History went down today on Stratton Mtn., Vermont as Danny Kass won the 5th USO Halfpipe title of his career. But the man of the day was without a doubt… no, not Shaun White – he was forced to watch from the sidelines with an ankle problem – …Peetu Piirionen. The calm pal from Finland managed to land on the podium once again this season and thus took home the Swatch TTR World Title and $50.000 a day earlier than expected. The official crowning ceremony will still be held tomorrow though. http://www.vimeo.com/3796291 Read the rest of this entry »

The 6Star US Open has been the final stop on the TTR Tour for 4 years now for the men and it’s never been this exciting.2006 – Tour Champion Mathieu Crepel (FRA): It all came down to Risto and Mathieu battling it out in the HP final in Stratton – Mathieu finished 5th and Risto 6th in the pipe after both messed up in the slopestyle. The Frenchman had only 5 points more and won the first ever Tour title!2007 – Tour Champion  Shaun White (USA): After Travis won the snowy slopestyle and Shaun only managed to come 3rd it came down to the pipe! Shaun won, while Travis got injured breaking his collarbone bailing on the last hit after a sick run and Mr. White became the first ever American TTR Champ. Antti Autti finished just outside the podium in both formats and held on to World Nr. 2 while Kevin Pearce finished in World Nr. 4 and earned his entry ticket to ride in 07/08 TTR events!2008 -  Tour Champion Kevin Pearce (USA): After an incredible season winning 2 Air&Style rings of glory, the BEO HP, TAC – it was one simple gust of wind that almost cost Pearce the title against Shaun. Even though Shaun won both USO formats, Pearce could hold it together and came 3rd in the pipe. Due to 1 result missing on Shaun’s list of results he couldn’t capitalize and the title went to Kevin. Peetu Piiroinen also had his first appearance on the international TTR contest scene and consistent TOP5 finishes and several podiums at the big quarterpipe events paid out and let him jump to World Nr. 2 in the end.Now in 2009 it’s between Shaun and Peetu Piiroinen from Finland for the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour Title and it all comes down to the final standings in both halfpipe and slopestyle on Saturday and Sunday. What can happen and who can go where in the rankings – find out all about this nailbiting season finish-up here. Read the rest of this entry »

Follow this blog for the latest predictions on the Swatch TTR Ranking List and stay on top of developments during the 6Star Burton US Open! You will get exclusive insight on the Tour Championship contenders and the TTR TOP 5 (from the geeky statistical standpoint) or how Risto would say: “You guys are looking for battles everywhere!” - Why are only Shaun and Peetu in contention for the title this season?- How come 07/08 Champion KP is in front of Shaun but does not even have a shot to win the trophy besides the other killer riders in the TOP10?- How is the game changing after the halfpipe finals on Saturday? Read the rest of this entry »

The weather in Vermont can be crazy at times, and today we got a little taste of ice falling from the sky. But, the riders weren’t deterred and took to the slopestyle course for the men’s pre-qualifier round. The pipe was also open for practice so men and women were dropping in getting a feel for the pipe and getting some runs dialed.

Read the rest of this entry »

After 10 months and 25 countries the swatch TTR world tour has landed in Stratton, Vermont for the final Stop on the mens 07/08 calender. Blue skies were out for the first day of halfpipe practice. Riders were checking things out and getting to know the transition that layed ahead.The Open which draws over 40,000 fans, big name sponsors and international media, is free of charge to spectators. This years medieval theme “Fields of Destiny” sums up the conclusion of the men’s tour perfectly. Read the rest of this entry »

Elijah Teter – Best Trick winner

Halfpipe qualifiers went off without a hitch today, but the finals night session had to be postponed due to a thick fog that just wouldn’t lift off the pipe. The organizers tried to wait things out, but the Vermont fog persisted and the competition had to be pushed to tomorrow following the Slopestyle finals.

There was a big crowd in attendance, so not to disappoint all the shred fans that made their way to Killington, a “best trick” contest was organized at the last minute. Riders had 45-minutes to drop as many times as they wanted and the winner was to be awarded $2,500 by event sponsor Rip It energy drink.

Read the rest of this entry »