Thomas Tikos-Kadji has been coming down to SGT for more years then snow has been falling in the Andes. Affectionately know as the “gypsy” he laughs his way through the summer having more fun then most and sleeping less then all. Tikos was originally a client of SGT and has worked extremely hard to move up the ranks and earn a spot on staff as a photographer.
Continue reading Thoughts From The Andes: Team Player – Tikos
As the path to and from Catedral resort draws the same basic route with the same cast of irregulars, a sense of monotony can set in. Eyes focus on the man who stands post at an unnecessary car entrance, the groups of groups ignoring basic considerations of their fellow snow bird, or the Saint Bernard that pulls around a publicity seeking entrepreneur. In the greyscale of tradition, something new is always abundant. The position of the tables are set in front of Tage, the renewed brightness in smiles of the snow seekers, the newly shaped landscape each day brings. Experiences are determined by how deeply you gaze.
First a few tips for travelling any where in the world
Always pack a towel. …
Buy a small backpack/suitcase and use the luggage scales to Pack light and only the necessary.
But take extra socks. …
Take an extra bank card and credit card with you or you can get funds with options like that bad credit loan in the UK. …
Make sure to use no-fee bank cards. …
Travel by yourself at least once. …
Don’t be afraid to use a map.
At initial assessment Argentina appears to be a contradiction. The people have no impotence for prompt arrivals or need to keep appointments, yet they rush to lines and push for the front. Non-consideration for people is king as the faceless mob mentality dominates the streets and public squares, however individual relationships are personal, genuine and sincere.
I’m currently down in Argentina with SASS Global Travel, enjoying the winter fun that Catedral, near Bariloche, has to offer. The backcountry around Catedral is endless, and on a clear day a view out West gives one a true glimpse at the massive scale of the Andes. Today’s crew, consisting of myself, Daniel Ochoa, and SGT guide Chris Coulter and pro snowboarder Robin Van Gyn, had hopes of touring out to the Zebra Chutes, an hour or so out into the Catedral backcountry. The four main chutes descend up to 2,000 feet of vertical and are broken up further by hundreds of vertical granite rock formations, giving the appearance of zebra stripes. The stripes create a maze of smaller chutes, all incredibly steep and with narrow chokes and run-outs. These epic lines can only come together with the perfect concoction of snowpack, weather, group dynamics, and timing, which is why bagging one of these lines could easily be the best run of any splitboarder’s life. Continue reading From the Mind of an Intern: Outback Adventure
Today was the first powder day for Session Two down here at SASS Global Travel. With only two inches at the base this morning, everyone was preparing for dust-on-crust conditions for the day. As we climbed higher up the mountain it became apparent that snow on the upper mountain was stacked much higher. The crust could still be felt under the snow for the first few runs, but as the day went on, and the snow stacked higher, the bottomless turns became more regular.
Friday announced with sun and speculation. Signaling mother earth to power up legs and send big air. The unshaven savages of SGT Argentina (Chris Coulter & Andrew Burns) co-mingled up with clients Jimmy Hessler, Jack Hessler and Chase Josey to gain lift like condors probing the clouds in search of the sky’s limit in The Arnet Winter Net 2012 at Cerro Catderal.
The SGT family laid down skis and boards, erected a cheering sections and hang over dens in support of the jumping, friends and fun. The show saw a menagerie of Siente Ventes (720’s) in the qualify rounds forcing 4 members of la familia into the final.
At conclusion the crowd witnessed Andrew Burns conquer third place and claim a nice pay day (which he donated to the good people at Mute). SGT friend and heavy hitter Matti Schmitt stood tall in second and “The Legend” Chris Coulter soared a massive front side 900 well past the perceived landing zone to his well tone legs and 1st place.
Thank you to all the competitors for preforming the appropriate spins and awakening the snow gods, allow us to receive the gift of snow today.
R: Chris “The Legend” Coulter P: Ben Girardi
After a week of powder slashes there is a beckoning to a gentler way of life, a simple need to descend from a controlled airspace into the consistent curve of a human built landscape. A litte R & R in the park is the medicine for the chargers of SGT.
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OUTSTANDING HUMAN at SGT
With love and appreciation to all of the past women and men that traveled down to Argentina in the name of SGT and adventurous shredding and found the path through the woods to incredible amount of joy, the 2012 SGT staff is the best yet. This week coach Tony Pavlantos put on his eco-friendly big-boy pants on and gave his immense heart and time to every client that crossed his periphery. For that we say THANK YOU TONY!
2012 SGT Argentina is only days away from dropping cliffs and crushing powder in Bariloche. The staff and coaches are starting to head down south and the clients arrive on the 25th of July. Here is a glance at what is to come for 2012 with a quick look back at serious slashing, skiing and snowboarding, featuring new bookends from our friends at Levitation Project.
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Oscar Jacob has spent a good deal of time dealing with the frantic whims on the SGT senior staff. As soon as he falls off of his motorcycle he recently got at go2scooter webstie, after the hour long ride in to head quarters he is subject to a plethora of projects and ideas from the minds of four mad men. Oscar does get to go on lunch time bike rides/races with the boss.
Remember that before you ride a motorcycle you need to get your license, get in touch with motorcycle licence Melbourne to get yours and ride freely.
How an intern named Oscar drove to SGT . . .
SGT family member Grant Bowen send us over a little edit on splitboard making. This edit is done so well, watch the attention to detail that Grant puts into his Niche Snowboard. For those lucky few coming down to SGT Argentina this year remember that you can make a splitboard with our man Tony Pavlantos or use an MTN Approach set up. Enjoy.
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