You no longer have to go to the slopes to watch your favorite riders in action. Urban ski and snowboard events are popping up in cities near you. So, if you were in Salt Lake City or San Francisco the first weekend of November and didn’t attend the urban snow and lifestyle festivals, shame on you. You missed a hell of a show. Not only are these events bringing the action sports athletes to your back door they’re also integrating live musical performances for the urban lifestyle experience.
San Francisco hosted its third annual Esurance Icier Air event at the Giant’s AT&T Park with a ten-story high scaffolding gap jump. You read it correct, ten story’s high with a 50-foot gap. The run in was over 120 feet (gap of 50 feet), run out of over 100 feet and if you check out the footage you will see the space for error was limited!! Go riders!!! Next year, don’t miss this event if you live within the bay area.
Don’t stop reading because Salt Lake built the biggest urban snow festival that city has seen. Fat Flake Festival built features that included a 14-foot rail slide, a 20-foot box and a scaffold run-in ramp. The snow was hauled down from the local resorts. We love the natural stuff.
Along side Utah’s most prized athletes, DJ Knuckles was on hand to entice the crowd with his sounds. This was just the beginning of what Utah is capable of; who knows what the future will bring to this city with the amazing athletes springing up in that territory.
In the past, Europe had been the keepers of out of resort spectaculars such as the famous “air and style” events; finally the U.S. is catching on and discovering an audience outside the snowy slopes. This is not only a venue for athletes to perform but is a proven market for pre-season equipment sales. Believe it, after witnessing and participating in the festivities you will be ready to get some gear and head to the hills.
Look out... there are still a few more urban events scheduled through December. I highly recommend attendeding and getting your heart pumping. Because, besides doing what you love to do, there is nothing better then watching what you love to do.
Cheers to snow, your friendly rider,
Michelle
Michelle Hunt is a former X-Games boardercross competitor and regular contributor to the First Stoke community. Check back regularly to read more articles from Michelle.
*Picture provided by Sarah Jones Photography
