Archive for the 'TwoPlank Blog & News Archive' Category

Two Plank Announces “Set In Motion”

Check out the second trailer for the September 2008

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For now, check it out and give some props

TwoPlank TV: Two Plank Productions Presents “Set In Motion” A Film by Corey Tibljas Produced By Max Mancini

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View Direct Below

“Set In Motion” Official Trailer
Video - ipod stream @ 640 -[LIVE broadband stream] Two Plank Productions Presents “Set In Motion” A Film By Corey Tibljas and Produced By Max Mancini on DVD and in Theaters September 2008 - Tickets and Show times coming soon!

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“Set In Motion”
A New Motion Picture Ski Film From Two Plank Productions

(Crested Butte, CO) A summer streaks by, Two Plank Productions is proud to release its 3rd full-length feature ski film. Premiering September 2008, we proudly present a film by Corey Tibljas and produced by Max Mancini.

“Set In Motion” is a two-year production of epic proportions. Following 18 pro athletes through record setting storms and snow depth in unexplored terrain; “Set In Motion” is a conglomerate of 45 minutes of non-stop ski and adventure entertainment”

No resource went unused during the production as we drove over 50,000 miles, logged over 500 sled hours, traveled to 8 countries in the past year, and boarded three helis to get the ultimate shots. Complete with never-before-seen zones and lines, “Set In Motion” also features private park features in Summit County, CO, incredible urban rails, and the deepest snow our lens’ have ever captured.

Featuring the motion of: Tyson Bolduc, Max Mancini, David Lesh, Christian Allen, Ben Furmisky, Alex Schlopy, Aaron Estrada, Kiffor Berg, Chris Tatsuno, Jonny “Scriz” Scott, Alex Albers, Drew Van Gorder, Heath Ordway, Travis Redd, Tony Sibert, Max Kuszaj, Jesse Hall, Jon Lafferty, and Many Friends…

Shot on location in Hi-Def: Crested Butte – Aspen/Snowmass – Vail – Copper – Breckenridge – Silverton (Colorado), Valdez (Alaska), The Cottonwoods – Salt Lake City (Utah), Whistler/Black Comb – Pemberton (BC), Sapporo (Japan), Laax, Lenzerheide, Davos, St. Moritz, Zurich (Switzerland), Stockholm (Sweeden), Northern (Norway), St. Anton (Austria), Northern (Finland), and everywhere in between

Check out the trailer, look for and order premiere tickets near you, and pre-order starting Aug. 2008 at twoplank.com

Presented By: Go Fast Sports, Skullcandy, ScottUSA, VAS Entertainment, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Liberty Skis, Booster Strap, Colorado Freeskier.com, Western State College, Skyhigh Offroad Online.com, and Yakima Racks & Accessories.

Tyson Bolduc’s Euro Promo Drop

Check out TwoPlank athlete Tyson Bolduc’s new promo. Exclusively comprised of shots from half of our Swiss Apls trip (the other half is under lock and key for the films). Be sure to look for the new releases “Set in Motion” and “Declaration” from Two Plank Productions in Fall 08. And look for Freeskier’s new featured athlete; you guessed it. The one and only T Bolduc.

For now, check it out and give some props

TwoPlank TV: Tyson Bolduc’s 08 big mountain promo

Or

View Direct Below

Tyson Bolduc’s 2008 Euro clip
Video - ipod stream @ 640 -[LIVE broadband stream] TwoPlank and CFS team rider Tyson Bolduc - 2008 Big Mountain Promo - Exclusive shots from the Swiss Alps - Produced, Shot, Edited: Corey Tibljas

*Note: This is Full Web Rez Hi Def. It may take a sec to load, and will load all at once. If you have dial up, sorry our bad. Check it out YouTube

Two Plank Teams up With CFS for Keystone’s A51

Staring Colorado Freeskier athletes Alex Albers and Drew Van Gorder; Shot my Jeff Myers. Check out the vid on TwoPlank TV!

TwoPlank TV: CFS at Keystone

Two Plank Takes Over Breck

Breckenridge, Colorado

Words: Alex Albers

After weeks of anticipation Two Plank headed to Breckenridge Colorado. On Saturday the April 19th, the Two Plank crew consisting of Brandon Clabaugh, Forrest Cole, Drew VanGorder and my self Alex Albers arrived at 8:00 am on the sunny bluebird day in Breckenridge. Meeting us there was Christian Allen, Tony Seibert, Luke (Ocho) and a few other Breck rippers.

We were towed up by snowmobiles all morning making laps on Freeways big jump line. Concentrating on the final jump we set up a camera crane that captured some really amazing shots. I had never skied that hard, that early in the morning. When Christian started throwing switch 9’s that early in the morning we all gathered our strength together and everybody really started throwing down. As one of the park crew guys said, “Things are going off”, that is pretty much how the morning could be summed up. Towards the end of the session a couple of us took laps on the up rail and tried to master a few tricks, while the others went to get breakfast. All of us were beat by 9:00 am and packed things up for the morning until the late afternoon session.

In the afternoon we were shut down by park officials and were told we would have to come back again the next morning. We were all pretty bummed to not get the sunset shots but we decided that the next morning we would have to come and kill it even harder.

The next morning 4/20, things started off just the way they had the previous morning.
However, it was really cold the night before and all the landings were super hard, but that didn’t hold anyone back. The crew really focused on smooth clean shots and that’s just what everyone did. The weekend ended with a few really good shots, and a few bruised bodies but no serious injuries, which is always something to be thankful of.

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John Nicoletta: The industry parts with a great

RIP amigo. Thinking of you, friends and family.

According to MSI:
“For Immediate Release

Alyeska, Alaska, April 11, 2008—At approximately 3:45pm this afternoon, 27-year-old John Nicoletta of Aspen, Colorado, died due to injuries sustained during a fall while competing on the first day of the Freeskiing World Championships at Alyeska Resort, Alaska. Nicoletta was the 47th competitor of the day down the Headwall below Alyeska Peak.

Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol reached Nicoletta within seconds of the accident and evaluated his injuries. After stabilization, he was transported via toboggan and helicopter to the Alyeska Aid Room where he was unable to be revived despite efforts by local physicians, paramedics, Girdwood EMS and the Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol. Time of death was reported at 4:45pm.

Contrary to initial press stories, Nicoletta had a loss of control after a 20-foot cliff drop and was propelled into an exposed rocky area.

A veteran freeskiing competitor, Nicoletta was an accomplished, well-known, and extremely respected athlete. An experienced skier, he has appeared in ski movies, been a featured athlete in television interviews and recently finished second at the Telluride Freeskiing Open in February 2008. Mountain Sports International extends our deepest sympathies to John Nicoletta’s family, girlfriend, and friends. This is a deep blow to the freeskiing community.

After discussion with the competitors this evening, the decision was made to continue with the event tomorrow. Athletes will make the hike to the top of the peak together in a celebration of John’s incredible life and love of big mountain freeskiing.”

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Our friend Derek Taylor, editor and chief of Powder, adds additional insight from a spectator’s view:

http://www.powder.com
“Conversation came to a stop. A lull fell over the hundreds of skiers watching the World Freeskiing Championships at Alyeska the second John Nicoletta hit the rock. He then tumbled three or four times in the air before hitting the snow and sliding, his body limp, for several hundred feet.

The worst fears were realized at an athlete meeting held at the Sitzmark at 7:00 pm Alaska Standard Time. John Nicoletta, a professional skier out of Aspen, Colorado, is dead at 27.”

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John was a great friend, a simply amazing skier with tons of energy. My only regret is that I didn’t start working with him years ago.

Check back, and check http://www.shinelineproductions.com/ for a video in John’s memory.

-ct

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On Scene in St. Anton

Dumping in St. Anton…

After day one we are chillin out and watching it snow on the amazing mountains here. We hit the hill for some pow tomorrow and friday. Hoping for blue bird on sat. Then off to Zurich for a final blow out overseas before going state side.

Look for the full St. Anton story coming Sat/Sun as internet access is scarce at best.

The Swiss Alps Grand Finale: “St. Mortiz: Luxury, Legendary, History, and the Largest Peak in the Region”

Did I mention there was a tram right to the top of the largest peak in the region at 3433m?.. Staying at our B&B next to a 12ft. wide cobblestone street, in the shadows of a historic church with a very loud and convenient bell that chimes every fifteen minutes, we scope out lines to bust into. Arriving at the top, we see some of the sketchiest aspects, basically ever. As this mountain is still glaciated, crevasse danger was a major concern. Solid ice aspects would sneak up on roll overs, only to be rail slid by David and Tyson. One in particular was about 45 feet long on a 45-degree slop above some gnarly rock exposure. Look for Derek’s shot in Powder and powder.com.

Tom and Alex, opted to boot up a knife ridge that lead to a very technical entrance to a 1500 ft. pow tube right down the center of the peak under the tram. The rest of the day was spent shooting some mini golf for still shots and B-roll; the off to Apres which is more popular than skiing here; we’re not complaining.

The lifestyle here is absolutely incredible. Staying in a village just outside downtown, there is a very authentic feel to this area. There are very old buildings, and local shops in the most random of places. Which is accordingly a vast difference from a few clicks down the road where I saw four Bentleys and two Fantoms in a matter of minutes while strolling through the city with Tyson and Derek.

Now taking a day off to catch up on some video blogs for all of you, we are going to work today, and pack up for the train ride to St. Anton, Austria (and get away from this damn church bell). Now closing a chapter on the trip, we thank Liberty Skis and Tom Winter Media for this opportunity. Parting ways with Derek going back to the states, David and Alex going backpack slumming around the most expensive cities in Europe, and Tom going to race an 8,000 ft. vert Chinese Downhill in Le Grave, France. Tyson are keeping the Two Plank train running straight to Austria.

For now we climbed the latter, which leads to restricted roof access (come on, you can’t tell us not to do something and expects us to abide), and editing photos overlooking the catching town of St. Mortiz. We’re out to go send Switzerland off in traditional Après style. More from there and watch for the Swiss Alps video blog hitting this week.

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Schoolhouse Square

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The VW Touraeg

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The highest Spot around

-The Swiss Alps: Davos

The city and resort of Davos has proved to be the best stop along our Swiss Alps tour. Writing this entry from St. Moritz (our stop after Davos), I can look back and reflect in the best manner possible to Davos and the Parsenn mountain resort.

Davos was a wide awakening from the quite little towns at Lenzerheide and Valbella. There was enough traffic to film a great time-lapse, 5 massive mountains with unsurpassed lift access, and the best nightlife of the trip. Needless to say, we highly recommend Davos.

As Davos, as well as many resorts here close the week after Easter, things are winding down from full speed. Which is a cloaked blessing; this place would be a mad house at full steam. We would make our way down the narrow two-way streets, hop a bus, and hop a cog railroad that gains about 2,000 vert feet, to the top of the Parsenn mountain resort. Much to our surprise, there was a big mountain freeride comp, taking place off of the peak. The level of competition is certainly not what we are used to traveling on IFSA events. As a result of not entering this comp on a whim, Tyson now realizes that it was an 8,000 Euro mistake.

But its not all bad, the day turned out to be Tyson’s most productive day in front of the lens all season (which is saying a lot). Over 10 first track line descents were laid in place that day, and one in particular (picture 18), shot better than mini faces all season, thus earning the name “mini AK”.

Meeting back up with the Liberty boys of Lesh and Applegate, we took them to many of the same goods from the day before. Stepping up to bigger lines, and fluid mid-face drops was David Lesh; who as many of you know comes from an all jib/park background. The talent surely stands out in this kid. We could put him on top of just about anything, and he would charge into it with full confidence. Often popping over a cornice just to set some rhythm to his run. Lesh is certainly going to be a huge asset for the Liberty Skis team with 2 highly diversified film segments for us this year.

Applegate was also more than holding his own, charging lines at full speed, we could still hear him giggling to him self the whole way down. The stoke level is sky high with this kid! Still charging equally as hard, was our editorial staff of Tom Winter and Derek Taylor (watch for their cameo appearances in the web update). The line of the day had to go to Tyson, with a ski racing background, comprised with several years on the big mountain world tour with countless podiums; this was his stomping ground.

Returning to the same face from the day before, the wind had filled all tracks and the face delivered a compete rebate to us. First lining up a similar line just skiers left, T charged a line with no remorse, and stomping a 40 foot exit air to straight-line out. Only to one up himself by returning to throw down a 800 ft. vert. straight-line of the entire face. Oh yea, without poles and a HD camera in hand for a full-rez POV shot.

To celebrate the best week ever, we took back out the streets of Davos where everything is open until 6am, basically when the crew back home is just getting out. We met up with some really welcoming natives on spring break from Zurich, who lined up as our tour guides around the city of Davos. Leading us to the most core scene I’ve yet seen in Europe; a local twenty-five room core snowboard hotel and nightclub. They were certainly not shy to accommodate a few pro skiers from the states, and introduced us to a top Swiss-German rapper, and his duo team of younger brothers that brought the house down at the turntables.
Running ourselves out of the scene far earlier than close due to an extremely strong US dollar; it was costing about $27 US for a Colorado style Go Fast and Vodka. Therefore the local pilsner seemed to be the consensus. Arising to an early morning to pack and get some last laps in at Parsenn, we again stuffed the Touraeg, and set off for St. Moritz…

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Pic 18, “mini-AK”

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Apres, Apres

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Tyson atop Davos’s Parsenn resort

-The Swiss Alps: Lenzerheide

Day 2 proved to be much more promising. We began the day with a much-needed Internet session, corn flakes, and plenty of sugar to mix with the warm milk. Not entirely true, but sounded good as I wrote it. We checked the lift board, and saw a green circle signaling that the tram was up and running. To our disappointment, the tram was only open for the food with a view at the peak, and would open for skiing at noon.

Much to our immediate surprise, we were graced by the sounds of an approaching euro-chopter, which is a knock off to its American big brother, the A Star B2. After nearly landing on our head, the bombs were loaded, and access was granted. Following this amazing opportunity, our old friend from the Slalom Bar graced (or lack thereof) us with his presence, Theo.

Theo has an attitude and style like no other, compete with a self-accreditation as a professional skier, and a pole plant steez all of his own; the day was turning interesting. Several incredible laps were made on the lower half of the mountain, skiing epic Swiss trees with a fresh half meter from the previous night. At the strike of noon, we were lined up at the tram, just our crew, and three local snowboarders for some of the best lift access chutes and fingers I have seen.

The Theo story began when we were introduced to a gentleman who alerted us that there was a local watering hole owned by a local ski top sheet designer. Plastered on the walls were one of-a-kind edition of Vokle and Nordica skis. To welcome us, the bar was lit on fire several times, many combustible items thrown into the fire, and incredible bar games such as the hungry hippo, and nails were in store for the guys.

Back to the reason why we are here, the women; I mean the skiing. Cloud cover remained heavy, and the faint light of the sun was washing out all color, we opted to shoot some tight chutes in hopes of color definition from the nearby rocks. When mediocrity was the result, we opted for one final lap at Lenzerheide.

Atop the tram, we were witness to another sick break, the sky parted as if Moses himself was walking though, and we finally got our bluebird in the final hour. A single 2 hour lap was made with the whole crew (Tibljas, Winter, Taylor, Lesh, Bolduc, and Applegate), shredding first tracks down a 1200t vert series of splitting chutes; complete with a backdrop second to none. Sliding snow was thwarted, and legs were on fire (Tyson denies the leg burn).

Making our way back to our Villa to check out we took to the buses. Loaded down our V10 Touraeg (compliments of VW, Liberty Skis, and Mr. Tom Winter) with over 400 lbs of gear on the roof, and a SUV full inside. Tom, David, and Alex set off into the sunset to Davos, where Derek, Tyson, and myself grabbed some of the local brews, and boarded an autobus bound for the same destination.

More from the Swiss chronicles: to come following our Davos pillaging.

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We seem to always stay near loud ass clock towers

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Waiting for the clouds to lift and heli to drop the bombs

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And the sky is blue, in large part thanks to our efforts the night before. Our last run at here; very lucky we got this.

Liberty Skis, and Tom Winter Media presents: The Swiss Alps: Discovered stashes; Destroyed

-The Swiss Alps: Discovered stashes; Destroyed
1st stop, March 23-26: Lenserheide/Valbella, Switzerland – Corey Tibljas
The stories from the travels to the nation of the infamous red with white cross flag, HUGE mountains, deep snow, David Lesh’s Confessions, chocolate, and cheese. Departing from Denver on a late Easter Sunday, anticipation is high. Stoke level remains at all time, even considering blowing the transition on the big ass Two Plank/Go Fast Tahoe after slamming a rock and hole combo on Kenosha Pass; which ended up coming to its final resting place in the West lot at DIA.

At wheels up, I peered out the window hoping we didn’t see smoke coming from the damaged truck in to lot, which began the free adult beverages that began flowing compliments on Luftansia and United’s Star Alliance. With a transfer in Frankfurt, and running into a old high school friend, we realized we were far from home, but not too far from friends. Filled with scenic train rides and sketchy bus rides at best, arrival in Lenserheide finally came 20 hours later.

Coupled with massive language barriers, no street signs, and a severe lack of landmarks due to heavy cloud cover, it took a good hour looking for our house toting about 200 lbs. in gear on foot; and to meet up with Tom Winter from Freeskier and TWM, Derek Taylor from Powder, and athletes Tyson Bolduc, David Lesh with Liberty Skis, and Alex Applegate.

Come nightfall, we resided to our rooms, only to be awakened by none other than The Tyson Bolduc arriving late from an exclusive heli shoot in Northern Norway. Funny enough, he spent several hours running over the hills of Valbella and ditched his luggage; much, much wiser than my plan.

Come daybreak, the time-lapse of the sunrise we planned on didn’t go down due to the massive snowflakes pummeling the 3000 vertical feet. By 10 am, there was a fresh 18 inches on the ground, and all lifts other an a low angle quad, and several T-bars were open for business to visibility, avalanche, FA-18 Hornet combat training engine noises above the cloud cover, and wind dangers.

So Tyson, Derek, Tom and myself set to the boot packs and skin tracks in search of the goods. Incredible wind deposits and face shots were had above the open lift service. Our crew awaked the sleepy remote resort in the middle of the Swiss Alps. The trip, as well as the following evening was, was graced with the presents of Christine; Tom’s local contact who spread the love and hooked all of our travels/experiences up while in Lenserheide.

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Dumping on our first night

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The Slalom Bar on FIRE

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Tyson and Derek making the sky blue