Shred Head Crew

Yes, we know, it’s been a while.  What can we say, we’ve been really busy (kind of…).  The good news is that there’s lots to report on and lots going on in the ski world.  That means you get more exciting things to look at, read, and listen to.  So if you think about it, we’ve kind of done you a favor by taking so long to put together another Rundown.  Just think, if we’d kept them coming on a weekly basis this one would be much shorter, you’d have already read this, and thus, you’d already know all this.  We’re not sure how, but somehow we think we may have done you a favor. You’re welcome.

Also, you’ll notice the traditional photo of The Rock has been replaced (it seems there are only so many screen shots from The Rundown).  We’re going with a new format, too.  If you don’t like it, well… suck it.

So, Ladies and gentleman, without further adieu, The Rundown:

• Though the fellas at Just Passing Thru haven’t yet published a video, they’ve updated the site and posted a few new features… (Just Passing Thru)

• Factory Media’s ski sites seem to be settling into their new roles — Ski Union hosting the majority of the content, with MPORA housing some user generated content.  Ski Union is starting to populate on a semi-regular basis, and looks like another good resource for activities on the other side of the pond.  Check out their recap of the latest stop from the 2009 British Snow Tour (which, in reality isn’t snow…)… (Ski Union)

• Continuing east, Downdays has been super busy this fall.  Surprising amount of cool stuff on here right now.  You should probably look at it… (Downdays)

• As I’ve been known to say recently, “Everyone’s tightening their belts…” and as Skiing shows, the ski industry is as well, especially resorts and mountain operators… (Skiing)

• The guys over at Bluehouse launched a sharp new website, check it out and scope the 2010 pre-sale to save yourself some cheddar… (Bluehouse Skis)

• Biglines debuted a new layout recently and while I’m not a fan, you should probably peep it yourself.  While there check out Zimtstern’s new ad, very cool.  Biglines discovered the clip through Ian Matteson’s blog, I discovered it on Biglines, and now you’re discovering it here.  What a tangled web the internet weaves… (Biglines)

• In their never ending effort to anger me, The Ski Journal continues to require a subscription to access any of their content.  While I understand the principle, something just doesn’t seem right.  Anywho, check it out, maybe it will convince you to buy a subscription at $10 an issue…  (The Ski Journal) [Editor's note: I have nothing against The Ski Journal, I just wish I could read their stories and look at their pictures because I bet they're pretty rad]

• The Ski Channel is the first to report on the biggest story of the year (so far)… (The Ski Channel)

• If you’re looking for the most ridiculous way possible to film a POV segment, check out Homeboy Ski’s advice on building a goggle cam.  I’m sure this will be really helpful for a lot of our readers… (Homeboy Ski)

• The boys down south at Big Powder have published some shots from the Las Lenas stop of the FWT… (Big Powder ARG)

• Not only has ON3P recently launched a new site, they’ve posted two interesting updates on the status of their shop/factory.  Cool stuff… (ON3P Skis)

• Our industry insiders in the know over at ESPN have been keeping us up to date on all the happenings (well, most of them).  Updated too often to warrant a specific link… (ESPN Freeksiing)

• 4FRNT has opened up a new retail store at their Salt Lake HQs, Powder has the low down and some comments from founder Matt Sterbenz… (Powder)

• I know, I know, it’s a snowboarding site, but YOBEAT typically has some funny shit that I enjoy reading.  And regardless of what Ol Two Step says, there are bona-fide symmetries between ski culture and snowboard culture that don’t involve one ripping the other off.  Because today is a Tueday, I’ll point you in the direction of YOBEAT’s Terrible Tuesday Tips… (YOBEAT)

• Red Bull Skiing received an update from Chris Davenport in Chile.  He was nice enough to send a video of a great couloir he got involved with.  While there be sure to read the behind the scenes piece on the Armada offices… (Red Bull Skiing)

• I’m quickly becoming a big fan of the Unofficial Squaw crew, check out their post about little known Broke Back Mountain Ski Area… (Unofficial Squaw)

• Freeskier has its gear guide up, it’s a welcome perspective on things, but it continues the trend of the mags not actually reviewing all (or any) of the equipment.  Be sure to check out the new videos, too…. (Freeskier)

• The maggots over at TGR have been busy of late, my favorite thread involved mudslinging and fantasizing about buying a ski mountain… (TGR, Ski Forum)

• Also, check out the teaser for the new film Generations. A sobering and long needed film on climate change and it’s affects on our little snow sliding hobby… (TGR)

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In what’s becoming somewhat of a theme of the Run Down, there’s not much to report this week. We won’t let that stop us as we’re more than happy to make stuff up. Enjoy.

The staff at Downdays.eu is staying busy with lots of updates. Check out the interview with UK photog Camille Stoddart.  Make sure to check out her own site for some good images…  Mike Hopkins took a few minutes to stop his bike and chat with Biglines…  Our man Lou gives us a mountaineering Run Down of his own over at Wildsnow.com…  We’ve got no problems with the towns, just with the rankings…  Enjoy the babes (Also, click through to Miss. Gut and notice the nice mention of Winger.  For those not familiar, Winger was a 80’s hairband with a front man who loved to dance.  Little known fact: Kip Winger was a classically trained ballerina.  We digress…)…  Add The Levitation Project to your list of daily blogs.  They update regularly (yes, even in the summer)…  Sweetgrass productions has finally released the teaser for their new film Signatures.  Konichiwa…  Chris Davenport’s broseph had a close call.  Check out his interview with the Today Show (scroll all the way down)…  The man, the myth, the legend, Glen Plake, sat down for an interview with Powder Magazine.  Fancy editing and preparation be damned.  We don’t care what anyone says, Glen Plake rocks (side note, who would win in a laugh contest: Glen Plake or Forest Carey?)…  The FWT announced the 2010 schedule and locations for the Subaru FWT (except for the qualifier)…  Freeskier was quick to report on the wildfire that started in BC and is threatening Blackcomb Mountain and the 2010 Olympic venues…  The mags over at TGR have put together reviews of next years skis…  Finally, check out the McConkey  memorabilia now on sale, all proceeds go to his family so pony up…  Cody Marshall seems to be doing better, but has a long way to go.  Check out the Think Cody homepage here.  Same as McConkey, make sure to support his family…

A bit of housekeeping… The Crew will be a tad distant over the coming days as we venture out on a cross-country adventure.  We’re packing up the rice rocket and heading West where one Crew member has a sweet ‘industry gig’ lined up.  The rest of the crew will backtrack to the East Coast before everyone reunites in November in SLC.   While in Californa we’ll meet up with Ole Two Step Casner and cause some ruckus hunting down the burglar rocking New Era caps.  Check back for updates from the road.  The adventure begins Saturday morning at dawn.

Full disclosure: there’s nothing going on this week.  Regardless, here’s your rundown of the latest…

Over in the land of hole-y cheese the Saas Fee Freeride was cancelled for this summer due to “unusual” weather patterns…  The man behind last year’s “Roots” film, Lasse Nevantausta sat down to talk about the new film “Face Shot” (apparently he’s changed genres) with the guys over at Downdays.eu…  Famed mountain man Jack Carey passed away over the weekend, biglines.com has more info and a nice tribute video…  Someone tried to steal Black Diamond’s diamonds…  ESPN’s X Games franchise finally made it official, announcing that for the first time ever an X Games competition will be held outside of the Good ‘Ol US of A, global.skipass.com (and others) is reporting it will be held at Tignes, March 8-12…  While the mountains in NZ never get too much snow, apparently the club hills are where the pow is…  Check out pics and specs of some of next years boards before the gear guides start showing up…  Here’s one reason to watch the Tour de Fance…  Cody Marshall is reportedly doing better after his accident, you can follow his progress here.  If you didn’t realize how badly Tanner Hall was injured just check out this video on Powder.com…

End scene.

Come and get it.  Here’s your weekly rundown…

Over at The Ski Channel all sorts of skiers are talking about their favorite chairlifts.  Not very exciting, but it is July.  Little disappointed to not see King Pine mentioned.  Thankfully, no one mentioned that stupid single at Mad River… SBC Skier is reporting (along with everyone else) that the fellas at Alpine Initiatives have a new website up.  You can check it here and make sure to give some $$$ if you can…  All the big production houses have released teasers for their upcoming movies.  In a shameless plug for us, you should watch all of them here…  Powder has a cool recap of a trip to Mt. Foraker…  When looking at snow totals in New Zealand don’t forget they’re talking in centimeters…  When looking at snow totals from Chile you don’t have that problem…  Some of the Downdays blogs have been updated pretty recently.  If you’re bored check them out, otherwise, you’re not missing much…  5ones has an interesting post on insurance for athletes.  Makes sense to us.  We certainly like health insurance….  Lou at Wildsnow.com is starting to get riled up over the current state of beacons…  MPORA’s new ski site, Ski Union, has a cool piece on summer skiing at Folgefonna, Norway it’s been up for a while but we don’t care…  Michael Clarke and Co. have been cruising all over the place, even making a stop to visit a Bobcat at his layer at Hood for the summer…  The Winter Dew Tour has announced the 2010 schedule.  Psyched to see Snowbasin on there…  Simon Dumont talks about his recent trip to the former murder capital of the world over at Freeskier, he didn’t think it was that bad.  Also at Freeskier, check out the Bag Jump video.  The Crew would like to get jiggy on one of those…  Magic Mountain is attempting to go commi-style a la Mad River (two references in one post!)… In sad news, NZ Skier is reporting that Michele Fait was killed on K2 during his attempt with Frederik Ericsson to become the first to complete a ski descent…  Finally, more sad news, locker room regulars are still in shock over the death of Mr. Wiltse.  An all-around awesome guy, he will be missed.  Lots of thoughts go out to Mike and Jenny…