In the days leading up to Holy Oly, I was trying to explain why I would fly up to Seattle just for this contest but it comes down to the experience of it. It’s a northwest competition that’s based around the fun and promotion of snowboarding without worrying about winning or losing, making money or being in the magazines. It’s seeing the up and comers riding next to the legends of snowboarding. The northwest breeds some amazing riders, they probably won’t have Target sponsorships or win the Olympics but these riders have style. That’s Holy Oly: Style, fun and good vibes. It’s worth the plane ticket every time.
I grew up riding in the northwest, specially Snoqualmie started my snowboarding. It’s fun to go back to the mountains with all the memories and good times. Today was a reminder to the NW with a mix of overcast to rain, heavy snow conditions. This year’s Holy Oly featured tube town which a variety of tubes to hit and then the big quarterpipe that was much bigger than last year. It took some time to realize how big when the riders were barely airing out at first. Eventually with straight drops from the Summit tower, big airs were enjoyed.
During the midday grooming of the contest, we headed to the lodge for a break and then ended up getting our laps in. The snow was so soft and heavy but really fun. I head out with Gorio, Aimee and Addi for laps and they took me to a fun banked trail in the trees that was a blast to just rally through each run.
Right before the awards, Pete Saari from Mervin and Sean Genovese from DWD checking out the art on the Holy Oly skateboard decks for the winners
At the end of the Holy Oly, one overall winner is crowed and this year Chilean Manuel Diaz won the Holy Oly. Manuel’s win was well deserved and he was killing the quarterpipe with height for the day.
It was another fun Holy Oly. Once the contest ended, we hung out waiting to figure out the next plan of action. I got to catch up with Blue who introduced me to Mark Landvik and Jamie Lynn, two method legends. It was definitely rad to talk with them and end the day on such a high note.
BenR
April 9, 2011 at 9:41 pmThis is easily the best contest in snowboarding. It’s the only one I make sure I go to every year, it just feels like snowboarding, no corporate bull shit, no tv….no skiers….just plain fun and amazing riding. What other contest can you see both Jacob Krugmire and Peter Line riding in? Great write up Shay! Glad you could make it up to the NW.
Suzanne
April 10, 2011 at 8:01 amSounds like a fun comp.. will have to try to put it on the schedule for next year.
A look back at my 2010-2011 season – Shayboarder.com
July 17, 2011 at 9:43 am[…] Holy Oly at Summit at Snoqualmie: This is the only contest I would fly to this year. It’s the passion of snowboarding in one event and an eclectic group of riders from ams to the gnarly pros you grew up idolizing. This year was amazing! I met Landvik and got to talk with Jamie Lynn. […]