Red Bull Linecatchers... Vars, France... what an event! This has been some
of the most fun I have had in the last five years. Since I first got the
call about the opportunity to do this event, I committed and things have
been so fortunately falling into place. The vibe started good, got better
and better, and was climaxing as the contest portion was unfolding. This
has been such an amazing experience and I am thankful that I had the
opportunity to do the event.

I flew into Marseille, France and timed my sleeping well on the flight.
When I arrived I felt no jet lag and even was feeling good. We drove for
quite some hours, up a long river valley only to take a turn up an other
valley for two more hours, and arrived at our hotel. I have never been to
Vars and have blown away the entire time I have been here. The mountains
tower about the valleys, coming to sharp tips in a jagged range. The
beauty of my surroundings impresses me.

The day after we arrived we had the opportunity to ride the mountain and
scope the venue from the bottom. When we arrived to the top of the highest
chair and looked up, as the contest venue towered hundred of meters above
us, I was taken back by the beauty and inspiration. There were so many
features and almost every one of them had a jump built on top of it. The
shape and features of the mountain provide amazing opportunity to host
some of the highest levels of skiing. Instantly I am inspired to do the
things I imagine in my mind.

We rode the lift under the venue for the morning and afternoon. There were
killer wind lips, rock features, and drops to play on. We got the shred on
and got to practice some tricks. I was having a great time but not pulling
off the tricks as well as I would hope. None the less, I practiced until I
was feeling them and rode away from the day feeling good about my riding.
The next day we woke up to fresh snow and clear skies. The window of
opportunity came for us, on the second day of being in town. Now the comp
is real, and I know I am really ready. I was suppose to met at the bottom
of the lift at 7:30 am. Pulling my show together I was running late and
showed at 7:50, with no one waiting at the lift. I figured this much so I
rode up to the top solo. As I rode the lifts up, the sun was on its way up
and was turning the sky brilliant colors. As I reached the top, and
started my hike to the top I ran into my friend Matti on his way up. He
looks around and says to me, "What a powerful energy. This is a good vibe."

Running into Matti and easily acknowledging the truth and power of his
words was just the next step of my trip coming to be so amazing. Matti and
I hiked to the top, speaking on good vibes and great days in life. As we
reached the top, faces of perfect powder awaited us.

I had picked out my line the day before and as I stood on top of it the
excitement multiplied. As mellow and great the vibe has been the anxiety
of competition began to grow. I planned on skiing one line and bettering
myself each run. My first run went just as planned and I felt really good
about it. On my second run I went to better my top jump by trowing a right
360 opposed to my first left 3. I crashed off of the top jump on this run,
but knew with an other chance I would stomp it.

I went back up to the top for my third run. The wind had picked up and it
started getting colder. The elements were trying to wear on my nerves a
bit, but I kept a clear mind and stayed mellow. I dropped in on my third
run and stomped the right 3 off of the top jump. On the bottom jump I
stomped a cork 7 and rode away from the line I had envisioned for myself
to do well and ski my best. As I came across the finish line I rose my
hands to the sky and gave thanks. My run had landed my in 3rd place, and
what a BEAUTIFUL day in life it was.

I had trained day after day getting ready for this event. I have been
skiing stronger than I have in many years, and to come out here and
capitalize on my talent and hard work has really been a blessing. I give
thanks for the opportunity to do the event, and for the inspiration in
life to pursue my passion...skiing. RASpect