SKI SESSIONS/ Edition Surf Sessions

Editor Antione Grospiron Jaccoux

Creation Design: Christian Moretti

40 Years of Extreme: Bird 2003 Col des Courtes NE /Photo by Xandi Kruezeder

LE Reve Continue/ The Dream Continues

Ski Sessions is one of the highest quality ski magazines to be found. It is a magazine to keep, in a few words, beautiful and classic.

In the Sept/Oct 2004 Issue Antoine explores the History of Extreme, examining 40 years of mountaineering descents largely based in the Alps, the central focus being Mt Blanc Massif. The Legends that shaped our sport, Sudan, Jean Marc Boivin, Patrick Vallecant are featured for their vision, ability and style of ski. Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s the sport of ski extreme was brought out by individuals such as these, deeply rooted in alpinism, skiing the impossible through to possible. These descents are even today, considered insane by the normal.

Pierre Tardival, a living legend, was an inspiration for me. At an early age I saw a picture of this man skiing 60 degrees on what looked like complete ice. Subconsciously I began creating my own dream, to somehow be in the Steep realm too. Anselme Baud, one of the fathers of ski extreme, and Professor of Alpinism, brought through his books, an eye to what has been done, and the possibility for others to view these roots of the first riders. I am honored to be selected by Antoine as skiing extreme for 2003 and amazed to be in print along side my friends and legends such as Marco Siffredi and Paul Mcleod Their energy, along with many other friends I’ve met in Chamonix, fill me with Fire, Spirit, Ambition and Respect for who they are, and the Mountains they ski. These great friends drink deep of the Spirit and will forever be in my heart along with those who have transformed from the physical. I have been inspired by all of them and I say thank you for being my teachers.

To all my friends that are still physically here, SALUTE. For us there is only today, and we will live it as if it may be the last.

Bird is happy to be included in The History of Ski Extreme. Thank you Antoine and Christian for this great honor of being featured in your magazine, Ski Sessions.