Last week I had the pleasure of going out to Laax, Switzerland for the British Snow Tour. Every year the competition plays host to the best British freestyle skiers and snowboarders as well as some world class talent. This year was no exception and whilst the snow conditions weren’t entirely up to scratch the near faultless bluebird conditions all week made for a great week of riding and spectating alike.
The standard was high for both the skiers and snowboarders and it was great to see the youngest members of the sport set the standard with 15 year old Katie Summerhayes laying down a switch 900 in the Big Air whilst 17 year old Tom Hunt stomped casual 7s left, right and centre. Throughout the week the riders competed in Big Air, Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Ski Racing and Bordercross broadcasting their skills and fighting for that podium position. However, for me, the definite highlight of the week was seeing Red Bull rider Ben Kilner’s run through the pipe, which earned him first place on the podium.
Ben Kilner smashing the halfpipe with a huge ‘Japan air’ to raise awareness for the recent tragic events that have taken place in Japan. There was some tough competition with Dom Harington very nearly landing a double mctwist. However, Ben pulled it out of the bag and demonstrated why he's one of the UK's top riders.
Jamie Nicholls, unfortunately, didn't compete this year. However, he was about all week and as always it was great to see him ride. After a really successful season here he is laying down a smooth back lip
Front lip
Tom Hunt, riding for Salomon and Bonfire clothing, warming up on the slopestyle course with a chilled out 50/50
The skiers really raised the bar throughout the week on the big air with more than a few notable names to watch out for.
Whilst the riders focussed on the competition the Okuro DJ’s were on hand throughout the week providing the perfect soundtrack for the slopestyle course, shifting between the various subgenres of bass heavy music, keeping the spectators in high spirits and getting the riders amped.
The action on the slopes was matched by the après events each night which unfortunately included Pendulum. However, the 3D disco, if not a little overwhelming, was a lot of fun and certainly an interesting experience.
Results
Snowboard Slopestyle
Men
- Billy Morgan
- Sam Turnbull
- Scott Penman
Women
- Laura Berry
- Katie Bludnell
- Nathalie Silkstone
Ski Slopestyle
Men
- James Woods
- Tyler Jay Harding
- Julian Ball
Women
- Katie Summerhayes
- Servanne Herant
- Molly Summerhayes
Snowboard Halfpipe
Men
- Ben Kilner
- Dom Harington
- Dan Wakeham
Women
- Kate Foster
- Nathalie Silkstone
- Becky Menday
Ski Halfpipe
Men
- James Machon
- Murray Buchan
- James Woods
Women
- Emma Lonsdale
- Beanie Milne Home
- Katie Summerhayes
Snowboard Big Air
Men
- Billy Morgan
- Chris Kightley
- Sam Turnbull
Women
- India Stephenson
- Emma Blundell
- Becky Menday
Ski Big Air
Men
- James Woods
- Murray Buchan
- Hector Barbour
Women
- Katie Summerhayes
- Servanne Herant
- Molly Summerhayes
All photos by Mike Evans & Sam Thompson
