The Brits: Snow and Booze in the Swiss Alps
From getting pissed on the Costa Del Sol to being rowdy in Ayia Napa, ‘Brits Abroad’ don’t have the best reputation for sobriety. So when several hundred Brits descended on the Swiss mountain resort of Laax for an end of season ski and snowboard festival, what could possibly happen?!
After dancing to drum ’n’ bass until the early hours the previous night, I sit hungover at the top of the Crap Sogn Gion watching the riders compete in the big air. Suddenly, a loud jeer cuts through me.
“Hey, nice pyjamas, mate,” laughs a random guy, pointing at my bright blue snowpants while chewing on a fat spliff.
“If you’re lucky, I’ll let you borrow them,” I sarcastically reply.
But the joke is on him. My attire, as garish as it is, is not at all out of place in the sea of UK riders around me. The area is awash with unsponsored groms and seasoned pros alike rocking the latest nu-rave colours, doo-rags and oversized headphones.
“Everyone in the UK always buys the latest gear,” says UK pro Dan Wakeham. “It’s good because it ultimately helps support the scene.”
And by the looks of things, the UK scene isn’t short of its corporate patrons. Every feature from the modest funboxes to the massive booters is adorned with sponsors’ billboards and flags - all having helped The Brits go from amateur snow comp back in 1993 to the major event it is today.
Luckily, the contests remain relaxed and in good spirit. Competitors high-five and cheer each other on whilst the announcer mocks and praises the riders in equal measure.
One such rider, who happens to share his name with Hollywood hot shot Will Smith, is introduced as ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ before each run. The spectators are more preoccupied with lobbing snowballs at the people on the chairlifts than the cab 9s and inverted 7s that are being routinely stomped. It seems that reuniting with friends and downing pints at the Crap Bar afterwards is more valued than a gold medal.
Another stereotype conformed to then. But perhaps that’s not always such a bad thing?
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