRICE / $799.00

PRICE / $999.00

PRICE / $899.00

TERRAIN / Park and pipe PRICE / $799.00

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Rome (romesnowboards.com)

ANTHEM

Rossignol

ARTIFACT 1985

LO-FI

LOVE

LENGTHS / 150, 153, 156, 159, 162,

LENGTHS / 144, 147, 150, 153, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 140, 144, 147, 150, 153 cm

LENGTHS / 153, 156, 159, 163, 157W,

165 cm

RIDER LEVEL / Beginner to advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

161W cm

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

SHAPE / True twin

advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Advanced SHAPE / Directional twin

advanced

STIFFNESS / 4.5

SHAPE / True twin

SHAPE / Directional standard

TERRAIN / Park/street/jib

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 7

STIFFNESS / 6.5

PRICE / $749

TERRAIN / Mountain

PRICE / $749

PRICE / $799.00

TERRAIN / Mountain PRICE / $849

Rossignol (rossignol.com)

Roxy (roxy.com)

ONE MAGNE TRACTION

DIVA MAGNE TRACTION

EMINENCE BTX

OLLIE POP

LENGTHS / 144, 148, 152, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 154, 158, 161 cm

LENGTHS / 143, 147, 152, 156 cm

LENGTHS / 141, 145, 148, 151, 154 cm

RIDER LEVEL / Advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to

SHAPE / Directional twin

SHAPE / Twin

advanced

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 8

STIFFNESS / 5

SHAPE / True twin

TERRAIN / Mountain

TERRAIN / All over freestyle

STIFFNESS / 4

PRICE / $799.00

PRICE / $999.00

PRICE / $899.00

TERRAIN / Park and pipe PRICE / $799.00

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BOARDS

Roxy

ALLY TREE

Technine (technine.com)

ENFORCER

MASS APPEAL

DIME (WOMENS)

LENGTHS / 144, 146, 152, 155 cm

LENGTHS / 149.5, 142.5, 155.5 cm

LENGTHS / 149, 153, 157, 160 cm

LENGTHS / 141, 144, 147, 152 cm

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate

RIDER LEVEL / Beginner to advanced

RIDER LEVEL / Beginner to

SHAPE / Directional twin

SHAPE / Twin

intermediate

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 2

STIFFNESS / 3

SHAPE / Directional

TERRAIN / All-mountain

TERRAIN / Park/street/jib

TERRAIN / All-mountain

STIFFNESS / 3

PRICE / $699.00

PRICE / $599

PRICE / $549

TERRAIN / All-mountain PRICE / $499

Yes (yesnowboard.com)

THE LOGOTYPE

LENGTHS / 149, 154, 156.5, 158, 162 cm

RIDER LEVEL / Intermediate to adv.

SHAPE / 149, 154, 156.5, 158 = twin ; 162

= directional twin

STIFFNESS / 6

TERRAIN / All-mountain freestyle

PRICE / $859

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BINDINGS

Drake

SUPERSPORT LTD

FIFTY

CAP STYLE TOE STRAP / Y

CONVENTIONAL TOE STRAP / Y

BOTH STRAPS PROVIDED / N/A

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 5

PRICE / $419

PRICE / $299

Drake

Nitro

Ryan Tiene (DC pro rider) AGE: 21. Home town: Port Macquarie. Board of choice? MLF 154 for Powder and PBJ 153 in the park and also rode the Bender 156 in the real deep powder in Japan. Stance: Regular +15 –15 23 inches wide. What’s so special about the board you are riding? The radius to flat are so sweet in the pow, I don’t know what it is but they make me board better and throw bigger buckets! What boots are riding in and why did you choose them? I’m running the Journey Boots right now and they are a super small, tight, compact boot with

JADE (WOMENS)

PHANTOM

awesome ankle support and I kinda chose them cause they basically don’t need to

CAP STYLE TOE STRAP / Y

CONVENTIONAL STRAPS / Y

pain! Yourself, Scotty James and Torstein are killing it these days, is it the boards

CONVENTIONAL TOE STRAP / Y

STIFFNESS / 6

or DC feeding you guys something from the Mountain Lab? Yeah pure protein

BOTH STRAPS PROVIDED / N/A

EASY ENTRY BINDINGS / Y

nothing but meat and occasionally a piece of cheese! Nah, I’d say it’s a combination

STIFFNESS / 5

PRICE / $479

of everything DC are doing right now. They just got a new boot designer and the

be worn in, they fit perfect and don’t hurt from day one! Saves a lot of unneeded

boots have improved so much it’s like I’m in a new world, and last year it was the

PRICE / $279

first year of production of their boards so this year they have ironed out a lot of the problems and now everything is riding really good.

Nitro

Rome

ZERO

WIIG

390

ARSENAL

BOTH STRAPS PROVIDED / Y

CAP STYLE TOE STRAP / Y

STIFFNESS / 5

CONVENTIONAL TOE STRAP / Y

EASY ENTRY BINDINGS / Y

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 7

PRICE / $369

PRICE / $349

PRICE: $369

PRICE / $329

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / BINDINGS

Rome

Rossignol

MADISON

HC2000

VIPER

COBRA

CAP STYLE TOE STRAP / Y

CONVENTIONAL TOE STRAP / Y

STIFFNESS / 6

BOTH STRAPS PROVIDED / Y

PRICE / $349

STIFFNESS / 7

STIFFNESS / 6

EASY ENTRY BINDINGS / Y

PRICE / $349

PRICE / $299

PRICE / $249

Roxy

EMINENCE

TEAM

Tech9

CLASSIC

T-MONEY

CAP STYLE TOE STRAP / Y

CONVENTIONAL TOE STRAP / Y

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 4

PRICE / $329

PRICE / $329.00

PRICE / $299

PRICE / $249

Tech9

Tom Pelley (Dragon pro rider) Age: 20. Home town: Sydney.

SIMON CHAMBERLAIN PRO

DINE 9 (WOMENS)

CONVENTIONAL TOE STRAP / Y

CAP STYLE TOE STRAP / Y

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 4

PRICE / $349

PRICE / $279

Stance: Regular, 21 front -12 back, 23 inch. Which goggles are you riding in and why did you choose them? Rogue Jamie Lynns - the frame is really comfortable and Jamie Lynn is the man. Or the DX GiGis because of the Simpsons theme. Which lenses do you use for flat light and sunny conditions? I wear chrome mirror lenses everyday no matter the weather, unless on the odd occasion I have a pair of mirror rose lenses already in. What’s the most important feature for you in a pair of goggles? Minimal blind spots, comfortable on my face and good mirror lenses.

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / GOGGLES

Anon (anonoptics.com)

Mitch Allan (Oakley pro rider) Age: 21. Hometown: Berrara, NSW. Stance: Goofy, 21,-9 24inches. Which are your favourite goggles in the collection and why? Crowbars are my favourite for sure they look good and work really well. Which lenses do you use for flat light and sunny conditions? Flat light I like the high intensity persimmon, and for sunny I like the black iridium. I think these two

FIGMENT

REALM

FRAME COLOUR / Irie

FRAME COLOUR / Uvon

LENS COLOUR / Green Solex

LENS COLOUR / Pink Sq Mirror

HELMET COMPATIBLE / Y

PRICE / $149.95

PRICE / $179.95

lenses are my favourite. What’s the most important feature for you in a pair of goggles? Style, comfort, angle of vision, lenses, anti-fog? Mate all of the above, if just one of these isn’t present in a goggle it’s not for me!

Emily Smith (Oakley team manager) Carve (carveeyewear.com)

Describe this season’s range of goggles. Oakley goggles are all about the best quality as well as looking fresh on the hill and being super comfy. For the tech heads we’ve got the industry-best Impact Resistance, High Definition Optics® (HDO®) which provides a clear path from the trees to clean powder lines and anti-fog technology providing unblemished sight lines, keeping your range of vision clear. Oakley athletes raise the sport performance bar, so we’ve unleashed their innerdesigner on our trademark goggles. With Signature Series, you’ll see a different race. That’s what this season is all about. Oakley has a huge range of styles and colourways, which combo will you be rocking this season? I’m a Crowbar girl - I love how comfy they are and the awesome peripheral vision you get when wearing them. The Danny Kass colourway with the Fire Iridium lens would have to be a favourite or to mix it up the gold Gretchen Signature A-Frame when I’m feeling blinging!

HOT DOG

AVALANCHE

HELMET COMPATIBLE / Y

to choose the best one for their needs? If you’re feeling stimulated by K. Rudd, a

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

SPHERICAL LENS / Y

lens for flat/low light like H.I. Yellow brings up the bumps and grooves in the snow

PRICE / $64.95

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

and a VR28 to reduce glare on the sunny days would be ideal so you can switch as

PRICE / $64.95

needed. But the best all round for the Aussie slopes would be Persimmon - it’ll see

With so many different lenses available, what tips do you have for customers

you shred through all conditions no problems! Just think about how much you ride, when you ride and in what conditions - do the math and you’ll get your solution. If you’re confused, come to one of our demo days and we’ll sort you out.

Oakley (oakley.com)

TERJE CROWBAR

DANNY KASS CROWBAR

GRETCHEN BLEILER

A-FRAME

HELMET COMPATABILE / Y

HELMET COMPATIBLE / Y

HELMET COMPATABILE / Y

SPHERICAL LENS / HDO*

SPHERICAL LENS / Y

SPHERICAL LENS / HDO*

SPARE LENS / Sold separately

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

SPARE LENS / Sold separately

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Mens

PRICE / $274.95

MENS WOMEN OR UNISEX / Womens

MENS WOMEN OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRICE / $174.95

PRICE / $234.95

PRICE / $259.95

*High Definition Optics. All Oakley goggles have XYZ Optics. It gives you perfect optics at all angles of vision.

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / GOGGLES

Dragon (dragonalliance.com)

DX GIGI SIGNATURE

ROGUE JAMIE LyNN SIG.

HELMET cOMPATIBLE / Y

SPARE LENS / Y - amber

SPHERIcAL LENS / Y

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRIcE / $159.95

PRIcE / $249.95

Jane Emerick (Dragon team manager) The Dragon range has so many styles and colourways, which is your favourite combo? I love all of the Dragon goggles, but my favorites are the bright ones. I love my Zebra Teal DXS because you can’t go wrong with animal print. The combo I love

Dragon

the best is the DX Skull Candy. The clever folk at Dragon teamed up with the clever folk at SkullCandy and made this amazing product - headphones, goggles and a matching bag. It is functional and hip. Wow, that’s clever. I also love the Jamie Lynn Rogue, this rad goggle is designed by the rad Jamie Lynn (our first ever sponsored snowboarder). They are amazing and everybody wants them. Describe this season’s range of goggles. They are story driven themes. Street boutique trends, detailed embellishments and wild colour combos were major influences for this season. We have also released the newest addition to our snow goggle line – the Rogue. Featuring simplicity at its finest, the Rogue offers clean classic design combined with Dragon’s industry leading toric lens technology and legendary heritage. The Rogue has already become a team favorite, because of its fit and amazingly-enhanced peripheral vision. With so many different lenses available, what tips do you have for customers to

ROGUE MIKE GIANT SIG.

DX SKULLcANDy

choose the best one for their needs? Everyone has their preference when it comes

HELMET cOMPATIBLE / Y

SPHERIcAL LENS / Y

SPARE LENS / Y - amber

let you, walk outside to get a feeling for the colour that works best for you in the

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRIcE / $229.95

PRIcE / $199.95

to lenses. I would tell riders to try on several different lenses and if the store will natural light. Rose, yellow and blue work in flat light conditions and ionized (as well as gold and jet ionized) are the best for sunny days. Most riders have two, one for sunny and one for foggy/snowy days. Dragon’s DX and DXS goggles come with an Amber replacement lens which is the best colour for all around conditions. In saying all of that, Dragon’s Polarized lenses are the bomb hands down. The clarity is above and beyond. It’s a big call, but it’s true.

IS (isdsgn.com)

Rip Curl (ripcurl.com)

DEVUN WALSH

HIPPIE

VADDO

TORO

HELMET cOMPATIBLE / Y SPHERIcAL LENS / Y

HELMET cOMPATIBLE / Y

SPHERIcAL LENS / Y

SPARE LENS / Y - available in yellow,

SPHERIcAL LENS / Y

SPARE LENS / Y

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

grey, orange

SPARE LENS / Y - available in grey,

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRIcE / $229.95

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

yellow, orange

PRIcE / $149.95

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRIcE / $259.95

PRIcE / $159.95

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / GOGGLES & BOOTS

Roxy

Quiksilver

Von Zipper (vonzipper.com)

TORAH BRIGHT SIG.

FEENOM

DOJO HELMET COMPATIBLE / y

HELMET COMPATIBLE / y

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX /

SPHERICAL LENS / y

Womens

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Mens

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRICE / $249.95

PRICE / $179.95

PRICE / $199.95

PRICE / $149.95

Burton

THE SHAUN

OZONE

MINT (WOMENS)

PARK BOOT (MENS)

COLOUR / Black

COLOUR / Black/Grey

COLOUR / Classic Blue

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 5.5

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 3

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEM / y

FAST LACING SYSTEM / y

PRICE / $329.95

MOULDABLE LINER / Self-moulding

- Speedzone

Imprint 3 liner

PRICE / $399.95

PRICE / $259.95

PRICE / $399.95

Nitro

SERUM BOOT (MENS)

SCOUT BOOT (WOMENS)

EERO TLS

TEAM TLS HEAT MOULDABLE LINER / y

STIFFNESS / 5

HEAT MOULDABLE LINER / n

HEAT MOULDABLE LINER / y

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEM / y

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 7

STIFFNESS / 6

BOA-LACING SYSTEM / n

BOA-LACING SYSTEM / y

LACING SYSTEM / TLS (Twin Lace

PRICE / $399.95

PRICE / $329.95

System)

PRICE / $499

PRICE / $459

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / GOGGLES & BOOTS

Roxy

Quiksilver

Von Zipper (vonzipper.com)

TORAH BRIGHT SIG.

FEENOM

DOJO HELMET COMPATIBLE / y

HELMET COMPATIBLE / y

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX /

SPHERICAL LENS / y

Womens

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Mens

MENS, WOMENS OR UNISEX / Unisex

PRICE / $249.95

PRICE / $179.95

PRICE / $199.95

PRICE / $149.95

Burton

THE SHAUN

OZONE

MINT (WOMENS)

PARK BOOT (MENS)

COLOUR / Black

COLOUR / Black/Grey

COLOUR / Classic Blue

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 5.5

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 3

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEM / y

FAST LACING SYSTEM / y

PRICE / $329.95

MOULDABLE LINER / Self-moulding

- Speedzone

Imprint 3 liner

PRICE / $399.95

PRICE / $259.95

PRICE / $399.95

Nitro

SERUM BOOT (MENS)

SCOUT BOOT (WOMENS)

EERO TLS

TEAM TLS HEAT MOULDABLE LINER / y

STIFFNESS / 5

HEAT MOULDABLE LINER / n

HEAT MOULDABLE LINER / y

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEM / y

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 7

STIFFNESS / 6

BOA-LACING SYSTEM / n

BOA-LACING SYSTEM / y

LACING SYSTEM / TLS (Twin Lace

PRICE / $399.95

PRICE / $329.95

System)

PRICE / $499

PRICE / $459

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE

Mark ‘The Bear’ Bristow (Nitro brand/team manager) Nitro puts out a huge range of boards, which board do you predict will be the best seller this season? Nitro celebrates their 20th anniversary with their most solid line up yet. Even though they’ve been in the business

Chewy (DC snow rep)

longer than most brands out there, they continue to inject new technology across their entire line for ‘09/‘10. The new Sub Zero with the gull-wing camber is making huge waves already. Be sure to check out the Limited

DC is an established boot and apparel company, how are things working out as

Edition Pro Series with the Guns ‘n’ Roses inspired Vinyl

you venture into the board manufacturing? In 1998 DC brought the skate mindset to

Destruction graphics. If Darragh Walsh had his way,

the first DC snowboard boots. It was a new perspective for the market, both on the

everyone should be riding a Swindle.

technical and the aesthetics side. Ten years after the kick off of the DC snowboarding

Describe Nitro’s new range of boards to us: Nitro’s

category, we’re proud to unveil DC snowboards. Signature models, collaborations with

board range is massive, with over 210 boards to choose

iconic artists, and thousands of hours of rider driven R&D have resulted in a board line

from. Nitro is covering all bases with the New Sub

that’s shred ready for any riding discipline.

Zero and Rook in the freestyle range to the new Slash

Describe your range of boards for us. We listened to our riders. We rode with them.

covering all-mountain freeride. The Team board, that is a

We brainstormed. We researched. We ended up with a board line that we’re immensely

five-time Good Wood winner will feature the new gulling

proud of. The line, including three pro models has something for all types of riders.

shape. New Raiden Wiig and Pusher bindings are full of

Whether you spend your time riding the park, street rails, backcountry powder or

features at a great price.

shredding the entire mountain, the technologies in our boards will make sure you

What are your three favourite products in the Nitro

perform at your best.

range this season? This is a hard one, we get to use

Are you using any innovative technology in the board construction? The introductory

everything. If I have to nail it down to three, first would

line of DC snowboards offers all the technical and performance characteristics that you

be the Nitro Team Boot with TLS lacing just because

care about, giving special care to the construction of the boards, tip to tail wood cores.

it’s the best fitting boot I have ever worn and the lace

Torsion boxes that’ll dampen chatter and vibrations from the big landings. Durable

system is a breeze. The Raiden Phantom Bindings... sick!

sidewalls that are ready to take abuse and charge through the slush, and bombproof

My favourite board, I cannot split between the Eero and

fibreglass that’s designed to keep the board lightweight and flexible overall, a tight

the Misfit. Just perfect all-mountain boards that are

assortment of fun-tuned technologies that add pop and durability, while reducing

heaps of fun.

vibration and overall weight.

Can we expect some new innovations from Nitro for

What are your three favourite DC products this season and why? HKD Devun Walsh

this season? As mentioned earlier the gull-wing shape

Signature Model Series 158 & 153: The HKD, our Honeycomb Kevlar Directional board,

will feature in the Sub Zero, Team and Runaway Boards.

represents the pinnacle of the DC snowboard line – It’s the lightest, most responsive

The gull-wing shape will help relieve pressure from the

board available from DC. An all-mountain, directional twin tip, the HKD is ready for all

contact points so all control is right between your feet

types of riding, from the half pipe to the powder. Park Boot: We’ve redesigned this year’s

but still offer plenty of solid ollie power without a soggy

version of the Park from the sole up. It now brings DC’s innovative Performance Wrap

feel. The freestyle twin boards, Swindle, T1 and Rook will

Cup sole, innovated originally for the skate shoe line, to the snowboard boot platform.

feature a new zero camber. The new Raiden Phantom

The technology maintains the clean look of a skate shoe but enables DC designers to

Binding with FTI Evo Chassis with dual air bag and mini

integrate performance technologies, such as an airbag for shock absorption. The boot

disk for super comfort and control is a must see.

is a favourite among park riders. Spectrum Soft Shell: Without a doubt this jacket, with

Nitro has a really strong team of riders, how much input

10K waterproofing is the most lightweight, water resistant, comfortable fitting jacket

do they have in the development of the products? Nitro

I’ve ever ridden in.

has a great team of riders. Every year riders present

How much input do your riders have on the graphics and shapes of the boards? Our

their own product at the sales meeting. Every rider has

pro riders were an integral part of both the graphics and shapes of the boards.

complete input to their graphics and the shape they

“My board just has a really clean nose shape. It’s a perfect hybrid of what I’ve liked over

require. For example Eero has his family tree; Markus

the years.” Devun Walsh HKD Signature Model Series 158 & 153.

Keller’s graphic was done by his brother; Josh Mills broke

“I drew my dream nose and tail for my twin tip. I prefer longer kicks – mine are rounded,

up with his girlfriend and ripped out his heart; Brian

but a little more point and drawn out. I used the old school style radius to flat kick too.

Fox couldn’t think of anything so he threw down some

It’s crazy how stable it is for only being 154 cm long.” IIkka Backstop Signature Model

gaffer tape on a board in the design office at Seattle and

MLF (Mtn. Lab Freestyle) Series 154.

came up with his graphic. Eero Ettala, Andreas Wiig and

“If a board shape looks ugly I can’t even ride it. I think freestyle riders should always ride

Cheryl Maas designed new boards shapes for this year

a twin tip shape no matter what. My board is a directional twin tip. At 155 cm long it has

with Tommy, our chief board engineer.

some length to back it up and it’s super stable, but because the kicks are so long it rides

Jon Kooley, Markus Keller, Brian Fox, Josh Mills, Austin

more like a 152 in the park and is floaty in the pow!” Lauri Heiskari Signature Model XFB

Smith all select their own boards from the Nitro range

(Xtreme Fun Board) Series 155.

then add their own personal touches to them.

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE / GOGGLES & BOOTS

Nitro

Northwave

ANThEm TLS

bARRAGE TLS

CROWN

DECADE SL

hEAT mOULDAbLE LINER / y

STIFFNESS / 5

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 8

LACING SYSTEm / TLS (Twin Lace

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEm /

System)

SL Lacing system

PRICE / $429

PRICE / $369

PRICE / $399

Northwave

Rome

FREEDOm SL

OPAL (WOmENS)

LIbERTINE

bASTILLE

hEAT mOULDAbLE LINER / y

STIFFNESS: / 5

STIFFNESS / 7

STIFFNESS / 5

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEm /

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEm / y

SL Lacing System

PRICE / $379

PRICE / $369

PRICE / $299

PRICE / $349

Rome

Roxy

mARShALL

CRYSTAL

LEILANI

TRACK LACE

hEAT mOULDAbLE LINER / y

STIFFNESS / 4

STIFFNESS / 6

STIFFNESS / 5

CONVENTIONAL LACING SYSTEm / y

bOA-LACING SYSTEm / y

PRICE: $299.00

PRICE / $499

PRICE / $429.00

PRICE / $379.00

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE

2009 Resort & Event Guide

Thredbo

Falls Creek

RESORT GUIDE: Thredbo is perched high in the Kosciuszko National Park with a village on one side and mountain on the other. There’s a lot to love about riding in Thredbo. It’s 672 m from top to bottom (it is all about going downhill after all), the runs are long, the lifts are swift, there are hectares of natural hits and a nice mix of terrain parks on offer. For this coming winter you will enjoy even more snowmaking, a schmick new groomer and cool new places to stay. Snowmaking now really has Thredbo covered, top to bottom and side to side, from the heights of the Cruiser, to the steeps of True Blue and Little Beauty through to Friday Flat. Combine a mountain for all and a village that springs to life when the sun goes down and you have the perfect winter getaway. www.thredbo.com.au SEASON DATES: 6 June to 5 October, 2009. LIFTPASS PRICE ADULT (peak season): $99 (day), $593 (week), $1150 (season). NUMBER OF LIFTS: 14. ELEVATION: 2037 m. PARK: Three parks. PIPE: No. ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 203 cm. ON-HILL ACCOMMODATION: Yes. Check the website to book your accommodation. There is something suitable for everyone and every budget. DISTANCE FROM NEAREST CITY: 210 km from Canberra, 500 km from Sydney.

RESORT GUIDE: Falls Creek is the largest ski resort in Victoria with terrain suited to every ability, boasting a huge variety of beginner friendly and intermediate terrain plus freestyle parks that everyone can ride. On-mountain accommodation provides you with the ability to ski to and from your accommodation. Falls has the highest natural snow fall in Victoria which when backed with extensive snowmaking systems means you will ski earlier and for longer! www.fallscreek.com.au SEASON DATES: 6 June to 4 October, 2009. LIFTPASS PRICE ADULT (peak season): $97 (day), $577 (week), $1299 (season). NUMBER OF LIFTS: 14. ELEVATION: Highest elevation - 1842 m. Highest lift access elevation - 1780 m. Village elevation - 1600 m. PARK: Four parks ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 4 metres KMS OF PISTE: 92 runs. Longest advanced run: Wishing Well, 3 km. ON-HILL ACCOMMODATION: Yes. DISTANCE FROM NEAREST CITY: 390 km from Melbourne.

2009 BOARD BUYERS GUIDE

Mt. Buller

Perisher

RESORT GUIDE: Mt Buller has long been a popular alpine destination thanks to its proximity to Melbourne; it is Australia’s most accessible major alpine resort just 3 hours easy drive from the city and offers skiers and boarders of all levels a huge array of terrain to chose from including 45% intermediate and 35% advanced terrain. There is plenty for beginners too, with dedicated areas for snowplay, tobogganing and snowtubing. Mt Buller Village is in an idyllic setting up in the snowline and offers plenty of off-snow activities and facilities including more than 30 bars and restaurants, Australia’s highest movie cinema, gym and indoor climbing wall, National Alpine Museum, retail outlets and a busy events calendar all season long. www.mtbuller.com.au SEASON DATES: 6 June to 3 October, 2009 LIFTPASS PRICE (peak season): $96 (day), $692 (7 Days), $1350 (season). NUMBER OF LIFTS: 22. ELEVATION: 1804 m. PARK: MBP (Mt Buller Park) - 3 dedicated terrain parks around the mountain with more than 30 different features, a 100m earthformed halfpipe and ridercross course. PIPE: 120m earthformed halfpipe, wall height up to 4m. ON-HILL ACCOMMODATION: Yes. Accommodation options range from luxurious apartments and hotels to family friendly lodges and affordable backpacker hostels. DISTANCE FROM NEAREST CITY: 248km from Melbourne and just 48 kms from Mansfield. ANY EVENTS: There are a number of events at Mt Buller during the season, check the website for more info: www.mtbuller.com.au/winter/winter_calendar.aspx

RESORT GUIDE: Nestled in the picturesque NSW Snowy Mountains just six hours drive from Sydney, Perisher is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest and most popular alpine holiday destination. Perisher boasts an incredible 48 lifts with a capacity to move over 53,000 guests per hour across an immense 1,245 hectares of varied terrain suitable to all standards of snowboarders. With the village in Perisher Valley sitting at 1720 m, Perisher is renowned for offering a true on-snow winter experience, with consistent top to bottom snow riding, more often and more reliably. What’s new? Perisher’s three-year $19 million investment in snowmaking culminates in 2009 with a $5.7 million commitment to new snowmaking covering the Happy Valley area and top to bottom on Towers Run on Mt Perisher. A new streamlined layout of the lower level of the Perisher Centre will improve guest experiences. In addition, a new skier conveyor has been installed, new Snow Sports School programs have been added and Perisher has a new look and made a subtle change to its name. www.perisher.com.au LIFTPASS PRICE (peak season): $102 (day), $628 (week), $1249 (season). NUMBER OF LIFTS: 48. ELEVATION: Village height: Perisher Valley 1720 m. Summit height: Mt. Perisher 2054 m. PARK: 6 progressive terrain parks. PIPE: 1 superpipe (on Front Valley). ANNUAL SNOWFALL: The recognised natural snow line is at 1650 m. Over the past 15 years, the average maximum snow depth throughout the Resort has been about 1.9 m. KMS OF PISTE: Skiable area - 1245 ha / 12.45 sq. km. ON-HILL ACCOMMODATION: Yes. Check out the website to book accommodation that suites any budget. DISTANCE FROM NEAREST CITY: Perisher to Jindabyne: 33 km. Skitube at Perisher to Bullocks Flat, followed by a 20 km drive to Jindabyne. 2.5 hr drive from Canberra, 5.5 hr drive from Sydney (40 min flight from Sydney to Canberra), 6 hr drive from Melbourne (65 min flight from Melbourne to Canberra).

Hotham Alpine Resort RESORT GUIDE: Hotham has some of the best natural snow sport terrain in Australia. Looking for a challenge? Take your pick from the myriad of steep valley runs and Hotham’s intermediate runs you can ski or ride all day. Tree runs, natural half pipes, gullies and bowls, it’s all there. Want more; go off piste with free cat-skiing to discover Hotham’s famous powder stashes. QantasLink flies direct from Sydney with connecting flights to all other Australian capital cities. Flights commence July 3rd and run through until September 6th from $199 ex-Sydney one way. See www.qantas.com.au for bookings and full schedule. Full-time tertiary students can make the most of Hotham’s special tertiary deal – lift passes are 50 percent off every Friday throughout the season. www.hotham.com.au SEASON DATES: 6 June to 27 September, 2009. LIFTPASS PRICE (peak season): One-day lift pass, $97 adult, $82 youth, $49 child. NUMBER OF LIFTS: 13. ELEVATION: 1861 m. PARK: 2 terrain parks. ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 4 m. KMS OF PISTE: 320 ha. ON-HILL ACCOMMODATION: Hotham offers true ski-in/ski-out accommodation with a variety of options to suit every group and budget from premium apartments and houses to hotel style and casual lodge style accommodation. DISTANCE FROM NEAREST CITY: Hotham is located at the crest of the Great Alpine Road. By road the resort is 357 kms (4.5 hrs drive) from Melbourne and 746 kms (9 hrs) from Sydney. ANY EVENTS: There is always an array of exciting festivities and activities at Hotham, guaranteed to keep all keen riders and holiday-makers entertained.

Mt. Baw Baw RESORT GUIDE: Surrounded by national park, Mt. Baw Baw is 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne and offers a great range of activities from alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing to tobogganing and snow play. Mt. Baw Baw is a great place to learn to ski or experience the snow and offers a wide variety of on-mountain accommodation, ranging from backpacker to luxury apartments. Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort is an affordable option this snow season, offering ski packages and cheap lift tickets that won’t take the edge off your wallet. Only a short drive from Melbourne, make your escape from the city to the snow on just one tank of petrol! www.mountbawbaw.com.au LIFTPASS PRICE (peak season): $59 (weekend), $49 (midweek), no weekly passes, $675 (season). NUMBER OF LIFTS: 6. ELEVATION: 1564 m. PARK: Cactus Rail Park and other new terrain and park features. The 2009 winter season brings a new dimension to mountain riding at Mt. Baw Baw. This will be achieved with the introduction of a series of features spread across the mountain for the pure purpose of enhancing your freestyle riding experience. Mt. Baw Baw will also feature the Australia first ‘big air bag’ for practicing tricks. ON-HILL ACCOMMODATION: Yes. DISTANCE FROM NEAREST CITY: 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne.