Can you match the trick or not?
That is the only question in a game of Slvsh.
Fall and you get a letter, first one to SLVSH loses.
In a world of internet armchair-quarterbacks and judging Slvsh brings a unique and fresh look to competition.
As Walker explains, all other contests in skiing are based off the idea that difficulty can be judged.
We just care if the other guy landed it or not.
Walker:I think the biggest progression so far has been in the quality of filming.
As Matt said The Gopro gimbals have changed everything for us.
We went from average follow cams to movie quality shots.
Plus our editing skills have increased significantly.
Where is Slvsh headed in the future?
Walker:We will continue to try different games, see what works and what doesnt.
We definitely want to host more Slvsh Cups.
Try different formats in different terrain.
Id like to see more people recognize it as a way to compete.
Edits or movies with riders of all different styles and backgrounds would be really cool to produce.
Along with new types of content that we hope will share the culture of our sport.
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What is Slvshs biggest contribution to skiing?
Why is it different?
Walker:I think Slvshs biggest contribution is simplicity.
Slvsh is a throw in of contest that rewards creativity, adaptation and consistency.
We really dont know how hard a trick is for you.
We just care if the other guy landed it or not.
So, hopefully the he did it, or he didnt simplicity gets more people into watching skiing.
Joss:Slvsh was created to give back to the ski world.
As both skiers and competitors we have seen the industry inside and out.
Talk to me about the second Slvsh Cup which is currently being released.
Walker:Its our first 16-man cup.
It is taking place at Sunset Park, which is a part of Grandvalira in Andorra.
We are going to try a North America vs. Europe themed event.
Im really excited that we have a wide array of park skiers for this one.
Weve got very technical skiers, very creative skiers and some skiers who ski beautifully.
I hope everybody is as excited as we are.
Hopefully the weather is good.
Why do you think this format is so widely applicable and successful?
Walker:I think freeskiing is about creation.
They created new tricks daily.
Film skiing seems more like art to me.
There are no rules, just a snowy hill to do whatever you want down.
Vinnie may currently be the only frequent competitor who is an exception to this.
He does the tricks he wants, and the judges think theyre hard enough to beat traditional tricks.
But, a few years ago, his double bio was getting beat by triples.
Vinnie didn’t care, kept skiing how he wanted and now his tricks are beating triples.
But, this goes back to the ease of explaining that to lay-people.
Joss:Walker pretty much nailed it on this one.
Ill add, Big contests such as Dew Tour, Xgames, Air + Style, Olympics Etc.
Does Slvsh care about style?
Walker:If you know me at all, you know I have an extremely high respect for style.
My favorite skier of all time is Rainville, I still watch his old Level 1 segments weekly.
I frequently think that style skiers get underscored in competitions.
I think Duncan Adams shouldve podiumed much more than he did.
But, that is my opinion and style is completely subjective.
Nobody is right nor wrong.
The conversation then goes to art vs sport.
On the other hand, Michael Jordan dunks from the free throw line with his freaking tongue out.
He doesnt get more than 2 points for the dunk, but his dunks are legendary.
Everybody remembers watching him dunk and Nike started an entire brand around his silhouette.
Walker, we had a long conversation at WCS about the state of skiing.
How do you feel about that?
Walker:I guess so.
Hopefully it inspires other skiers to realize they can change what they want to see in the industry.
What is your favorite part about Slvsh?
Walker:Watching guys who rarely do contests, usually film skiers, duke it out.
That also goes for the mountain games, too.
Their trick selections are always either extremely tech, crazy, or mind blowing.
Then watching the footage later is even better.
What has it been like to see the communitys reaction to Slvsh?
Walker:Weve had a great response from the community.
The positive feedback makes me want to keep going.
Joss:The reactions weve received over the past year have been amazing.
So many of our friends, fellow skiers and randoms weve met along the way have been so supportive.
Thats a win for us, to spread knowledge about skiing.
What has the riders response been to Slvsh?
Are the skiers as stoked on it as the fans?
Walker:Most everybody is stoked, a few arent.
We love working with the skiers who are stoked.
That makes me very happy.
What are some growing pains that you guys have faced?
and how to work GoPros and gimbals and how to run a website and a company.
Joss:The whole production and filming aspect have been completely new to us.
We are small now but we are learning quick!
Speaking of free content.
Is Slvsh sustainable for you guys?
Walker:That remains to be seen.
Right now, it isnt.
It is currently 100% funded out of our own pockets.
If people find value in what we are doing, then the money will come.
games have potential value in them outside of core skiers.
The more support and love we get from the ski world the more we can give back.
