Big air, big beats and big hits were all part of the Ripzone Snowboard Invitational at the 2002 Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, Canada. Here's a look at the highlights.
Big Air
The Ripzone Big Air Competition is all about snowboarders hurling themselves off a 60-foot (15 meter) jump into a variety of twists, flips and rotations. The riders usually fly about 80 feet (26 meters) in the air while bands, DJs and scantily clad go-go dancers provide a great mix of background chaos. This year's winner was Mike Page, a guy who nearly lost his legs after crashing into a grappling wire during a photoshoot in Whistler last year. Mike told the world it takes much more than a dark night and some grappling wire to knock him off his board. He took the top prize by landing a switch frontside 720 with an indy grab (that's two full turns riding fowards while grabbing the end of the board.)
One-Hit Wonder
The Superpipe's Super Hit Contest is a winner-take-all competition for the best hit in the superpipe during a 30 minute session. Snowboarding legend, Mike Michalchuk, took home the top prize with a mind-blowing double Michalchuk just before the session ran out. It was a nice prize for Mike Michalchuk who was basically invisible during the Superpipe Finals earlier in the day. That event was won by American snowboarder, Andy Finch.
Big Beats
The outdoor soundstage at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival is set against the spectacular backdrop of Whistler mountain. The stage includes a wide variety of sounds including DJs, rappers and 2002 Grammy winners Ozomatli.
You can watch video highlights of the craziest hits and tricks from the Ripzone Snowboard Invitational and live coverage of the World Skiing Invitational by heading to www.wssf.com.
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