With the second edition of the epic Linecatcher freeskiing event starting tomorrow, we drop the numbers as the skiers ready themselves to drop some major high-altitude tricks in the French Alps.
1965...
Though backcountry skiers started doing freestyle tricks as early as the 1930s, it was only in the mid-1960s that the practice started to come to prominence in the USA thanks to ‘hot-doggers’ in Idaho. Despite some recognition by the FIS and Olympics alike, ‘New School’ skiers continued to develop their own interpretation of freestyle away from the constraints of organised skiing as the 21st century dawned. Finally, 2009 saw the first Red Bull Linecatcher in France…
300...
Last year’s course invited hardy souls to take on a 300m long course – which also dropped 300m in altitude – incorporating the Roc du Bécoin rock face, which sits at a heady 2,594m near La Plagne in the French Alps. Ten contenders each chose one of two starting gates to do as many impressive tricks as possible while taking a good line through the course, hence the name ‘Linecatcher’. The course was largely untouched thanks to the fact that it’s a brisk 30-minute hike up from La Plagne resort.
3...
Each competitor in Red Bull Linecatcher is assessed by three judges, including local favourite and co-founder of the event, Julien Regnier Lafforgue. Last year, Julien and his colleagues decided that Canadian Anthony Boronowski was the number one, followed by JP Auclair and Richard Permin in second and third. Julien will once again be ably assisted by Camille Jaccoux, and joined by freeskiing star Tanner Hall, on this year’s judging panel.
360...
As well as a good line down the course, tricks are paramount, and landing a 360 is considered the bare minimum for success. Boronowski managed three in his winning run – including an ‘unnatural’, where he spun the opposite way from the normal take-off.
7...
The award for Best Trick last year went to German star Bene Mayer with a ‘Misty 7’, aka ‘Misty 720’ – similar to a Cork 720, where the skier manages two whole body twists in mid-air. Don’t try this at home, kids.
243.902...
This year, Red Bull Linecatcher moves to the Eyssina peak in Vars La Forêt Blanche, France, at a height of some 3,000m (10,000ft). The surrounding Mélèze forest of 900,000 larch trees boasts 185km of trails and two snowparks, and the legendary speed run at the neighbouring peak of Chabrières, where incredible speeds of up to 243.902kph have been achieved.
Red Bull Linecatcher takes place from January 9–16, 2010. Keep up with all the news at redbullskiing.com.
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