If you’ve ever been to Europe, you’d know that they take their skiing and their parties very, very seriously. Last week saw the conclusion of the first and arguably most extravagant of the city big air comps of the season. Freestyle.ch wrapped up this past Monday, and with a style that only the rowdiest of euro crowds can provide.

The comp is a hotbed for innovation. Their multi-discipline (BMX, FMX, ski, and snowboard) crossover contest was possibly the most creative format ever seen, and was judged (rightly) by the techno-fueled crowd. Freestyle.ch saw some of the worlds greatest freeski athletes at their absolute best, and with style playing such a big role in judging, the athletes were able to get as creative as they could and infuse their own unique styles into their runs. Each athlete got two runs (tricks), one for style and one for technicality. These two scores were then combined to determine each athletes final score. Empire Attire’s Henrik Harlaut led the field in the finals with his styled out flat 900 safety and an incredibly technical nose-butter double cork 1080, a trick unique only to him. Rounding out the top four were Harlaut, the Swiss young-gun Kai Mahler, American Tom Wallisch, and American Empire Attire athlete Gus Kenworthy. Although he did not podium, Empire Attire athlete Jossi Wells stunned the crowd of more than 40,000 spectators with his unprecedented creativity and flair. Jossi Wells presented a perfect example of his ability to push the competition envelope by focusing on incorporating his amazing style and flair into each of his tricks. His incredible final run consisted of an über-stylish switch safety zero spin and a tech’d out switch dub 10 safety, which combined earned him a score of 155.75 and top 10 finish.

Courtesy of Drew the Intern!

Photo Credit: Luke Van Valin

Empire Attire: Out of the entire Empire Attire team, you are the first be an engaged man. Tell me a little bit about that.

Luke Van Valin: Well you know it is just exciting news that that is, in fact, a fact. I will answer you by saying: exceptional, remarkable, romantic, grown, weathered, strange and wonderful. Does that cover it?

Empire Attire: I would say so. Try and tell this to me without bringing a tear to my eye. How did you ask her to marry you?

Luke Van Valin: I do have a close friend with the name of DJ Largechild, who is actually a savant on piano. I invited him to the roof of my girlfriend’s parent’s castle, which was built before any sort of vertical code on how high you code build a home in Cherry Creek. So we are way up there, DJ Largechild brought his keyboard, I set up candelabras hanging candles, orchids, bouquets and a 200 pound marble pillar on which I laid the ring, rug, candles and a thousand rose paddles. I brought her out there under the pretense that I was going to show her a rooftop garden that I had created. She was so surprised when she saw what was going on that I thought she was going to have a heart attack, then I busted out the two-karat diamond and we dance to the music that was played immediately after she answered, “yes, yes!” DJ Largechild dropped “Faithfully” by Journey on the keyboard; it was truly a magical moment.

Photo Credit: Caitlyn

So did you prove at that moment that it is okay for a man to cry?

I didn’t actually do a lot of tearing up at that moment. I was definitely filled with joy. It was probably the most romantic moment I thought possible, and I have seen movies. Hell, I know movies, and I have never seen something quite like that. When it takes place in reality it really is something special. I am not a man afraid to shed a tear, but at that particular moment I let her do a little of that and I kept it real.

What romantic comedy most greatly relates to your life?

I want to say Dumb and Dumber, because here is a guy who seemingly doesn’t have a chance, but is so willing to make a fool of himself in order to potentially bring about a positive outcome. For me, aside from the no doubt disappointment that Lloyd Christmas experienced, I was sort of on the other side of it. So I think about Dumb and Dumber and want to say if there was a polar opposite of that, I would like to be on the other side of the mirror reflecting in a positive light. I understand that is not a direct comparison; however, I am willing to bring it about because it is worthy of merit and remark.

Empire Attire: I noticed you mentioned the phrase “No Doubt” in your last answer. If there was one No Doubt song you would play at your wedding what would it be?

Luke Van Valin: I would have to say “Don’t Speak” encapsulates the moment, in many ways just with the hook. I understand that that is a song about breaking up when we were, in fact, coming together. But no words need be spoken when DJ Largechild decides to dive in and play the ivory like the son of a bitch he is.

Empire Attire: So I know you have performed a few weddings yourself. You have brought the lives of numerous individuals together. If you could have one person marry you who would it be?

Luke Van Valin: Dead or Alive?

Empire Attire: Either.

Luke Van Valin: I’d have to say Jesus.

To honour and remember our much loved camper and long time coach Sarah Burke, we created the ‘Spirit of Sarah Scholarship.’ Each year we will be awarding a free summer camp session to a young female skier who embodies Sarah’s very special strengths and characteristics.

After receiving many worthy entries the panel has selected Emma Stevens from Nova Scotia to be our inaugural winner. 16-year-old Emma is a very passionate and dedicated young skier, who shows many of the same characteristics that made Sarah a champion both on and off the slopes. We look forward to welcoming her to Momentum and helping her reach her goals.

Photo courtesy Momentum Camps

We would like to thank all those who applied and put in such great effort, it was a tough decision and we encourage you to apply again next year.

Photo courtesy Momentum Camps

One of the causes dear to Sarah’s heart was encouraging young girls to follow their dreams and believe in their skiing abilities. Sarah was a huge influence in getting our ‘Girls Week’ off the ground and inspired so many young women through her incredible skiing talent, but more importantly through her demonstration of modesty, kindness and her wonderful approach to life. To learn more about Sarah’s incredible legacy please visit our tribute page and read the many stories from campers who she inspired over the past 11 years.

Please click here for all the details on how to apply for next year.

The Olenick brothers working on their tanlines

As much as we enjoyed the people watching, we left for Water World on a different mission: to dominate every slide and not get kicked out.  Last time Peter Olenick was at the park he had a little too much fun and was removed from the premises.  This trip was about redemption.  As we were soaking up the afternoon, we talked to Peter about his Water World visit… since he actually got to enjoy it this time.

Good looking group

Empire Attire: What was the best part about your Water World trip?

Peter Olenick: Not getting arrested was definitely my highlight.  The staff was really friendly, and I also enjoyed the 17-year-olds that looked 25.

Empire Attire: What was your favorite ride?

Peter Olenick: There was a slide where you could compete head-to-head with 7 of your friends. It was my favorite, mainly because I won every time.  My fastest time was 12.03 seconds. Beat that!

Empire Attire: What should you never do at Water World?

Peter Olenick: Don’t jump out of your tube, don’t show up intoxicated at 9 a.m., and don’t forgot sun block or zinc for your nose.  Oh, you should also probably know how to swim.

Peter failed miserably at the infinity wave

Photo Credit: Doug Cushnie

At the beginning of the season Empire Attire signed their first snowboarder, Seth Hill.  Seth truly amazed us with his breakthrough winter.  A few weeks back he traveled to Mt. Bachelor, OR, for Snowboarder Magazines Superpark 16.  He ended up winning the highest achievement, the “Superpark Standout” Award. We had the chance to talk to Seth about his career highlight and his move into the big leagues.

Empire Attire: Seth, tell us a little bit about Superpark, what you won, and what this means for you?

Seth Hill: Superpark is basically a big end of the year event where 300 of the world’s best snowboarders congregate to hit an amazing park.  The features are built by four different mountains: Boreal, Loon, Mt. Bachelor and Seven Springs. Everyone shreds for the week and at the end they award one rider as the “Superpark Standout”.  This year the trophy was mine.

EA: So this is a pretty big deal?

SH: Yeah, it is the last hoorah of the season. You have all the best photographers and videographers of the snowboard industry trying to get the shot before the season wraps up.

EA: Would you say this is the biggest accomplishment you have had thus far in your career?

SH: I would say hands down, getting “Superpark Standout” is a big one. I didn’t really think it was possible. I just showed up ready to ride and things just sort of fell into place. It was huge for me. I am real stoked.

EA: Did you learn any new tricks out there?

SH: I perfected my cab double 10, got a new double back rodeo and put down my first double wildcat on a park jump.

EA: When you were riding alongside 300 of the best rider, who was your biggest inspiration?

SH: I rode with Pat Moore a little bit, who is a legend in my world and got to hit some jumps with him. That was insane.  In terms of pushing the sport and creativity, riding with Halldór (Helgason) was crazy. I was just watching him try the most ridiculous things.

EA: What do you have planned for the future?

SH: In the near future, I am going to be in Mt. Hood coaching at High Cascade Snowboard Camp.  As far as next year goes, hopefully I can get a bunch more media coverage. I built a good relationship with the staff photographer at Snowboarder, so hopefully I can shoot with him a bunch next year. I want to really get my face in the mags.

Summer is approaching, but that does not mean the ski season is over.  Many resorts remain open during the off-season, hosting premiere camps and perfect parks.  Empire Attire would like to recommend some of our favorites so you can continue to shred all summer long.

Whistler, BC

Momentum

Momentum Ski Camp has been producing excellence for over two decades.  They are a core camp for skiers with an interest in slopestyle, halfpipe or moguls. Momentum also offer a unique program for filmers and photographers.  Over the years, Momemtum has turned many ambitious campers into top-level professionals including: Sarah Burke, James Woods, Roz Groenewoud, Mike Riddle, Nick Martini, Phil Casabon and many more.

Momentum gives campers the tools they need to succeed, offering a very personal coaching experience. Some of these coaches include: Simon Dumont, Tom Wallisch, Gus Kenworthy, Kaya Turski and Justin Dorey.

Camp of Champions

Camp of Champions has the biggest and baddest park on the glacier, and it happens to be expanding by 20%.  You can rip for an entire day without hitting the same feature. Camp of Champions has a very mellow atmosphere. The coaches are there, but you don’t always need to stay with your group.  It is all about having fun at your own pace.  The park is like a fantasy factory, home to four airbags and features that can only be thought of in video games.  Some of the coaches there last year were Bobby Brown, Matt Margetts, Sean Petit, Banks Gilberti and Luke Van Valin.   Beware that skiers and snowboarders share the same lane.

Mt. Hood

Windells 

At Hood, Windells is the place to be.  It offers an array of full-time staffers including Steve Stepp, Nick Martini, Will Berman and Brady Perron.  They are also graced by big named pros such as Mike Hornbeck, Will Wesson, Tom Wallisch, Nick Goepper, and Alex Schlopy.  There is also an amazing skate park and fun trampolines off the hill.  Mt. Hood is the perfect combination of quality skiing and having the genuine experience of an overnight summer camp. Definitely give this place a shot.

Snow Park, NZ

When it turns to summer in the states, the snow is just beginning to fall in New Zealand.  Take the trip to Snow Park for the ultimate slopestyle and halfpipe experience.  This is where many pros go to train in the off-season.  Major competitions go down in August such as The North Face Freeski Open and the Winter Games NZ. Make your summer shredding experience the trip of a life time.

Woodward

Woodward is the perfect place to learn new tricks in a fun and safe way.  The camp balances on snow and off snow training, allowing you to take tricks from the foam pits to the jumps.  Woodward provides top notch coaching from people that understand what the body is physically capable of.  Check out the unique Woodward experience at Copper Mountain, or in its new Tahoe location (www.woodwardattahoe.com).

The AFP has become the most premiere scoring system in all of freeskiing, allowing athletes to add up their points to determine their World Ranking. Points vary depending on the event; Platinum Level events earn the most points, while Bronze earn the  least. Each skier’s World Ranking is calculated by their top 5 point-based finishes . The disciplines that the AFP judges are big air, slopestyle, halfpipe and overall.

This year’s game changer, Gus Kenworthy, was crowd Big Air World Champion. Gus had an incredible season, winning Jon Olsson Invitational with switch triple 1440s and taking gold at WSI/AFP World Championships Big Air with a switch double 1620. His efforts put him at the top of the World Rankings with 3666.17 points.

“I really liked the jump and the landing was super soft so I knew I wanted to throw that 16,” said Kenworthy, reflecting on his last victory. “The energy at tonight’s event was incredible. I was able to feed off that energy, do the best that I could and come up on top.”

Going into the AFP World Championships Kai Mahler was in the lead of the World Rankings. Unfortunately, Kai was bumped to 3rd as a result of his 8th place finish in Whistler. Bobby was able to jump from 7th to 2nd based on his 4th place. We also have seen some impressive late scores out of Vincent Gagnier, who received the silver medal last week in Whistler.

To no surprise, Kaya Turski was awarded 2011/2012 Women’s Slopestyle World Champion. Kaya earned 5,700 points throughout the winter, winning five Platinum level events in a row. This is Kaya’s fourth straight season being named Women’s Slopestyle World Champion.

“So excited and proud to be honored the top spot in the AFP Women’s Slopestyle ranking,” said Kaya. “It’s amazing to be part of the sport at such a progressive time and so proud of all the girls who have come so far.”

Kaya was undefeated in competition this season. Her first place titles included Winter X Games, X Games Europe, Mammoth Grand Prix, and both stops at the Winter Dew Tour. She was also the proud winner of the Dew Cup.

After the WSI/ AFP World Championships slopestyle, Anna Segal jumped from 5th to 2nd in the World Rankings, bumping Devin Logan into 3rd. Dara Howell drops down to 5th and Emilia Wint holds on to her 4th place position. All the women skied incredibly well and should be very proud of their season finishes.

Tom Wallisch absolutely slayed his was into the Men’s Slopestyle World Champion title. Tom received 5273.04 points this season, with podium results at Winter X Games, X Games Europe, Grand Prix Mammoth and all three Dew Tours.

“I am so stoked on my season,” said Wallisch. “I skied the best I have ever skied and now I have the title to prove it. Men’s Slopestyle World Champion is the highest achievement that I can get in one winter and I am so excited. I am glad the judges liked the way I skied”.

Wallisch is known for his flawless style, incredible rail skills and perfect landings. The combination has helped him earn some of the highest scores ever seen in competition.

Bobby Brown and Nick Goepper had an extremely close battle for the 2nd place World Ranking. Bobby could have overthrown Nick if he beat him in the WSI/AFP World Championships slopestyle and scored above 5th place. Bobby beat Nick but finished in 6th, allowing Goepper to maintain his number 2 position. Gus Kenworthy advanced to 4th, bumping Andreas Håtveit into 6th. Russ Henshaw also advanced, moving from 6th to 5th.

“It is dream come true,” said Goepper. “Last year I had no idea I would be in this position this year and it is so crazy. I am super stoked to be in the top three in slopestyle.”

The award of Halfpipe World Champion went to the talent Roz Groenewoud and Torin Yater-Wallace. Groenewoud had an incredible season, winning major events such as X Games and X Games Europe. The 16-year-old, Yater-Wallace had podium finishes at platinum events throughout the year, including gold medals at Killington Dew Tour and X Games Europe.

“I am super happy to be part of the female freeskiing industry this year,” said Groenewoud. “Sarah’s legacy has definitely been felt. I have seen so many girls pushing themselves, doing their personal bests.”

“I’m so stoked to receive this award,” said Yater-Wallace. “This is unbelievable and a dream come true”

Maddie Bowman made a solid jump into 2nd in the Halfpipe World Rankings. If Groenewoud had not finished received the bronze medal at AFP World Championships she would have been pumped out of her winning title. Anais Caradeux also made a solid comp in the rankings, from 5th to 3rd.

Heading into the AFP World Championships David Wise and Torin Yater-Wallace were 28 points apart. Wise hurt his leg during the big air and was unable to compete in pipe. As a result, Yater-Wallace was able to secure the lead. Thomas Krief jumped from 4th to 3rd in the World Rankings.

The AFP was truly honored to announce Gus Kenworthy and Devin Logan as the first recipients of the Sarah Burke Trophy. The Sarah Burke Trophy is the most prestigious award in skiing, awarded to the male and female with the highest Overall World Ranking. Competing in all disciplines of freeskiing is an incredible talent that Burke always possessed.

“I am honored to accept this award,” said Kenworthy. “Sarah’s legacy will never be forgotten. She did so much for the sport and she was so inspiring. I just feel really honored that this is named after her and that I can accept this award.”

Gus Kenworthy had 23 top five finishes this season. He competed more than anyone and was rewarded in doing so. This is Kenworthy’s second year in a row winning the title of Overall World Champion.

Devin Logan also had an outstanding season, scoring in the top 5 in nearly every event she competed in. Unfortunately, Devin hurt her ankle during the Women’s Slopestyle at the AFP World Championships and was unable to compete in superpipe.

Over the past two years, Candide has been working on a full length film titled Few Words.  The hype around the film has been incredible, pre-claiming it as the best ski movie ever.  Well, the trailer just dropped and from the looks of it, it might just be “the best ski movie ever.” Check it out along with Candide Kamera 1 and Candide Kamera 2.  Let us know what you think.

Three months after the loss of skiing icon, Sarah Burke, thousands gathered in Whistler/Blackcomb for a breathtaking memorial service.  The day started with a candlelit ceremony along the walls of the halfpipe.  The pipe was decorated with purple snowflakes and hearts, along with giant banners.  At the very bottom of the pipe were several candles forming the shape of a heart surrounding a bonfire.  Luke Van Valin led the service and had family members play music and share poems.  The on-snow ceremony ended with a three-bird solute; three helicopters flew overhead while the crowd below erupted in noise.  Skiers and snowboarders dropped into the halfpipe as a tribute, only hoping to look have as good as Sarah.

In the evening another ceremony was held for the masses in Whistler Village Square. A giant stage was set up with a projector displaying the words, “One light will not go out if it lights 1,000 more.”  The words spoke very true to Sarah, spreading her love and attitude to everyone she ever met. The impact that she had on the industry and the community was truly felt as the streets flooded with people.  As night fell the darkness was lit by thousands of candles.

The ceremony continued with a slideshow, completely capturing the personality of Sarah Burke.  It was filled with songs she loved, paired with images of her with family and friends. Then Luke Van Valin called up several key figures in Sarah’s life to give speeches. Everyone was extremely well spoken and perfect at telling her story.  After the speeches Sarah’s sister, Anna, and Jan Phelan played one of her favorite Beyonce songs, “I was here”.  The service concluded with “a moment of noise,” just how she would have wanted it.   All of Whistler Village shouted, whistled, clapped, and chanted in honor of Sarah Burke.  Those who were of the legal age raised shots of vodka (Sarah’s drink of choice) and danced in celebration.  Sarah Burke will live on through all of us and will always be thanked for her contributions to this world.  We will love and miss her forever.

The Dumont Cup has made it as one of the most premiere ski competitions in the world. Simon started the contest 4 years ago to provide a Pro/Am challenge for the kids on the east coast.  Over the years the Dumont Cup has grown into something beyond our wildest dreams.  This season it reached AFP Platinum status and earned a television spot on NBC on April 10.  However, the growth of the competition has not changed its roots.  It is all about having fun at the end of the season.

The weather in Maine has a history of being inconsistent.  Last year the course was rock-solid, with high winds and arctic temperatures.  This year was the complete opposite.  The week before the event brought temperatures above 80 degrees everyday.  Practice was postponed because snow was melting one foot every 24 hours.  That was just a golden opportunity to throw on the shorts, take off the shirts and ski hot laps with good friends.  We spent hours ripping dirt patches and running trains through the jib park.

The weather cooled down enough to have a successful competition on Friday and Saturday. Although the snow was melting at alarming rates, the Sunday River Park Crew did an excellent job of salting the jumps and rails.  The Friday qualifier featured a 2-hour jam format, with 20 amateurs hand selected by the pros and the judging panel to advance to semi-finals.  During the semis the amateurs competed against the invited athletes in a best of two run format.

The top 12 athletes advanced into a three run final and a shot at the Dumont Cup.  This field consisted of Ryan Wyble, Gus Kenworthy, James Woods, Dale Talkington, Alex Beaulieu, Andy Partridge, Joss Christensen, Willie Borm, Kolby Ward, Jossi Wells and Sam Lagrange. Last years victor, Nick Goepper, would also meet the group in the final round to try and reclaim the win. In the end there could only be one winner and that was Gus Kenworthy, earning a 96.00. His run featured a switch dub 9 and a dub 12.  Nick Goepper was the only competitor to throw three doubles in his run.  He scored a solid 94.00 for 2^nd place. The 3^rd place spot went to Joss Christensen who has podiumed at 3 out of 4 Dumont Cup’s. He scored a solid 89.70 on his run.