Words by Jeff Schmuck
Photos by Felix Rioux

The second annual European X Games soldiered on today in Tignes, France, with Men's Slopestyle Finals on the second to last day of competition. Although the weather over the past two days has been passable, yesterday's forecasted blizzard evidently waited until today to unleash its wrath, as blinding flat light, thick fog and falling snow plagued today's event.

But some how, some way, the boys managed to brave the elements and hold their own on the challenging course, where in contrast to the closure of the final jump during yesterday's prelims, despite today's conditions, everything was open for business.

In eighth place was Bobby Brown, who unfortunately had trouble on all three of his runs due to the speed issues, but proving what a consummate professional he is, was all smiles for the cameras and fans at the bottom.

Taking seventh was Brown's roommate and main man Gus Kenworthy with a switch right 9, dub cork 12 and switch left 10 blunt on the jumps, while Alex Schlopy went balls to the walls in the middle of his run with the trick that won him X Games big air, a double cork 16, to take sixth. Both men's scores caused a few eyebrows to be raised by some in the finish coral, although in the end it was some slip ups on the rails that cost them a shot at the podium.

Read full recap and photos...

The European Open was set to take off in the usually breathtaking town of Laax, Switzerland last week. However, bad weather created whiteout conditions making the normally picturesque town rather grey. Wild winds forced the slopestyle and halfpipe finals to be cancelled. In an effort to rectify the failed contest, organizers threw a rail jam giving international athletes a chance to compete.

The rail jam was held at the base of the mountain with a set up that consisted of a down box/ledge, a down rail and a down-flat-down box. Competitors were throwing down despite the howling wind, proving they can spin to win in any condition.

Results:

Women's
1) Ashley Battersby
2) Katie Summerhayes
3) Kaya Turski

Men's
1) JF Houle
2) Tom Wallisch
3) Samuel Favret

Photos: John Vandervalk


Women's Podium


Men's Podium

Check out more pictures from the event here

A good number of the skiers in Laax will now make their way to Tignes, France for the inaugural European X Games. We'll be bringing you coverage, so stay tuned!