Katchup – January 2005

Talk of how to not die, how to win stuff by being a good snowboarder and how to learn to ride if you’re a girl.

[Jessica Dalpiaz]I wanted to start out talking about the very basic, but essential safety that comes with skiing and snowboarding and the risks of Terrain Parks and Avalanches.

Each resort of Utah is taking steps to improve upon their existing Terrain Parks by making them safer, but also bigger so I wanted to touch base about Burtons Smart Style program designed by the National Ski Areas Association and Burton to promote safe riding in all conditions. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to familiarize YOURSELF with all instructions and warnings and to follow “YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE” before entering any Terrain Park.

1. Freestyle Terrain contains man-made and natural terrain variations.
2. Freestyle Terrain changes constantly due to weather and use
3. Inspect Freestyle Terrain before using and throughout the day.
4. In jumping and using the terrain, you assume the risk of serious injury.
5. Be courteous and respect others.
6. One user on a Terrain feature at a time.
7. Look Before You Leap! (Never jump blindly – use a spotter when necessary)
8. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.
9. RESPECT EARNS RESPECT

Milosport is hosting two backcountry/avalanche awareness sessions at different locations to get the word out about safe backcountry riding.

January 7 @ Milosport in Orem, UT at 7 pm
January 21 @ Milosport in Park City, UT at 7 pm
The classes are free and should last about 1 1/2 hours.
Presenters include a professional from the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center, Cameron Carpenter (local snowboarder), Brett “Cowboy” Kobernick (Split Board Inventor) and appearances by local pro snowboarders. Free prizes and raffle for showing up and learning how to save yourself and others.
Backcountry Awareness Week January 31 – February 6 2005

The first of the season’s snowboard contests are about to drop; The King Of The Wasatch, Forum Youngblood and The SLUG Games. January 8 – Brighton Ski Resort will be hosting the annual BBQ Benefit Rail Jam on Mt. Millicent. The day event is a fund-raiser for a local charity with BBQ, rail jam, prizes and free shwag to all contestants. Said to be the event of the year by insiders, be sure to check out information as it’s available at www.skibrighton.com USASA Intermountain Snowboard Series

January 8-9 – The King Of The Wasatch is running their sixth year at Park City Mountain at the Pick-N-Shovel Park. This two-day event is both slopestyle/halfpipe with two divisions in a jam format to determine the winner.
January 15-16 – Later the same month Snowbird will be hosting the same event/format.
Register online at www.pcsbt.org or www.parkcitysnowboardteam.org Limited day-of registration!
January 29 – Forum Youngblood Contest Series

Last year Park City local Dave Manoa took the whole series to the bank winning every Youngblood placed before his terrifying switch boardslides. This year the warriors will meet at the Pick-N-Shovel Park at 10 am to throw the gauntlet down. There should be plenty of talent to battle royal.

The SLUG Games 2005

February 19 – Junk Yard Jam is the first in the series will be kicking off with the rail contest on Mt. Millicent @ Brighton, UT. Didn’t you ever want to ride Mack Dawg’s constructions you see all the pros’ in the movies rockin? Now you will be able to do the same.

March 19 – Cammy Potter Memorial Slopestyle contest @ Park City Mountain Resort hosted at the Pick-N-Shovel Park. Contest starts at 10 am.
April – 9 Meltdown Slopstyle @ Brighton Ski Resort five years running, the last contest of the season is always a sellout with some of the best prizes of the year.
April – 30 Rail The Venue @ In The Venue, Salt Lake City. Located just a few blocks from last years Red Bull Heavy Metal contest, the finale for the SLUG Games will be hosted inside Bricks with live bands and a party to finish the season off.

Women Only Clinics

Women’s Ski & Snowboard Camps

January 16-20 – This women only camp is hosted at Snowbird and is open to girls who would like to improve their overall riding skills on all terrain. More information can be found at www.snowbird.com January 22 – OP Girls Learn To Ride Clinic is an introductory snowboarding clinic for girls and women who have little or no experience. The lesson includes everything you need for a full day on the slopes: instruction by top instructors, equipment rental, lift ticket and prizes. The cost is $62 that includes 2 hour snowboard lessons, lift ticket, rentals, gift bag and donations made to Boarding For Breast Cancer. Visit www.opgirlslearntoride.com
March 19, 23 April 2 – Camp SLUG @ Brighton. This is kind of jumping the gun, but this camp will cost $125 for the three days, rental and $10 off the Meltdown contest on April 9. More info is on the way or call 532-4731 ext. 234.

January 21 – 23 – Burton Super Demo Tour @ Park City Mountain Resort is an interactive and entertaining demo experience that includes: the Burton Lounge, the Burton Demo area, give-away and interactive booths. Try out new boards and gear for free. Ride like Romain for a day.
February 2-6 – U.S. Freeskiing Nationals eight years running at Snowbird, the U.S. Freeskiing Nationals and Skiercross is the top extreme event at the Bird with each day drastically raising the bar of gnar. Venues will be announced each morning. Schedule is as follows
February 1 On-site registration Alpine Room, Snowbird Center
February 2 1-day Skiercross Gad Valley
February 3 Qualifier venues announced the day before
February 4 World Tour – 1st day venues announced the day before
February 5 World Tour – 2nd day venues announced the day before
February 6 Weather day
The Qualifier and Skiercross are $75 each
The Big Mountain World Tour Event is $175.

Register on-line at www.freeskiingworldtour.com

Check out www.mtsports.com for a rundown of last year’s event