10 Kings of Snowboarding by Red Bull

It's time to talk about women's snowboarding. Let's start with one of the most stylish snowboarders in the world - Annie Rukajärvi.

Snowboarders of few words are often said to speak louder than words, and Annie is a bright representative of this category of athletes. Being the owner of a typical Finnish character, she prefers to observe the conversation rather than be an active participant in it. However, this shyness is removed like a hand when Annie gets on the board: her unusual, very dynamic style is known all over the world and has brought her victory more than once.

Annie comes from the Finnish town of Rukajärvi (whose name became her last name) near Kuusamo, which is located in the Arctic Circle. This quiet and peaceful place is known for its ski resort "Ruka". Those who have ever skied in Finland know that the "ice track" in this country is very different from the "ice track" in any other European ski resort. The snow here is much harder than anywhere else. This circumstance plays into the hands of Finnish riders. After all, wherever they go to the competition, the conditions there will in any case be milder than in their native country. Finnish snowboarders are somewhat reminiscent of cats - they also always land on their "paws". This kind of protective reaction helps them protect themselves from possible severe injuries. The tracks in Ruka are well lit and short, thanks to which the athletes quickly pass all the parks. This is just the perfect place to improve your snowboarding skills.

Annie graduated from the Sotkamo Sports School, which produced such snowboarding stars as Pietu Piironen, Roope Tonteri, Markus Malin and Saku Tilikainen. With such a solid training base and such famous fellow students, Annie simply had no other choice but to become another pride of the school. Annie began winning major competitions in 2009-2010. In one season, she won the Horsefeathers Pleasure Jam and then the Roxy Chicken Jam. The day after the Roxy Chicken Jam, Annie not only competed in the Burton European Pipe, but also took first place in slopestyle. Three days and two first places - few people can boast of such a thing! However, our heroine did not even think to rest on her laurels! After all, after that she won the Canadian Open championship in the slopestyle category and became the absolute champion in 2009-2010. By overall rating TTR. Since then, Annie has consistently shown excellent results, and is currently ranked fifth in the world rankings in slopestyle and second in the overall world rankings in snowboarding (World Snowboard Tour).

This season Annie had a unique opportunity to direct her own film Ennitime for Red Bull. In this series of mini videos you can watch her performances at the World Championships and for the first time get the opportunity to learn more about the various aspects of her skating - street, park and much more. When viewing these recordings, it becomes clear that Annie could very well become a first-class director after the end of her sports career.

Big sport №3(70)

For unpredictability and spectacle on Defender of the Fatherland Day, it was worth going to the Moscow All-Russian Exhibition Center, where 110 leading athletes from 20 countries gathered for the FIS Snowboarding World Cup 2013, organized with the support of Jeep. Not lost among the world stars and Russian snowboarders. In the battles among men, Stanislav Detkov presented a sensation, having won the first victory in his career at the stages of the World Cup, and among women, the reigning world champion Ekaterina Tudegesheva distinguished herself with stability.

Men's competitions gave numerous spectators a number of surprises: bronze medalist World Cup - 2013 Russian Vic Wild finished the fight for awards already in the quarterfinals, and a native of Kuzbass Stanislav Detkov gave the brightest path to the top in front of his native audience. Having completed the qualification with the 12th result, he first left the Austrian Simon Schoch out of work, then in the ¼ final he overtook the German Daniel Weiss, and in the semi-final the leader of the World Cup, the Italian Roland Fischnaller. In the decisive race, the experienced Swiss Neville Galmarini could not stop Detkov, who had caught courage. Having lost the lead in the first section of the distance, he rushed with all his might to catch up with the Russian, but in the end he made a fatal mistake that did not allow him to finish. “It’s harder to perform at home, but absolutely all the races were successful for me today! I sometimes got such flights that I myself became scared. It seemed that I was doing almost “double-crocs”, - said the victor at the end of the final. Detkov surprised everyone, including his own bad luck, which haunted him since the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, where Stanislav took a disappointing fourth place. Prior to this, the 32-year-old snowboarder twice made it to the finals of the Moscow World Cup stages: in 2010 he took 15th place, stopping at the 1/8 final stage, and a year later - 9th. A year later, his perseverance and will were rewarded.

Repetitions of success were also expected from two-time champion the world of Ekaterina Tudegesheva. Having dealt with her rivals in qualifying, the Russian woman with a huge advantage won the race in the 1/8 finals against the Canadian Marianna Leyson, and then the quarterfinals against the Austrian Ina Meshik. The fight for the right to take part in the final turned out to be beautiful and stubborn: the most experienced snowboarder from Canada, Carolina Calv, was noticeably inferior at first, but, taking advantage of Tudegesheva's confusion in the middle of the distance, she took half a length ahead. As it soon turned out, the “gnawed” advantage of 11 hundredths of a second went to the future winner of the Moscow stage. In the fight for bronze with the German Selina Yort, the annoyed Ekaterina proved once again that she did not lose twice in a row.

Europe is a paradise for skiers. Here are the best ski resorts in the world with excellent slopes, excellent infrastructure and very good snow cover. In addition, Europe is also a paradise for snowboarders. Which direction to choose for a quality winter holiday? We offer to consider the best resorts in Europe for snowboarders.

1. Avorija, France

This is the mecca of snowboarding in Europe. It is no coincidence that the famous snowboarder Johan Baisami decided to open his own snowboard school here.

Avorija was originally built as a resort. Before that, there was a desert plateau that served as a pasture for livestock. The first fans of skiing were able to visit here in 1966. The nearest airport to the resort is in Geneva. It will take a couple of hours to get there by bus or car.

2. St. Anton, Austria

The resort is famous for its beautiful Austrian landscapes. This is the best ski resort for snowboarding in Austria. There is access to the most beautiful slopes of the region with exceptional snow quality and the richest infrastructure at the top. In addition, St. Anton is known for its après-ski parties and nightclubs.

The nearest airport is Innsbruck, located about a hundred kilometers away. St. Anton can be easily reached by train. The fact is that right at the resort there is a railway station.

3. Gudauri, Georgia

If you want to discover a new place for snowboarding, go to Georgia. Gudauri is located just an hour and a half drive from the country's capital, Tbilisi. About twenty percent of the tracks are designed for skiing professionals, and about sixty - for the "average". Advantages of Gudauri: breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, as well as exceptional snow quality guaranteed in winter.

The resort offers very affordable prices for all services and accommodation.

4. Laax, Switzerland

The resort offers excellent slopes for experienced and not so experienced snowboarders. Everything has been done here so that you do not have to stand in queues for several hours. Laksa lifts are considered the best in Europe. Most of the trails here are located above 1800 meters above sea level. The highest point of the region is 3018 m.

The nearest airport is in Zurich. You can order a transfer from him, which takes about 2.5 hours.

5. Verbier, Switzerland

Excellent slope maintenance, wide infrastructure, modern lifts - all this makes winter holidays in this resort comfortable and enjoyable. If snowboarding is your passion then chances are you've heard the name because Verbier is known the world over as one of the world's best ski resorts.

The resort is located in the Bagnes Valley, thanks to which athletes can enjoy the picturesque panorama of the Alpine massifs and Mont Blanc.

6. Les Arcs, France

This is one of the most famous mountain resorts in the country, located in Savoie. It includes four villages, which are connected by a road. Below is a French town connected to one of the villages by a funicular.

The place is famous for its very good bars, ideal for nightlife. In addition, you can go freeriding here, and in the summer you can go mountain biking.

7. Val Thorens, France

He has been ranked first in various ratings for many years. This is the most favorite and famous ski resort among social media users. A place that leaves no one indifferent and attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world every year. No other resort invests so much in the development of its infrastructure to make tourists' stay here unforgettable. Val Thorens is the ideal resort for experienced and beginner athletes, families, those looking for adventure, relaxation and shopping.

8. Tignes, France

This ski resort is suitable for everyone without exception. Do you like skiing or snowboarding? Do you want to relax with your family or friends? Looking for shopping or thrills? You definitely need it here.

The resort occupies a large area, so athletes can be advised to book hotels for a long time in order to have time to enjoy most of its infrastructure and slopes. It is worth noting that this place was one of the first to offer tracks for snowboarders.

9. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Every year since 2008, the Freeride World Tour brings together the best snowboarders from all over the world. This is all due to the fact that the resort is known for its exceptional snow quality, excellent pistes and quality infrastructure. And it was here that the first winters took place Olympic Games in history. It happened in 1921.

Here is one of the highest cable cars in the world. It is worth noting that the resort is considered quite expensive.

10. Saalbach-Hinterglemm

The most popular ski resort in the Alps. More than 270 kilometers of slopes await lovers winter sports both beginners and professionals. Everyone can enjoy the thrill. The fabulous splendor of the Alpine winter will enchant anyone, and after active day cozy hotels and many cafes and restaurants, whose employees are invariably hospitable, will help. The best way to get to the place - order at the hotel where the room is booked, a transfer from Salzburg airport.

11. Mayrhofen, Austria

Located close to Innsbruck, another Austrian city known for its ski resort as well as the beauty of the Christmas market, Mayrhofen is a snowboarder's paradise. Its slopes cover a total of 159 kilometers. The resort is open daily throughout the year, so you can enjoy your favorite sport at any time. This place can guarantee not only amazing skiing or snowboarding, but also a premium level of comfort.

12. Val Gardena, Italy

The beauty of the local landscapes conquers. Located in the Dolomites region, Val Gardena is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe and one of the best for snowboarders. A wide infrastructure is offered here. Each vacationer will be able to enjoy the charm of three real mountain villages. All of them are interconnected by a whole network of slopes and lifts.

13. Ruka, Finland

Finland, although known for its good level and quality of snow, is still quite a "flat" country. But Ruka and the region in which this resort is located are an exception. Here the terrain is more hilly, as well as very beautiful scenery and excellent trails for those who are looking for something new. The resort is perfect for beginner snowboarders. But professionals will not be bored here either.

14. Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Snowboarders from all over the world have been coming here for many years. This Swiss ski resort was one of the first to provide special facilities for snowboarders. It is perfect for them both in summer and winter. In winter, by the way, it is especially crowded here.

15. Montgenevre, France

Every snowboarder was once a beginner. There is nothing better than starting your journey in this sport in this resort. Every year, training courses of varying degrees of complexity are offered here. Instructors will teach you how to ride on all types of snow, do jumps and other tricks.

16. Risoul, France

Here travelers are waiting for more than 180 kilometers ski slopes. Quality infrastructure makes it easy to move from one point to another and enjoy the best slopes. This is a great resort for snowboarders.

Their success is followed by people all over the world, their faces are decorated with advertising billboards, they are imitated and even idolized - they are the best snowboarders.

Travis Rice is number one among all snowboarders

We started our list for good reason with a backcountry heavyweight whose achievements not only form the basis of snowboarding as a sport, but also set the direction for its further development. Travis Rice has achieved unprecedented heights and has an impressive list of achievements and awards:

• four medals with X-Games;
• first double cork and double at Chads Gap;
• prizes six times in a row on the international TTR snowboarding tour;
• two autobiographical films dedicated to snowboarding;
• participation in the film Deeper of the film company Absinthe;
• National Geographic Awards.

Listed here are all of the most outstanding awards that have made Travis Rice the best snowboarder of all time. In this man, everything is unique, and even his physique is surprising to many. If other snowboarders have a slender, lean body and pumped up legs that allow them to stand steadily on the board, then Travis is like a powerful off-road vehicle.

Watching all his descents is a delight. There is a feeling that he is hovering over the snow, deftly bypassing all obstacles, accurately measuring the trajectory, orienting himself perfectly and has a perfect sense of balance. This is exactly what the best and most famous snowboarder in the world should be like.

Nicholas Müller - virtuoso snowboarder

Not far behind the previous hero was Nicholas Muller, without whom snowboarding would not have been so interesting. It is difficult to take your eyes off what Nicholas is doing on the slope. He does not think through all his movements, preferring to be guided by intuition, so his style is special and even unique. It should also be noted here, which has common features with the masters from the early 90s. His style is born directly on the slope. There is no second such snowboarder in the world who could so masterfully adapt to a new environment and all the conditions that nature itself creates.

Few famous snowboarders can combine their main occupation with another job. But Nicholas was able to build a successful career not only as a snowboarder, but also as a movie star. His roles in dozens of film works loudly repeat about the versatility and talent of this person. Not superfluous confirmation are all his awards in the field of snowboarding:

• second place on Ultra Natural;
• 2013 Rider of the Year award;
• unconditional victory at X-Games.

Gigi Ruf is a creative person in snowboarding

Not everyone may like the style of Gigi Ruf, but his fans call this snowboarder an artist who uses snow as a canvas and a snowboard instead of a brush. This snowboarder gets up on the slopes of such incredible things that even experienced snowboarders will be difficult to repeat.

Gigi embodies all his creative abilities in the technique of skating, while getting great pleasure even at the moment of overcoming the difficulties that he encounters on his way (including life). No one says that Gigi gets on the board solely for fun, he also participates in snowboarding competitions, demonstrating high results at the same time.

This snowboarder has interesting story becoming a great athlete. He lived in Arlberg, which is located not far from the headquarters of Burton (Innsbruck). The specialists simply could not afford to pass by the boy who rides the board in such an unusual way. Therefore, Gigi joined the Se7en team, which brought together talented and extraordinary snowboarders.

Changed dramatically professional career snowboarder Gigi after meeting Dean Blotto Gray. This professional photographer opened all of America for the snowboarder and laid down, which was (however, it still is) fast and crazy. And where does Gigi get time for so many films, while not forgetting about his main occupation in life - snowboarding, in which he also achieved considerable results:

• a prize at Travis Rice's Super Natural;
• victory on Ultra Natural;
• founded his own brand of snowboards under the leadership of Nike.

Sean White - successful not only in snowboarding

That's who you can say "snowboarder from the cradle." From the age of 7, Sean was sponsored by Burton, highlighting his style and skill, which at that time was already very high. Although it cannot be otherwise when the legendary Tony Hawk is the coach. The career of this athlete developed more than rapidly:

• participation in the Oprah show;
• lunch with the current American president;
• bare-chested face of Rolling Stone magazine;
• several own brands (chewing gum, clothing, household goods, a line of scooters).

The contracts of this snowboarder with global companies are rarely made for amounts less than 10 million dollars. Among the most prominent sports achievements the following can be distinguished:

• 2 Olympic gold medals;
• 15 medals from winter X-Games;
• champion title on TTR;
• the only snowboarder in the world with the highest score in the X-Games pipe;
• Tomahawk performance in Vancouver.

Spencer O'Brien - founder of women's snowboarding

This snowboarder in a skirt has significantly raised the level of women's sport and personal experience showed that after a long break, you can break into your element and "give everyone the heat." From the age of 11, the professional path of a snowboarder began, which, at the insistence of her father and on the example of her older sister. No matter how difficult it was for Spencer to break through the thorns to the stars, but now she has many worthy awards on her account:

• repeated victories in DewTour;
• victory in O'Neill Evolution 2012;
• champion title in slopestyle (2012);
• victory in the Burton US Open;
• first place in the world championship.

Like all other snowboarders, Spencer also appears in films, videos and advertising campaigns.

Everything about this girl is beautiful, her talents are multifaceted, and her beauty is envious. Although she does not take first place in our ranking, she is the most progressive snowboarder in the world. She loves tricks, overcoming difficult obstacles and proving that everything is possible, you just have to want and make every effort. True, Thora had to pay too high a price for her victories - in the process of preparing for the games in Vancouver, she received serious injuries and an increasing headache. But this did not stop her from taking the gold.

The long break didn't stop Tora from not only returning to snowboarding, but also taking 4th place at the X-Games.

A unique girl from Norway earned a lot of money and became famous all over the world thanks to her talent. In any snowboarding competition where Kjersti participates, she wins prizes. So it was at regional competitions (1996), the world pipe championship (1999), the Olympics (2006), X-Games.

All her tricks become a reason to follow, she teaches children the art of conquering the snowy slopes, sets the style in snowboarding.

Since we started talking about women's snowboarding, it's worth mentioning Annie Rukajärvi. She does not like to talk, but prefers to demonstrate her skills on the snowy slopes. Annie has been training since childhood at her home resort, Ruka, which is known for its icy slopes. They are the most difficult - even experienced snowboarders recognize this. This hardening helped Annie to easily overcome the descents on international competitions. Training in sports school Sotkamo was a great start to build a successful career in the field of snowboarding.

There can be many idols, but only one should be an example to follow. All these snowboarders are actually ordinary people who have been confidently moving towards their goal since childhood. It was not easy for any of them, but they endured everything and reached the heights. Everything impossible is possible.

In October, the most famous snowboarder in the world brought his new film "Depth Perception" to Moscow. Other athletes who starred in the film also came with him. After the autograph session, Travis met with the correspondent and told how he lives outside of sports and how he achieved success.

About childhood

It's interesting that when you're a child, you don't think about how your childhood goes, you just don't appreciate it until you're older. As a child, I spent a lot of time outdoors, fishing and walking in the summer, playing hockey in the winter. I liked this sport, but I stopped doing it when I got acquainted with snowboarding.

My father was a lifeguard at Jackson Hole ski resort (Wyoming, USA - approx. "Tapes.ru"), but I taught myself how to snowboard at the age of 13. It's pretty late now compared to today's kids who get on the board much earlier.

Getting up on the board was very difficult. I remember the first two days of my skiing. It was strange: I was not good at it, but then something happened. Just at one point, I suddenly felt the board and was able to make several turns without falling. That's when I fell in love with this sport.

About success

I think that the main sponsors of my success are the support of relatives and friends and healthy lifestyle life. The thing is, I really enjoyed riding, it was never a job. This is the meaning of my life, this is fun and leisure.

Sometimes it happens that after a few successful years, professionals blow their minds: they begin to perform risky stunts without preparation, climb rocks. I think what distinguishes me is that I have always been able to think sensibly, not to rush into the pool with my head. I have never had serious injuries and operations, it is thanks to this that I am still here - thanks to the right and balanced decisions.

Also my intuition helped me. She guides me through life, I always feel when it is worth taking a risk, and when it is necessary to stop. Sometimes it's hard to say "no" to yourself, it's easier and more seductive to mutter something like "hell, I'll do it" - and go all out.

If there was no snowboarding in my life, I would go to the moon. Seriously, I would be an astronaut! Or would work with animals in conditions wildlife would become a scientist. Or become an architect, or work in a foundation for children. I don't know, no one knows what would have happened to me if I hadn't known snowboarding. There are so many interesting things in the world!

About the new film

Depth Perception is fundamentally different from all my previous films. Firstly, the fact that we filmed it for only six weeks. What we wanted to do with this tape is completely different from other snowboard films. We went to just one location and tried to look deeper into things that we usually look at superficially.

We have taken a fresh look at the relationship between flora and fauna - how climate, geography and the behavior of living things work together. The name of the film is translated as "Depth of Perception", it embodies the whole meaning of the film. For me it means looking at the world with both eyes, being able to see how close and how far things are at the same time.

Difficult to explain, but Everyday life we look at the world as if with one eye - superficially. And we give viewers the opportunity to look deeper into everyday things. Imagine: you are in the forest, you look at a tree and you think: “I know what it is. This is a tree". You don't need to look deeper. And this is how my brain works: you understand that this is a tree, but you have no idea what it really is. There is so much going on in it - a million intricacies and processes. For me, it's almost magic.

As children we enter society, we grow up, we go to school, we learn, we learn, we learn, and we think we know everything. But when you decide to look deeper into familiar things, you have to forget about everything that you knew before and start from the very beginning. See the world through the eyes of a child who knows nothing.

It was very risky to make this film. My colleagues worked on a Russian translation especially for your country. I think it came out great. I hope so, because it is difficult for me to evaluate the result, because I do not know the language.

About life plans

I have many plans, but I try not to think of anything. I don't even know what I'm going to do this winter. And it's very cool! Now I don't look beyond tonight.

Snowboard jacket, pants, hat, gloves, Quiksilver mask and backpack, Lib Tech snowboard, Union bindings.

And in general, I plan to develop the Supernatural snowboard contest (a unique backcountry freestyle contest for which Rice built a special "natural" snowpark - approx. "Tapes.ru"), and this may be the future sports competitions. I will continue to work on this project. I think some places in Russia could be part of this project. Kamchatka is good, but it is very far away. Sochi can be a cool option.

About love

At the age of six, I had a friend with whom we grew up together. He had an older sister who was very pretty. I knew her, but we did not communicate. Girls in their teens tend to think, "Big guys are cool," and younger ones are ignored. Then she moved, and we didn't see each other for many years.

And then they met by chance, and ... away we go. We've been together for over ten years. She is fantastic. Working on an amazing project to support women and their rights in all areas. There are so many people in the world who need help. My girlfriend's team deals with everything from social issues to mental and physical health.

I travel a lot around the world, and I see that women want to be on an equal footing with men. I think it's great. For thousands of years, women have been under commercial and physical oppression, and it's great that now they have begun to dominate. I would like to see a world run by women.

Now there are many strong women in power in Europe and the USA. I am proud of my bride - she is strong, I love her.

Snowboarder Robin van Jean, who was in my film, rides on par with the men. Moreover, from a technical point of view, she skates better than the rest of us. Her qualifications are higher.

About music

I love music that suits the right moment in life. Basically, I'm a music lover. When I drive down a country road in Wyoming, I listen to country music. At the same time, I admit that there is a lot of lame country.

By the way, I am proud that 60 percent of the music for the film "Depth Perception" was written especially for us. We used two artists: Hanna Hobrak and her band Shel and musician Kishi Bashi, plus we used tracks that we love ourselves.

I didn't listen to music when I was filming, but when I ride for fun, I usually listen to something live, moving.

About fears

Fear is an interesting subject to discuss. This is both an unpleasant feeling and at the same time an amazing tool that helps a person save life and health.

It's bad when fear becomes irrational when you stop controlling it. And there are stupid fears: almost everyone is afraid of appearing ridiculous, stupid or ugly in public.

For many years I have tried to face my irrational fears and try to get rid of them. At the same time, I really want to build a healthy relationship with those fears that help me stay alive.

About life outside of sports

I study a lot. I am interested in biology, new technologies, quantum physics, soil science. I know how groundwater and soil work. And quantum physics is generally insanely exciting, albeit difficult. This science allows us to completely rethink the world around us. For so many years of the existence of life on Earth, we have become accustomed to looking at the world around us in a certain way: with the help of science, mathematics and literature. And now quantum physicists are telling us, “Wait, no! Actually, that's not what's really going on!"

I am sure that it is quantum physics that will help discover the secrets and move into a new era of human potential. I think the changes will happen very soon, and we will have time to become their witnesses.