What’s the big news this season?
Sam Haddad, editor of coolermag.com
As someone who always panics that I’ll have picked a resort with the worst conditions in the region, I’m excited about the Nomads powder bus, an old American school bus converted into a powder-chasing hostel on wheels, with beds from €50 a night. It’ll be based in Berne, Switzerland, for January and February, and Chambéry in the French Alps for March and April.
Mark von Roy, editor-in-chief, Downdays
At the Nine Knights event in Livigno, Italy (4-11 April), you can watch the best freeskiers performing crazy tricks on an immense snow castle. It’s also a time for crazy parties and catching some spring powder if the clouds align. Livigno is a tax-free zone on the border with Switzerland, in a valley accessed by a single-lane tunnel. It offers great all-mountain skiing, from groomers, to freeride lines, to park skiing and lively après ski.
Sam McMahon, online editor, Whitelines magazine
For the first time, the Freeride World Tour will be heading to the dream destination: Alaska. With some of the best riders on the steepest ridable faces in the world, it’ll be the event to watch online this season. Closer to home, the finals of the FWT take place on the Bec des Rosses in Verbier in March. The gnarliest terrain on the tour will meet the world’s top skiers and boarders, but you’ll be able to view it live from the Mont Fort piste on the other side of the valley in relative comfort.
Nicola Iseard, editor, Fall Line
There is a lot going on in Utah. Its 15th resort, Cherry Peak is open for this season. It’s in the foothills of Richmond near Logan, and while on the small side (only three lifts), the tree skiing looks to be epic, given Utah’s mega annual snowfall.
John Stifter, editor, Powder
Completion of the $133m Helbronner tram on the Italian side of Mont Blanc in spring 2015 could really put that area on the map. Until now, it has been off the radar of most skiers because the terrain is so wild and the easily-accessible, manicured slopes of Courmayeur are right across the street.
Thomaz Autran Garcia, editor-in-chief, Method magazine
The Air & Style snowboarding contest series (now under the auspices of two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White), stops in Innsbruck on 16-17 January and it would be an awesome weekend jaunt (there are daily easyJet flights). You could check out the event at the legendary Bergisel Stadium – which includes the world’s best snowboarders as well as live concerts – and also get in some quality riding. Families with kids from six to 14 get in for free for the first time this year.
Jens Heig, online editor, Snowboard Magazine
The two biggest developments that have happened in snowboarding this year are the acquisitions of Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, by Vail Resorts, as well as the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area purchasing Bear Mountain and Snow Summit resorts in California. There was a tremendous controversy surrounding PCMR and Vail due to a lease dispute and it remains to be seen how the development of the two resorts together will affect the Park City area as a whole. We’re confident that the moves at Mammoth are going to benefit snowboarders with the creation of the Mammoth Mountain Cali4nia pass, giving riders the opportunity to snowboard at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit using one lift pass.
Which is the ski destination for 2014/15?
South Korea scores points for originality. Ski Safari has a two-week package to the resort of Yongpyong, which will host the 2018 Winter Olympics, combined with a few days’ skiing in Niseko, Japan, from £1,970pp including flights. Early signs say California may be set for a long overdue good winter. Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada has been a bit rubbish for places to stay but the new Base Camp Hotel could change that: it looks awesome without being super expensive (eight-bed dorm for $199 a night). SH
The Dolomites: they had great snow last year and it’s an area that has interesting mountains and terrain – chutes, couloirs and easily accessible backcountry that’s not so typical of the Alps. It’s mellow and not particularly steep, but it’s fun terrain. MVR
Japan, always. No argument. Bottomless powder, amazing culture and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet – it’s snowboarding’s mecca. Niseko is a great place base, but do make some day trips to some of the micro resorts, and nearby Rusutsu. SM
Ischgl in Austria is gearing up for an exciting winter. The resort’s €40m investment is starting with the replacement of the 24-year-old four-seater Pardatschgratbahn gondola with a plush 28-seater tri-cable system. Whisking skiers and boarders from the village to the top station in just over nine minutes, it will have the biggest height difference of any gondola of this kind. Last season saw the opening of the eagerly awaited Piz Val Gronda cable car, which opened up 100 hectares of powder fields originally only accessed by ski tourers and those towed up by snow cat. Bring fat skis. NI
I’d say Revelstoke in British Columbia, which is about three hours from Calgary. It has the longest lift-served vertical in North America, gets over 400 inches of snowfall a year, and offers great steep, powder skiing. It’s almost a sure bet that it will snow while you’re there. And the local scene is great fun, with great beers and pizza at The Village Idiot bar and grill in Revelstoke. JS
The best resort for a snowboarder in Europe is Laax, in Switzerland. There is a very healthy scene, and it’s refreshing to go to a resort that treats snowboarders with respect. They invest a lot of time and money on shaping the best, most progressive freestyle terrains, and they are constantly changing the features in their many parks throughout the season. It is also the home of the best superpipe in the Alps. TAG
There are several areas I’m really excited about. Southern Colorado, which includes: Durango Mountain Resort, Silverton Mountain, and Wolf Creek are hidden stashes of incredible terrain. What makes this area great is how it can easily receive 400 inches of snow a year. And is vast expanse of ridable terrain and huge amounts of snow make Whistler Blackcomb one of the top resort destinations in the world. If you’re looking for a resort experience, Whistler is definitely a phenomenal choice. JH
What is the must-have piece of kit?
GoPro has launched an entry-level sports action video camera, the Hero, for £99, so I expect to see plenty of those around, but in New Zealand’s winter it was all about drone camera photography – and they will surely be buzzing around the Alps for our winter. More of a service than a piece of kit, Finnish Lapland is offering a free, locals-on-call service, where you can contact locals – via text, Instagram, Twitter, email or Facebook – about the conditions that day. SH
Armada is the most progressive brand in the industry at the moment. They have always been on the cutting edge of design, whether in ski shapes or outerwear and mid layers. The Armada Ripton Pullover jacket for men (£260) is my favourite soft item this season. It combines functionality with progressive style and colours. MVR
Dragon has updated its X2 goggle (from €290) and given it the easiest interchangeable lens system going – you can even swap them wearing mittens. But the best news is that designers are finally realising that people want outerwear that looks good and performs well: look out for sweet-looking jackets and pants from Airblaster, Volcom and Burton that all feature Gore-Tex, to keep you as warm and dry as you’ll ever be. SM
Think all-in-ones scream 1980s? Think again. This season, Haglofs’ Vassi Suits are the gear to be seen in. Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex, with bright colours and a bold design, they promise to turn heads (even if your technique doesn’t). They do retail at around £1,000, though! NI
Völkl Mantra skis (£450) for inbounds speed, Faction Candide 3.0 (£570) for off-piste fun, and Dynafit Beast bindings (from £465) for touring and aggressive fall-line charging versatility.JS
Snowboards with creative shapes are everywhere this year. Think blunt or pointy tips, spoon noses, pin tails, essentially anything that doesn’t look like your typical tongue depressor-shaped snowboard. Also, asymmetrical sidecuts seem to be on the up – it’s an old-school technology that creates a shorter radius on the rider’s heel edge, making for easier turning and more freestyle control. TAG
There has been a resurgence in snowboard shape exploration in the past couple of seasons, such as the Flow Darwin, RIDE Alter-Ego, Nitro Quiver Pow and Salomon Derby; boards that offer a different riding experience than your traditional twin-tip or directional board. For your feet, the brand new adidas Energy BOOST is going to be one of the most comfortable and responsive boots on the market, with midsole foam that allows for high-performance energy transfer between you and your board. JH
And the top party destination?
The new hostel with a nightclub in the base from Rude Chalets in Morzine is sure to go off this winter, especially as beds start at just £28 a night. SH
The Frostgun invitational (10-12 Feb 2015) in Val d’Isère is always a gigantic party. It’s organised by Danish people and there are thousands of Danes there – and they know how to party. MVR
The Snowboxx festival (21-28 March) is moving from Andorra to Alpe d’Huez, in the French Alps, offering cheap-as-chips partying and riding (£339pp for a week, including accommodation, lift pass, festival pass and flights). Mountain festivals are great – there’s no better cure for a hangover than a face full of snow! SM
La Folie Douce is opening its fifth bar on 20 December, in Megeve, France. It’s not your typical party town, but that could all change once this cooler-than-cool après-ski bar opens its doors at the top of Mont Joux. Expect lots of dancing on tables in ski boots. NI
Jackson Hole is pretty trendy these days, although the original culture has changed quite a bit. Aspen, Whistler, and Telluride all remain hot spots for après adventuring. In Whistler, just go to the Longhorn Saloon at the base of the Blackcomb Gondola, and you’ll find everything you need to know. For food, hit up Sushi Village for a unique take on sushi, with a fun atmosphere. Order a strawberry margarita and commence the party.JS
Snowbombing in Mayrhofen, Austria (6-11 April), always has some pretty big acts – including Basement Jaxx and Rudimental this year. It’s at the tail end of the season so there’s plenty of sunshine and balmy temps. As for trendy spots for a tipple, I’d say the bars at the Rider’s Palace and Indy Club in Laax and the Arena in Flims. TAG
Whistler Blackcomb is always a solid choice if you’re looking for a party. Great energy and tons of bars: El Furniture Warehouse, and Moe Joe’s Nightclub are filled with snowboarders ready to get loose after a day of riding. JH
Who should we be following?
On Instagram I follow UK pro snowboarder Aimee Fuller, plus the US boarders Marie-FranceRoy, Leanne Pelosi and the amazing snow photographer Matt Georges. They infuse their pics with a sense of awe and adventure. I also follow Jenny Jones on Twitter to keep up with the Olympic medallist’s travels and contest news; she has a new show about extreme sport on BBC Radio 5 live. SH
Check out Instagramers @alothebigone, Jeremy Bernard, Daniel Ronnback and Florian Breitenberger. And don’t miss The Bunch on Vimeo: this young Swedish crew has some ridiculously creative videos on their stream. And Julien Régnier is one of the original freeskiers and gets up to all sorts of adventures. MVR
British Olympian Jamie Nicholls is getting better each year so check him out on Instagram. And I’m also excited to see what Japanese rider Kazuhiro Kokubo has been cooking up! SM
Check out Freeski.downdays.eu for ski news and inspirational videos. We’re excited to see what this winter holds for Sweden’s Lotten Rapp. The 29-year-old came first in the Freeride World qualifiers so is entering the Freeride World Tour main draw for the first time. If her fearless cliff-hucking is anything to go by, we’re in for quite a spectacle. NI
Go to Powder’s Instagram account and follow photographers Garrett Grove, Adam Clark, Bruno Long, and skier Candide Thove. JS
I am a huge fan of Scott Stevens’ boarding – it’s just so creative and unique. Jed Anderson has a very skate-oriented style and an effortless grace about him. TAG
Liam Gallagher is a photographer and filmmaker in the Pacific Northwest chasing powder with great people; Cyril Müller produces some of the most stunning snowboarding imagery out of Switzerland; and Rip Zinger is a Japanese photographer who is always on the move and will never cease to make you smile. JH
Who is the coolest instructor?
Tammy Esten from Mint Snowboarding is one of very few snowboard coaches allowed to operate in France. She’s very funny and patient, and brilliant at both freeride and freestyle. She’s also leading the way in kids’ snowboard teaching in Europe. SH
In Kitzsteinhorn, Austria, they have a cool thing called Freeride Mondays where locals who know their way around will take you out and show you all the good spots (€85pp). It runs every Monday from 24 Nov. MVR
Easy! British freeriding hero James Stentiford (full day from £400 for five people) is going into his second season, offering splitboarding and backcountry freestyle courses in Chamonix. If he’s good enough for BBC presenter Ed Leigh, he’s good enough for the rest of us. SM
Backcountry guru Martin Chester is a qualified guide who has made it his life’s ambition to find the best untouched powder on Earth, a mission that has taken him from British Columbia to the Himalayas. All trips are bespoke and not cheap; a six-day hut tour with Martin would cost about £1,500pp, excluding flights. NI
Joe Schwartz at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing and pretty much any guide at Retallack in British Columbia. JS
There is a really cool company called elooa that runs camps throughout the Alps. It’s very professionally run and all the coaches are professional snowboarders. They have all sorts of different camps, from freestyle to freeriding, even splitboarding. As for a guide, my absolute favourite is Hubertus Klimmer, in St Anton, Austria. He is a real character, a true mountain man and very funny. He can be reached through Arlberg Guides. TAG
If you want a truly unique snowboarding experience go to Baldface Lodge in Nelson, British Columbia, for world class heli and cat-boarding, it will change your life. JH
