News
2008-12-24
Tis the season to be Jolly! - is on most peoples minds this week while getting those last minute presents an sending cards to those who they left off the first list. At The Faction Collective we need to take a minute to look back on how good the winter has been so far. New skis, a new website, and new ideas. Snow in the Alps and new team riders in France and Switzerland. Photographer Pierre Augier, who pops up consistently in France's Skieur magazine and Skieur.com is skiing on the 08/09 Royale saying " I can't wait to drop a cliff in powder and land switch on these things!"
Pierre will have plenty of opportunity to try at least, travelling around the Alps following the boys to contests such as the SFR Slopestyle Tour where in its first edition in Val Thorens, French Pro rider Bastien Brouqueyre went a little too big for his britches! Check it out at:
http://www.skipass.com/news/31666-sfr-tour-slopestyle-val-thorens.html
Things started a bit slower on the other side of the pond with alot of anxious skiers not feeling bad about getting a little more into the partying than the snow. Luckily there were alot of great movies to check out and some things happening around town such as the the Faction - Glacier Shop party in Whistler with Rage Film's "Such is Life" showing on the big screen.
http://www.doglotion.com/faction-skis-winter-kick-off-party
This didn't stop the sledneck Faction team riders such as Mark Dvorak heading into the Oregon backcountry to see what they could find. Mark is passionate about BC kickers but the snow was just not there yet. No worries Mark in the Pacific Northwest you never have to wait too long and the big dumps are never to far between! Still life isn't too bad when you can head out on your gas guzzling machine and hit some terrain like this with Mt. Bachelor shining in the background.
Strangely enough even in BC the snow was just starting to fall closer to the Holidays. Faction Am Team skier Alex Hall and his friends went out to make a film for a Nelson born online film contest saying "Now that the snow is falling we better go out and see what we can do with what we have!". The boys did alot with school yard rails and fences before one took the arm of a mate and he was broken for the season. Vote for their effort at:
http://www.superu.ca/contestant/669/43
So have a great holiday; eat, drink and be merry! Those of us who have an additional need for snow will throw some great holiday skiing in there as well. The U.S is catching up to Canada and North America will certainly catch up to Europe. Go out, try something new like French team rider Cyril Reygnier who normally does BC freestyle and freeride kinda like this........
but changed it up at Pierre's command to go for a trick old schoolers have yet to figure out. Cyril says "This is the first rail I ever tried!". Not too bad Cyril for a first attempt!
So wherever you are, enjoy all the holidays however you choose to celebrate and keep in touch with The Faction Collective for the rest of 2008 and see how we roll into 2009. There is lots left to do this winter and who really knows what will happen!
2008-12-19
Faction Collective Team Rider Yvan Metrailler continued his strong finishes in the first edition of the Swiss-R project on the Glacier 3000 in Les Diablerets, Switzerland.
Last year Yvan won the largest and final stage of the Swiss-R in one of his local stomping grounds of Crans-Montana. Winter is in full swing and the kickers are getting bigger so The Faction Collective looks forward to seeing Yvan on more podiums during the three remaining stages spread over the whole winter.
Keep up with Yvan's results and all the other Swiss and French rider's progress during the season long Swiss-R at:
http://www.swiss-r-project.ch/swiss0809/
Yvan launching into the mist of the high Alps of Valais, Switzerland
Check out more images and video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VeBOgMQr38&eurl=http://www.swiss-r-project.ch/swiss0809/
2008-12-10
2008-12-08
Andy Matthew wins a Faction Collective sponsorship as the 08 Faction UK StepUp winner
Most skiers living in the mountain regions of the world would be surprised to know that people ski on plastic carpets. In the UK where the land is flat and the plants stay green all year round it’s a way of life. Andy Matthew grew up with the same passion for skiing which drives us all but was able to hone his skills despite a less than ideal snow and terrain situation. During the 5 city Faction UK StepUp Tour hitting stops in Halifax, Chatham, Norwich, Milton Keyes and Glasgow, Andy was consistently selected to go further towards the prize of sponsorship. The last stop was the BRITS in Laax, Switzerland where he placed 4th and was locked in on The Faction Collective UK National Team.
http://www.britishsnowtour.com/
Andy refused to stop there and kept training over the summer. Showing up at the London Ride was no mistake when he finished 8th overall among a group of international riders. The Faction Collective is happy to bring a guy like Andy Matthew into the crew, saying “I love the skis, they ride and look awesome and definitely excited to ride on them all season! It's going to be a good one! I hope everyone has an amazing season riding with friends, jibbing the park, hitting those big powder lines or building a snowman, as long as you are having fun it doesn't matter.” Go Andy go…….
2008-12-03
The Faction Collective and the Glacier Shop season opening party sets the stage for a great 08/09 winter in Whistler........
For the past ten years snowboarding has held the corner on “cool” in the world of winter sports. The Faction Collective teamed up with The Glacier Shop perched right in the center of Whistler village to show off what skiers can bring to the table. The shop was filled with cool displays of this winter’s line of Faction skis, DJ Metal spinning tunes on the side with his stylee retro decks, and Takka, a local Whistler artist doing a freehand painting while the party was kicking in.
Team rider Ryan Oakden said to Doglotion.com about the upcoming winter “I’m pumped and can’t wait” only to be followed by the call for snow! Later the party moved to the Millenium Theatre where Rage Production’s “Such is Life” went on the reels in front of 200 strong.
Check out the coverage
http://www.doglotion.com/faction-skis-winter-kick-off-party
One of the lucky dudes won a pair of 08/09 Faction 3zero skis..........
and plenty of shwagalicious gifts were showered on the crowd..........
The final stage of the party at Moe Joes Bar was not for the weak or faint of drink with hundreds of shots of Jaeger and Red Bull vodka getting thrown back. Urgh…wonder how that Opening Day Blackomb ski went…..apparently the conditions were good! North American Team Manager Ross Janzen says “It was awesome”……
the next stage….A European equivalent of this year’s Faction Canada represents the creative and innovative freeski scene!
2008-12-02
November has been the start of what is shaping up to be an epic season..........don't worry North America your turn will come...........
Winter has started and snow has been falling full on in the Alps and on the other side of the globe in the Rockies, the Pacific Northwest and BC. Faction Collective Pro Mark "Devo" Dvorak, one of the stars of this year's Rage Productions film "Such is Life", grabbed the snowmobile last weekend and hit the trees in Oregon where 40 inches of fresh made a pretty good start to the season. Similar stories are flying around the web with the amazingly keen already shouting "face shots"……..or at least ankle shots.
2008-11-25
Faction and The Glacier Shop join to make a Whistler season opening bash to remember
Whistler is one of the core resorts on the freeski scene. The Faction Collective has put its feet down there with a solid team including Ryan Oakden, former IFSA Freeride Champion, Shane Carmichael, our rock n' roll freeskier and Adam Topshee, who stepped it up this year making the front cover of WB Magazine and the Whistler/Blackomb insert in Powder Magazine, on Faction Skis. Together with these guys on the ground, making the party happen, Faction has joined one of the main retailers in Whistler, The Glacier Shop to throw a full on season opening heave. The party will start in the shop with a display of this year's line joined by artists and DJ who will back up The Faction Collective emphasis on design. After the crowd will move on to the Millenium Theatre for a screening of Rage Production's "Such is Life" sponsored by Faction Skis. Finally as the Red Bull truck follows, screening the action and dropping some beats, the entourage ends at Moe Joes Tavern for some more serious partying. The Faction Collective wants to send a special shout out to Shane Carmichael, whose band was supposed to play at Moe Joe's but who has unfortunately sustained serious injuries due to an accident. We know all of his friends will be pulling for him over the coming weeks..... Stay tuned for more related news like some new team announcements happening in Whistler and hopefully some stupid and wrong party photos...........
2008-11-19
Faction online store is easy to use and includes shipping
The Faction Collective has launched a new online store. Find all 08/09 skis, poles and bindings in stock and available . For a limited time free shipping is included within the U.S, Canada, EU and Switzerland. The winter seems to be shaping up nicely in North America and Europe so don't wait too long to get on a pair of Fat Twins or this year's big mtn machine, the Thirteen!
Check this page out at: www.factionskis.com/store/regions
2008-11-12
The Faction Collective announces Yvan Métrailler as the newest edition to the European team....
On the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc massif in Valais, The Faction Collective is excited to announce another great name, Yvan Métrailler has joined the European team . He may be a young gun at 19 but he sure ain't dumb. Born and raised on the vast terrain of Haute-Nendaz, this ambitious freestyler has balanced top place finishes at the Swiss-R project in Crans-Montana and in Deux Alpes this summer at the Kumi Yama festival, where he won a trip to Japan to work with other top skiers such as Laurent Favre, with a full time education. Competition skiing is great and exciting but it does not last forever. We are happy to work with a guy who sees his own future and we will support him along the way!
Watch out for Yvan this season in Europe as he tours with Faction and as part of the European Billabong - Von Zipper team. Next season, he will take a year off school and head to the U.S as part of the Faction International Team, to compete in the U.S Open and practice his franglais with some ready and willing American pro-hoes....oolala
2008-11-11
The Faction Collective Frenchie Crew are here to stay........
The Faction Collective is expanding its reach in 08/09 and the team is set for a solid winter. We have names, and they are not Fred or Dave or even Brian. From Canada and the U.S to France and Switzerland the crew is made up guys who break the mold from the get go. The Cepi Brothers, Max and Romain together with their trusted compatriot Bastien Brouqueyre will be showing their stuff for Faction in France this winter. They join Cyril Regnier on the Frenchie Team ready to take on the best; with the only Pierre around as the man-artist behind the lens. The boys converged in Deux Alpes at the end of October for the Mondial du Freeski, to hit some jumps have some beers and gear up for the park crazed winter ahead! The Faction Collective does not just represent cool names and big results. In the end we have started on this journey to stick to what we like and meet some mates to enjoy the good times with. If you cant laugh and be stupid at the end of the day then maybe we should go out and get some real jobs! Watch out for these freaks coming to a resort near you.......
2008-11-03
Faction launch the 2009 ski design competition. Win $500 and your own skis!
Think you have what it takes to design a fantastic ski topsheet? Have a painting or drawing sitting in the corner that you think would look wicked strapped to your feet? While there are strong examples of cultural crossovers between sport and design in the areas of skateboards and snowboards, skiing has long been designs long lost ugly cousin…but there are a few brands out there trying to bridge this gap.
Driven by the desire to bring together the complimentary facets of art, design, music and skiing The Faction Collective are an independent freeride/freestyle ski brand producing cutting edge products with a mix of street-wise design and a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. Looking to unearth new artists as well as getting traditional artists and designers to become involved in the cultural exchance between art/design and sport, they are announcing the launch of their first ski design competition open to the public. Faction are looking for topsheet and base designs for their 2009/10 park ski, code-named the ‘Kennedy’.
The theme for the skis is “urban jungle”. This can be interpreted either literally or philosophically. Artwork can be produced in any media – pen, pencil, paint, digital, the blood of a unicorn – however submissions must be made in digital format. Photos or scans of artwork are acceptable, however finished digital art is preferred – Adobe Illustrator .eps or high-res .pdf format. Please make sure all fonts are converted to paths if used.The Faction logo does not have to be utilised in the submitted artwork, however The Faction Collective reserve the right to add to the design the Faction logo and model designation information. Artwork will remain the copywright of the artist, however the winner gives The Faction Collective the right to use their artwork.
HOW TO ENTER:
We have prepared an Adobe Illustrator template – download it by clicking here.
All submissions should be emailed to info[AT]factionskis[DOT]com and must be received by January 1, 2009. After being compiled they will be published on this website. Voting will then be open to the public, closing on February 1. The winner will be announced March 1, 2009 with the ski going into production for the 2009/10 season. The competition is open to anyone, of any age or geographical location.
The Rage Film tour was a success!
With stops all around the West, Rage Productions represented The Faction Collective in “Such is Life” with style. Faction rider Mark “Devo” Dvorak was on tap for all the major openings signing over 600 posters for fans. He is known around the way as a quiet achiever but during his segment, Mark showed that his skiing is far from an understatement. Launching gaps and sculpted kickers as well as killing the snowmobile accessed faces he skied “Devo” made us all proud. Together with fellow team rider Jack Nelson on hand and our very own Faction office dawgs the Cohen brothers, Faction Skis made a memorable showing. With this years’ crew of Mark, Shane Carmichael, Ryan Oakden and Jonas Delogne, Faction is ready to take the ride with Rage Productions to the top of freeskiing. More shoots and parties will be to come during the 08/09 winter.....
Check out Mark Dvorak’s interview with Newschoolers.com at: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/content/viewcult/action/news/id/3949/jid/807/eid/2979/
The Mondial du Freeski in Les Deux Alpes 25th and 26th October!
The Faction Collective is gearing up to pull out the 08/09 lineup of skis for a test weekend and expo for the press and public. Standing on Les Deux Alpes glacier at 3200m is guaranteed to get us all pumped to ski this winter. The Faction team will leave the office in Verbier, pull our heads away from the computers and be ready for the chance to show off all of our progress in this year’s line. The event which has been cut down to two days will be filled with things to do: the test during the day, films and slideshows during the evening to get everyone warmed up for the Night Contest happening in town and finally some rock out parties at the surrounding bars to make us feel like we can make it through another winter at full pace!The Mondial du Freeski is also the best way to present our new team riders for 08/09. These guys have passed through all the flaming hoops we have laid out and we are excited to work with them and see what they bring to our existing collective of riders. New perspectives keep our eyes fresh and make sure we keeping pushing the development potential of our products. If you cannot make it to Deux Alpes stay tuned to www.thefactioncollective.com to see their names and profiles.........
Please write to billy[AT]factionskis[DOT]com for any additional reports or check out www.mondialdufreeski.com for more event info.
Some people don’t care about being famous, some people just want to ride...
Tom Sturges is not a household name unless you come from Central Pennsylvania where a there exists a brand of pretzels in his name. This does not stop Tommy from making us all jealous with his summer exploits. Four continents in four months, skiing the best powder in years on two of them and still taking a break for some tropical beach time. When he left with his pack and brand new pair of Faction skis we never expected him to clock so much mileage. Meeting friends along the way Tommy has strung together fresh lines in New Zealand, boat trips in Thailand and high altitude descents in Argentina. So who says you need to be a famous to take life by the balls, get your crew together and lay down some tracks or maybe even a couple of broken hearts along the way!