Category: World Rookie Tour

While the upcoming Transilvania Rookie Fest in Arena Platos, Romania, planned on 7.8 january is postponed to 27.29 january, the Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, Italy, announces today new activities in the program: the biggest event of the tour is going to be bigger!

World Rookie Tour Contacts
Marco Sampaoli (Media Manager) – WSF Vice President
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
skype: marcosampaoli
mobile: 0039.340.3285569

Mehinard Trojer (Event Coordinator) – N.ASA Vice President
meinhardtrojer@powdern.com
skype: meinit2
mobile: 0043.650.5637424

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
The World Snowboard Federation (WSF) is the international organisation exclusively working to develop the sport of snowboarding at all levels including, competitions, education, Para-Snowboard, girls programs, and snowboard activities for riders at every age. WSF represents a network of National Snowboard Associations who work together at a worldwide level to promote the development of snowboarding. Members find a source of inspiration and support from the WSF for the activities they are conducting within their nation. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboarding on a national level and can offer ideas, manuals, and initiatives as a result of being together in one organization with the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. Official website: www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT SWATCH MOTTOLINO SNOWPARK
The Mottolino Resort, well know as the italian resort with one of the best snowpark in Europe, sets its priorities in quality of structures, safety of the riders and fun of the activities. Hometown of three editions of the Burton European Open, Mottolino now provides its park for the 7th edition of the World Rookie Fest, offering a high quality area of 120.000m². There, the best weasel drivers and shapers will build breathtaking structures with 170.000m³ of snow that Mottolino is providing exclusively for the snowpark. More info: www.mottolino.com

Canada~Snowboard is pleased to announce this year’s National Snowboard and Para~Snowboard Teams. Characterized by a strong group of core riders in all disciplines, the team will build upon last year’s success and strive to be the best in the world.

“At the halfway point between Vancouver 2010 and the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, this is an important year for the team,” said Steven Hills, Executive Director, Canada~Snowboard. “The team is a solid group both on and off the snow. Canada~Snowboard is all about working hard, winning and having fun along the way. These athletes embody this philosophy with style and will represent Canada well.”

The team features a cast of proven veterans, skilled journeymen and top-notch rookies. Olympic Bronze Medalist and reigning Crystal Globe champion, Dominique Maltais leads the way after an amazing 5 podium season. Gold Medalists Maelle Ricker and Jasey-Jay Anderson, returning from injuries and retirement respectively are eager to return to their elite form. Alpine Snowboarders Matt Morison and Michael Lambert are ready to take it to the next level while Snowboardcross young guns Kevin Hill, Dan Csokonay and Chris Robanske are eager to prove they are Canada’s future. A group of talented rookies and dominant Pro-Team Slopestyle riders, Mark McMorris, Sebastien Toutant and Spencer O’Brien round out the team.

“I am stoked to be working with such a dedicated and talented group of riders, coaches and support staff,” said Bob Joncas, High Performance Director, Canada~Snowboard. “ The athletes are passionate and fired up. I fully expect a season to remember.”

The Alpine Snowboard Team gets a huge boost with Jasey-Jay Anderson coming out of retirement.

“Jasey’s return to the team is huge for us,” said Mark Fawcett, Head Coach, Alpine Snowboard Team. “Jasey sets the bar for our younger riders, showing them where they need to be mentally and physically to win consistently at the highest level.”

Jasey-Jay Anderson is Canada’s most decorated snowboarder with 58 World Cup podiums and an Olympic Gold Medal.

A significant milestone for the National Team is the addition of the Slopestyle program. Under the direction of Leo Addington, Canada~Snowboard will field a group of 12 National Team and 3 Pro Team Slopestyle athletes. With proven TTR, FIS and X-Games results the Slopestyle team will be a strong medal contender now and in 2014, where it will make its debut as an official Olympic discipline.

HALFPIPE

Sarah Conrad (Halifax, NS)

Alexandra Duckworth (Kingsburg, NS)

Calynn Irwin (Toronto, ON)

Mercedes Nicoll (Whistler, BC)

Palmer Taylor (Blue Mountain, ON)

Tanner Davidson (Whistler, BC)

Derek Livingston (Whistler, BC)

Brad Martin (Ancaster, ON)

Trevor Niblett (Toronto, ON)

Kyle Thomas (Whistler, BC)

SLOPESTYLE

Gillian Andrewshenko (Whistler, BC)

Diane Rudge (Whistler, BC)

Breanna Stangeland (Whistler, BC)

Brooke Voigt (Whistler,BC)

Robby Balharry (Canmore, AB)

Craig Beaulieu (Pemberton, BC)

Julien Beaulieu (Lac-Beauport, QC)

Jeremy Cloutier (Blainville, QC)

Matts Kulisek (Mont-Royal, QC)

Jordan Phillips (Whistler, BC)

Jon Versteeg (Whistler, BC)

Antoine Truchon (Ste-Adele, QC)

PRO SLOPESTYLE TEAM

Spencer O’Brien (Vancouver, BC)

Mark McMorris (Regina, SK)

Sebastien Toutant (Montreal, QB)

SNOWBOARDCROSS

Chris Robanske (Calgary, AB)

Dan Csokonay (Whistler, BC)

Maelle Ricker (Squamish, BC)

Fran?ois Boivin (Jonquiere, QC)

Jake Holden (Caledon, ON)

Kevin Hill (Vernon, BC)

Dominique Maltais (Petite-Riviere-St Fran?ois, QC)

Mike Robertson (Canmore, AB)

Robert Fagan (Squamish, BC)

Carle Brenneman (Whistler, BC)

ALPINE SNOWBOARD

Ariane Lavigne (Lac Sup?rieur, QC)

Caroline Calv? (Lachine, QC)

Darren Gardner (Burlington, ON)

Matthew Carter (Maryhill, ON)

Matthew Morison (Kamloops, BC)

Michael Lambert (Toronto, ON)

Jasey Jay Anderson (Mt Tremblant, QC)

PARA~SNOWBOARD

Tyler Mosher, (Whistler, BC)

Ian Lockey (Rossland, BC)

Mike Fisher (Forrest, ON)

John Leslie (Ottawa, ON)

Zach Beaumont (Tsawwassen, BC)

Late snowfalls didn’t effect the World Rookie Tour calendar 2012 and the upcoming kick-off events of are confirmed. In addition, as a special Christmas gift, the World Rookie Tour crew announces today the release of a full leght movie about the Rookie Trip to Chile 2011, featuring some of the best riders in the tour: Martin Mikyska, Sven Thorgren, Havard Bergheim, Fridtjof Saether Tichendorf and Max Glatzl. All of them won an all inclusive filming trip on the Andes to enjoy the true spirit of snowboarding.

Watch the teaser here:

The movie was filmed and edited by “I-Like by Mone Monsberger” and the world premiere will happen on saturday 14 january in Livigno, during the Protest World Rookie Fest 2012. From 20 january the full leght movie will be available for free download on www.worldrookietour.com.

While the Black Yeti is celebrating the winter season with a special Santa Claus session on the Alps, all the rookies can pack their boardbags and organize their trips to the Transilvania Rookie Fest in Arena Platos, Romania (from 6 to 8 january), and to the legendary Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, Italy (from 14 to 18 january).

Merry Christmas from the Black Yeti and the World Rookie Tour.

World Rookie Tour 2012 CalendarTransilvania Rookie Fest – Arena Platos, Romania – January 6-8 – 2Star, slopestyle
Protest World Rookie Fest – Livigno, Italy – January 14-18 – 3Star, slopestyle
Protest French Fries Rookie Fest – Avoriaz, France – February 3-5 – 3Star, slopestyle
Halfpipe Rookie Fest – Monte Bondone Trentino, Italy – February 8-11 – 3Star halfpipe
Canuck Chuck Rookie Fest Canada – Horseshoe Resort, Canada – February 24-26 – 3Star, slopestyle
Ride East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic March 16-18 – 3Star, slopestyle
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – April 11-15 – 4Star, slopestyle
Summer Rookie Camp – Val Senales, Italy- June 30 – July 14 – Training Camp
Australia Rookie Fest – Thredbo, Australia – July (date tbd) – 3Star slopestyle
South America Rookie Fest – Valle Nevado, Chile – August (date tbd) – 2Star slopestyle

Follow the Yeti and the World Rookie Tour online at:
www.worldrookietour.com
www.facebook.com/worldrookietour
www.vimeo.com/channels/worldrookietour
www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

World Rookie Tour Contacts
Marco Sampaoli (Media Manager) – WSF Vice President
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
skype: marcosampaoli
mobile: 0039.340.3285569

Mehinard Trojer (Event Coordinator) – N.ASA Vice President
meinhardtrojer@powdern.com
skype: meinit2
mobile: 0043.650.5637424

After successfully kicking off last season with the first stop in Germany, Burton is proud to announce the dates for the 2012 Burton Park Jam Tour, starting in January 2012, providing a great contest experience for all young amateur riders.

In partnership with Red Bull and with the support of MINI, the Burton Park Jam Tour will have nine confirmed stops in eight European countries, open for all male and female riders under 18 years divided in two age groups – Girls & Boys (14 years and younger) and Women & Men.
Every stop of the Burton Park Jam Tour will be a 2 Star TTR event, allowing riders to earn points for the TTR World Tour and for the WSF World Rookie Rank, listing them on the same rankings as the world’s top riders. Being a one-day Slopestyle event, every contest will be run in a Jam Session format with onsite free BBQ and DJ set.
„Having fun while providing young riders with a great contest experience is what makes the Burton Park Jam Tour special“, says Burton Europe’s Marketing Director Marian Kaeding, “and we do hope that lots of young talents will join the tour across Europe this season“.
Riders will be able to inscribe themselves either through selected local snowboard shops of each resort starting from January 2012 or through Burton Rider Service.

For more information contact
Burton Rider Service: info@burtonparkjamtour.com or call 00800 287 866 13 (toll free).

BPJT Tour dates 2012:

January 14th, 2012 Avoriaz (France)
January 29th, 2012 Bardonecchia (Italy)
February 4th, 2012 Bialka Tatrzanska (Poland)
February 11th, 2012 Astun (Spain)
February 25th, 2012 Nesselwang (Germany)
March 3rd, 2012 Spitzing (Germany)
March 10th, 2012 Lindvallen (Sweden)
March 18th, 2012 Damuels (Austria)
March 31st, 2012 Leysin (Switzerland)

more info: https://www.facebook.com/BurtonEurope?sk=app_4949752878

About Burton
In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn. Since then, Burton has fueled the growth of snowboarding worldwide through its groundbreaking product lines, its team of top snowboarders and its grassroots efforts to get the sport accepted at resorts. In 1996, Burton began growing its family of brands to include boardsports and apparel brands. Privately held and owned by Jake, Burton’s headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with offices in California, Austria,
Japan and Australia. For more information, visit www.burton.com.

The World Rookie Tour is now online with a new communication platform which includes a new official website, a dedicated vimeo channel and a facebook fan page. Every day fresh updates, video and photo from the rookie events all around the world!

You can now follow the Yeti and his Rookie Squad at:

www.worldrookietour.com

www.facebook.com/worldrookietour

www.vimeo.com/channels/worldrookietour

The legendary Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, Italy, is back for its 7th edition. With a 3Star Slopestyle contest and many other side activities in the program, the Protest World Rookie Fest is ready again to showcase the future of snowboarding and assigns amazing prizes. The program will include a video premiere of The Art of Flight, a workshop about “Became a Pro” by Bob Klein and a new cable-snow contest, first time ever in Livigno with a 1.000€ prize money to grab.

From 14 to 18 January 2012, more than 100 riders from all over the world will land in the Swatch Mottolino Snowpark, Livigno, to shred this amazing rookie contest, pushing each other to the next level and showcasing the future of our sport.

Riders will be split in two categories: Rookie, born between 1st January 1994 and 31st December 1996, and Grom born after January 1st, 1997. Both male and female.

The prize list for the Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno 2012 includes:
A filming trip to Australia
6 Tickets for the Protest World Rookie Finals in Ischgl (Austria)
Photo shooting with Cooler for best girl
Photo shooting with Onboard Europe for the best boy
Ticket to a World Class Event to be announced
Rookie Camps in Val Senales, Italy by www.rookiecamp.eu
Surf Camp in Santander by www.surftolive.com
Tech Riders and CHUCKBUDDiES
and many other prizes to be announced before event.

(photo credits: Eleonora Raggi)

Participants are all strictly pre-selected in their home countries, ensuring that only the most promising riders can take part to this event. The overall technical level of the Protest World Rookie Fest has reached incredible peaks: double cork, double front flip and cab1260 are just some of the insane tricks performed in the last editions. This legendary event, promoted by WSF and TTR, will rock again the concept “From Rookie To Pro System” and will attract the best youngsters and many international team managers scouting for future stars: Snowboarding, the super heroes are coming!

If your dream is to become a professional snowboarder, then your future starts from Rookie Fest!

Home Page: www.worldsnowboardfederation.org and www.worldrookietour.com

Watch here the tv show from last edition 2011: www.vimeo.com/19977207

Info and Registrations
Mail: rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org
Phone: +39.340.3285569

Due to current weather and snow conditions, Zimtstern and Laax decided to postpone the Junior Open Laax 2011 presented by Zimtstern. The event is now scheduled from January 7 to 8, 2012, instead of December 10 and 11, 2011.

The temperatures and the lack of snow at the moment do not allow preparation of a superpipe that meets the expectations of organizers and riders. Let’s hope for an onset of winter and tons of fresh snow until New Year’s and celebrate the event even more then.

Already registered rookies are still listed for the new date. If riders can’t compete on this weekend, please contact anmeldung@judgesystem.ch and you will be removed from the start list and receive the starting fee back.

Scuol (SUI), 24.11.2011 – Due to the postponement of the Burton European Open until after the World Championships in Oslo, TTR modifies the qualification criteria for the international starting spots. Qualification via WSF national quota spots and direct quotas not affected.

The cut-off date for the Halfpipe and Slopestyle qualification lists has been extended until January 23, one week after the initial deadline, which was following the Halfpipe finals at Burton European Open in the original schedule.
This extra week gives riders a chance to collect points or replace results at 1-4 Star level events worldwide, providing particularly lower positioned riders a few extra shots to make it into the Top 50 / 30 ranks and qualify for the WSC 2012.

As a second measure, the O`Neill Evolution 6Star Big Air will count for the Slopestyle Points List. With O’Neill Evolution being the only Big Air competition on a 6 star level where women compete, this is a fair addition to increase the number of qualification opportunities for both men and women.

TTR points lists generally include results over a span of 52 weeks, however, TTR decided to extend the term, adding a week to the list, rather than shifting the 52 weeks results. This means that the original starting point of the qualification, 2011’s Burton European Open, as well as all other results from this week, still count towards a riders position on the qualification list.

The Top 50 Men and Top 30 Women which qualify for the WSC 2012 will be determined on January 23rd, 2012. The WSC Qualification Points List for both Halfpipe and Slopestyle will evaluate a riders best results between January 10th, 2011 and January 23rd, 2012. Over this 53 week period, a riders best 3 Halfpipe results will count for the Halfpipe Qualification List, a riders best 4 Slopestyle results will count for the Slopestyle Qualification List.

The postponement of the BEO does not gravely affect the WSC qualification process with these added options. ‘With high class events like the RedBull Nanshan Open and O’Neill Evolution close to the qualification deadline, as well as the addition of a substantial number of 1-4 star events including the World Rookie Fest, we believe that riders have enough opportunities to qualify for the event’ Reto Lamm, President of TTR says.

The Yeti is working hard for a bigger World Rookie Tour than ever: support him sharing the teaser, following the official WRT Vimeo Channel and becaming fan of the facebook page!

Yeti Washing Day

Join the World Rookie Tour Community on Facebook and Vimeo and support the Yeti and the greatest snowboard global series for the youngsters.

– Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/worldrookietour
– Subscribe our World Rookie Tour Vimeo Channel vimeo.com/channels/worldrookietour
– Share the WRT teaser 2012 on your facebook: vimeo.com/31818652

In January Stuttgart had already been blessed once. With the “Relentless BIGAIR” event coming to town, a top-class international snowboard comp had its inauguration. And despite not being known as the Mecca of winter sports, the Stuttgart event was a raving success – to more than 10.000 visitors and to the World Snowboard Tour Committee (TTR), who upgraded the contest shortly after its premier from formerly 4-stars to a 5-star TTR event, thus, propelling it to one of the world’s most prestigious in snowboarding.

Now “Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart presented by Quiksilver” is making its come-back: On December 16th and 17th 2011 the international snowboard scene’s best riders will gather at Stuttgart’s Neckarpark and go head-to-head for a total of 50.000 US-Dollars prize money, 850 TTR-world cup points. To do so, special attention is paid to the playing field the riders will be facing at BIGAIR Stuttgart: the spectacular combination of a big-air jump, measuring 36 metres in height, and a staircase-set equipped with metal handrails – a unique feature for in-city events worldwide. In it’s second year Quiksilver joins the event as an important partner.

„We are glad to be part of the Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart 2011. Due to last years success, we decided to get in touch with the event organizers to discuss a potential collaboration“, says Armin Weber, Quiksilver Marketing Manager.

The riders line-up for the second round of “Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart presented by Quiksilver” promises a competition on the highest level. The actual number one in TTR’s world cup ranking, Finn Roope Tonteri, is taking part, as well as his fellow countryman and sixth in the Olympics, Markku Koski. Also attending: Austrian Master Halfpipe & Slopestyle Mathias Weissenbacher, Janni Korpi, who managed to win “Relentless Freeze” last week in London, Swedes Nils Arvidsson and Kevin Backstrom, Mario Käppeli from Switzerland, and highly acclaimed crowd pleaser and last Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart’s second placed rider, Austrian Werni Stock. Stuttgart’s Neckarpark will also see a chance for emerging talent to shine and qualify for the pro-event on December 17th (3 pm): The „Rookie-Challenge“-winner will receive a wildcard to enter the main devision, an opportunity to ride along with international stars and to gain experience.

The main event will start at 5 pm with the qualification, followed by the semi-final (7 pm) with eight riders. They compete to get to the big final at 9 pm.
However, not just the athletic competition in round two of “Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart presented by Quiksilver” is facing intensification – the organisers have made sure to upgrade the side events just as well. Supplying the sound best-fitting to the event will be DJ’s “The Famous Deck Team” as well as bands “Die Orsons” and “Die Boys (Deichkind) & Ein Girl (Maral Salmassi)”. The BRANDSTATION trade show showcase its visitors the latest trends in snowboarding. New feature this time will be the Snowboardmuseum, showing exhibits from 40 years of snowboarding history. And of course there will be the musical showdown – the Aftershowparty starting at 10 pm at Club Zollamt – finishing up the event with The Famous Deck Team, Drunken Masters, Kool DJ Swist, Busy Icer + Denson and Tease
spinning the wheels.

Ticket sale for “Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart presented by Quiksilver” is on!
Price: 29,50 Euro (instead of 35,00 Euro at the doors).

For information on the event and advanced booking go to: www.bigair-stuttgart.com

Schedule

Friday, December 16th 2011
1.00 pm – 8.00 pm (free entry)
+ Official training
+ Brandstation & exhibition
+ Snowboardmuseum
Saturday, December 17th 2011
1.00 pm Admission
3.00 pm Rookie Challenge
5.00 pm Qualifying
6.30 pm “Die Boys” & “Ein Girl” (Maral Salmassi) – LIVE –
7.00 pm Semi-final
8.30 pm “Die Orsons” – LIVE –
9.00 pm Finale
9.30 pm Award ceremony
10.00 pm Aftershowparty
+ Brandstation & exhibition
+ Snowboardmuseum

The World Rookie Tour will hit again the globe with 10 international tour stops including 2 new countries, Canada and France, and a new “only halfpipe” event in Italy.

The winners of each tour will be crowned like a superhero but they won’t get superpowers, only tons of prizes as photoshooting with Onboard Europe, a only girls photoshooting with Cooler, video shootings, trips down-under to join the 3Star Rookie Fest in Australia and many other amazing prizes for an overall value of 65.000 US

The number 1 sport tv channel of South America, ESPN Brazil, covered the Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest with a special show produced by living legend Roberto Formiga

Roberto attended the World Rookie Fest in Chile and he promised to follow the tour also in Europe and we expect to see him at the Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, January 2012.

Watch the tv show at this link: http://espn.estadao.com.br/formiga/post/217252_ROOKIE+FEST+REVELA+NOVOS+TALENTOS+DO+SNOWBOARD

All pictures by Premek “Didi” Vida

Over the past 10 years, TTR Pro Snowboarding and WSF have been working closely together with the joint objective to bring competitive freestyle snowboarding to a higher level of organization. Today, the TTR and WSF announce a new agreement that will extend the current partnership for the next three years into 2014.

TTR will continue to focus on the progression of higher level events and top riders and has granted the WSF the exclusive worldwide right to approve any grassroots events for the TTR World Snowboard Tour on the 1Star, 2Star and 3Star levels. The WSF will be offering a range of new services and will continue to work closely with National Snowboard Associations which will play an active role in evaluating, coordinating and handling all events on these levels.

Event requirements to take part in the TTR and WSF World Tour?
The requirements for the different star levels will follow same direction as the 2010/2011 season. TTR rules and all event applications will be evaluated according to these requirements. Once your event is approved, please remember to include the TTR and WSF logos on all promotional materials for the event such as posters, banners, bibs, backdrop walls etc.

Download the WSF event kit here:
www.worldsnowboardfederation.org/xdownload-data/WSF_Event_Kit.zip
It includes graphic files, result template, WSF web banner, Event Requirement, World Rookie Tour guidelines.

Are you organizing an event? Don’t forget the Online Application
If you plan on organizing an event and want to be included in the TTR/WSF, don’t forget to apply using the online application system that has been developed for application of all levels. Please enter the WSF website www.worldsnowboardfederation.org and click “Event application” in the top right to start the application process.

National ranking
WSF offers a national ranking system to all of its members and uses the same star category and points system as the TTR ranking. WSF also offers a national ranking for youth riders (boys/girls) in three different age categories; OPEN, ROOOKIE and GROM and for all disciplines. Eight nations used the national ranking system last season and report they are very satisfied. The national ranking system is based on results from national events at 1-2-3 star level. Only national riders can earn points for this special rank.

WSF Rookie ranking
WSF World Rookie ranking is more and more popular among the youngest riders. It is a ranking list for riders under 18 and all national competitions including this age category can be uploaded on this ranking. The ranking will be used as a qualification to the 4Star Protest World Rookie Fest Final to be held in Ischgl, Austria, from 11 to 15 april 2012.

WSF Communication Team Has Your Back
Here is a brief list of benefits events receive from the WSF Communication Team:

-Every event at the 1-2- 3Star level will be promoted on the official WSF website and social network.
-1Star: inclusion in the International Event Calendar + Event Page on the WSF web site
-2Star: Same as 1Star events + promotion on home page via “Next Event” box and possibility to publish the official event video in WSF TV on the WSF web site
-3star: Same ss 1-2 Star events + promotional news and official report published in WSF home page + international press release distribution to all WSF media and industry contacts worldwide.

The Southern Hemisphere season of the World Rookie Tour concluded with the very successful second ever Australian Rookie Fest at Thredbo Resort. Henry Bessell, last year’s Grom winner, took out the Rookie division: he won a trip to the Protest World Rookie Finals 2012 in Ischgl, Austria, as did the female Rookie winner Alex Fitch

Unfortunately the weather was against us, so Charles Beckinsale, our internationally renowned course designer, had to make the call on the morning of the event to switch courses from Antons to High Noon. All the competitors were disappointed with the decision as they were really looking forward to hitting the 30ft and 50ft jumps on the specially designed course. However, the course was fogged in and dangerous on the day. The second choice course consisted of a long down box and 2 jumps, which allowed all to show off their best tricks.

Among the grom division Matty Cox and Cassie Fortune took out their category, winning an invitation to the Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno in January , 2012.

Red Bull also provided flights in the Red Bull stunt plane for each of the Rookie and Grom winners. In addition, Red Bull provided

In august 2011 the first South America Snowboard Meeting was held in Valle Nevado, Chile. It saw the partecipation of delegates from Chile, Argentina, Brasil, Perù, and WSF Board of Directors from Europe.

Among the issues of the meeting a long presentation about WSF projects for upcoming seasons such as the world rookie tour, banked slalom tour, Para-Snowboarding, judge and shaper clinincs, and overview of the World Snowboarding Championships in Oslo 2012 and the program to develope theWSF South America Snowboard Meeting in an annual meeting.

Do you want to know more? Click here and download the minutes

Major movements in the WSC qualification, as the Burton New Zealand Open had record attendance from top riders. All frequent visitors on our website know you gotta be among top 30 women and top 50 men on the TTR points list to qualify directly to the WSC. If you are outside top 30 or 50 after Burton European Open 2012, your only hope is a nations quota, a TTR 6 star win (or a wildcard – which will be virtually impossible to get). So let’s take a look on all the major movements after the NZ Open.

Who’s in, who’s out after the Burton New Zealand Open

Major movements in the WSC qualification, as the Burton New Zealand Open had record attendance from top riders.All frequent visitors on our website know you gotta be among top 30 women and top 50 men on the TTR points list to qualify directly to the WSC. If you are outside top 30 or 50 after Burton European Open 2012, your only hope is a nations quota, a TTR 6 star win (or a wildcard – which will be virtually impossible to get). So let’s take a look on all the major movements after the NZ Open:

SLOPESTYLE MEN

First and second means straight to semi-finals.
Mark McMorris takes the numero uno position and sails on to a secure WSC spot. By keeping his pole position he will also be seeded directly to the semifinals of the WSC together with number two on this list, currently held by WAS founder Chas Guldemond. For some strange reason, Chas has climbed on the ranking list without even attending the NZ Open. Whats up with that? Well, it´s because this is a 52 week rollover ranking, which basically means that some of Chas` competitors has had great results at last years NZ Open, results that was now pushed out of the 52 week cycle. Same situation actually for Seppe Smits, when last years New Zealand Open-results where pushed out of the ranking.
Top 20 means no Pre-Qual.
Volcom riders Zak Stone and Tyler Flanagan took the time to travel around the world to secure WSC-points, and it paid off. Both of them are big climbers on this week’s ranking update; Tyler is heading towards a top 20 spot and Zak is only one spot away. So now, all of a sudden, top 20 is important too? Yes, it is, it´s very important: Secure your Top 20 spot at the European Open, and you don’t have to do the pre-qualification at the WSC. You can spend some time with grandma, wag the dog or simply do the Dew Tour.

Extra effort.

Looking at the edge of the cut, all time good-guy Marco Grilc barely hangs on to a WSC spot on 49th place while Tore Holvik is sitting outside looking in on 59th place. You only need to work a wee bit on your slopestyle results, Tore, and I assume we will see you in both halfpipe and slopestyle.
Almost all big slopestyle names are inside top 50 already, but some are missing. Great riders as Brandon Reis (103), Charles Reid (152) and Sage Kotsenburg (195), claiming one of the biggest ranking descents this week – plummeting from 75th spot to 195th, have a long way to go, but knowing their skill set we expect them to put in the extra effort and step it up, we´ll be surprised if we don´t get to see them in Oslo.

HALFPIPE MEN

Who´s on second?
Ipod sits firm on the throne, and it will take a lot to push him out of his semi-final spot at the WSC. He keeps delivering podium results wherever he go and our insider-sources say his motivation is peaking. Christian Haller is challenging Peetu for that desirable second position that will send him straight to the semis. Peetu, who already has at least 5 tickets to the WSC by winning the TTR-title three times in a row and claiming both the BEO Halfpipe and the Munich Air&Style, stayed in Finland during the NZ Open.

Louie Vito, a man for the big occasions, told TTR at the NZ Open that he went to this event to improve his WSC ranking and made it clear to the world that it´s about time we got a world championships run by snowboarders. His statements where obviously popular here in Oslo, so we’re all stoked when he took home the silver medal in the halfpipe contest and climbed to a safe and sound 5th place on the TTR points list, halfpipe men.

Other good news.
US rider Benji Farrow jumps into top 10 with his solid 6th place in the NZ Open halfpipe. Benji is one of these up and coming riders that can make the podium if he keeps progressing, and he is highly motivated for the WSC.
The Japanese flew to New Zealand with basically their full national team, and man, did they rip!? They tore the halfpipe finals apart and have now four guys in top 20 halfpipe – including young prodigy Ayumu Hiramo. Can anybody remember seeing a 12 year old that good? We don’t wanna put pressure on his young shoulders, but can we hope for the young Japanese to make it to the WSC finals?
Danny Davis is back!

Danny Davis, the last rider to beat Shaun White in a halfpipe contest, is back. He’s been out of the contest scene for a while due to an unfortunate accident, but is slowly getting back to where he used to be: On the podium. He currently sits outside top 50, but is only 10 spots away from qualifying position. We feel confident that Danny keeps progressing and brings his great personality to Oslo!

HALFPIPE WOMEN
Is Kelly Clark unbeatable?

Kelly Clark won the NZ Open – her 10th consecutive major title. She got an unbeatable 1000 points on the TTR points-list, and only divine intervention can take away her WSC semifinals spot. In the second spot is Kjersti Buaas, not so safe, with Cilka Sader and Queralt Castellet breathing down her neck. Jordi Karlinski is only 6 points from the magical top 30 spot; currently held by Poland’s Paulina Ligocka-Andrzejewska. For the women, top 12 after Burton European Open is seeded to the qualification, and basically everyone within top 30 can boost their way up there.

Desperately seeking Torah.
Basically all the big names have entered the top 30, and we are thrilled to see Gretchen Bleiler busting into top 10 with a 4th place at the NZ Open halfpipe. But where is Torah Bright? We don’t know. Information is appreciated.
As young Hiramo is killing it in the men’s pipe, another early teenager is testing out her pipe skills before the WSC. 14 year old Ty Walker impressed everyone making it to The Arctic Challenge finals in slopestyle. Is she going for both halfpipe and slopestyle in the WSC? She placed 17th in the NZ Open halfpipe and stepped up to 41st place on the TTR points list – only 11 spots from a WSC halfpipe qualification.
Watch out for the Chinese! They have not dominated the TTR tour by any means, but their halfpipe girls have been doing good in other International contest – not to forget the Olympics! Xuetong Cai entered the top 100 with her excellent 5th place in the NZ Open. She is good enough for the WSC for sure . The question is if her national team shoots for it? We leave the question and answer open.

Its also worth noting that Ellery Hollingsworth, Hannah Teter and Katarzyna Rusin has climbed significantly on the ranking.

SLOPESTYLE WOMEN

Is Jamie Anderson unbeatable?

Jamie Anderson VS the world. Checking her career titles on the TTR website is like looking at the tour calendar: She have won them all – on all star levels. It will give extreme high odds if she is not in the no 1 position after European Open. We bet she is seeded directly to the WSC semifinals. But the fight for the second spot to the semis is much tougher with basically all top 10 women in challenging position.

Will we see the first female double cork stomped before or at the WSC?Shelly Gotlieb, who almost stomped the first double cork in a women’s slopestyle contest, enters the top 10 with her solid NZ Open result. If she sticks the double she could be a serious contender for Jamie’s favorite gold at the WSC. Cheryl Maas, who instead of going to the NZ Open decided to become a mother this summer, will for sure join the challengers’ party. It’s a stretch up from her 46th spot, but, knowing Cheryl, that will change as soon as she straps in. She tells us on e-mail that she will do whatever it takes to qualify cause she really wanna take home the gold-medal. That’s the spirit

Other noteworthy qualification details.

Another star absence from NZ Open was Sarka Pancochova who did not feel ready to compete yet, but she is for sure a top 10 candidate when she gets back in the ciruit. Sarka is also outside the crucial top 30 limit, but she will bust in there when the Northern Hemisphere season is up and running. Enni Rukajarvi has dropped on the rankings, but she already has two tickes to ride WSC in the bag.The youngest in the heat, Ty Walker, defends her top 10 position with her 9th place in NZ Open. If she keeps progressing, we might see two rookie Jedi´s on the podiums in Oslo – Ty and young Mirano from Japan.
Jessika Jensen from USA currently occupies the top 30 position, but lots of riders, like Sarka and Cheryl, has enough points to challenge her, and the other current top 30 women, already at the next contest. You better keep working on your slopestyle skills, Jessika!

Riders from Chile, Argentina, Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway and Austria competed at the second edition of the Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest 2011, hosted in Valle Nevado, Chile. The event was dominated again from swedish talent Sven Thorgren who won it for the second time conquering a free invitation to the Protest World Rookie Finals 2012, to be held in Ischgl, Austria, in april 2012. Next week end the Tour will move to Australia for the last stop of the Southern Hemisphere session.

Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest 2011 from Board.tv on Vimeo.

The slopestyle consisted in a kinked rail, 2 kickers and a final transfer kicker while, for the groms section, for riders from 8 to 14 years old, it was build a second line with smaller obstacles. Among the male rookies, the winner resulted Sven Thorgrein (SWE) with solid runs including 720 rotation and his unmistakable bs rodeo. On the male rookie podium other Europeans Martin Mikyska (CZE) and Harvard Bergheim (NOR). Norwegian rising star Fridtjof Sather, even if in grom age group, decided to compete in the rookie category and ended with a brilliant 4th place. Thomas Gonazales resulted the best Chilean rookie and was awarded with an invitation to the Protest World Rookie Finals 2012 to be held in Ischgl, Austria, next april 2012.
Among the groms Federico Chiaradio from Argentina resulted the best and won an invitation to the next edition of the legendary Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, January 2012. The best girl of the event was the chilean ripper Magdalena Gonzalez, class 2001.

In the tradition of any World Rookie Tour events also the Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest is more than a competition. In fact, for the next 10 days, the SARF will continue with an exclusive “Freeride Experience” reserved to the European invited rookies and the best riders from the slopestyle contest. This special program will include backcountry sessions in Valle Nevado neighborhoods, skateboarding in Santiago del Chile with RedBull pro, Surfing days in Cachagua, cultural visit in Unesco heritage Valparaiso and much more.

Watch the first 2 photogalleries from the “Yeti trip to Chile”:

click here for the 2star slopestyle Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest 2011

click here for Lifestyle in Santiago del Chile

Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest – RANKS


FEMALE GROM


1) Magdalena González (Chile) 
2) Antonia Yañez (Chile) 
3) Catalina Cerón (Chile)



MALE GROM

1) Federico Chiaradio (Argentina)
 2) Inaki Odrizola (Argentina) 
3) Lucas Machicao (Chile)

FEMALE ROOKIE


1) Candelaria Palacios (Chile)

MALE ROOKIE


1) Sven Thorgren (Sweden) 
2) Martin Mikyska (Czeck Republic)
 3) Havard Bergheim (Norway)

Next summer stops of the World Rookie Tour 2011.12
Australian Rookie Fest – Thredbo, Australia – 2Star Slopestyle – 18.20 august 2011

All pictures by Premek “Didi” Vida

The Black Yeti is back for a repeat season with Thredbo hosting the 2nd ever Australian Rookie Fest from 18th – 19th August, 2011. It will be a 2 star TTR slopestyle event with competitors earning points towards the TTR world ranking,international and national rookie rankings. A unique chance for top young riders to test themselves in an international field!

On his return Henry commented that it was an awesome experience. “When I won the grom section of the Australian Rookie Fest, I had no idea where Ischgl was or what it would be like. This was my first time in Europe and it was really different from riding in both Australia and the USA. While it took about 30 hours to get there, it was worth it – the mountains were huge. The Gondola took 20min to get 3/4 of the way up the mountain and it wasn’t going slow. The food (fresh baked croissants every morning for breakfast) was good start to the day, my German was terrible and the nightlife was wicked BUT best of all – I had my first photo shoot and I had a great time riding with junior snowboarders from all over the world. It was so good, I am aiming to go back to Ischgl and the World Rookie Fest Finals again.” Henry stated.

Among the many prizes offered this year, all podium place getters in both Rookie and Grom divisions, qualify to compete in the 4 star TTR World Rookie Finals in Ischgl in April 2012. The male and female Rookie winners will also win an all inclusive entry including registration, accommodation, meals and lift tickets. The male and female Grom winners will win an all inclusive entry into the Livigno World Rookie Fest, held in January, 2012. The event has also joined forces with Stylewars – The Australian Slopestyle Championships, a 4 star TTR event, with the male and female Rookie winners winning a free of charge entry to the event to be held in Falls Creek from 20th – 24th August. To be eligible for this prize they must have also competed in the Australian Junior Snowboarding Series.
With the recently announced inclusion of slopestyle as an Olympic event in Sochi, Russia, in 2014, there is likely to be a lot of interest, with the Australian Rookie Fest and the World Rookie Tour providing an excellent competition pathway for our junior athletes.
Watch this space: The World Snowboard Federation recently announced its intention to focus on the Australian Rookie Fest in 2012 making it a 3 star TTR event. The WSF Vice President, Marco Sampaoli will be attending with a film crew to shoot some footage for inclusion in their World Rookie Tour TV show in 2013. They have also announced that winners of some World Rookie Tour events in Europe in 2011 will qualify to compete down under in the Australian Rookie Fest in 2012. “It is great to see Australian snowboard community so active and it is a priority for the WSF World Rookie Tour to involve them more and more in the international movement” stated Marco Sampaoli.
Thanks must go to our to our sponsors and supporters without which the event would not be possible: Red Bull International, Thredbo, K2 Snowboards, Adrenalin Boardstore, Smith Optics, Skull Candy, Semantics, World Snowboard Federation, TTR, Ski and Snowboard Australia and Snowsports NSW.

Event application form can be found at www.skiandsnowboard.org.au

From August 12th to 21st European top rookies with South American upcoming talents will join for the Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest in Valle Nevado, Chile. This special event will include a 2star TTR Slopestyle and a 8 days freeride experience with backcountry riding, surfing trip, filming and photo shooting with Pros: the most unique and excusive snowboard event of the World Rookie Tour.

During the previous event of the World Rookie Tour, the top rookies were scouted and their carrier launched. More than 500 young riders from 30 nations joined last season tour which culminated in Ischgl, Austria, with the 4Star Protest World Rookie Finals, where Norwegian rising star Emil Andrè Unsletten won the World Rookie Champion title. Now the Black Yeti is moving to South America and continue the search for the next snowboarding future star around the globe.

Invited European rookies such as Sven Thorgren, actually TTR number 19, together with international media, are next to move to Chile for the second stop of the southern hemisphere schedule of the World Rookie Tour 2011 and after the tour will move to Australia.




World Rookie Tour 2010.11: Chile + Livigno TV Show from Board.tv on Vimeo.

Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest 2011 – Program

Friday, August 12th : arrival day in Valle Nevado Ski Resort for European crew
Saturday, August 13th: Enjoy Valle Nevado(and get back from jet lag)
Sunday, August 14th: Training Day Slopestyle contest (Registration at Valle Nevado marketing from 8.00am)
Monday, August 15th: Slopestyle contest

From August 15th to 19th : Freeride Program reserved to European invited rookies and pros, best 2 south american riders from slopestyle and Anden Crew: it will include Powder Kicker Session and Photo Shooting, Freeride Session.
Depending on weather conditions: 1 skateboarding day in Santiago de Chile and 1 Surfing Day.

Next summer stops of the World Rookie Tour 2011.12
Australian Rookie Fest – Thredbo, Australia – 2Star Slopestyle – 18.20 august 2011

World Rookie Tour Rules
The title of World Rookie Champion 2012 will be awarded to the winner of the 4Star World Rookie Finals 2012 in Ischgl, Austria, reserved to the top riders from previous Rookie Fests, plus selected riders from National Snowboard Associations and the top 20 riders, male and female, from the World Rookie Rank. Check it on www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

Age Groups
WSF rookie events are reserved to Rookies (born from 1st january 1994 to 31st december 1996) and Grom (born from 1st january 1997 and up), both boys and girls. All contests of the World Rookie Tour will generate valuable results for the Swatch TTR Ranks and for the World Rookie Rank developed by World Snowboard Federation in association with the Swatch TTR World Pro Tour.

Contacts for Registration
Arnau Fernandez afernandez@vallenevado.com
Javi Santander javisantander@gmail.com
Anden: Fabian Giavio fagizu@gmail.com (Juan 23 6750 depto 101 Vitacura, Santiago Chile)

For accommodations bookings
In Valle Nevado: reserves@vallenevado.com / mperalta@vallenevado.com
more info and prices in www.vallenevado.com
in Farellones: www.chilenieve.com/?cat=180 ( here you can find prices and contacts from hostels)

Media request
Marco Sampaoli – WSF Vice President – marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
mobile: +39.340.32.85.569 or +56.9-8299.3041 (Arnau Fernandez)

All pictures by Mehinard Trojer

ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “World Rookie Finals 2012” in Ischgl, Austria, in April 2012. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best 20 athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 1st 2012, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with the Swatch TTR World Pro Tour. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: he will be invited to Professional Video and Photo Shootings, Freeride Filming Trip, tickets to world class events and will receive world wide media exposure. Info on www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
 WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. Official website: www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT THE TTR WORLD SNOWBOARD TOUR
Founded by Terje Haakonsen and industry innovators in 2002, the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour is a non-profit, rider-driven organization with the mission to create the highest quality competitive snowboard environment in the world, using authenticity, accessibility, innovation as guiding principles. Since its foundation, the Swatch TTR Tour has been developing into the most popular snowboard tour worldwide featuring global grass root and key independent freestyle snowboarding events over a ten-month period from Southern to Northern Hemisphere locations. The top male and female rider based on an average of their best seven results of the season is crowned Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour Champion. 
Official web site: www.ttrworldtour.com

Ludvig Billtoft from Sweden and Klaudia Medlova from Slovakia resulted the best male and female riders at the 2star Summer Rookie Fest 2011 in Val Senales, Italy, the first event of the World Rookie Tour 2011-12. With 24 riders from Italy, Switzerland, Cezch Republic, Sweden and Slovakia, the event was hosted in the Nitro Gentlemen’s Snowpark, one of the best summer glacier park in Europe.

Summer Rookie Fest 2011 from Board.tv on Vimeo.

Among the male rookie category Ludvig Billtoft resulted the best and won an all-inclusive invitation to the legendary 3Star slopestyle “World Rookie Fest” in Livigno, Italy. Martin Mikyska from Czech Republic and Nicholas Bridgman from Italy got second and third with solid runs on the slashy summer snow. Among the rookie girls the Slovakian ripper Klaudia Medlova showcase an high level of riding and won her section, followed on the podium from Verena Rohrer (Sui) and Katerina Yanova (Czk). Among the young grom, born from 1997 and up, the male winner was Dario Burch from Switzerland while the female winner was Katerina Vojockova from Czech Republic.

The event tooke place during the Summer Rookie Camp, an international training meeting dedicated to under 18 years old riders who wish to improve their skills for the upcoming World Rookie Tour. The 2Star Slopestyle “Summer RookieFest” happened in the last 2 days of the camp, and saw the participation of many of the campers, plus national rookie teams which joined the meeting.

EVENT CONTACTS

mail: info@rookiecamp.eu
 phone: +39.340.3285569

official website www.rookiecamp.eu 
Pictures by Prenek Vida

Next summer stops of the World Rookie Tour 2011.12

Australian Rookie Fest – Thredbo, Australia – 2Star Slopestyle – 18.20 august 2011 
Mall Sport South America Rookie Fest – Valle Nevado, Chile – 2Star Slopestyle and Freeride trip – 11.21 august 2011

17 77 – RUZZON MARCO ITA 1994