Henrik Harlaut starts competing in Big Mountain!

[k3ndall.g]

Big mountain is judged on 5 things.

1. Line Choice

2. Technique

3. Control

4. Fluidity

5. Style and Energy

The head judge awards the riders line score, and then all three judges give their scores for the other four categories. The scores in these four categories aren't allowed to be more than 3 points above the line score. This being said, Henrik obviously has the style and energy category locked down, and I don't think the line score will be too much of an issue for him. I doubt his technique score will be very good at all, but if he can be fluid and stay in control throughout his run, he might still have a chance.

 

[MikeWeinerONE]

coming from someone who likes big mtn way more than park.... the big mtn crowd never fails to sound like a bunch of pretentious armchair quarterbacks whenever anybody known for park throws their hat in the ring for big mtn competing or filming

yes, big mtn is super different from park and uses a relatively different set of skills and strengths but you guys are fucking high if you dont realize that the reason that some of the big names excel at park is because theyre really fucking good skiers

im not saying henrik is gonna be top 3 or something but you people saying vapid things like "big mtn is different, he can't ski on his tails here" and "the judges are looking for different things in these comps" ...thanks for the heads up, geniuses, i think henrik might have learned that at some point too

Youth and ignorance is a funny thing.

 

[MikeWeinerONE]

coming from someone who likes big mtn way more than park.... the big mtn crowd never fails to sound like a bunch of pretentious armchair quarterbacks whenever anybody known for park throws their hat in the ring for big mtn competing or filming

yes, big mtn is super different from park and uses a relatively different set of skills and strengths but you guys are fucking high if you dont realize that the reason that some of the big names excel at park is because theyre really fucking good skiers

im not saying henrik is gonna be top 3 or something but you people saying vapid things like "big mtn is different, he can't ski on his tails here" and "the judges are looking for different things in these comps" ...thanks for the heads up, geniuses, i think henrik might have learned that at some point too

youth and ignorance is pretty rad. I wish I could still share those views, but I respect your opinion.

 

[CrotchKiller]

Youth and ignorance is a funny thing.

yea probably, but the truth isn't

 

[rudager]

hands up

Adding for relevance

Hands forward.

I get the idea that he'll do great with taking park skills to the mountain, but things like the FWT look for much much more than just sending it and tricks.

I'm no judge, and I don't consider myself close to doing well in those tours, but I do ski big mountain primarily, and I do compete in it.

Judges look for control, fluidity, aggressiveness, style, and overall impression/line choice.

Watching that edit, he looks like he's too loose, body all back, and arms way out to the side.

Mind you it's only one edit, but it wasn't something that blew me away in terms of any type of freeride skiing.

He'll have things to learn, and I give him props for putting himself out there, I just think he needs a little clean up in some departments.

 

[SimplyClean]

Let's not forget the main reason why he's doing it, to have fun. So stop hating on the man and let him continue his huge passion in skiing no matter where that is.

I love how kids bow down to Henrik and worship him, then go and hate on him here for trying something new.

 

[infedel_one]

coming from someone who likes big mtn way more than park.... the big mtn crowd never fails to sound like a bunch of pretentious armchair quarterbacks whenever anybody known for park throws their hat in the ring for big mtn competing or filming

yes, big mtn is super different from park and uses a relatively different set of skills and strengths but you guys are fucking high if you dont realize that the reason that some of the big names excel at park is because theyre really fucking good skiers

im not saying henrik is gonna be top 3 or something but you people saying vapid things like "big mtn is different, he can't ski on his tails here" and "the judges are looking for different things in these comps" ...thanks for the heads up, geniuses, i think henrik might have learned that at some point too

big mountain is so much different than park skiing competitions. Yes they both follow scales in how they are judged, but big mountain comps are judged on the tricks, composure, and overall skiing through the ENTIRE run. I think henrik has the tricks, but can he maintain a solid run that will appeal to the judges the entire way? my guess is no, he'll score in the top 10 but nowhere near the podium.

agreed with the no tail skiing and variety throughout.

 

[rudager]

Let's not forget the main reason why he's doing it, to have fun. So stop hating on the man and let him continue his huge passion in skiing no matter where that is.

I love how kids bow down to Henrik and worship him, then go and hate on him here for trying something new.

Don't see a whole lot of hate in this thread, just people thinking realistically.

He can do whatever he wants, it's his call, and of course it's all for fun, it's what skiing is all about.

People are just stating that he'll be picked apart when it comes to being judged in the big mountain discipline of skiing.

Why not just take a year of skiing the alps first? Do some mountaineering, tackle some gnarly lines with some friends and a film crew?

Dabble a bit before diving head first into a whole different world.

Regardless, looking forward to seeing how he takes on the venues out there.

 

[SuwakaFlocka]

the dude behind him is maaaad speedy

lol

 

[shredschralp]

big mountain is so much different than park skiing competitions. Yes they both follow scales in how they are judged, but big mountain comps are judged on the tricks, composure, and overall skiing through the ENTIRE run. I think henrik has the tricks, but can he maintain a solid run that will appeal to the judges the entire way? my guess is no, he'll score in the top 10 but nowhere near the podium.

agreed with the no tail skiing and variety throughout.

Thing arent many friendly lips in fwq/fwt comps. It really comes down to who can ski the gnarlier line and hold it together. At the bigger U.S. comps like moonlight basin (big sky), and many of European stops its all about sking the most exposed difficult line fluently.

I've never seen Henrik ski anything but park. I'd love to see his take on some of these comp venues. I think thats the direction the FWT should go rather than biggest air and most ballsy line wins. But, at the same time I dont want to see people after banging out of hits, that means the hit wasn't big enough.

 

[MLJ]

Don't see a whole lot of hate in this thread, just people thinking realistically.

He can do whatever he wants, it's his call, and of course it's all for fun, it's what skiing is all about.

People are just stating that he'll be picked apart when it comes to being judged in the big mountain discipline of skiing.

Why not just take a year of skiing the alps first? Do some mountaineering, tackle some gnarly lines with some friends and a film crew?

Dabble a bit before diving head first into a whole different world.

Regardless, looking forward to seeing how he takes on the venues out there.

He actually did a whole bunch of gnarly stuff this winter on his europe tour, check out his instagram, got him shredding some crazy lines.

 

[Nate_Dawg]

coming from someone who likes big mtn way more than park.... the big mtn crowd never fails to sound like a bunch of pretentious armchair quarterbacks whenever anybody known for park throws their hat in the ring for big mtn competing or filming

yes, big mtn is super different from park and uses a relatively different set of skills and strengths but you guys are fucking high if you dont realize that the reason that some of the big names excel at park is because theyre really fucking good skiers

im not saying henrik is gonna be top 3 or something but you people saying vapid things like "big mtn is different, he can't ski on his tails here" and "the judges are looking for different things in these comps" ...thanks for the heads up, geniuses, i think henrik might have learned that at some point too

I think it's awesome that he's checking out the big mountain comps! Like RubberSoul I've been way more of a fan of Big mountain that park for a long time, But Henrik is a sick athlete, and there is no doubt that he's creative and strong.

Comp Conditions are rarely ideal though, and he will be competing against skiers who eat crud for breakfast. I'm thinking less about how the skiers with the racer background are going to beat him, and more that the film pro's rarely do win. - they already have a solid career doing what they are good (the best) at, and while that may as well translate directly to big mountain and crappy snow, they have a hell of a lot more to loose then the skiers they are competing against.

It is a different game, but I've got no doubt Henrik could do something fun and flashy. that said, I hope he doesn't wreck himself in sub-par conditions

 

[Mr.LemonPie]

Henrik's skis would be impossible to even sideslip down most "trails" on the east coast.

Wait, what?

On the subject of his style/how he will be scored, I don't really know how well he will do cus I've never seen him riding outside of the park. I would imagine he'll have someone there who will help him pick a line etc so that will help but I don't even know if he will qualify for finals.

Undoubtedly, Henrik has the skills/dedication that if he started focusing some time on that type of skiing in 5 or so years he would be one of the top competitors in the FWT.

 

[kakmonstret]

http://www.freeride.se/har-ar-startordningen-nm-kvalet/

competition face and a list of everyone in the competition.

 

[Corin]

He did pretty good! Very solid run in these incredibly horrible conditions. Most definitely through to finals.

 

[Brocka_Flocka]

big mountain is so much different than park skiing competitions. Yes they both follow scales in how they are judged, but big mountain comps are judged on the tricks, composure, and overall skiing through the ENTIRE run. I think henrik has the tricks, but can he maintain a solid run that will appeal to the judges the entire way? my guess is no, he'll score in the top 10 but nowhere near the podium.

agreed with the no tail skiing and variety throughout.

What the fuck? These comps ARE NOT judged on tricks. Tricks help your score and are rad, but these comps are not scored based on them. They will be scored though and are like an extra bonus.

Also from the venue pic it kind of looks like a joke to me. Good for someone just entering the competition world however.

 

[auski]

Adding for relevance

Nothing steeper than 20 degrees. I wanted to blown away but now I just think he needs a lesson

 

[jca]

Adding for relevance

0 for line score...

that's a pretty irrelevant video to be honest, not really anything like skiing in a FWT.

Henrik's a super talented skier so I'm sure he will do alright and could become a top FWT athlete with a season or two of experience but it's really a completely different world than filming BC jibbing.

 

[infedel_one]

What the fuck? These comps ARE NOT judged on tricks. Tricks help your score and are rad, but these comps are not scored based on them. They will be scored though and are like an extra bonus.

Also from the venue pic it kind of looks like a joke to me. Good for someone just entering the competition world however.

maybe i shouldnt have put tricks first in that list, but they def help a runs score

 

[RubberSoul]

Youth and ignorance is a funny thing.

more vapid, garden variety condescension like youre in some secret club that owns exclusive knowledge of how to ski down a mountain. youre a squaw guy, you should know that great skiers are a dime a dozen and the vast majority of them are not following the tour

the fact that you seriously tried to claim he wouldnt be top 20 in a junior IFSA event shows how delusional you are. i think you should go remind yourself what the highlights of those events look like and then try to repeat your claim with a straight face

this country club attitude is so provincial and your notion that skiers you havent personally seen ski outside of the park can't do it well is really naive

youre the same archetype as the comp guys taking themselves super duper seriously when shane came onto the scene, or the people doubting candide could ever do well in big mtn comps..

sorry everyone for the rant but im so sick of the raddest sport in the world being so rife in stuffy people like this, probably just because of the richer and older demographic it mostly comprises, but sheesh, wake up and realize that saucer boy was making fun of people like you

 

[RubberSoul]

http://www.freeride.se/har-ar-startordningen-nm-kvalet/

competition face and a list of everyone in the competition.

wait, that first pic that comes up is the comp face??

 

[HarlTheGnarl]

What a Henrik Harlaut thing to do.

"I gots two weeks of big mountain experience in meez now so I can ski bigs mountain now!"

Kids gonna get wrecked.

 

[HarlTheGnarl]

Are you serious dude? Henrik destroys outside of the park. You have clearly never seen his Education of Style seg or Tanner Hall's "Retallack: The Movie"... He sends

He sends backcountry booters and a couple of little pillows.

Big mountain is a completely different realm, in case you didn't know.

Gotta love how NS just thinks they can offer up their extensive wisdom on big mountain skiing.

 

[HarlTheGnarl]

more vapid, garden variety condescension like youre in some secret club that owns exclusive knowledge of how to ski down a mountain. youre a squaw guy, you should know that great skiers are a dime a dozen and the vast majority of them are not following the tour

the fact that you seriously tried to claim he wouldnt be top 20 in a junior IFSA event shows how delusional you are. i think you should go remind yourself what the highlights of those events look like and then try to repeat your claim with a straight face

this country club attitude is so provincial and your notion that skiers you havent personally seen ski outside of the park can't do it well is really naive

youre the same archetype as the comp guys taking themselves super duper seriously when shane came onto the scene, or the people doubting candide could ever do well in big mtn comps..

sorry everyone for the rant but im so sick of the raddest sport in the world being so rife in stuffy people like this, probably just because of the richer and older demographic it mostly comprises, but sheesh, wake up and realize that saucer boy was making fun of people like you

You're an idiot. Mike is probably one of the most knowledgeable and least "stuffy" people in the ski industry, so you're completely wrong on that one.

And just so you know, Shane made fun of people NOT like him...He made fun of people who took the sport super seriously and clueless tourists. Shane also thought that people like Henrik Harlaut were fucking idiots. Think he'd be stoked to see Henrik's XXXXL gear, complete lack of knowledge, and Wu Tang signs in the big mountain realm that he helped create? Probably fucking not. Get a grip

 

[Nate_Dawg]

0 for line score...

that's a pretty irrelevant video to be honest, not really anything like skiing in a FWT.

Henrik's a super talented skier so I'm sure he will do alright and could become a top FWT athlete with a season or two of experience but it's really a completely different world than filming BC jibbing.

Exactly. There is no doubt that he is a strong and talented skier. But comparing Big Mountain comp skiing to the mini-golf hits in this video is pretty irrelevant.

Kids that grow up on steep varied terrain still need to learn how to pick high scoring lines. I always went for big flashy hits that I could toss a backy off, and though I did well in some finals, I only ever once scored highest line. Henrik has the benefit of incredible creativity. If he can start applying that to comp faces - he should just ski practice with Tanner for a month... - then he'll have some fun and turn some heads.

OP, post vids of his runs if they become available?

 

[RubberSoul]

You're an idiot. Mike is probably one of the most knowledgeable and least "stuffy" people in the ski industry, so you're completely wrong on that one.

And just so you know, Shane made fun of people NOT like him...He made fun of people who took the sport super seriously and clueless tourists. Shane also thought that people like Henrik Harlaut were fucking idiots. Think he'd be stoked to see Henrik's XXXXL gear, complete lack of knowledge, and Wu Tang signs in the big mountain realm that he helped create? Probably fucking not. Get a grip

i know who mike is, he seems like a cool dude for sure but he's definitely into "the scene" (see comment about junior IFSA)

shane would probably laugh at henrik's clothing choices but there's no way he wouldn't appreciate how good a skier he is.. game respects game. (anyway, if you think shane's outerwear choices looked cool in the 90s, you were still zooted from the 80s!)

and saucer boy definitely made fun of the people who acted like they were part of some exclusive unattainable segment, hence the unnecessary ropes and technical gear. im not saying mike weiner is one of them at all but his comments on this subject have just been out to lunch and are in the same vein as that stuff. he said henrik wouldnt get top 20 in a junior IFSA event... idk how familiar you are with those but id suggest checking out some videos before you keep defending this particular position..

 

[Jibberino]

You're an idiot. Mike is probably one of the most knowledgeable and least "stuffy" people in the ski industry, so you're completely wrong on that one.

And just so you know, Shane made fun of people NOT like him...He made fun of people who took the sport super seriously and clueless tourists. Shane also thought that people like Henrik Harlaut were fucking idiots. Think he'd be stoked to see Henrik's XXXXL gear, complete lack of knowledge, and Wu Tang signs in the big mountain realm that he helped create? Probably fucking not. Get a grip

It's impressive how you know exactly how Shane would feel.

You're the biggest fucking tool and postwhore on this site, your opinion and arguments are just straight retarded.

 

[d-rok]

this reminds me of my ski coach back when I was in high school who kept telling us that tanner hall was a shit skier, who could only ride the park (that was around when session 1242 came out). All I can say is fuck the haters. I have a feeling that the people who are bitching about this are the ones who are afraid he'll do good.

Oh big mountain skiing is such a different game, he's are park rat, he has no skill. Excuse me but this conversation is fucking bullshit. Le met get you in on some stats:

How many pro skiers have transitionned from big-mountain to park: 0

How many skiers have done the opposite and suceeded: a lot

I have no clue what henriks big-mountain skills are like or if he will do well in that comp, but I think it's just cool someone like him is willing to give it a try. After all freeskiing's about doing whatever type of skiing you want, whichever way you want to.

 

[Joonas]

Harlaut made it to the finals from 2nd to last position! Stoked to see him hit the bigger cliffs in the finals. The snow is better there, and the cliffs are much easier to spin off than from todays wall. Hope the conditions get better for tomorrow.

 

[MikeWeinerONE]

I apologize for expressing a biased opinion after a night out with some old friends and lots of drinks... It's kinda funny though to read this thread.... Cheers to Henrik though, whose one of the best skiers in the world and a truly awesome dude!

 

[Toomuchie]

This is a funny conversation.... Big mountain skiing is not park skiing. Henrik's skis would be impossible to even sideslip down most "trails" on the east coast. He is the man and an incredibly talented skier that I have a lot of respect for. But to compete against skiers like Drew Tabke, Oakley White-Allen, let alone Europeans would be humorous to watch. I doubt he would finish in the top 20 if he entered a junior IFSA event, #truth.

WEEEEEELL.. First of, about his skis being impossible to what in where, like huh? Who gives a fuck? He is going to ski the NORDIC CHAMPIONSHIP. In RIKSGRANSEN. SWEDEN. And if you ever tried to take a peek outside your biggie mountain-bubble and felt groovy enough to hit some handrails, you probably wouldn't use your "sideslippin on the eastcoast all day"-pair of skis, huh?

Second, he is not competing against Drew Tabke and Oakley Whiteboy. He is though, competing against Reine Barkered, among others, who have these comp results the last few years:

- 2nd Freeride World Tour 2013

- Freeride World tour Champion 2012

- 1st Swatch FWT Xtreme Verbier 2012

- 2n Xtreme Verbier 2012

- 2nd Freeride World Tour 2009

I think it's going to be fun to watch Henrik, but humorous? You do realize he grew up in Åre? Sweden's biggest ski resort? And that he probably has the most days on skis/year in the world? I doubt he would even be able to ski a junior IFSA event due to kids stopping him in his run, trying to get autographs.

 

[Huck_Norris]

Hands forward.

I get the idea that he'll do great with taking park skills to the mountain, but things like the FWT look for much much more than just sending it and tricks.

I'm no judge, and I don't consider myself close to doing well in those tours, but I do ski big mountain primarily, and I do compete in it.

Judges look for control, fluidity, aggressiveness, style, and overall impression/line choice.

Watching that edit, he looks like he's too loose, body all back, and arms way out to the side.

Mind you it's only one edit, but it wasn't something that blew me away in terms of any type of freeride skiing.

He'll have things to learn, and I give him props for putting himself out there, I just think he needs a little clean up in some departments.

Meh, I can see where you might say that but I don't really agree. If he hits features fast and confident, throws big tricks and stomps clean, he will start bringing home W's plain and simple. Being a little backseat or having somewhat goonish style means literally nothing when your trick repertoire is so vast and you're fluid in that style.

IMO people make too big of an deal out of crossing genres. People who are nasty on skis will generally be nasty on skis everywhere. I'd expect a very minimal transition time if any for him. He's just too naturally good not to be good at big mtn slayage.

 

[E-DOLLO]

Gill out, ive skied as much as i could outsider the park since i was done with the olympics. Been two weeks up here in riksgränsen already and got the question if i wanted to do the event this week so i fighure i do it and give it à try. Im definitely not gonna be able to place but im stoked to do something new and learn... somebody asked what My backround is if i skied moguls, i did not really ski moguls when i grew up but i did racing until i was 15... Anyway have à good day! Peace

 

[Toomuchie]

He sends backcountry booters and a couple of little pillows.

Big mountain is a completely different realm, in case you didn't know.

Gotta love how NS just thinks they can offer up their extensive wisdom on big mountain skiing.

Gotta love how Harl just thinks he can offer anything at all in discussions about park skiing just because of his VERY well presented and extensive wisdom on big mountain skiing.

 

[Karma_Police]

http://www.freeride.se/har-ar-startordningen-nm-kvalet/

competition face and a list of everyone in the competition.

Is this a joke? There are like 4 hits on that shit.

I thought we were talking about a legit FWT area. This face is a not relevant to big mountain riding.

 

[VT_scratch]

Gill out, ive skied as much as i could outsider the park since i was done with the olympics. Been two weeks up here in riksgränsen already and got the question if i wanted to do the event this week so i fighure i do it and give it à try. Im definitely not gonna be able to place but im stoked to do something new and learn... somebody asked what My backround is if i skied moguls, i did not really ski moguls when i grew up but i did racing until i was 15... Anyway have à good day! Peace

yeah buddy!

congrats on making finals!!!

 

[00000000]

http://www.freeride.se/tuffa-forhallanden-nm-kvalet/

 

[C-Wal]

yeah dollo!! nice one for trying something new unlike most people in here!

 

[lukemeahan.]

Stoked that he placed. Waiting to see what the future holds for him in big mountain!

 

[kakmonstret]

Is this a joke? There are like 4 hits on that shit.

I thought we were talking about a legit FWT area. This face is a not relevant to big mountain riding.

http://www.freeride.se/video/49745/

you dont think it is gnarly enough?? (vid from today)

 

[Nate_Dawg]

http://www.freeride.se/video/49745/

you dont think it is gnarly enough?? (vid from today)

shit. that movie was amazing. so much hurt. conditions looked terrible

 

[Ryanvdonk]

shit. that movie was amazing. so much hurt. conditions looked terrible

to be honest those conditions looked pretty average for big mountain comps. there was like 120 competitors in the men's field, that's HUGE.

 

[Brocka_Flocka]

http://www.freeride.se/video/49745/

you dont think it is gnarly enough?? (vid from today)

It's not that gnarly guys.... regardless people were sending it. There was some god-awful skiing in there though.

 

[.nasty]

He's good, and it'll be a sick run, but if the judges are anything like FWT judges he'll probably come out pretty disappointed. They just want to see, big, fast, technical big mountain skiing. Tricks are a bonus, same with skiing switch, style just means clean stomps, not afterbang or anything...

yeah I feel like big mtn comp judges always cream their pants over those typical french guy lines. you know... traverse waaaaaaaay over then hit a cliff and repeat like 5 times. sure the bucks are huge but sometimes there's more to it than finding a shitty looking line and sending it IMO.

 

[Aerozol]

Haha no pressure huh?

That video from the event is sick! It doesn't always look like much on film, but when you're standing at the top of an icy run and you still have to send it as big and as fast as you physically could, you start to realise what those guys go through all the time.

That being said, I think it's largely about the mental game, as well as technical skills, and I don't doubt that Henrik has both. If he put his mind to it I'm sure he would kill it in a ridiculously short amount of time

 

[Huck_Norris]

It's not that gnarly guys.... regardless people were sending it. There was some god-awful skiing in there though.

Look out guys, we've got a certified badass over here!!!

 

[prophet]

yeah I feel like big mtn comp judges always cream their pants over those typical french guy lines. you know... traverse waaaaaaaay over then hit a cliff and repeat like 5 times. sure the bucks are huge but sometimes there's more to it than finding a shitty looking line and sending it IMO.

There's wayyyyyyyy less money in it than park skiing. And that's true... Sometimes. They want to see direct fall line skiing with clean air. The Frenchy slap doesn't really play anymore... And Jibbing does count, Loic CP was leading the tour for a while with style. Oh and whoever was talking shit on Oakley can get bent, that guy crushes life and skiing. And the judging can go either way, and I'm not even saying I agree with it. There are different attitudes. Hugo Harrison is one of the main judges on that tour and he just wants to see people ski like his film lines: uber clean and fast with technical or consequential airs. I thought Patty Baskins and some of the jibbier line at Snowbird got totally screwed but that's still just not going to go over well in a big mt. Comp. don't worry, I tried that shit for several years and pretty much sucked. so really, I know what it takes to fail. Dollos 1000x better at skiing than I am... I'm just sayin, props for doing it, but everyone on here hyping him is a little delusional.

 

[Nate_Dawg]

to be honest those conditions looked pretty average for big mountain comps. there was like 120 competitors in the men's field, that's HUGE.

yeah yeah, fair enough. still, 2 minutes of hard crashing is still 2 minutes of hard crashing.

 

[RubberSoul]

I apologize for expressing a biased opinion after a night out with some old friends and lots of drinks... It's kinda funny though to read this thread.... Cheers to Henrik though, whose one of the best skiers in the world and a truly awesome dude!

word well im sorry for jumping down your throat, these arguments are just always the same and it's pretty tiresome to get accused of being young, ignorant, or a park rat just cause im posting on NS defending a park skier when in reality i know what im talking about, ive skied with some of the good competitors on their practice days ("claim!" shut up, it's relevant to the argument at hand)

 

[b-kul]

out of curiosity who are the park skiers that have become successful big mountain skiers?

all i can think of is tanner, sammy, and jacob but to me those guys are more film skiers skiing perfect pow and trees rather than nasty exposed faces.