Under sunny skies that looked more “April/May spring conditions” than “mid-winter January grey”; the invited Winter X Games 13 men and women hit Buttermilk today for their first practice session. And believe you me: the set-ups are way heavy. The half pipe is the biggest currently in competition at 22-feet tall with all the usual perils, but the slopestyle course is next level. Not only is it super fast with little room between booters to set-up, but the channel gap is downright mean, with a nasty habit of breaking riders off. A few too many fell victim, including Travis Rice who ollied, came up short, and took the knuckle to his hips directly. The slam folded him, but Travis is a tough as nails mo-fo; a real natural snowboarder that can take more than any of us. He emerged like he’d just been in a bar fight: swollen paw and a scrapped up face. He’ll be fine though.
Chas Guldemond hit the course for the first time today too. Here’s what he had to say in 6 quick questions post-practice:
1. Slopestyle practice was today. How was it?
It’s good to be back here in Aspen with the whole crew again. I stood on the course before it opened looking at it like, what the hell am I gonna do here? Just trying to figure out how to link it. I was a little intimidated by the channel gap. From there, I had a ball. I did three runs with all methods, and tweaked all of ‘em as much as I could. I just warmed up, felt it out, and tried some different stuff.
There was a weird vibe because people were scared of the set–up, but for the most part it was good. There will be a couple of changes, but with another day of practice the riders will be able to dial the course in and take it to the next level… to where it needs to be. The riders always make slopestyle. They put their shit on the line to take it to the next level for real.
2. How you feeling about it? Feel like it can be figured out and you can do well on it?
I’m feeling strong and healthy. Good vibes, and I’m having fun. I just want to do the best I can and stomp my shit. That’s it: a sick run through it and I’ll be satisfied.
3. You’re known as one of the hardest working ams on the snowboarding circuit. What’s your regiment been like?
I took advantage of my dogs. The idea was to kill two birds… wear them out and wear myself out up in the mountains by my house. Also, the balance between my home life and snowboarding is important. I need that balance between my home life, my girlfriend, and my dog.
4. How do you get those gnarly biceps?
(laughs). Yeah, I’ve been showing them off a lot lately. I wore the whole bicep joke out about four months ago in Tahoe. Now that I’m traveling, I can use it. It makes people laugh.
5. What kind of hard work have you done to prepare for this weekend at Winter X?
My season’s been so hectic. This is my 6th major contest this year! I’m halfway through. The mental thing is definitely coming into play. My main focus is to keep having fun and bring a good energy to the whole contest scene.
6. What’s your favorite part about comps like this?
I gotta be honest. The best feeling is being on the podium. But I also like the feeling of cheering on my friends as they go throw down a sick run. That, and feeling good about my riding. Or else, it’s not fun for me!
Thursday we’ve got more practice plus qualifying in slopstyle. Ending the day will be big air, were Torstein will fight to defend his gold medal. Tune in!
