The Jib League’s process is simple. There is an open day that anyone can enter with skiers hitting the park in a jam session watched by the organisers. Seven skiers are chosen form that session to join 15 invited skiers for the pro sessions. That involves three different sessions over three days on three different elements.

The sessions are films and screened at a local venue that night, the skiers voting for whoever they thought was the best skier on the day. The skier with the most votes after all three sessions wins.  

Perisher skier Martin Longhitano took time out from his annual guiding gig in Italy and headed to Innsbruck in February for the first event with a pair of 2002 Dynastar Concept twin-tips skis over his shoulder. He progressed through the open day to the pro sessions where he finished fourth overall after the three days. It seems the 20-year-old skis didn’t hinder his performance.

“I found the skis in the Jindy Op shop,”

Martin told Chillfactor. “They were the skis used by the generation of skiers I looked up to as a kid. They’re lots of fun but very different to a modern ski. The dimensions are 103/72/95 and they have a very light swing-weight. I thought Jib League was the event to use the old school twin tips.” 

It is early days, but there is talk of the Jib League potentially heading to the southern hemisphere with Cardrona a likely venue. But who knows, it’s an event an Australian resort could easily host. “I have mentioned it to them,” Martin said. “It would be amazing.”

The post What is Jib League? New Free Skiing Competition appeared first on Chillfactor.

Over the past year, the organisation has grown from four volunteers to over 40, delivering several fundraising efforts over the 2023 winter season where we raised $65k. With this money, we have invested in a new climate change impact report in conjunction with the Australian National University’s Mountain Research Facility. 

READ: Moments from an Australian winter

The first of its kind, this report shows the at-risk nature of Australian winters and investigates the broad range of impacts that a lack of snow coverage will have on snow sports in Australia, the businesses that surround it and the broader regional communities that rely on snow run off. 

Who is impacted by climate change?

Australia’s snow sports industry is the largest in the world at direct and short-term risk as a result of climate change. What we call for is not only greater action at the community level when it comes to combatting our own carbon footprints, but also greater coordination to make government and society realise the substantial impact that climate change has the potential to have on our environment, livelihoods, and regional communities. 

Our vision is for a future where our alpine playground and the communities and businesses that depend on it still exist. 

How is Protect our Winters fighting climate change?

Protect our Winters first and foremost is a community-based organisation. We are grounded in the team of individuals that support us to spread our message and develop new ideas to advocate for greater climate change action. This exists in the Protect our Winters Jindabyne local alliance which we set up last year and will continue to run this year, but also exists in the communities built around ski lodges, university clubs, competitive snow-sports, local businesses, schools and so much more. 

Through fundraisers, awareness-raising and having those conversations with the communities we’re all a part of, we can start to shift the dial in creating greater awareness of how critical climate change action is to our mountains. 

READ: The affects climate change is having on skiing in the alps

In 2023, we delivered our biggest year yet. This year, we go further. Through fighting for cultural change in our community and raising awareness of climate change, lobbying government for greater recognition of its impacts on our communities, and partnering with businesses, we take steps towards protecting the unique alpine environment we love. 

Our goal this winter is to truly unite our community and the many organisations that are its building blocks to fight for more action against climate change. For that we need your help. By following us on social media, buying our merch, donating, volunteering your time or simply talking to the people around you, you help us in achieving our goals for the 2024 season and beyond. 

More from Australian Winter 2024 Season:

Best ski gear from 2024
The anatomy of a ski turn
The freeride force is strong in the youth

The post Climate Change is Having a Severe Impact on Australian Winter Sports appeared first on Chillfactor.

Best Ski Gear from 2024

• Anon Sync Goggle
• Anon Windham WaveCel Helmet
• Dahu 01 Ski Boot
• Dynastar M Pro 100
• Giro Tenet MIPS Helmet
• MT610G Personal Locator Beacon
• Lange Shadow All Mountain Ski Boot
• Mammut Haldigrat Hooded Jacket
• The North Face Summit Stimson FUTURELIGHT Jacket
• Milo Action Communicator
• XTM Palladium 3.0 Mens Shell Snow Jacket

Why are these picks the best ski gear for 2024?

Our Chillfactor team spends a lot of time in the snow and are fortunate enough to test some of the coolest gear from all different brands. These are our top 11 picks for best ski gear in 2024.

READ: Moments from a winter

Anon Sync Goggles ($299.99)

The terrain-defining clarity of Perceive optics and the simplicity of M-Fusion for fast, easy lens changes. The Anon Sync Goggles offer the terrain defining-clarity of Perceive optics and the convenience of our M-Fusion magnetic latch system to secure and guide lenses into place. Full-perimeter venting ensures maximum airflow for a clear, fog-free view in all conditions. They are over-the-glasses compatible for wearing with eyeglasses and include a bonus lens for cloudy conditions plus a microfiber bag for storage and lens cleaning.

Read more here

Anon Windham WaveCel Helmet ($329.99)

Leading safety features, a durable hardshell design, and one-hand fit adjustability for distraction-free comfort.Anon’s Windham WaveCel Helmet pairs everyday hardshell durability with the advanced impact protection of WaveCel technology. WaveCel is a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet. It’s designed to flex, crumple, and glide to reduce rotational and direct impact forces. A 360° BOA® Fit System offers a quick, micro-adjustable fit with the turn of a dial, and the Fidlock® magnetic helmet strap buckle allows for easy one-hand operation, even with gloves.

Read more here

Dahu 01 Ski Boot ($1,399)

Redefining the relationship between on-hill performance and comfort, the Dahu ski boot integrates a winter boot that is both protective & comfortable with a high performance 3-Piece shell.  Awarded the Silver Medal by America’s Best Bootfitters, the Dahu 01 is not only the most comfortable boot you will ever try, it is also the easiest to enter & exit with their Corsair Entry. 100% Grilamid materials ensure there is no compromise on performance.

Read more here

Dynastar M Pro 100 ($1,399)

Produced in France, the skis in the M-Pro range are traditional freeride skis incorporating a new structure that reinforces the front and rear rocker for even greater fun and easier pivoting without losing any power underfoot or compromising the renowned stability of the M-Pro range.   The new M-Pro 100 Ti and M-Pro 94 models have been designed for intermediate to expert skiers and feature the eco-designed Hybrid Core 2.0 technology. The Hybrid Core 2.0 technology is found in a new wood layer design (placing them in three directions instead of just one: longitudinally, vertically, and transversally), to replace the mechanical properties provided by composite materials such as glued fiberglass, reducing the proportion of this material in the ski while improving Dynastar’s unique skiability.

Giro Tenet MIPS Helmet ($359.95)

Designed for all-mountain pursuits, the new Tenet features our hybrid construction to deliver the lightness of the in-molded lower and the durability of the hard-shell upper. The result is comfort and mobility for multiple long seasons on the hill. Featuring advanced protective technology, the Tenet is powered by Mips®, which can reduce rotational energy during certain impacts through our unique two-part construction. For adapting to changes in the weather, we integrate our adjustable Thermostat Control to give you the power to regulate your temp. Armed with In Form 2 Fit System and our breathable Ionic+® Fleece, the Tenet lets you dial in your fit and comfort quickly.

GME MT610G Personal Locator Beacon ($410)

The MT610G is a super-compact, lightweight PLB, offering an impressive 7-year battery life and a 6-year warranty. Featuring an integrated 72 channel GPS receiver, zero warm-up time, high-intensity LEDs, IP68 Ingress Protection, and an inherently buoyant design, the MT610G has not compromised the safety features included.

The MT610G has been designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia, to provide the outdoor adventurer with a GPS PLB solution that is compact, easy-to-use, and affordable.

Lange Shadow All Mountain Ski Boot ($1149)

More power and more control with less energy. The Lange Shadow ski boots bring a new level of power transfer, vibration absorption and comfort to all-mountain skiing. Our Assisted Performance System amplifies your input to the boot through the mechanical advantage of our Dual Pivot and Suspension Blade technology. The boot’s clean, consistent flex is combined with increased shock absorption through the shell for enhanced snow feel and contact. Together with a 120 or 130-rated flex, this boot gives expert skiers every advantage for skiing any terrain on the mountain. At 97mm wide, our low-volume last complements the thermoformable liner for a comfortable performance fit.

Mammut Haldigrat Hooded Jacket ($999.95)

Whether you’re in resort or exploring the backcountry, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect line, this hardshell’s got your back. The Haldigrat is light enough for the ascent and burly enough for the descent. Thanks to a soft, sustainable outer fabric made from durable post-consumer recycled nylon and a Drytech Pro Technology waterproof membrane. A free-ride inspired long cut offer laid back style loaded with features (and pockets).

The North Face Summit Stimson FUTURELIGHT Jacket ($1,100)

The Summit Series Stimson FUTURELIGHT Jacket is a Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed 3L shell versatile piece ideal for backcountry tours and extended stays on the mountain. Its lightweight back panel and built-in venting allow for comfortable wear while carrying a heavy pack. Features include stretch powder skirt, and secure-zip pockets, attached, helmet-compatible hood with a bonded brim and riveted cord-lock adjustment system; Two-way, #5 YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® center front zip with an internal draft flap and laser-cut perforations at chin.

Milo Action Communicator ($399)

It enables hands-free, multi-way, group voice conversation, allowing adventurers to speak while on the trails, slopes or water. No phones or Wi-Fi needed. The patented MiloNet network allows everyone in the group to talk at the same time. Attach Milo securely to your clothing or handlebar using one of the purpose-designed clips leaving your hands free.

Milos create their own mesh network, so you don’t need Wi-Fi or a phone signal. The range between two Milos is 600 m (2000 feet) depending on the terrain. The MiloNet mesh network can extend that range when your group of 3 or more spreads out.

XTM Palladium 3.0 Mens Shell Snow Jacket ($499.99)

The Palladium 3.0 Mens Shell Snow Jacket combines ultimate performance with low-volume design. And, the jacket is now made and retailed in DERMIZAX fabric

 The durable, 4-way stretch outer shell fabric is PFC-free and made from 94% recycled PET bottles. Windproof plus 20K waterproofing and 15K breathability, means maximum protection and comfort.

Equipped with RECCO® technology, YKK zips, a snap away powder skirt, fixed hood, pit zips to dump heat and a freeride fit. Layer up with our Back Country Jacket for extra warmth on colder days. If you’re seeking a soft-shell that performs as hard as you do, this is it. All Technical outerwear : 100%  PFC-free DWR coatings, 100% carbon neutral and XTM is a B Corp Certified business!

The post The Best Ski Gear from 2024 | Winter Skiing Gear Guide appeared first on Chillfactor.

They wanted to travel to a region off the beaten track, one with good terrain, reliable snow where they could experience a different culture and produce a film documenting the trip. 

They decided a backcountry ski trip to the Racha Range in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains more than meets that criteria, so they travelled across the world to spen six nights in an old Soviet-era hut. The hut is surrounded by “untouched snowfields, towering peaks, and peaceful valleys, everything you need for fun and adventure, but with geopolitical tensions high in the surrounding areas, the trip took on a more serious tone. 

Bert Seaton caught up with Jack for a quick chat about trip and what he discovered along the way.

Georgia is a long way from Australia. How was the trip and what were your first impressions?

Racha is in Georgia, a small Eastern European country south of Russia. We flew to the capital [Tbilisi], and after a big layover in Dubai, we were there. I expected more Soviet Union grunge, with big concrete buildings, but it ended up being quite a historic European setup – turns out Georgia is one of the one of the oldest civilisations in the area, with a rich history before Soviet influence.

Was it a mission getting to the mountains? The Racha range is a long haul from the capital.

Our guides picked us up from Tbilisi in a four-wheel drive Delica van, and all of us crammed in, putting our board and ski bags on the roof. We cruised through the countryside, through various wine regions (wine is huge in Georgian culture), and naturally, we stopped off at a winery and grabbed five litres of amber wine to take into the backcountry. We drove the whole day and stopped at these cool huts that our guide Tamta called, ‘Babushka stops’ which are stopovers on the side of the road where they cook traditional meals. The drive kept getting more and more remote, and eventually we came into this tiny rural town called Ghebi at the base of the mountains, and from there we hiked eight hours to the hut.

An eight-hour hike – so obviously pretty isolated, no phone, no internet, no connection to home. How’d you adjust to that?

On the first day I was caught up in what I’d left behind, like, “what have I missed for work… what am I doing?” and then we settled into this nice rhythm of focusing on nothing. Waking up, making coffee, cooking food, collecting water, chopping firewood, looking at the map of where to ski for the day, and for Andy and me, we were thinking about taking photos – and occasionally throwing down some amber wine and shots of Cha/Cha [a wine-based spirit]. But yeah, we settled into this slow mountain pace that follows the sun – because once the sun’s down you’ve got nothing to do, so it gives you a reason to go to bed and then a reason to wake up.

The Ukraine war has made that part of the world pretty unstable and Georgia has had its own experience with war with Russia. What was the feeling in Georgia, with the locals you spent time with, toward Ukraine and what is happening now?

You hear about the Ukraine war, but until I got to Georgia it just felt like a news item. As soon as we arrived in Tbilisi though, there were Ukrainian flags everywhere, every coffee shop had a flag hanging, they may even have a statement on their door saying, “don’t come in if you support Russia” … Then going to one of the ski towns and meeting some local ‘snow bums’ was interesting. In Australia ‘snow bums’ don’t usually have much to care about – they’re just partying and skiing and stuff, which is a cool lifestyle, but these people were highly involved in politics in their country (out of necessity). 

One of the guides, who would usually have guided us, was away fighting in Ukraine – it impacted his life enough for him to go and fight in an army, so that was confronting. And the head ski guide Luka, he grew up going to these mountain regions with his father, but he can’t go to them anymore, because they’re now occupied by Russia. He loves the mountains, it’s part of his identity, so it had this personal impact that I don’t know how to describe. It wasn’t like being back in Australia where you just read the news and go, “oh, I’m educated, I’m upset with what’s happened in the world”, to these guys it impacts their lives.

In the film you guys made about the trip, you mention that the skiing felt insignificant. But it seems like this trip, and the skiing, gave you a better understanding of the bigger picture.

Yeah, well you ski around and you’re in the mountains and it’s great, but you feel silly because these people are dealing with real stuff. You’re often reminded by bits of conversation about some protest or the fact that someone’s lost land. So, it felt silly that we were just skiing around, but… also cool, because the skiing is what brought all of us together. That’s why we ended up finding out about these people’s lives. Without that we’d just have jumped on the tourist train and cruised around without this experience. By doing something we’re passionate about, we ended up in a situation where we were able to become closer with people. We got this real experience from real Georgians about what’s happening and how they feel about it.

You can check out the film by following Andy or Jack on Instagram @andrewhardy and @jacksmitharthur 

The post A backcountry skiing trip in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains appeared first on Chillfactor.

Chamonix France is a zone that tends to deliver on the promise of snow, but that’s just the half of it.  There are many reasons I am in awe of this place and if I had to choose one spot in Europe for the rest of my life this would be it. 

Chamonix France may not be the most family friendly, nor the most inter-connected ski destination in Europe, but it is the most dramatic and inspiring ski zone for my money. It’s a real town, with schools, ice hockey matches and the everyday stuff of normal life going on as well as a pulsing culture of alpinism up and down this majestic valley.  For me, and many skiers who seek out this place for their adrenaline dose, the fact it is not a ‘resort’ is part of the appeal.  Then there’s the terrain. It’s taken no prisoners here once you head beyond the managed pistes.

READ: Moments from an Australian Winter

One of the bucket list ski lines you’ll find here is the legendary Vallée Blanche which stretches from the top of Aiguille du Midi down to the valley floor into Chamonix France.  The vertical drop is almost 3 kilometres and you’ll have skied around 22kms by the time you reach the base – however doing the whole Vallée Blanche has been a pipe dream recently as the lower altitudes haven’t held snow.  A telecabine (gondola) was built at what used to be the base of the ice field in the 1980’s and would return skiers to the Montenvers station where the famous little red train would link back to town.

This iconic destination provides a stark example of what’s happening to glaciers in the Alps.  In the early 1990’s three steps were added to connect the bottom station of the lift from the ice field as it receded.  By the early 2000s 118 steps were needed to bridge the yawning gap and as climate change has accelerated so has the rate at which new steps were required with the total growing to a staggering 550+ steps by the early 2020s.  These changes underline what my own memories and eyes have been telling me – we are losing fragile ice fields at a rate that is anything but ‘glacial’ in pace. 

In February this year a new ‘La Mer de Glace’ gondola opened as part of a 53 million euro investment by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc to enable skiers, snowboarders and sightseeing visitors to access this magnificent natural wonder.  The new lift extends to the bottom of the valley where it’s hoped the snow-pack will remain, allowing a ski connection to the base station for years to come.  

READ: Chillfactor’s top gear picks from winter 2024

So the good news, “hot laps” (for those fit enough) are now back on the table without a massive hike back up. It’s now technically possible to do 2 or 3 runs in a day.  

Although the Vallée Blanche is skied without guides by those with the knowledge, a ski partner and a plan, guided tours are available and are a must for those not well versed in off-piste glaciated terrain. It’s a very long descent, with numerous routes that can lure you into dead ends. You will be skiing over crevasses with sometimes very fragile snow bridges and this is a wild and untamed place.  A great day skiing can become lethal or at the very least turn into a scary-mad line.  It’s worth remembering most locals and pros here can tackle terrain better than you ever could. Staying humble and making smart choices will mean you get to share your story over après and do it again. Google “extreme ski” and “ Chamonix France ” to see what people get themselves into here. 

The post The affects of climate change on skiing at Chamonix France appeared first on Chillfactor.

At the mercy of mother nature, like Jekyll and Hyde, the mountains can be stunning one day then completely uninhabitable the next.  Then there’s the issue of risk and how much is too much.    

Having spent my entire life on skis, the lens through which I view these concepts continues to evolve over time. That’s the beauty of skiing. It’s one of the few sports that allows for participation as we move through time.  Multi-generational if you like. A rare activity that can be enjoyed by one, two or even three generations all together. Parents can ski with their parents and the parents of parents can ski with their grandchildren.  Huh?    

As a kid I played all the conventional sports but still to this day, none produce the same sense of fulfilment I get from sliding on snow. Most sports are governed by rigid rules and regulations. Run here, tackle there, don’t overstep the line, yada, yada, yada.   

Maybe it’s the anti-conformist side of free skiing that appeals to me. The feeling of going against the grain and pushing the boundaries (which comes back to risk).  Picking the right moment to dial it up to eleven, or knowing when to listen to environmental and human factors playing it safe.  

When I think of skiers past and present who’ve influenced today’s interpretation, they all blazed their path in different ways. That’s the thing about boosting around on a pair of skis, it’s different. It allows for expression in so many ways. Essentially if there’s snow, you can ski on it. Sometimes there doesn’t even have to be snow, just ask Candide.

Within reason, a skier can turn their skis wherever they want. Perhaps an exception being the icy race tracks of the World Cup circuit or the Olympics. But then even Bode Miller found ways to challenge the establishment, finding speed in places no one else dared to. 

This brings us back to the ‘true ski centre’ of this discussion.  Does the ‘perfect turn’ exist?  After all, the ‘turn’ is at skiing’s very core.  It has been since the start and still is now.  Whether it’s big mountain freeriding, powder, park and pipe, moguls or simply ripping around the resort with your friends, it can’t be done without turning your skis.  It’s the one constant across all forms of the sport.

The notion of the ‘perfect turn’ is tricky to comprehend given there’s so many different settings to consider.  Is it achieving max angulation on the piste with a perfect body position?  Feeling the ski bend as pressure is progressively applied.  Or is it a ripping pow slash with no edges or textbook required as snow billows up into the atmosphere.  

A free-skier floating effortlessly through an open powder field is going to interpret their surroundings differently to a World Cup Racer tackling a terrifying downhill track. The heightened senses of a Freeride World Tour athlete staring down the Bec des Rosses will analyse the complex terrain differently to a weekend warrior.

And there-in lies the quandary of the search for the ‘perfect turn’. The juxtaposition if you like. Long vs short, powder vs crud, groomers vs a World Cup Mogul course.  It’s comparing the incomparable. Maybe we shouldn’t even try.  

Maybe the ‘perfect turns’ are the ones made in our subconscious mind on the eve of a powder day. Dreaming of making a bee-line to your favourite run. The secret stash at your home resort, the one only you and a select few know about.  

Imagining the contours of the terrain, the texture of snow. Each ‘perfect turn’ envisioned in sequence. One, two, three, feel the snow and the rebound it provides.  Letting it rip turn after turn, long, short, shallow or deep. Skis, body and mind perfectly in sync. It’s the peaking arousal of the senses, the ultimate rush.

Last winter was definitely no world beater here in Australia, feeling like the eternal spring as El Nino did its thing.  

Challenging conditions for laying down the ‘perfect turn’ although on the right equipment, and with the right attitude, maybe it can be done. This brings us back to the original question. Who’s to say what the ‘perfect turn’ looks like and more to the point, does it really even matter? As long as you’re living in the moment, absorbing only what’s in front of you.

At Hotham we were fortunate to have some of the most talented skiers in the world turn their skis however they wanted. Olympian Harry Laidlaw scored the best powder day of the season in July. One of Australia’s leading GS skiers, Harry skis with grace and power and is equally at home off piste as he is on. I was fortunate to be skiing with Harry this day and it was a privilege to witness him strap the wide boards to his feet and rip some powder turns wherever he wanted.

Around this time offered the best conditions of the season which also saw the homecoming of Hotham big mountain skier and World Extreme Champion Andrea Binning and her family. Andrea’s Norwegian husband Stian Hagen needs no introduction, having been at the forefront of the international free-skiing and mountaineering scene for decades also.  

Together with their kids Aksel and Camile, they’re the epitome of an adventure family. A great example of how the love of skiing and a life in the mountains can be passed on and enjoyed by multiple generations. To see Andrea and Stian out ripping around the resort with their family it was obvious the future of skiing is in safe hands.  

So, what’s the underlying theme or take-home message? Maybe there isn’t one, other than any day skiing is better than not skiing. Sure, nothing beats bottomless powder, but if we only skied the deep days we’d miss out on so much. Mountain life fosters friendships spanning a lifetime.  

This winter take the singles line and strike up a conversation with a stranger on the chair. It’s amazing the connections that can be made when forced to share a confined space with someone you’ve never met in a raging blizzard! It’ll usually start with ‘how good’s today!’ or ‘gee, I like the look of those skis, what are they?’ For those few minutes polar opposite lives collide, swapping stories with a common interest. Skiing.               

Maybe the ‘perfect turns’ exist, maybe they don’t. It could be as simple as they’re the ones we’re making at the time no matter the conditions. Everyone’s ‘anatomy of a turn’ will be different and that’s ok. Our own individual brushstrokes on the canvas of skiing.  If you ever do stumble across the ‘perfect turn’ bottle the feeling and savour it. In the meantime, we can all have fun searching.

The post Skiing How To: The Anatomy of a Turn appeared first on Chillfactor.

Reflecting on her masterful achievements, Anthony said, “This season has been absolutely wild. It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of what my team and I have achieved. The skiing and jumping I’ve been able to do is incredible.” 

When the season began, the record for most mogul wins in a season was eleven, set by American Moguls legend Hannah Kearney in the 2011-12 season. By season’s end Anthony had won seven singles events and seven dual moguls events. As the records fell, so did the enormity of the achievement. “We were joking — well, my coach Pete [McNeil] was — that we’ve still got to come out here again and break another record.” 

The barnstorming performance could arguably the most dominant of any Australian athlete summer or winter in the last calendar year, with Anthony setting the tone early in December in Finland and finishing four months later in Italy. The results are mind-blowing!

World Cup 2023-24 results

• Ruka, Finland: Moguls 1st (84.18) 
• Idre Fjall, Sweden: Moguls 1st (79.74), Dual Moguls 3rd (defeated by Jaelin Kauf in the semi-final) 
• Alpe d’Huez, France: Moguls 1st (79.98), Dual Moguls 1st (defeated Olivia Giaccio in the final) 
• Bakuriani, Georgia: Moguls 1st (79.08), Dual Moguls 1st (defeating Maria Schwinghammer in final) 
• Val St. Come, Quebec Canada: Moguls 1st (82.01), Dual Moguls 1st (defeating Jaelin Kauf in the final) 
• Waterville, USA: Moguls 1st (81.22), Dual Moguls 1st (defeating Jaelin Kauf in the final) 
• Deer Valley, USA: Moguls 13th (44.73), Dual Moguls 1st (defeating Jaelin Kauf in the final) 
• Almaty, Kazakhstan: Moguls 1st (82.74), Dual Moguls 1st (defeating Jaelin Kauf in the final) 
• Chiesa in Valmalenco: Dual Moguls 1st (defeating Jaelin Kauf in the final)
• Crystal Globe Triple Champion – Singles, Duals & Overall.

What’s next for the Aussie? It seems progression and never-ending mastery in her sport are the catalyst and core motivation for the star skier:

 “A World Championship gold is the only major medal I don’t have yet. With the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics coming up, which will be the first to feature dual moguls, my team and I will keep improving every year and pushing ourselves.”

We are so proud of what you’ve achieved this season Jakara. All eyes now focus on Toppa’s Dream at Perisher later this season for the Australian Mogul Championships then World Cup and World Championship season from December to March. The sky is the limit for this Australian Skiing Champion!

The post Jakara Anthony’s Record-Breaking Season appeared first on Chillfactor.

The Center Four, also known as the Ace Quad Lift #2, was the heartbeat of Niseko and it carried an astonishing 25 million passengers in its lifetime. Spanning 1.72 kilometres over 497 metres of elevation at four metre per second, its 111 chairs carried 780,000 passengers in the 2022-23 season alone.

For many, like myself, the Center Four provided life-altering experiences. I’ll never forget my maiden voyage aboard the iconic lift. I could barely contain my excitement as I ascended, staring down at the blank canvas below where 30 centimeters of fresh snow awaited. I had read about Niseko in magazines, seen it in videos, and I had finally made the pilgrimage across the Pacific to sample my first taste of Hokkaido’s famous powder. It was deep, dry, effortless… It was magic. 

Little did I know at the time, that descent would ignite a passion that would reshape the course of my life and career entirely, as I was inspired to combine my love of skiing and photography and make the move to Niseko.

The Center Four was unique in that it was the first high-speed quad in Japan. Having no hood nor footrest, riders were exposed to the elements and constant, unobstructed views of the 38º slope of the Super Course and the adjacent Super Ridge, for the entirety of their journey to the top of Ace Hill. The lift was also the epicentre of night skiing in Japan, perhaps the most iconic night skiing on the planet. If you’ve ever had a powder-fueled “nighter” in Hirafu, it was likely one of the most memorable experiences on snow that you’ve ever known.

We are grateful to the Center Four for the memories forged and the adventures shared with friends and visitors alike. The spirit of the Center Four will live on, aboard the all new 10-seater gondola that will take its place. The new gondola will begin operations in the 2024-25 season and will increase the carriage capacity from 1,800 riders per hour to 2,8000. 

As the sun sets on this chapter of Niseko’s storied history, we bid farewell to an old friend. But amidst the bittersweet farewells, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in the powder kingdom. 

Thank you Center Four

The post Niseko’s Center Four’s Swan Song appeared first on Chillfactor.

With a high five to a sluggish lifty, I ski straight onto the chair. My goggles fog, my gloves drip, water runs down the back of my leg. If I keep my head down and hood on, my neck will stay dry.  

At the top of the chair the wind is strong, whipping through the snow gums. Leaf confetti adds contrast to the snow. I push off the chair and point my skis down the fall line. The snow is consistent, creamy and forgiving. 

With every turn and air, I wonder where everyone is. I wonder if they know what they are missing. I make the most of the frail snow pack, cherishing every turn. If the rain keeps falling, they may be my last of the season. Time for another lap.

The post There are old skiers and bold skiers, but no old bold skiers. appeared first on Chillfactor.