DCP by NateD

Words: Nate D / Photos: Nate D. & Jerome Tanon

While all you suckers were busy tuned into the X Games finding out who the “best” snowboarder in the world is or gearing up for Vegas getting ready to “talk” about snowboarding with some industry insiders, I on the other hand, have chosen to actually participate in the activity.

Jules, DCP, Gigi hiking to the spot. by NateD

Aspen? Yea, I’ve heard of it. It’s gay. I guess snowboarders are celebrities now, which in my mind is more comical than shocking. Sadly, it brings disturbing thoughts of the inevitable burnout these poor children will encounter in the coming years trying to stay a step ahead of the next 12 year old wonder kid, licking corporate ass for cash and succumbing to the ultimately, unsatisfying glamour of the rock star lifestyle. Another thing too; if you need a score, actual numbers with decimal points, to determine which is the better rider, then you have lost touch my friend. And Vegas? Fuck Vegas. Unless you’re a chump with a connection to some washed ass TM you ain’t getting in to the party. Even more disturbing is the health risk. Why do you think everyone got the clap last year? All it takes is for one asshole to get a little risky at The Crazy Horse, go to the show the next day and start chuckin’ high-fives and BAM! An epidemic.

Romain DeMarchi by Jerome Tanon

DCP sunrise slash. by NateD

Over here in Switzerland it is ON and it would be a tragic miscalculation on my part not to get some real content up and make you reconsider your poor decision-making.

When the call came from our media partner Absinthe Films that it had turned from epic to “all time” over in the Alps we thought it wise to bring some Swiss action to next years travel issue. A day later I jumped on the next flight to Zurich. I will tell you one thing, if you have to fly 11 hours straight you need to do it with SWISS Intl. Airlines. I felt more like I was hanging in my own personal home theater complete with fully reclining seat and 5 star grub. After my steak dinner it was movie time and I was out like a light. I woke somewhere above Eastern France with 45 minutes left–money!

Justin Hostyneck by Jerome Tanon

Romain by Jerome Tanon

A 4-hour train ride to the south and I was hooked up with the boys. Getting to participate in anything Absinthe related is a personal dream come true, however, watching these guys actually ride is nothing short of mind-boggling. I have seen some amazing riders in my day but these dudes are on a different level. Gigi, Romain, Wolle, Jules, and the newest addition to the crew DCP… I mean c’mon! I dare you to assemble a stronger posse.

DCP powder grin. by Jerome Tanon

Hotel Suisse by NateD

We have been set up at the Hotel Suisse in the village of Champery, part of the network of villages and lifts that are know as Portes du Soleil. Filmer David Vladyka lives in the next town down the valley and with his local knowledge, getting to “the spot” has been smooth sailing. Justin Hostynek has been around as well getting all of the action that will inevitably become Absinthe’s next movie. It has been a pleasure and a really cool experience to see how some true professionals get it done–definitely not the gong-show that is so many other crews.

Romain by NateD

Unfortunately, the first day was riddled with a few minor injuries that cut the crew down in size. After a cab 5 tree-smasher, Wolle landed in some suspect snow and bang up his knee. Soon after, that crazy Frenchie Jules tweaked a plaguing ankle narrowly escaping a full scalping by some exposed rocks. Further down the gully Gigi had set up a large stump bonk but ended up a little backseat and knocked the wind out of himself real good after hitting a mini tree in the landing. Keep in mind this was all within about 2 hours! Nothing serious here, but enough to warrant a couple days rest for the three of ‘em.

Danm right you can! By NateD

This left the shredding to DCP and Romain. If they both weren’t married with young kids I would find a way to use the term tag-teamed in a rude and offensive manner, instead, they politely had their way with the entire southern region of Switzerland. We have been getting after it day in and day out for the better part of a week now and honestly this is one of the best adventures I have ever been on. What strikes me most among these guys, other than their undeniable talent, is the complete absence of any power trip or egotistical bullshit (as is the case with so many pretentious buttfucks that think they are the shit). These fella’s are pure snowboarding and it shows in their attitude. Sitting on the sidelines for a bit, taking in the action I was surprised to hear Romain yell at me, “Are you gonna ride or what!?” I was like, “Well, man this is your zone, I don’t want to track it up.” He replied, “No way man, the snow is everyone’s!” DCP too was bummed when I wasn’t able to ride his same line or drop his same cliff because of my injury from last year. That was cool. Speaking of those two, if you haven’t heard, along with JP Solberg they have started a new company called Yes Snowboards. For those of you who think they can’t kill the pig, the hypocrites and the corporate model, they’re answer simply is, “YES WE CAN!”

DCP, slashmaster. By Jerome Tanon

The Alps By NateD

For now, the journey has just begun. I am out here another few weeks traveling to new spots, gathering information for the story and most importantly riding pow… I’ll let you know how it goes… maybe you can tell me who won the X Games… HA!