Brits09 News
The BRITS 2009 20th Birthday Celebrations All Wrapped Up For Another Year (Posted Friday, April 10, 2009 by stu)
Europe’s longest established winter snowsports festival, The BRITS, went down last week in Laax with some of the sickest riding and après shenanigans in the event's 20 year history as it celebrated its milestone birthday in style. It was a busy week where record breaking spins were spun, new heights reached, stars of the future found and a plethora of parties as debauched as ever!
Celebrating 20 years of snowsporting history, organisers and sponsors upped the ante to guarantee The BRITS 2009 was an absolute classic! Playing host to the prestigious British Snowboard and Freeski Championships, which witnessed kids, rookies, pros and Olympians, including Lesley McKenna, X Games Gold Medallist Jenny Jones, Ben Kilner, Jaime Nicholls, James Woods and Katie Summerhayes, all throwing down some of the highest standard of riding witnessed at the BRITS to date. The Championship action came courtesy of the Trespass Snowboardcross/Skiercross, Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle and SNO!zone Halfpipe . For full daily competition event reports, results and images please check out the http://www.brits09.com website.
The all-new Après Session Arena with its array of entertainment and fully stocked bar proved unsurprisingly popular and kept the masses entertained after a sunny days shredding on the hill. Running alongside the live DJ and acoustic sets from the likes of hot new prospect Ben Howard, revellers thronged outside the Crap Bar for a raft of extracurricular festivities which included the Nike 6.0 Highest Ollie Challenge, in which Ben Kilner set a new British record of 1 metre (or 39” in old money) which secured him his 2nd of 3 wins during the week! 2009 also saw the return of the much loved Red Bull Homerun, in which a mix of 210 ‘pumped’ skiers and snowboarders jostled for a space on the front row at the start with all entrants determined to win the highly charged en masse Chinese downhill race.
The Cushe Air Bag was pounded all week long with a never-ending stream of eager freestylers greeted with a reassuringly Cushe landing, while the SUSO drinks team were at the heart of the Après Arena with their unique SUSO Slopeside Cinema to screen the greatest 20 film sections of all time as voted for by the public. Those making the final countdown and reaching the hall of fame were:
Freeski: 1. Seth Johnson, “SM3, The Front Line”; 2. C R Johnson, “SM3, The Front Line”; 3. Simon Dumont, “Claim”; and 4. Sammy Carlson, “Reasons”.
Snowboarding: 1. Johan Olofsson, “Totally Board 5”; 2. Romain De Marchi, “Vivid”; 3. Travis Rice, “Pop”; 4. Terje Haakonsen, “New Way of Thinking”.
After the Après action and a couple of cold beers to whet the appetite it was then home, wash-down, and back out in time for one of the nightly club sessions, which witnessed the BRITS biggest ever music line-up! Headliners included DJ sets from The Go! Team, Vadim, Micky Finn and Bonobo with live sets from Gentleman’s Pistols, Kandi Coded, Kovak and Jett Black offering a line-up with something for every musical taste, covering Rock, Hip-Hop, Funk, DnB, Electro Pop and some good old Cheesy 80’s classics for the BRITS 20th Birthday Bash, which witnessed some wonderful and frankly weird fancy dress costumes!
If you return from Switzerland in a slight daze, don’t worry as Extreme Channel will be creating a half hour dedicated BRITS show, so you’ll be able to see how you spent the week or you can even get your stay-at-home mates to tune in and see what they missed! Exact timings of the show will be announced on the BRITS website, so keep checking back for more details. We’ve also been posting plenty of pics and podcasts of the action, both on and off the slopes, onto our website, so go check them out here: Brits Photo Gallery
And with that, the 20 year anniversary edition of the BRITS is all wrapped up and we look forward to welcoming you out to Laax next year for our 21st. We’ll shortly be posting new info about 2010 packages so stay tuned.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
SPEED, WIPEOUTS AND LOTS OF FUN…The Return of Red Bull Home Run (Posted Saturday, April 4, 2009 by stu)
Friday 3rd April saw Red Bull Home Run return to Laax in Switzerland at the BRITS (British Freeski & Snowboard Champs). A mix of 210 ‘pumped’ skiers and snowboarders took part, all of whom jostled for a space on the front row at the Le Mans start. All the entrants, ranging from six to 40 years old, were determined to win the highly charged en masse Chinese downhill race.
This year’s course, which stretched from 2228m all the way down to 1100m, was designed to be even more challenging than its predecessor. A kicker was built half way down the run to give even the most experienced riders something else to think about.
The starter's pistol signalled the start of the carnage as the racers ran for their skis or snowboard, all attempting to hit the slopes ahead of the chasing pack. The skiers, with quicker bindings, faired better at this stage and began to descend in their droves, though it was not long before the snowboarders were hot on their heels. A number of big wipe-outs and crashes followed. Thankfully everyone made it down to the finish line with a smile on their face and no broken bones.
First to cross the finish line was skier Edward Cozzy closely followed by the first snowboarder Ben Kilner, Scotland’s bright hope in next year’s Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Danielle Freeze put together an awesome run to take the female ski title while Red Bull's very own Laura Berry won the female snowboard title for the second year running.
After the race Laura Berry joked: ‘I’m super stoked. I really wanted to regain the title and I’ve done it, although it did nearly kill me this time!’
Red Bull Home Run Results
Female Snowboard Laura Berry
Male Snowboard Ben Kilner
Female Ski Danielle Freeze
Male Ski Edward Cozzy
Jenny Jones and Jamie Nicholls Take Slopestyle Titles (Posted Friday, April 3, 2009 by joannebrown)
The Animal British Slopestyle Championships
It was another glorious day at the BRITS 09 for the Animal Slopestyle Championships and what a way to finish off the week! 15 year old Jamie Nicholls broke a new BRITS record for being the youngest competitor to win the overall title and Jenny Jones threw down a world-class performance to take the 2009 Animal British Slopestyle Championship title.
In the women’s final it was Winter X-Games gold medallist, Jenny Jones, who added another gold medal and a British title to her already impressive career collection. Jenny dominated the finals with a technical run, which included a rock to fakie on the wall-ride, a switch frontside 180 into a tail-press on the box, followed by a big backside and frontside air in the quarterpipe. Over the kicker line Jenny stomped a huge backside 360, frontside 360 and frontside 540, all over the big kickers. Second place went to Laura Berry who had been killing it all day with a disaster on the wall-ride, 180 on and off the box and a backside 360 and frontside 540 over the kickers. Claire Frost finished in third with a selection of huge 360’s over the kickers.
Jenny Jones quoted: “I’m stoked to win, I flew in from America last night, so was a bit jet lagged and only had a quick practice. The BRITS is great and it’s lovely to make it my last stop of the season and celebrate with all my friends”.
The younger generation of riders coming up through the ranks stepped it up a level with Tom Hunt and Declan Power from the Junior GB squad qualifying through to the top 12 men’s final. Qualifying through to the finals in top spot, Jamie Nicholls consistently killed it and secured the 2009 Animal Slopestyle Championship title with an amazingly technical run. Jamie’s run included a frontside 360 tail tap over the barrel jib, a huge disaster on the wall-ride followed by a backside to fakie on the box and a huge cab 720 and alley oop rodeo in the quarterpipe. Over the kickers Jamie stomped a huge cab 900 and maintained his speed into a big backside 720 and frontside 720.
It was super tight between second and third place, with the silver medal going to Team GB rider Jack Shackleton. He started off his faultless run with a 360 over the barrel jib to disaster on the wall-ride followed by a big backside 540 and crippler in the quarterpipe. Over the jumps Jack landed a huge backside 360, cab 540 and cab 720. Third place went to Ben Kilner who had been riding super strong all day and nailed the top section of the course with a hand plant 360 over the barrel, huge rock to fakie on the wall-ride followed by a massive frontside 540 and haakon flip in the quarterpipe. Over the kickers he landed a big frontside 540, cab 540 and frontside 720.
Jamie Nicholls quoted “I’m so stoked, I really didn’t have a clue, oh wow! I loved the course and I enjoyed every minute of the comp. It’s great to come away with the overall title, as I came second last year. The BRITS is an amazing comp, it’s such a fun event”.
Animal British Slopestyle Championship Results
Men
1st - Jamie Nicholls, Halifax
2nd - Jack Shackleton, Newbury
3rd - Ben Kilner, Banchory
Women
1st - Jenny Jones, Bristol
2nd - Laura Berry, Milton Keynes
3rd – Claire Frost, Edinburgh
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts atwww.brits09.com, where you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Katie Summerhayes & James Woods Win Their Second Gold’s of the Week (Posted Friday, April 3, 2009 by joannebrown)
The Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championships
Following on from the exceptional standard witnessed in the Slopestyle Championships earlier in the week all were excited and anticipation was in the air to see what the freeskiers would pull out of the bag for the final day of competition, the Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championships. Despite the slow snow conditions, the standard of riding was immense, with both Katie Summerhayes and James Woods winning their second gold medals of the week.
In the women’s competition, six went through to a two run, best-run counts final. Youngster, Katie Summerhayes, fresh from winning the gold in the Slopestyle earlier in the week took the title after landing a solid 360 mute grab off the big kicker, whilst Claire Hughes came in second place with a stylish 360 off the big kicker. Jessica Thom did a 720 off the medium kicker, slightly backseat on landing, to take third.
“I am so happy to have won as I came 2nd last year so I really wanted to win this time and it is such an amazing feeling coming away from the BRITS with two gold medals, I still can’t quite believe it”. - Said Katie Summerhayes on her win.
In the men’s competition, 12 of Britain’s finest freeskiers went through to the final in the hope of winning the coveted title. After the super high standard that was thrown down in the Slopestyle Championships earlier in the week, the finals were set to be an extremely close one for the judges as well as an exciting one for the crowds as all of the finalists went big and pulled out all the stops. James Woods, who’s been on top form all week and fresh from victory in the Slopestyle, added another gold medal to his collection, winning with a perfect textbook switch 900 mute grab. With his first appearance of the week, Paddy Graham, was on fine form taking the second spot after stomping a super stylish and floaty switch 720 crossed out mute grab. Third spot went to Joe Tomlinson who impressed the judges with a Switch 900 misty mute grab.
“I’m super stoked to have won a second gold medal at the BRITS. Winning this and the Slopestyle in the same week is an amazing feeling as I’ve had so many second place finishes in the past. Competing at the BRITS is such a great feeling as you get so much support from the crowd, so it certainly feels great to have won here twice!”. – Said James woods of his second win of the week.
Quiksilver British Big Air Championship Results
Men
1st - James Woods, Sheffield
2nd - Paddy Graham, Sheffield
3rd - Joe Tomlinson, Rossendale
Women
1st - Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield
2nd - Claire Hughes, Fife
3rd - Jessica Thom,
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.comwhere you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Ben Kilner and Lesley McKenna Take Top Honours (Posted Thursday, April 2, 2009 by joannebrown)
SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships
Day three at the BRITS saw the highly anticipated SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships. The crowds welcomed the sunshine, but this made for quite challenging snow conditions for the riders. However, that didn’t stop World-class halfpipe runs being thrown down and World Cup Halfpipe Team members Lesley McKenna and Ben Kilner taking the top spots with faultless, technical runs.
The 12 man final was always going to be a tight competition with Team GB members Sam Cullum, Dom Harington, Ben Kilner, Dan Wakeham and James Foster all throwing down impressive technical runs to battle it out for the top three podium spots. It was 2010 Olympic hopeful, Ben Kilner, who was successful in taking the 2009 British Halfpipe title. In the two run, best-run counts final, Ben’s stylish and high amplitude second run impressed the judges and scored him the top spot. Ben’s run included a massive inverted 540, which was easily the highest air of the day, followed by a crippler and textbook backside 720. Dom Harington picked up his second medal of the week, securing second place with a smooth and technical run consisting of a huge frontside 540, backside 540, haakon flip and finishing off with a stylish switch rodeo. Riding well all day, Dan Wakeham had a technical run consisting of a massive mctwist, haakon flip, big inverted 7, massive air to fakie, but after falling on his final hit, he rode away with the bronze.
“I’m totally stoked at winning. I really enjoyed the competition, despite the conditions of the snow. I really like competing at the BRITS after a busy season of comps, it’s the most fun and enjoyable to ride at, so it’s great to win here this year.” – Ben Kilner said of his win.
In the women’s final, Olympian Lesley McKenna demonstrated her well-honed halfpipe skills to take the gold. She threw down two solid, technical runs, getting great amplitude out of the pipe, with her winning run consisting of frontside 720, cab 360, big frontisde indie and backside tailgrab to finish. Reigning champion, Kate Foster, fell in her first run and so the pressure was on for her second. She had a great solid run, which included frontside air, backside alley oop, front 360 and cab 360 combination to finish securing her the silver medal. Laura Hill had a smooth and technical run consisting of a front 360, cab 360, frontside 540 and backside 360, securing her the third podium spot.
“The conditions were challenging with such soft snow, I think all of the riders could’ve done so much more. But I’m really pleased with my win. It’s always so much fun at the BRITS, getting to ride with British Friends in such a fun atmosphere.” – Said Lesley McKenna of her win.
A special mention goes out to the younger riders pushing up through the ranks including, 13 year old British Junior Team rider Lewis Courtier Jones, who was boosting out of the pipe all day, and was the only Kids Men to make it through to the final, finishing in 10th overall. Fellow Team GB member, 16 year old Aimee Fuller, who was the youngest rider to make it through to the women’s final, threw down two technical runs showing great promise and potential. Watch this space for next year.
SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship Results
Men
1st - Ben Kilner, Banchory
2nd - Dom Harington, Leeds
3rd - Dan Wakeham, Plymouth
Women
1st - Lesley Mckenna, Aviemore
2nd - Kate Foster, Sussex
3rd - Laura Hill, Leeds
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.com where you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action and après from the previous day’s competition.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Trespass Set the Tempo at this Year’s BRITS (Posted Thursday, April 2, 2009 by joannebrown)
Trespass British Skiercross Championships
It was another glorious day for the skiers as they went head to head in the battle for the sought after Trespass British Skiercross Championship Title. British Ski Team members Jasmin Taylor and Gregg Samuels were on form and dominated the eliminating rounds through to the finals to secure the 2009 Trespass Skiercross Championship Titles.
In the Men’s skiercross final it was Gregg Samuels who led the pack from the start gates and despite the closing gap maintained the lead down the challenging course and over the finish line to take the 2009 Trespass Skiercross Championship title. Second place went to Craig Robinson with a very close third and fourth place going to Edward Cozzi and John Andree consecutively.
In the women’s competition it was just as competitive with all eager to be first out of the start gates to get an advantageous lead. Jasmin Taylor, who had the fastest time in the first round of qualifications, got away from the others first with a great fast start out of the start gates. Hitting the first jump Jasmin increased her lead and crossed the finish line first to take the 2009 Trespass Skiercross Championship title. Danielle Freeze followed closely behind to finish in second place whilst Serena Woods and Helen Pickford fought it out until the end to finish in third and fourth place consecutively.
Trespass British Skiercross Results
Men
1st – Gregg Samuels
2nd – Craig Robinson
3rd – Edward Cozzi
4th – John Andree
Women
1st – Jasmin Taylor
2nd – Danielle Freeze
3rd - Serena Woods
4th – Helen Pickford
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.com, where you will be able to review all the action from the previous day’s competition.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Nate Kern sets a new BRITS Record! (Posted Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by joannebrown)
The Quiksilver British Big Air Championships
Blue bird skies welcomed in the second day of the BRITS 09 for the Quiksilver Big Air Championships yesterday and the standard of riding was immense. Nate Kern set a new BRITS record with a backside 1260 and Laura Berry stepped it up with a huge 360 to take the 2009 British Quiksilver Big Air Championship titles.
The qualification rounds showcased just how high the current standard of UK snowboarding is with over 80 riders charging the kickers and throwing down a selection of huge 7’s 9’s and double back-flips. The 12 man final increased to 13 as the judging was too tight to call with younger riders including, Sparrow Knox and Tom Hunt from the Kids age category and Quiksilver’s very own Jamie Nicholls impressively taking a spot.
The level of riding stepped up a gear again during the men’s final as Nate Kern landed the first ever 1260 witnessed at the BRITS to take the 2009 British Quiksilver Big Air Title. Second place went to Halifax local and big air specialist Andy Nudds, who landed a huge frontside 1080 whilst third place with a textbook cab 1080 went to Dom Harington.
Nate who also set the record for landing the first ever 1080 at the 2006 BRITS quoted:”It’s amazing and I’m really happy to come out and regain the title. I wasn’t thinking about it as setting a new record, I just wanted to step it up a level, you know, to keep progressing the sport. The level of competition was off the scale and I’m so happy i brought it together today”
In the women’s final it was Laura Berry who was victorious and took the 2009 Quiksilver Big Air Title after she landed a super smooth and solidly grabbed 360 over the big kicker. Second place went to Claire Frost who had been killing it all day with a huge 360 over the big kicker. Jo Chastney also stepped it up to take third place after she pulled out a cab 540 over the medium kicker.
Laura Berry quoted: “I missed the last two BRITS because of an injury so this is pretty sweet. “I’m really stoked. It’s awesome to be back and I’m really pleased I landed the 360”
Quiksilver British Big Air Championship Results
Men
1st – Nate Kern, Sussex
2nd – Andy Nudds, Halifax
3rd – Dom Harington, Leeds
Women
1st – Laura Berry, Milton Keynes
2nd – Claire Frost, Edinburgh
3rd - Jo Chastney, Dorset
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.com, where you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Youngsters Take Gold In The Animal Slopestyle and Sam Pilgrim Steps up to Slopestyle Challenge on his Bike! (Posted Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by joannebrown)
The Animal British Slopestyle Championships
The second day of the British Freeski Championships saw stylish and solid runs as the best of British freeskiers attacked the course for the Animal British Slopestyle Championships, with youngsters James Woods and Katie Summerhayes dominating the day. And if that action wasn’t already enough for the crowds to take in, Animal’s Pro Mountain Biker Sam Pilgrim, winner of Europe’s biggest dirt Slopestyle events, also stepped up to the Animal Slopestyle Challenge at this year’s BRITS by hitting the course on his bike, alongside his Animal team mates, Freeskier James Webb and Team GB Snowboarder, Dom Harington!
With the top six women from the qualifications going through to the final, it was the youngest competitor of the day, Katie Summerhayes, 13, who won her first ever BRITS, with a winning run consisting of tail tap over the barrel jib, 180 on the wall, switch up on the box followed by two super high grabbed airs in the quarterpipe. Katie then did a 360 with a solid grab, a 720 and a 540 on the kickers. Claire Hughes scooped the silver with jib over the barrel, a switch up on the box and two big airs in the quarterpipe. On the kickers Claire did a switch 180, 360, and then a straight air off the big kicker. Last years reigning champion Emma Lonsdale took the third spot with a 180 over the barrel, to switch wall ride and a solid grind on the box, followed by two huge grab mute airs in the pipe. On the kicker section she did a switch 180, 360, finishing off with a 180.
Katie Summerhayes said of her win – “It’s an amazing feeling to have won, especially as this is only my second time competing at the BRITS and is my first overall title win at the event. I just can’t believe it, I’ve had a great day competing.”
It was a super tight final in the men’s category with the 12 finalists pulling out all of the stops in the hope of winning the coveted title, keeping the crowds entertained with their array of world class riding. It was regular competitor and winner on the British Snow Tour, James Woods, who was crowned the king of the Animal British Slopestyle Championships, after his impressive and faultless run, consisting of a tailtap 180 out, switch tail press on the wall, 450 out on the street rail followed by huge stylish airs and flares in the quarterpipe. Finishing his run off with a 720 nosegrab, a double lincoln and a switch cork 9. It was super tight between first and second place, with the silver medal going to reining champion and Animal’s very own James Webb. He started off his faultless run with a handplant frontflip over the hitching post, the only competitor to use it, followed by a 180 stall on the wall, a 270 switch up, a massive straight air and air to fakie in the quarterpipe. Over the kickers he chose a switch cork 9, Double Front Flip, followed by a cheeky front flip off the knuckle and then a 9 mute grab to finish. Julian Ball took the final podium spot with a 360 handplant on the snow, 180 stall on the wall, regular 270 off the rail and high airs in the pipe. His tricks of choice for the kickers were a DSpin 7, double backflip, a definite crowd pleaser, and a switch rodeo 7 to finish.
“The competition was pretty intense and such a high level of riding from everyone. This is my first time for winning overall gold at the BRITS so I’m so stoked to have won.” Said James Woods of his win.
Animal British Slopestyle Championship Results
Men
1st - James Woods, Sheffield
2nd – James Webb, Bracknell
3rd – Julian Ball, Kent
Women
1st – Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield
2nd – Claire Hughes, Fife
3rd – Emma Lonsdale, Settle
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.com where you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition. The webcast for today’s competition will be available to view from approximately 12 noon on Wednesday 1st April.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Triumphant Start for Team GB (Posted Tuesday, March 31, 2009 by joannebrown)
The Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships 2009
On the first day of the 2009 British Snowboard Championships it was time for the racers to show off some high speed action in the Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships, which witnessed over 100 snowboarders going head to head down the challenging course until only the fastest remained to battle it out in the finals. Snowsport GB Team members, James Foster and Zoe Gillings dominated the day’s competition, both gaining the two fastest race times of the competition as well as claiming the titles, for the second year running.
In the women’s final, it was set to be a fast paced race with three of the four finalists being Snowsport GB team members and snowboardcross specialists. Zoe Gillings, who had got the overall fastest time in the first round of qualifications, got away from the others first with a great fast start out of the gates. Hitting the first jump Zoe increased her lead even further following a couple of the other competitors crashing, but all rode away to continue the race. Zoe held onto her lead for the entire race, securing her the top spot and title for a second year running. As Zoe crossed the finish line, Lesley was hitting the last kicker of the course finishing in second place, followed by Dani Stone in third and Ivy Taylor in fourth.
Zoe Gillings said – “It was awesome to win! I’ve been competing in Snowboardcross all season so couldn’t have had better training for today. As I was one of the favourites to win that added extra pressure so I feel really happy and relieved at the same time to have won.”
The men’s final was just as competitive with all eager to be first out of the gates to get an advantageous lead. James Foster, who had got the fastest time overall of the days competition and had been riding solidly all day, got away from the others first and despite the others being hot on his heels throughout the whole course, he held onto his lead for the entire race securing him the top spot and the title for the second year running. The rest of the riders all had solid faultless runs and continued to try and close the gap on James but his impressive run meant no one got the chance to steal his lead on this occasion. Second over the finish line was Tim McGregor followed by Nick Dudar and in fourth place David Osgood.
“It’s really good to be back at the BRITS, the course was bigger and better this year and luckily the weather was kind to us. I’m very happy to have won as it’s my first race of the season”, said James Foster of his win.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Results
Men Women
1st – James Foster 1st – Zoe Gillings
2nd – Tim McGregor 2nd – Lesley McKenna
3rd – Nick Dudar 3rd – Dani Stone
4th – David Osgood 4th – Ivy Taylor
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.com, where you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition. The webcast for today’s competition will be available to view from approximately 12 noon on Tuesday 31st March.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
James Machon & Emma Lonsdale Take Top Honours (Posted Tuesday, March 31, 2009 by joannebrown)
The SNO!zone British Freeski Halfpipe Championships
The SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships kicked off the BRITS 09 Freeski Championships in style today and despite the challenging weather James Machon and Emma Lonsdale attacked the 19ft monster superpipe with style to take top honours and the 2009 SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championship titles.
During the qualification rounds younger competitors including, 11 year old Molly Summerhayes, 12 year old Tyler-Jay Harding and 15 year old Josh Fawcett all stepped it up with impressive runs which secured them a spot through to the finals. In the Women’s final it was Emma Lonsdale who retained her title as the 2009 British Halfpipe Champion with a selection of big and stylish grabs, back to back alley-oops and a smooth zero spin. Second place went to Katie Summerhayes who linked together stylish alley-opps and solid grabs. Claire Hughes finished in third place with a run including smooth back to back alley-oops.
Emma Lonsdale quoted “I’m really happy about winning, I was a little bit worried because Katie had some big spins. It would’ve been nice to have some sunshine but it didn’t matter as the pipe was really nice. I love the BRITS, it’s one of my favourite comps as everyone comes together at the end of the season and celebrates.”
As the men’s final got underway the clouds rolled in and visibility worsened resulting in scores from the qualification rounds being used. James Machon qualified in top spot taking the 2009 British Halfpipe title after an impressive and stylish run including huge back to back flares and a zero spin 540. Second place went to James Woods, who threw down a run full of ally-opp 540’s and flares. Third place went to Charlie Richards who was going huge with a combination of back to back flares.
James Machon quoted “It’s great to win as I came second last year. The weather didn’t bother me as I felt really confident. It was great to compete again at the BRITS it’s the most fun event of the year and it’s great to see all my friends and family”
Quiksilver British Big Air Championship Results
Women
1st – Emma Lonsdale, Settle
2nd – Katie Summerhayes, Sheffield
3rd - Claire Hughes, Fife
Men
1st – James Machon, Bamford
2nd – James Woods, Sheffield
3rd – Charlie Richards, Sheffield
Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2009 daily webcasts at www.brits09.com, where you will be able to review the snowboard and freeski action from the previous day’s competition. The webcast for today’s competition will be available to view from approximately 12 noon on Tuesday 31st March.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Red Bull Home Run is Back & NIKE 6.0 sets the Highest Ollie Challenge! (Posted Friday, March 20, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland,
Only a week to go before the BRITS 09 gets underway in Laax, Switzerland and in preparation the pistes are being groomed, fun parks lovingly shaped and the après arena’s skilfully assembled. This year will also see the return of the much loved Red Bull Home Run and new for this year the NIKE 6.0 Highest Ollie Challenge. Leading hardware brands Ride, DC, Salomon, K2, Lines Skis and Volkl will also be on hand throughout the week to offer FREE demo testing! 
NIKE 6.0 ‘Who’s Got Pop’ Highest Ollie Challenge
The NIKE 6.0 crew have joined forces with the BRITS to challenge the UK’s snowboarding community to see who has the ‘Greatest Pop’ and set a new UK highest ollie record. The challenge is open to all BRITS wristband holders and will take place at the bottom of the hill in the Après Session Arena on Wednesday 1st April. A slap up Swiss feast for the winner and their crew along with the fame and glory is up for grabs and there’s even free 20th birthday cake for everyone taking in the action.
Red Bull Home Run Returns
The cherry on the top for the BRITS extracurricular activities comes in the form of the Red Bull Home Run. Back by popular demand for 2009 the en masse elbows out race from the top of the mountain to the Crap Bar five miles below brings a whole new definition to the term, thigh-burn! The Home Run is open to all BRITS wristband holders and will finish the BRITS week off in true ‘Chinese Downhill’ fashion on Friday 3rd April.
Demo Village
Leading hardware brands Ride, DC, Salomon, K2, Lines Skis and Volkl will be laying on their full range of ski and snowboard hardware to test throughout the BRITS week. The offer is FREE to all BRITS wristband holders, with no obligation to buy. Simply stroll through the Demo Village of tents at the après sessions to see what takes your fancy and the helpful crew will set you up for the next day’s riding.
BRITS packages start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband. Check out the BRITS website for all information www.brits09.com
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
The BRITS 09 lights the fuse of its biggest ever music line-up! (Posted Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by joannebrown)
28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
Celebrating its 20th Birthday this year, Europe’s ultimate and longest established winter festival, The BRITS gets ready to light the fuse of its biggest ever music line-up! Headliners include DJ sets from The Go! Team, Vadim, Micky Finn, and Bonobo with live sets from Gentleman’s Pistols, Kandi Coded, Kovak and a very special guest to be announced! The BRITS music line-up looks set to offer something for every musical taste covering, Rock, Hip-Hop, Funk, DnB, Electro Pop and some good old Cheesy 80’s classics for the BRITS 20th Birthday Bash.
Each day DJ’s will be positioning themselves in snowy strongholds around the mountain to blast out tunes across the slopes and Championship action. Off the hill it’s into the bar for a spot of après with live daily DJ and acoustic sets from the likes of Ben Howard and Joel Erith, then home, wash-down, and back out in time for one of nightly club sessions. Just remember, it’s a marathon…not a sprint! 
Trespass Hip-hop Night – Presents Scratch, DJ Vadim, Matt Smooth, DJ Lyley & Nick Maxwell
Trespass in association with Skiclub.co.uk will be getting the b-boys and b-girls jumpin on Sunday when they host a night of hip-hop with Scratch and special guest DJ Vadim. Throwing down their faves from the old school and adding the best of the new for that perfect block rockin' blend!
TSA Rock Night – Presents Gentlemans Pistols, Jett Black & Kandi Coded
The TSA ROCK night in association with Dalikfodda and SCUK is locked and loaded and ready to kick the bejesus out of Monday night at the BRITS. Gentleman’s Pistols, Jett Black and Kandi Coded (snowboarding legend, Jamie Lynn’s band) will crank up the Riders Palace PA system and blast out some ferocious and downright dirty Rock & Roll. Get your ear plugs ready… this one’s gonna hurt!
Quik Sessions FUNK Night – Presents, Funk Royale with Deep Sax & MC Tukka
For all the funk brothers and sisters the Funk Royale crew featuring DJs, Mr Chex, Ben ‘Sneaker’ Bailey, Matt Smooth, MC Tukka and Depp Sax will be bringing their classic blockparty sounds and carnival vibes to the BRITS on Tuesday for the Quick Sessions Funk Night in association with Whitleines. Their mission, to bring booty shaking funk to party loving crowds….all nightlong baby!
SNO!zone DRUM n BASS Night – Presents, Darren Jay, Micky Finn & MC Rhymes
Drum and Bass heavyweight DJ’s, Micky Finn & Darren Jay along with Bushman, Seb Kern and MC Rhymes will be making the BRITS bounce when they unleash their tearout beats on Wednesday night for the SNO!zone Drum n Bass night in association with Cushe and Metrosnow.co.uk. Digging deep in the crates they’ll be dropping some classic jump up tunes and hot hot dubplates, including some exclusives from Micky’s own Urban Takeover label, leaving you always wanting one more rewind!
Animal Indie/Electro Night – Presents, The Go! Team DJ’s & Kovak
We were introduced to Kovak and their insanely catchy ‘I Love the Dance Floor’ track at last year’s BRITS. Back by popular demand for the Animal night in association with The Extreme Sports Channel, Kovak will be taking to the stage on Thursday night, following a live DJ set from Animal’s very own, Dom Harington. Headlining the party will be The Go! Team - whose main man, Ian Parton, and guitarist Sam Dook will be finishing the night off in style with a rare and exclusive DJ set.
Switzerland Tourism CHEESE Night – Very special guests to be announced!
To celebrate 20 years of the BRITS, Switzerland Tourism will be flying over very special guests, which will soon be announced to host the BRITS fancy dress 20th Birthday Bash! (Come as anything beginning with the letter “B”). Firmly grasping the party reins on the last night of the BRITS at the Riders Palace, the BRITS ‘B’ Party will top off the week with a night of classic 80’s tunes and flash dancer fever moves.
As well as a celebrated winter festival, The BRITS plays host to the prestigious British Snowboard and Freeski Championships that unites kids, rookies, pros and Olympians. The Championship action comes courtesy of the Trespass Snowboardcross/Skiercross, Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle and SNO!zone Halfpipe.
BRITS packages start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband, which gives you access to event clubs and bars. So to join the 1000 or so revellers that will be hitting the BRITS for a week full of freestyle, music and mayhem and for a full music line-up, check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits09.com
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Kick-back with The SUSO Slopeside Cinema & Cushe Air Bag at the BRITS 09 (Posted Monday, March 16, 2009 by joannebrown)
To help celebrate 20 years of the BRITS, our friends and event sponsors at SUSO will be offering BRITS attendee’s the chance to kick-back and relax at the SUSO Slopeside Cinema, showing a selection of the top voted ski and snowboarding sections from over the last two decades. BRITS’ footwear partners, Cushe will also be offering some extra slope time and soft landings for those wanting to strap in and go for the double over at the Cushe Air Bag.
SUSO has joined up with core sports film makers the world over to bring you the very best ski and snowboard films of the last two decades. The top 20 shortlisted sections will be played at the BRITS each evening for your viewing pleasure on the enormous SUSO Slopeside Cinema, slap bang in the heart of the Après Sessions Arena. To make sure your favourite sections from over 50 of the world’s leading titles, including, TB1, to, TB10, Vivid and Future Proof are played, get voting at: www.suso.co.uk/brits
Aspiring filmmakers will also have the opportunity to showcase their latest creations on the big screen and SUSO are offering two lucky voters the chance to sample the BRITS with them for FREE, so get voting as the countdown to the Top 20 from the Past 20 begins… not ‘alf!
For those of you that have spent the whole day watching the action, official footwear partners of the BRITS, Cushe, will be on hand to offer some extra slope time and Cushe landings over on the Cushe Air Bag. Situated in the midst of the Après Sessions Arena, the Cushe Air Bag will give maverick riders the freedom to push boundaries with a touch of extra style, comfort and ultimately the reassurance of “A Cushe landing”…you see what they’ve done there!
The SUSO Slopeside Cinema and Cushe Air Bag are FREE for all BRITS wrist band holders. Packages out to the BRITS, which includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lift pass, festival wrist band and event bag are still available and start from as little as £269*. To make sure you don’t miss out on being part of this legendary event, go to: www.brits09.com
and get booking!
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
The Go! Team host Animal Night & Sam Pilgrim takes on the Slopestyle Challenge! (Posted Thursday, March 12, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 2009, 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
Leading UK brand Animal will once more be presenting the British Slopestyle Championships at the BRITS 2009 as well as flying over electro-rockers Kovak and The Go! Team for an exclusive DJ set for the Animal ‘INDIE-ELECTRO Night’ in association with the Extreme Sports Channel. Animal’s Pro Mountain Biker Sam Pilgrim, winner of some of Europe’s biggest dirt Slopestyle events will also step up to the Slopestyle Challenge at this year’s BRITS by hitting the Animal Slopestyle course on his bike!
Animal’s World-class snow team, which includes British Champions and future Olympic hopefuls, Dom Harington, Kate Foster, Samantha Rogers, James Webb and Becky Hammond, will all be competing at this year’s BRITS, with the Animal Freeski Slopestyle Championships taking place on Tuesday 31st March and the Snowboard Championships, which is a Swatch TTR 3-STAR Event, on Thursday 2nd April.
The UK’s Slopestyle heavyweights will be joined by Animal’s Pro Mountain Biker – Sam Pilgrim, who will be ditching the dirt for snow when he attempts the downhill Animal Slopestyle Course on his Bike! The 2008 Nissan Qashqai Freeride event winner will attempt his dirt moves on the snow in a display of hybrid freestyle action before the Animal Slopestyle Finals get underway – One definitely not to be missed!
If you prefer to demonstrate your creativity on the dance floor then the Animal ‘INDIE-ELECTRO Night’ is definitely the place to be. We were introduced to Kovak and their insanely catchy ‘I Love the Dance Floor’ track at last year’s BRITS, which reached number one in the Indiestore charts in October 2008. Back by popular demand, Kovak will be taking to the stage on Thursday night following a live DJ set from Animal’s very own, Dom Harington.
Headlining the party will be The Go! Team - whose main man, Ian Parton, and guitarist Sam Dook will be finishing the night off in style with a rare and exclusive DJ set. Given their eclectic and experimental sound expect an entertaining mix of the indie/pop/electro/hip-hop/soul sounds that define their riotously energetic, critically acclaimed and Mercury nominated album sounds… and a fair few surprises too!
BRITS packages start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband (which gives you access to event clubs and bars). So to join the 1000 or so revellers that will be hitting the BRITS for a week full of freestyle, music and mayhem, check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits09.com
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
WIN A TRIP FOR TWO AT THE BRITS 09 WITH QUIKSILVER (Posted Friday, February 27, 2009 by stu)
Quiksilver will be hosting the Big Air Championships - one of the biggest draws of the Brits 09, on Tuesday 31st March & Thursday 2nd April and you could be there to witness the action. Quiksilver are giving away accommodation, lift passes, party tickets and VIP Passes to the Quiksessions Funk Night in association with DJ's Funk Royale and Whitelines.
Not only will you be invited to watch the British Snowboarding Championships but you'll also get a chance to go riding with Quiksilver team riders James Thorne, Jamie Nicholls, Ollie Jackson, Henry Shackleton and legendary Quiksilver Team Manager James Stentiford.
Click whitelines.com/competitions to win your trip.
(*The winners must be over 18 (unless accompanied by an adult). Flights are not included.)
28th March - 4th April 09 Laax, Switzerland
SNO!zone Gets the BRITS Bouncing! (Posted Tuesday, February 24, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 2009, 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
The BRITS 2009 and SNO!zone, the UK’s largest indoor snow slope operator, are pleased to announce their continued partnership on and off the slopes at this year’s BRITS when they take the title rights for the SNO!zone British Halfpipe Championships and host the SNO!zone Drum and Bass night in association with Cushe and Metrosnow.co.uk. 
The SNO!zone Freeski Halfpipe Championships will kick start the weeks competition on Monday 30th March, with the Snowboard Halfpipe Championships taking place on Wednesday 1st April. 20ft airs and back to back 9’s were among the tricks showcased in 2008 and with the Winter Olympics just around the corner and snowboarders, Dan Wakeham, Ben Kilner, and freeskiers Paddy Graham in the line-up, the 2009 SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships promises to be a belter!
SNO!zone’s partnership with the Brits as Halfpipe sponsor is strengthened back in the UK with the three SNO!zone slopes playing host to the British Snowboard and Freeski UK Tour. SNO!zone also supports and cultivates the talent of over 50 promising riders from grass roots level, many of whom are competing at this years Brits, including future Olympians Zoe Gillings and Dom Harington plus Murray Buchan, Jamie Nicholls and Claire Frost. For more information visit: www.snozoneuk.com
Drum and Bass heavyweight DJ’s, Micky Finn & Darren Jay along with Bushman, Seb Kern and MC Rhymes will be making the BRITS bounce when they unleash their tearout beats at the Riders Palace on Wednesday night. Digging deep in the crates they’ll be dropping some classic jump up tunes and hot hot dubplates, including some exclusives from Micky’s own Urban Takeover label, leaving you always wanting one more rewind!
BRITS packages out to the event start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband (which gives you access to event clubs and bars). Check out the BRITS website for all information – www.brits09.com
The BRITS 09 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
British Snowboard Team Selection 2009/2010 @ The Brits (Posted Friday, February 6, 2009 by stu)
The British Snowboard Team selections for the 2009/2010 winter season will this year be made at the BRITS in Laax, Switzerland between 28th March and 4th April, and not as in previous years during a summer selection camp. Riders wishing to try out for selection to the British Snowboard Team must email their name and contact number to maggie@snowsportgb.com by Wednesday 25th March 2009 to register interest for team selection.
Selection will comprise of;
• Sunday 29th March - technical skills assessment where athletes will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability and ride with the British Snowboard Team coaches.
• Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April (competition week) - assessment of competitive ability and performance.
• Friday 3rd April – final assessment day. This event is weather dependant and will be confirmed in resort.
The 2009/2010 British Snowboard Team Selection policy will be published over the coming weeks. If you require any further information on the British Snowboard Team do not hesitate to contact Maggie Lawrie on maggie@snowsportgb.com or 0131 3355678.
Quiksilver Host Big Air Championships and Funk Night! (Posted Friday, January 23, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 2009, 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
The British Snowboard and Freeski Championships and Quiksilver are pleased to announce their continued partnership at this year’s BRITS, when they take the title rights for the Quiksilver Big Air Championships and host the Quik Sessions ‘Funk Night’ in association with Whitelines and headlined by soul loving DJ’s, Funk Royale!
The Quiksilver Big Air Championships is a major draw at the BRITS, with the UK’s top riders including, Jenny Jones, Nate Kern and Quiksilver rider Jamie Nicholls along with freeskiers, Paddy Graham, and Murray Buchan already confirmed to be competing. 2008 witnessed newcomers Richard Hookes, Claire Frost and freeskier Joe Murrell throwing down World class tricks over Laax’s incredible kickers to secure the 2008 Quiksilver Big Air Championship titles. So if last year’s BRITS and this year’s line up is any indication, then the 2009 Quiksilver Big Air Championships promises to push the envelope further and provide an opening for more new stars to emerge. 
For all the funk brothers and sisters the Funk Royale crew featuring DJs, Mr Chex, Ben ‘Sneaker’ Bailey, Matt Smooth, MC Tukka and Depp Sax will be bringing their classic blockparty sounds and carnival vibes to the BRITS for the Quik Sessions Funk night, in association with Whitelines on Tuesday 31st March. Their mission, to bring booty shaking funk to party loving crowds….all nightlong baby!
The Quiksilver Big Air Championships will be lifting the BRITS Snowboard competition off the ground on Tuesday 31st March, offering competitors prestigious TTR World ranking points, with the Freeski Quiksilver Big Air Championships taking place on Thursday 2nd April.
BRITS packages out to the event start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband (which gives you access to event clubs and bars). Check out the BRITS website for all information – www.brits09.com
The BRITS 09 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
TSA, Dalikfodda & SCUK ROCK Laax (Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 2009, 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
The TSA ROCK night in association with Dalikfodda and SCUK is locked and loaded and ready to kick the bejesus out of Monday night at the BRITS when Gentlemans Pistols and Jett Black crank up the Riders Palace PA system and blast out some ferocious and downright dirty Rock & Roll. Get your ear plugs ready… this one’s gonna hurt!
The Gentlemans Pistols have earned themselves a legendary cult status ‘up north’ and across the UK with their ferocious live shows blowing everyone away. With a debut album out and headlining their second Dalikfodda tour this season, Gentlemens Pistols will be rolling into Laax to Rock the BRITS with their brand of no frills, downright dirty, greasy Rock & Roll. “Drenched in vintage sonics, this is the sound of valve amps cranked up to 11 and bass that rumbles like a Harley engine” Ronnie Kerswell, Rock Sound Magazine.
2008 saw Jett Black play festivals from T in the Park to Boardmasters, record a debut album and get a coveted Kerrang! intro. With a love of classic rock & 80’s metal, killer riffs and huge hooks all delivered in a tight live show, Jett Black will be hitting the BRITS on the back of their first Euro tour with the Gents & the Dalikfodda Deathpunks.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the Monday night moshpit, get involved at: www.brits09.com and book a BRITS package, which starts from as little as £269* and includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lift pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband, which gives you access to all of the event clubs and bars.
The BRITS 09 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Trespass Set the Tempo at this Year’s BRITS (Posted Wednesday, January 14, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 2009, 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
Leading sportswear brand, Trespass will be stepping up to the start gates again at this year’s BRITS when they take the title rights for the Trespass Snowboardcross and Skiercross Championships. New for 2009, Trespass in association with Skiclub.co.uk will be the first out of the BRITS entertainment start gates, when they host a night of hip hop with Scratch, the legendary club and DJ collective, on Sunday 29th March 2009.
The Trespass Snowboardcross and Skiercoss Championships witnessed a clean sweep for Team GB in 2008, with riders Zoe Gillings, James Foster and skiers Emily Sarsfield and Angus Morison smashing new BRITS time records and claiming all top four podium spots. With the 2010 winter Olympics fast approaching and Team GB tipped to be in top shape, will it be a Team GB landslide in 2009 or due to the unpredictable nature of the Snowboardcross and Skiercross disciplines will a new rising star emerge. 
Established in ‘96 Scratch quickly became a leading player in UK hip hop culture from rapping & DJing to breakdancing & street art. Over the years Scratch has played host to many of the most influential DJ's and artists from around the world including: The Pharcyde, De La Soul, Grand Master Flash, Jurassic 5, Public Enemy and Eminem to name just a few. They run a monthly residency in London and Gothenburg and now add Laax to their list of conquests when original residents Matt Smooth and DJ Lyley will be joined by Nick Maxwell (the Menagerie) and very special headline guest DJ Vadim (Ninja Tune)
The Trespass Snowboardcross Championships will kick start the BRITS Snowboard competition programme on Monday 30th March, with the Skiercross competition taking place on Wednesday 1st April. The Trespass party, in association with Skiclub.co.uk, will set the tempo for the week’s evening entertainment on Sunday evening.
BRITS packages out to the event start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband (which gives you access to event clubs and bars). Check out the BRITS website for all information – www.brits09.com
The BRITS 09 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
It’s B for the BRITS, B for Birthday and B for Barry! (Posted Monday, January 12, 2009 by joannebrown)
The BRITS 2009, 28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
To celebrate 20 years of the BRITS, Switzerland Tourism have brought in 80’s DJ legend, Barry Peters and dance troupe, Triple Threat to host the BRITS fancy dress 20th Birthday Bash! (Come as anything beginning with the letter “B”). Firmly grasping the party reins on the last night of the BRITS, Friday 3rd April, Peters and Co will top off the week with a night of classic 80’s tunes and flashdancer fever moves. 
The fancy dress theme is anything beginning with the letter “B” so dig out that banana costume, join forces with friends as the Beatles or squeeze into a mankini and bare all as Borat and let’s get ready to party like its 1989!
Barry Peters and Kevin are the 80’s throwback father and son comedy combo brought to life by Mike Keat and Archie Easton of the Cuban Brothers fame. These hilarious alter egos feature Keat as Barry Peters – a misguided, middle aged local DJ personality and Easton as Kevin – his hyper-active teenage son. Barry orchestrates the dance troupe, Triple Threat as Kevin and his pals – limp wristed disco champion J.J.Jones and mysterious oriental eye candy, Derek Japan, unleash their camp but sharp contemporary dance routines to awestruck audiences.
As well as a celebrated winter festival, The BRITS plays host to the prestigious British Snowboard and Freeski Championships that unites kids, rookies, pros and Olympians. The Championship action comes courtesy of the Trespass Snowboardcross/Skiercross, Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle and SNO!zone Halfpipe.
BRITS packages start from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband (which gives you access to event clubs and bars). So to join the 1000 or so revellers that will be hitting the BRITS for a week full of freestyle, music and mayhem, check out the BRITS website and get booking – www.brits09.com
The BRITS 09 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
The BRITS 2009 Gears up for its 20th Annual Championships (Posted Tuesday, December 23, 2008 by joannebrown)
Europe’s longest established winter snowsports festival, The BRITS celebrates its 20th Birthday next year when it returns to Laax, Switzerland from the 28th March – 4th April 2009 for an unmissable winter week. Fresh from a pre BRITS reccy out to Laax, Soul Sports chief, Stu Brass reports back on the brand new resort development and epic early season snow conditions.
Stu quotes: “Laax has undergone a brand new development in resort, the Rocksresort, which has already been given a design award and will give the resort and the BRITS an ultra modern twist, including new shops, restaurants and accommodation options. The amazing snow conditions and the 40inch base layer, promises for a long season and will help to create yet another amazing snow park and freestyle arena that Laax and the BRITS are renowned for.”
As well as a celebrated winter festival, The BRITS plays host to the prestigious British Snowboard and Freeski Championships that unites kids, rookies, pros and Olympians. The Championship action comes courtesy of the Trespass Snowboardcross/Skiercross, Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle and SNO!zone Halfpipe. So if you fancy bagging yourself a British title, gold medal, TTR World Ranking points (snowboard) and bragging rights for a whole year, then register online now to compete and get practicing whilst the snow’s still soft. Registration is now live www.brits09.com and the competition programme has been confirmed:
BRITISH SNOWBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Trespass Snowboardcross Championships - Monday 30th March
Quiksilver Big Air Championships - Tuesday 31st March
SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships - Wednesday 1st April
Animal Slopestyle Championships - Thursday 2nd April
BRITISH FREESKI CHAMPIONSHIPS:
SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships - Monday 30th March
Animal Slopestyle Championships - Tuesday 31st March
Trespass Skiercross Championships - Wednesday 1st April
Quiksilver Big Air Championships - Thursday 2nd April
To celebrate 20 years of snowsporting history, organisers and sponsors have upped the ante to guarantee The BRITS 2009 is an absolute classic! Over the coming months we’ll reveal all the extra programming for the 1000 or so revellers that will be hitting The BRITS for a week full of freestyle, music and mayhem.
Come join in the fun and festivities with unbeatable packages out to The BRITS starting from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband. Go to: www.brits09.com
The BRITS 09 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
Win a spot at the Brits on Saturday at "Santa Cruz Rookie Rider Clash" (Posted Thursday, November 27, 2008 by stu)
2 people can win £200 cash plus free entry to all the comps (Animal Slopestyle, Quiksilver Big Air, Trespass Snowboardcross) at the Brits plus a 6 day lift ticket, this weekend at the Snowdome with Santa Cruz.
All the details are here:
Santa Cruz Rookie Rider Clash
Brits Stand at the Metro Show 2009 (Posted Thursday, October 23, 2008 by stu)
We have a stand at the Metro Ski & Snowboard Show this week in Olympia, London. Drop by, enter our hourly comp and Si will tell you all about the Brits and make you laugh..
Picture: Si & British Champion Mike Wakefield
The BRITS 2009 – Hits the Big ‘2 0’! (Posted Wednesday, September 17, 2008 by joannebrown)
28th March – 4th April, Laax, Switzerland
Celebrating its 20th Birthday next year, Europe’s ultimate and longest established winter festival leaves adolescence well behind, as The BRITS prepares to hit, jib and tweak its twenties in style. Returning to the premiere freestyle resort of Laax, Switzerland from the 28th March – 4th April 2009, The BRITS is back for an unmissable winter week. As quoted by BBC Ski Sunday presenter, ED Leigh "The BRITS is Glastonbury meets the FA Cup final on snow, and that's one hell of a recipe for entertainment".
Over the past two decades, thousands of like-minded folk have descended upon The BRITS to join in the worship of all things snow and music and score the best winter week of their lives. Born back in 1989 at Sheffield Ski Village, The BRITS has since dropped in on 14 alpine resorts, played host to internationally acclaimed DJ’s and artists, crowned over 130 British Champions and delivered more than its fair share of sun-burn along the way. 2008 witnessed the biggest and best BRITS to date and we’re not letting that stop us, we’re raising the bar even higher for next year’s double decade celebrations.
Stretched across Laax’s mountains, pristine snowparks, new hotels, bars and nightclubs, The BRITS 2009 will see more great live bands, acoustic sets, unforgettable parties, Home Run style antics and inspirational World-class riding. Offering riders prestigious 3-STAR TTR World ranking points, The BRITS unites kids, rookies, pros and Olympians to compete in the SNO!zone Halfpipe, Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle and Trespass Snowboardcross / Skiercross disciplines.
Come join in the fun and festivities with unbeatable packages out to The BRITS now available and starting from as little as £239* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband: your very own Willy Wonka golden ticket to a world of melodic revelry and resort privileges.
So, to be part of this legendary event, and keep up to date with the latest music, acts, parties and competition schedules, including the unmissable BRITS 20th Birthday Bash, get your riding legs on, dancing shoes ready and get booking: www.brits09.com
The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Suso, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: Ride, K2, Line, Clif, and DC. Media partners Whitelines, Extreme.com, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk
KOVAK - new single out! (Posted Thursday, August 21, 2008 by stu)
Remember that annoyingly catchy song ‘I Love the Dance Floor’ and the hot girl in neon at this year’s BRITS K2 Après Sessions, well they have only gone and released it as a single and look set to make it into the charts… Oh, and if anybody asks you heard of KOVAK at the BRITS first….right!
[press release]
Kovak are releasing "I Love the Dancefloor" on October 20th.
You can PRE-ORDER your download right NOW...
...and hey presto on Monday October 20th it'll pop right into your inbox... If you want, you can even buy it via SMS
So here's the thing...
STEP 1: Go to http://indiestore.7digital.com/kovak and buy "I Love The Dancefloor"
STEP 2: Invite all of your friends to do the same and hopefully they will buy the single and tell their friends too...!
Then KOVAK stand a real chance of getting into the charts. Come on folks take part and pass it on....
What else are you going to spend 79p on?
KOVAK release "I Love The Dancefloor" on 20th October 2008
Pre-order NOW from indiestore/7digital.com/kovak
www.myspace.com/kovakuk