Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Samoens will host the finals of the French Speed Riding Championships April 3-5, 2009. This new sport links skiing and paragliding and has taken off in the Alps over the last couple of years. Pioneers of this new discipline, Samoens and the Grand Massif, are hosting the Cup competition for the second year.

The 2009 championship brings together Franck Coupa and David Eyraud, speed riding inventors and founders of the Ataka School; Loic Jean Albert ‘The Flying Man'; and Francois Bon and Antoine Montand, former infinity tumbling world record holder.

The three-day competition comprises three tests: the Derby, Giant Parallel Derby, and the Freeride. At the Plateau des Saix Samoens 1600 there will be an open-air exhibition with specialist equipment on show. Visitors can even try speed riding accompanied by a professional instructor. there will be demonstrations of infinity tumbling (a paragliding loop the loop), base jumping, flying men, and a concert and prize-giving ceremony Sunday, April 5, beginning at 3 p.m.

The ski area of Samoens ranges from 800-2220 metres altitude and it is accessible to all, from beginners to experts. Children can enjoy the Jardin d'enfants at the top of the Grand Massif Express cable car.