Eric Willett Takes 2nd At The TTR 5Star Burn River Jump

Living up to its reputation, the 5Star Burn River Jump gathered a crowd of 2000 screaming fans to support the international line up of riders jumping over the Spoel river at the night time "Grand Finale" of the event in Livigno, Italy. Over a few days, during February 22nd - 25th, 2011 this elite Italian snowboard competition ran two formats; slopestyle and big air. Kicking off with the Burn slopestyle contest in the Swatch Mottolino Snowpark, the spectators saw Norwegian Ulrik Badertscher take top honours. Ten of the best scoring riders from the slopestyle, received invites to compete in the night-time big air competition along with the invited riders and wildcards.

Due to high winds that came in during the first qualification round the organizers made the decision to close the big air, and re-run the qualifications using only the "burn river jump" and the end jib section. As the course changed significantly the new format saw a 4Star TTR status. 16 riders battled it out for a place in the four man super final. The nail biting two-run knock out super final saw Norwegian duo Alexander Ostreng and Ulrik Badertscher, who both had made their way all the way from the qualifying rounds, go head to head, while Jamie Nicholls and Eric Willet battled each other. In the end it was Alexander and Eric who made it through to the final round. Aleksander nailed his first run that included a huge backside 900 over the river and a switch front lipslide 270 out in the jib section, knocking out Eric's top run consisting of a switch backside 900 and stylish boardslide. Ulrik took third place leaving rail extraordinaire Jamie in fourth. Jamie bagged the additional "Burn Jib Master" award for his rail trickery. With the two podium placements Ulrik Badertscher leaped up in the Swatch TTR ranking and now sits in World No. 14, while Jamie Nicholls jumped into World No. 28.

Visit ttrworldtour.com for details on TTR events and to stay up to date with news, photos and the latest videos.

Videograss Sundays: Trollhaugen Wisconsin

Our friends over at Videograss are working hard to keep everyone in the loop on their latest project, Shoot The Moon. With an "early teaser" that debuted at the SIA Snow Show last month and a Daily Blog featuring Vans Team Riders Darrell Mathes and Zac Marben, the Videograss crew is goin' hard. Now they have Videograss Sundays on snowboardermag.com, this one featuring Zac Marben, Jeffy Gabrick, Jonas Michilot, and Ethan Deiss at Trollhaugen Resort in Wisconsin. Check it out, and add the boys to your blogroll to stay posted on the latest from VideoGrassLand. Good job dudes, keep up the good work.

This year the video will include parts from Chris Grenier, Darrell Mathes, Gus Engle, Jed Anderson, Johnny Miller, Jon Kooley, Jonas Michilot, Jordan Mendenhall, Justin Bennee, Louif Paradis, Mikey Leblanc, Nick Dirks, Nima Jalali, Will Tuddenham, and Zac Marben.

Presented by Monster and sponsored by Academy, Airblaster, Ashbury, Bonfire, Elm, Holden, Howl, K2, L1, Nike, Ride, Salomon, Snowboarder Magazine, Vans, and Volcom.

Winter Dew Tour Snowbasin: Slopestyle Finals Video & Interviews

In case you missed it on TV, here is video that Transworld Snowboarding posted of Eric Willett's historic victory at the final stop of the Winter Dew Tour in Snowbasin, UT. Eric threw down an unprecedented combo on the final two jumps to seal the deal and take his first Winter Dew Tour win of the season. As Transworld said, "Willett kept it clean on the rail section, and then god damn, boy -opened 'er up on the jump line. Switch double back 12 (think about that for a minute...), to front double 10, and stomped - more than enough to earn the 97.25 top score. As Eric would say later, 'It's a bit bittersweet, watching your friends stick their runs so well! [Laughs] You're so stoked for them, but then you gotta go up there and do even better.'" Big ups to Eric once again for killing it in contests so far this winter and making us proud!

Check out www.twsnow.com to watch the video.

Eric Willett. Photo Aaron Blatt.

Powder And Rails Season 3: Jamie Lynn Parts 2 and 3

From VBS.TV:

Part 2: A smorgasbord of snowboarding's movers-and-shakers explain how Jamie was the first of his kind - apparently, it's all in the cowboy stance. Jamie recalls a story of how Mike Ranquet and co. influenced him to savvy up to cab tricks and how, a few years later while riding with Terje Haaksonen in Norway, Jamie would put down the biggest cab-5 anyone had seen yet. In short, the style continues.

See the rest at VBS.TV: Jamie Lynn -- Part 2 of 4 - Powder and Rails: Season 3

Part 3: We have the first ever Powder & Rails love story with a true Mount Hood Timberline romance. We also talk about maintaining integrity through 20 years of snowboarding and get a chance to check out Jamie's signature snowboards that show up in the mail. Jamie explains that being able to design all the artwork on his pro model equipment is just part of the reason he's stayed loyal to the same companies for over 15 years.

See the rest at VBS.TV: Jamie Lynn -- Part 3 of 4 - Powder and Rails: Season 3

P.S. I Don't Think We're In Utah Anymore

Snowboarder Magazine posted the third installment of Hana Beaman's webisodes, "P.S...". This time, Hana heads down to SoCal for a Von Zipper photo shoot before heading up to Jackson to get some backcountry action with legendary female snowboarder Tara Dakides. The two get together and make some real fireworks in the backcountry... literally. Head over to www.snowboardermag.com to check it out.

Bloggers Love Their Vans

We love to see when riders get their blog on about their Vans boots. Notorious blogger Shayboarder tests just about every product out there with her Vans Veil boots. Social Media and Public Relations expert Amber Turnau also documented her experience with her Protect Our Winters Edition Vans Veil boot and the movement behind POW. CO McLovin shared his "Thoughts: VANS Cirro Boots" on his blog, offering the perspective of a bigger rider. Both reviews provide some positive info on Vans' commitment to performance and good causes. Click the links above to read the blogs, and if you have something to share with us, give us a shout on twitter @vanssnow.

Mayrhofen Prepares for the Wangl Tangl!

As the Asthetikers say themselves, "Style is Averything!" so watch the teaser and make sure you check this bad boy rider driven contest in Mayrhofen, Austria on March 12th-19th, 2011.

There's always a bunch of awesome stuff going on at the Wangl Tangl: from killer skateboarding on the incredible mini ramp, to bands and DJs that'll rock your socks off, to art shows and poetry that'll tickle your creative place. But first and foremost is snowboarding, and these boys sure know how to put together an innovative contest.

By snowboarders, for snowboarders is a cliche but it rings true for this event. It's all about putting down the most creative, progressive snowboarding down in the most creative, progressive park setups the crew can dream up. Hell, the event format and schedule is pretty much determined by the riders themselves.

Once again the contest will be a Team Challenge 'Gang Jam'. Several teams have already signed up, amongst them last years winning team 'Absolut' with Herby Thaler, Michi Stanschitz and Fips Gruber, team 'UK' with Nelson Pratt, Billy Morgan and Andy Nudds, team 'Zillertal' with Werni Stock, Peter Koenig and Georg Huber, team 'Italy' with Marco Grigis and Stefano Munari, the team around Jamie Nicholls and Tylor Chorlton as well as the Ä-teams with Steve Gruber, Wolle Nyvelt, Friedl Kolar, Chris and Rudi Kroell.

The 'Shred Down Austrian Masters' held in Innsbruck and Westendorf will be the last chance to qualify for the Wangl Tangl 2011. By reviewing the riding at both the Halfpipe and Slopestyle events, an A jury will define the last direct qualifiers to be part of the 'Wangl Tangl Gang Jam'.

For more info check out www.aesthetiker.com

Signal Snowboards' Every Third Thursday "Vans Off The Wall" Edition

From www.signalsnowboards.com

Happy Third Thursday! Time to kick back, put your feet up and try this new episode of ETT on for size! It's the right... and left way brighten up your week! Check it out as we pull inspiration from our feet and a brand that lives and breathes skate, surf and snow. Watch now and get - OFF THE WALL!

For more Every Third Thursday Videos, check out the Signal Snowboards' You Tube Channel.

Jib City Nights Rescheduled to 23rd

Because Mt. High will most likely be getting snow tonight and high winds, we've rescheduled Jib City Nights from tonight to next Wednesday the 23rd. Join us then for a good time on the mountain.

Will Lavigne, Benji Ritchie and Phil Jacques New Canadian Team Riders

Will Lavigne

As you know by now, the Vans Snow posse runs deep. We got all kinds of rippers around the world rocking Vans boots, and now three of those riders have been added to the Canadian Snow Team: Will Lavigne, Benji Ritchie and Phil Jacques. These guys handle business North of the border and have put together a short edit to celebrate the announcement. Check out the video posted on www.snowboardcanada.com and send out congrats to our Canadian brethren.

The Art Of FLIGHT Teaser

Mark Landvik

From the producers of That's It, That's All comes a new breed of snowboarding entertainment exceeding all expectations: The Art of FLIGHT follows Travis Rice, John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Scotty Lago, Jake Blauvelt, Nicolas Muller, Gigi Ruf, DCP and Pat Moore as they dream up new global adventures and progress the sport to unimaginable levels. Brain Farm has gathered an arsenal of the most advanced and progressive filmmaking technology to bring the masses a snowboarding adventure of epic proportions. Filmed on location in Jackson Hole, Alaska, Chile, Aspen, Patagonia, British Columbia and more, FLIGHT brings the viewer along for the perfect blend of adventure/travel drama and high-energy snowboarding action.

Watch The Art Of FLIGHT teaser here.

Mark Landvik. Photo Scott Serfas.

Eric Willett Wins Gold At Final Winter Dew Tour Stop

Eric Willett made history yesterday with his first win at the final stop of the Winter Dew Tour in Snowbasin, UT. After coming in second at the last stop in Vermont, Eric went head to head with Torstein Horgmo, Chas Guldemond and Mark McMorris for the last shot at a first place win and ended up with a 97.25, the highest score ever in a Winter Dew Tour Slopestyle competition. After calmly handling the three rail section at the top of the course, Eric put down a Switch Double Cork Back 1260 to a Front Double Cork 1080 on the bottom jumps, sealing the victory. Eric has been on a tear again this season, with several podium spots already, and has established himself as one of the most lethal competitive snowboarders in the business. You can watch a replay of the event on MTV2 this Saturday 2/19 at 1:00pm EST, or check out www.allisports.com for more info. Big ups to Eric for his successful season so far! Photos by Dave Doomey.

3rd Jib City Nights At Mountain High

Vans Team and Pro Tec held our 3rd Jib City Nights Rail Jam at Mt High last Wednesday, February 2nd. It was a 2-hour session on 3 different obstacles in the Mt High Playground. Riders were able to have 20 to 30 minutes on each obstacle to show off their snowboarding talent, and the top 3 riders on each obstacle got a free pair of Vans shoes. This is a free event for all ages. All of the riders that compete get a free Vans Jib City Night T-shirt and everyone that shows up will walk away with a hand full of Vans product. As always, Vans will have the grill going during the event for anyone that wants a free hotdog. On February 26th come up to Mt High and join the Vans and Pro Tec Teams while we host our 4th Jib City Night Rail Jam. - Words and Photos by Dave Doomey.

Hana Beaman's Snowboarder Magazine Webisodes

From Snowboarder Magazine:

Hana Beaman is no stranger to the pixels of this website, so why not give her her own webisode series? Throughout the season Hana will have a new webisode every other Wednesday under the name "P.S."... You know, like P.S. I love you, but in Hana's case it would be more like P.S... well we won't go there in fear of getting our asses kicked. In the debut episode Hana gets caught up in some less than perfect snow conditions in the backcountry as well as a little on hill action with Erin Comstock. In the second episode Hana goes from pow to park. After filming at Red Mountain, Colorado she heads to Aspen to compete in the Winter X Games 15.

Powder And Rails Season 3: Jamie Lynn

From VBS.TV:

Jamie Lynn arguably has the greatest style in the history of snowboarding. We catch up with him at his Seattle home that he currently shares with his overweight cat. Also, Chris Roach and the usual suspects explain why Jamie Lynn is a far cooler specimen than Britney Spears' sister, the other Jamie Lynn. We even sneak in a little action montage edited to a song by Jamie's band, Kandi Coded.

Watch Powder And Rails Season 3: Jamie Lynn Part 1 of 4.

New Videograss Early Teaser

Our friends over at Videograss are working hard to keep everyone in the loop on their latest project, Shoot The Moon. With an "early teaser" at the SIA Snow Show last week and a Daily Blog featuring Vans Team Riders Darrell Mathes and Zac Marben, the Videograss crew is goin' hard. Now they have posted the new teaser online for everyone to enjoy. Check it out, and add the boys to your blogroll to stay posted on their shredding exploits from around the world. Nice job fellas, keep up the good work.

This year the video will include parts from Chris Grenier, Darrell Mathes, Gus Engle, Jed Anderson, Johnny Miller, Jon Kooley, Jonas Michilot, Jordan Mendenhall, Justin Bennee, Louif Paradis, Mikey Leblanc, Nick Dirks, Nima Jalali, Will Tuddenham, and Zac Marben.

Presented by Monster and sponsored by Academy, Airblaster, Ashbury, Bonfire, Elm, Holden, Howl, K2, L1, Nike, Ride, Salomon, Snowboarder Magazine, Vans, and Volcom.

Shoot The Moon Early Teaser from VIDEOGRASS on Vimeo.

Vans At SIA Snow Show

Bjorn Leines from Celtek Bluebirded Out.

Last weekend the SIA Snow Show rolled through Denver, CO to give everyone a look at the new product coming out in 2012. Buyers and brand owners got together to discuss everyone's favorite topic: snowboarding. As always, Vans had a killer crew in town to make sure everyone had a good time and show off the sick stuff for next season. Every morning we kicked things off at the booth with fresh made waffles, snacks and coffee for all. On the first night, we hosted a welcome dinner with guests from Satellite/Installation, radcollector.com and Frank151. At the show, it was all about the new Vans collabos with Holden and Celtek, which we'll feature in an upcoming interview with Holden's Mikey Leblanc. In the meantime, check out this in-depth look into the new line from Transworld Business with Vans' Director of Action Sports Footwear & Equipment Jared Bevens, if you wanna get serious about it.

Classic Waffle Grip Since '66.