ORAGE BLOG
Karaoke Sessions at 382’s Battle My Crew March Mayhem Weekend at Loon, NH
MARCH 31 / 08
"The Scene": As observed by Intern Steve
Every year it seems I distance myself more and more from "the scene". From the chairlift or just cruising through the park I find myself questioning the flocks of park rats pooling in groups and not shredding like it’s their last day on snow (the way I used to). Am I getting older, am I more into lapping the mtn, do I want to get the most of my overpriced season pass, or is freeriding just becoming my thing? Why are they standing around, why don’t they just ski?
This year, with epic snow conditions I found a remedy for that very dilemma. I skied in the woods every day, all-day and usually didn’t see another soul aside from the friends I was skiing with. But still, like the salmon of Capistrano, every spring I am driven from the woods to the soft, all too inviting park to take laps and enjoy the sun.
This year when Mike (Nick) asked me to head down to New Hampshire to support 382’s March Mayhem / Battle my Crew / Newschoolers event at Loon, I said to myself, is this going to be another scene-fest or will there be some real shredding going on? Either way, I headed down to Loon Friday night with three large boxes of swag, a few banners, a couple good friends, a tent, and no idea what to expect.
Upon arrival we were warmly received at the Woodward Motel by Mike and Cullen from Newschoolers, and before long Doug Bishop rolled in bringing the party with him. After all, it was Doug’s big birthday bash.
The next day, March Mayhem had ensued. Crews were rolling through the park in deep numbers putting on a clinic for spectators.
It seems like every grab and rotation known to man was being thrown by short kids in tall tee’s and tall kids in short tee’s. There was even a ski-boarder whose name I’ve forgotten, but he was throwing huge switch backflips and even sent a backflip over the big booter, which boasted a 4 cat wide takeoff and a 20-foot cheese wedge.
In the end, it was Little John Strenio who walked away with the winner take all victory, throwing huge switch misty 9 mutes over the big hit. John got a huge wad of cash, and [shameless plug] a fancy new Orage Jefferson Jacket and Jam Pant setup. He was so stoked on his new outfit that he dropped trow and laid down in the snow while his friends kicked snow on him, just so he could have an excuse to test the warmth and breathability of his quality new Orage products. See?
Having just witnessed one of the illest slope events in a long time I could not drag myself away from the scene. I ended up spending the night and the next day stuck around to ski and watch the Battle My Crew event put on by the guys at 382. Brandon and Melvin put on a stellar job with the entire event, and it was clear to the competitors and spectators that they wanted everything to be on point. Great job fellas. Everybody had a great time the night before at Bishop’s birthday/karaoke party, and still managed to be up fresh and ready for Sunday.
While the competing crews, Ski Block, Stept, PBBNJ, New Intelligent Group and Peace Coast destroyed the park with some creative trains and team-work inspired maneuvers, I skied with my own crew from Burlington, who also happened to be present throughout the weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect and we got a few really fun runs in. Taking on the role of innocent by-stander we got to hang out at the bottom with the competitors and event crew to watch the event which was going off before our very eyes. (If you think watching footage online is fun, you should try it in real life). It seems that everyone in attendance was thoroughly impressed. I’m sure there will be a lot of good reporting done on the event, so I’ll just get back to my story.
On the drive back, Pat, Aaron, and I were reflecting on what a good weekend we had. The event was off the hook, the level of riding was some of the best I’ve seen all year, and the vibe was pervasive. We were completely stoked, and started talking about how we have to make sure to meet up and ski together when we’re old and grey. In May we’ll be graduating and ending our school careers, growing up (hopefully), and likely taking off to different parts of the globe. Still though, I remember being younger and skiing with my parents and the friends they themselves had made in college.
The friends I myself have made through skiing are some of the best friends I’ll ever have. Judging by the vibe that was given off this weekend, I think I can safely say that same experience applies to a lot of skiers. Maybe that’s what the scene is all about- establishing your crew and ultimately, a group of close friends who may not always be by your side in the outside world, but you can bet anything they’ll be down for meeting up on the mountain on any given day. For the event the guys from 382, with all their infinite wisdom, produced sweatshirts that read, “ALL I NEED IS MY CREW.” If you ask me, truer words have never been screen printed on a red hoodless sweatshirt.
Huge thanks to 382, the folks at Loon Mtn., Newschoolers.com, and my crew. See you at the battle next season.
Every year it seems I distance myself more and more from "the scene". From the chairlift or just cruising through the park I find myself questioning the flocks of park rats pooling in groups and not shredding like it’s their last day on snow (the way I used to). Am I getting older, am I more into lapping the mtn, do I want to get the most of my overpriced season pass, or is freeriding just becoming my thing? Why are they standing around, why don’t they just ski?
This year, with epic snow conditions I found a remedy for that very dilemma. I skied in the woods every day, all-day and usually didn’t see another soul aside from the friends I was skiing with. But still, like the salmon of Capistrano, every spring I am driven from the woods to the soft, all too inviting park to take laps and enjoy the sun.
This year when Mike (Nick) asked me to head down to New Hampshire to support 382’s March Mayhem / Battle my Crew / Newschoolers event at Loon, I said to myself, is this going to be another scene-fest or will there be some real shredding going on? Either way, I headed down to Loon Friday night with three large boxes of swag, a few banners, a couple good friends, a tent, and no idea what to expect.
Upon arrival we were warmly received at the Woodward Motel by Mike and Cullen from Newschoolers, and before long Doug Bishop rolled in bringing the party with him. After all, it was Doug’s big birthday bash.
The next day, March Mayhem had ensued. Crews were rolling through the park in deep numbers putting on a clinic for spectators.
It seems like every grab and rotation known to man was being thrown by short kids in tall tee’s and tall kids in short tee’s. There was even a ski-boarder whose name I’ve forgotten, but he was throwing huge switch backflips and even sent a backflip over the big booter, which boasted a 4 cat wide takeoff and a 20-foot cheese wedge.
In the end, it was Little John Strenio who walked away with the winner take all victory, throwing huge switch misty 9 mutes over the big hit. John got a huge wad of cash, and [shameless plug] a fancy new Orage Jefferson Jacket and Jam Pant setup. He was so stoked on his new outfit that he dropped trow and laid down in the snow while his friends kicked snow on him, just so he could have an excuse to test the warmth and breathability of his quality new Orage products. See?
Having just witnessed one of the illest slope events in a long time I could not drag myself away from the scene. I ended up spending the night and the next day stuck around to ski and watch the Battle My Crew event put on by the guys at 382. Brandon and Melvin put on a stellar job with the entire event, and it was clear to the competitors and spectators that they wanted everything to be on point. Great job fellas. Everybody had a great time the night before at Bishop’s birthday/karaoke party, and still managed to be up fresh and ready for Sunday.
While the competing crews, Ski Block, Stept, PBBNJ, New Intelligent Group and Peace Coast destroyed the park with some creative trains and team-work inspired maneuvers, I skied with my own crew from Burlington, who also happened to be present throughout the weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect and we got a few really fun runs in. Taking on the role of innocent by-stander we got to hang out at the bottom with the competitors and event crew to watch the event which was going off before our very eyes. (If you think watching footage online is fun, you should try it in real life). It seems that everyone in attendance was thoroughly impressed. I’m sure there will be a lot of good reporting done on the event, so I’ll just get back to my story.
On the drive back, Pat, Aaron, and I were reflecting on what a good weekend we had. The event was off the hook, the level of riding was some of the best I’ve seen all year, and the vibe was pervasive. We were completely stoked, and started talking about how we have to make sure to meet up and ski together when we’re old and grey. In May we’ll be graduating and ending our school careers, growing up (hopefully), and likely taking off to different parts of the globe. Still though, I remember being younger and skiing with my parents and the friends they themselves had made in college.
The friends I myself have made through skiing are some of the best friends I’ll ever have. Judging by the vibe that was given off this weekend, I think I can safely say that same experience applies to a lot of skiers. Maybe that’s what the scene is all about- establishing your crew and ultimately, a group of close friends who may not always be by your side in the outside world, but you can bet anything they’ll be down for meeting up on the mountain on any given day. For the event the guys from 382, with all their infinite wisdom, produced sweatshirts that read, “ALL I NEED IS MY CREW.” If you ask me, truer words have never been screen printed on a red hoodless sweatshirt.
Huge thanks to 382, the folks at Loon Mtn., Newschoolers.com, and my crew. See you at the battle next season.
Posted by orage at 9:22 AM PST
Orage / Swatch Watch
MARCH 26 / 08
As a result of the partnership between Orage and Swiss watch brand SWATCH at this years Orage European Freeski Open by Swatch, a special collectors edition watch was created for the 12 athletes who graced the podium.
take a look at one of the 12 watches in existence world wide... a true limited edition, and the first time a project like this has ever taken place for the Swatch Brand... Orage was stoked to have these produced.... as were the athletes who received them.
Posted by Orage at 1:48 PM PST
Golden Crown OFR
MARCH 26 / 08
La compétition se déroulera de 10h à 16h samedi et dimanche. Les inscriptions se feront le matin même à l'intérieur du chalet de ski. Les formulaires d'inscription et les détails de la compétition sont disponibles sur le site Internet : www.teamofr.com. Les festivités du printemps auront lieu sur la terrasse du Mont-Orford au pied du parcours de la compétition. Nous attendons 60 participants de partout en province pour chaque journée de compétition.
Les gagnants de chaque catégorie recevront des prix en cadeaux. Tous les participants recevront des prix de participation. Il n'y a aucun prix en argent pour les gagnants. Le grand gagnant de la compétition de Freeski aura la chance de recevoir une commandite des skis Factions et de faire partie de l'équipe de Pros Skieur Faction 2008-09 au Québec.
Si vous désirez obtenir plus de renseignements, n'hésitez pas à communiquer avec nous par courriel team_ofr@hotmail.com.
Souhaitant grandement que vous soyez des nôtres, nous vous prions d'agréer nos salutations distinguées.
Posted by Orage at 7:59 AM PST
Whistler with TJ
MARCH 21 / 08
Posted by Orage at 8:44 PM PST
MARCH 19 / 08
Posted by Orage at 9:07 AM PST