SASS Global Travel “Why I Love My Mountain” Contest

Andreas Wiig in Bariloche, Argentina. Photos: Tim Peare.

SASS Global Travel is running a contest on their facebook page right now called “Why I Love My Mountain”. If you sign up and write a short essay about why you love your mountain, you could win free gear like Contour HD cameras, Dakine backpacks, RED/Anon helmet/goggle set ups and more! The SASS Snowboard Camp, now called SASS Global Travel, operates in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina and offers snowboarders the chance to ride real backcountry terrain with some of the most knowledgeable guides in the industry. At the same time, you’ll have the chance to explore Argentina’s, “culture, language, food, and nightlife, and share the experience with an incredible crew of fellow pow-seekers that will likely become a part of your extended family once you leave.”

Zac Marben with a steezy stalefish off a little rock in the Laguna Backcountry.

A couple of summers (or winters) ago, we took a trip down to SASS with photographer Tim Peare to do a story for Snowboard Magazine. Tim shot a ton of great photos, many of which were never used in the story and are seen here for the first time. Follow the link below to see more photos, and don’t forget to check out the SASS facebook page for info on the contest, and the website sassglobaltravel.com for more info on the camps.

Zac Marben taking in the view. See all the photos at vanssnow.tumblr.com.

Z-Trip’s Ride to Revolution

It always nice to see credit given where it’s due, and in DJ Z-Trip’s case, 2009 couldn’t have been more reaffirming. First he was approached by the developers of Activision’s DJ Hero video game (released in October) to create 3 exclusive tracks and consult on the game’s playability and design. He ended up as one of the game’s characters, and was even featured in a promo spot that aired during the 7th inning stretch of this year’s World Series! Then came the announcement that he had won the title of America’s Best DJ in a 6-month long online vote and 25 city nationwide tour held by DJ Times, the premier magazine for professional DJs. Paul Oakenfold presented him with the award (VIDEO HERE) and afterward the two celebrated by performing side-by-side. To top it all off, the high profile Las Vegas night club Rain at the Palms enlisted Z-Trip to take over the Saturday night slot left open by the late great DJ AM.

It’s not an easy thing to do, as DJ AM was loved and is missed by not only his fellow DJs like Z-Trip, but countless faithful partygoers. In a recent story on MTV.com, he expressed his concern over the subject, stating, “I want people to understand that I’m not filling his spot or his shoes…There’s no replacement for that person.” Dubbed “Z-Trip’s Revolution”, the weekly party also features artwork created exclusively for the club by Z-Trip’s close friend and sometimes touring partner Shepard Fairey, most well known for his 2008 “Hope” poster of Barack Obama. Randall Roberts from the LA Weekly was on hand for the opening last month and had the opportunity to battle Z-Trip in his hotel room one-on-one before the actual release of DJ Hero.

South America Snow Sessions 2009: September

September is one of my favorite months of the year. Not only because of my Virgo birthday, but it’s also a special time weather-wise. Summer’s not quite over; Fall has not quite begun. It’s the perfect blend of seasons—the sun lingers around trying to hold on during the days while the nights are cool and comfortable. Of course, that’s in North America. In Argentina, it’s actually the opposite: while summer winds down and cold weather approaches in the States, winter is just about over and Spring is right around the corner. The storms bring in the snow followed by crystal clear bluebird days… ideal conditions for riding the big mountain terrain Argentina is famous for. Luckily this year, I decided to stick around for at least the first week of the month and was rewarded with the best days of the entire trip. SASS head guide Skylar Holgate knows about September all too well, and before leaving for Las Leñas showed me a few of his secret stashes at Cerro Catedral.

Unfortunately however, the trip claimed my camera in a strange loss at one of the hotels. Needless to say, I felt crippled without being able to document the rest of my days on the hill and about town. But I wasn’t about to be shut down completely; as I’ve said before, the iPhone does come thru in a pinch. It’s doesn’t exactly have the exposure capabilities to handle bright light on fresh snow, but it’s better than nothing. The last week was spent hiking all over Laguna, Cerro Catedral’s picturesque back bowl, nailing fresh turns, little chutes and cliff drops all around. The best line though was actually off the backside, through a 2000+ vertical foot couloir filled with light, fluffy, shaded powder.

South America Snow Sessions 2009: The Parties

There are a few undeniable facts when it comes to Argentina. One is people LOVE to party. Whether it’s enjoying an après Quilmes after a full day of shredding at the bottom of the hill, a glass of Malbec from one of the countless wineries in Mendoza at dinner, or Fernet and Coca at the crazy dance club all night long, Argentineans know how to live life and show it everyday with social events and smiles. SASS knows this full well and encourages all of our adult campers to take full advantage of the festive atmosphere. So far sessions 2 and 3 have been off the hook with many wild nights in and around town.

One of the biggest surprises of the summer was a very special guest appearance by international superstar DJ Z Trip. Z Trip came down to get his shred on with the SASS crew and blessed us with a once-in-a-lifetime set at Mute at the base of Cerro Catedral, our local mountain. Z Trip came thru like a rhino, mashing up hip hop and rock and roll in his trademark style like Argentina has never heard before. SASS took over the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning while a few confused local dudes simply stared in disbelief.

South America Snow Sessions 2009: The Journey

South America Snow Sessions is in full effect right now—we’ve just hit session three and winter has returned with a vengeance! The freezing levels dropped and almost a meter of new snow has fallen in the last week, setting up ideal snow conditions for the new round of campers. To experience riding epic powder in August, the first step of coming to SASS is embarking on the long journey to Argentina.

At over 6,000 miles from North America, SASS’ homebase in San Carlos De Bariloche is literally half way around the world. Hop on a plane from your town to any major hub in the US and 9-10 hours later you can watch the sunrise over Buenos Aries, the largest metropolitan center of the county.