Chatel's 'the Face' has undergone some reconstructive surgery
Along with the Red Bull Rampage, Châtel’s Mountain Style event is the only slopestyle in the world you’ll see all the top riders aboard full-on downhill rigs. Looking at the course, it’s no wonder; the precipitous, rock-strewn run – known as ‘the Face’ – is challenging enough to walk down, let alone ride. The designers and shapers have got seriously creative with the alpine terrain, sculpting a range of lines that fully integrate some of the more impressive boulders. Step-ups to step-downs and a huge three-way hip jump dominate the top of the course before riders must pick their way across a steep asteroid field, forcing them to utilise the full range of handling skills. With the natural terrain safely negotiated, a final road gap and monster gap jump guarantee a big finale in front of the spectators.
Semenuk gets sideways on the MountainStyle hip
For the second year running, Brandon Semenuk dominated the event, throwing down multiple 360 drops, a huge backflip over the road gap and suicide no-hander on the big booter. Combined with smooth, effortless style in-between the big hits and defiant amplitude in the face of strong winds, his run secured a convincing victory. Cam Zink, once again showed his versatility with a fast and trick-laden run culminating in a huge nac-flip to tank-slapper-ball-ride. Check out the video below to see it in all its gory.
In typical Gallic style, the Face is unfenced and open to all-comers for the rest of the season. So, if you feel like going big, head over to Châtel. Just don’t forget to pack your cojones.
You've got to spin to win
Chatel Mountain Style 2012 – Official video from FASTFOKUS on Vimeo.