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Mount Rushmore of Freeskiing???

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gonzo6266
Posts: 17 - Karma: 212
The undisputed Mt. Rushmore of skiing is:

Candide
Tanner Hall
Tom Wallisch
Henrik Harlaut

would be mine. all these heads pushed skiing into hyperdrive in their own ways, had style, big film parts, crushed comps and can ski every discipline at the highest level. Candide basically created freeskiing as we know it, Tanner was the first child prodigy and was on top of the game for so long, and is still out there going hard. Pretzel god changed the way skiers come up, with the rise of the internet and superunkown, but then kept on innovating and has become one of the most prominent faces in skiing media and growing the sport. Henny speaks for himself, probably the best all around skier ever, most decorated comp skier but not regarded as a comp jock, just so much style and personality it's hard to not consider him as the Tom Brady of skiing.

Change my mind.
Mar 5 2021 10:12PM 26 2
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Treegrabber
Posts: 215 - Karma: 1,563
Big Henrik is good but he loses to Elizebeth swaney in my opinion
Mar 5 2021 10:17PM 42 0
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cyphers
Posts: 717 - Karma: 4,073
henrik rips park and street like no other. but definitely not the best all around skier until he drops a big mtn line or lays down a fwt run

**This post was edited on Mar 5th 2021 at 10:24:04pm
Mar 5 2021 10:23PM 19 28
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AGOF
Posts: 2024 - Karma: 3,443
Of free skiing I have to go with Seth Morrison, Shane McConkey, Candide Thovex, and Tanner Hall. Park skiing would be different but overall free skiing I have to go with those four
Mar 5 2021 10:25PM 42 0
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Casey
Posts: 6484 - Karma: 8,681
Mt Rushmore has presidents from all different eras - I think having Tom and Henrik is a little redundant. Be like having both Roosevelt's up on that mountain it’s a little bit huh bro pick 1.


Hard to ignore Douglas, Morrison, McKonkey
Mar 5 2021 10:29PM 14 1
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AGOF
Posts: 2024 - Karma: 3,443
Also Doug Coombs and glen plake could probably be up there

**This post was edited on Mar 5th 2021 at 10:32:42pm
Mar 5 2021 10:31PM 19 1
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iFlip
Posts: 4316 - Karma: 15,510
We could put eheath up there but then there wouldn't be room for any others.
Mar 5 2021 10:58PM 76 2
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f100prerunner
Posts: 494 - Karma: 1,227
Shane McConkey and glen plake are up there as well. Both true innovators and broke a lot of stereotypes/mindsets at the time
Mar 5 2021 11:06PM 11 0
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AlaskaDogfart
Posts: 176 - Karma: 1,851
Sammy C really getting slept on here
Mar 5 2021 11:35PM 17 7
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stinky_cheese
Posts: 1072 - Karma: 3,803
Hard to not include Eric Pollard especially considering all he's contributed to modern ski design as well
Mar 5 2021 11:36PM 20 2
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Bended_Toenail
Posts: 1302 - Karma: 8,730
Candide and the Pretzel man are definitely up there, but I can't decide between Shane McConkey, JP Auclair, Thall, and JLev.

Shane and JP really shaped the skiing aspect and Tanner obviously is one of the goats, but I think Jason Levinthal really made the entire industry and sport what it is today.
Mar 5 2021 11:43PM 11 1
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skeirman
Posts: 1375 - Karma: 3,945
Dumont should at least be in the convo.
Mar 6 2021 12:07AM 10 6
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extravert
Posts: 1040 - Karma: 2,291
Interesting question. Using Rushmore as a guide for selection its not necessarily the best, most well rounded, or well liked: 'Gutzon Borglum selected these four presidents because from his perspective, they represented the most important events in the history of the United States.'

JP as George Washington, the founder
Candide as Jefferson, declared independence from gravity on Chads gap
Tanner as Lincoln, winner of the great tanner-dumont pipe war
Wallisch as Teddy, leader during great economic expansion
Mar 6 2021 3:17AM 23 0
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cyphers
Posts: 717 - Karma: 4,073
cyphershenrik rips park and street like no other. but definitely not the best all around skier until he drops a big mtn line or lays down a fwt run

**This post was edited on Mar 5th 2021 at 10:24:04pm


argue with me cowards
Mar 6 2021 3:34AM 12 2
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snomaster
Posts: 2946 - Karma: 2,846
I was really hoping that this thread was about snow sticking to the face and that someone skied it.
Mt Rushmore is full of a bunch of old white dead guys.
Can we put Frenchy's up there? Or Canadians?

unfortunately McConkey qualifies, so does Combs. And these are the two dudes that I would expect to have tried to actually ski Rushmore.
Mar 6 2021 10:24AM 9 1
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tri_photo
Posts: 1089 - Karma: 3,127
I really struggle with the 'Mt. Rushmore' conversation with all my favorite sports. There are so many influential skiers that may not get credit to get in one of the 4 spots.

I mean, what about Sammy C? Simon?

Other big mtn skiers like Shane, Hoji, Abma, Morrison?

Idk I am so conflicted haha
Mar 6 2021 10:29AM 8 0
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-Dan
Posts: 6484 - Karma: 31,890
40, Kid, Wabs, and Meeks.
Mar 6 2021 12:20PM 20 4
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 6122 - Karma: 26,942
gonzo6266The undisputed Mt. Rushmore of skiing is:

Candide
Tanner Hall
Tom Wallisch
Henrik Harlaut

would be mine. all these heads pushed skiing into hyperdrive in their own ways, had style, big film parts, crushed comps and can ski every discipline at the highest level. Candide basically created freeskiing as we know it, Tanner was the first child prodigy and was on top of the game for so long, and is still out there going hard. Pretzel god changed the way skiers come up, with the rise of the internet and superunkown, but then kept on innovating and has become one of the most prominent faces in skiing media and growing the sport. Henny speaks for himself, probably the best all around skier ever, most decorated comp skier but not regarded as a comp jock, just so much style and personality it's hard to not consider him as the Tom Brady of skiing.

Change my mind.


AGOFOf free skiing I have to go with Seth Morrison, Shane McConkey, Candide Thovex, and Tanner Hall. Park skiing would be different but overall free skiing I have to go with those four


They would have to carve me up there, because I am the best skier in the whole world!
Mar 6 2021 12:31PM 10 0
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codizzle
Posts: 844 - Karma: 1,915
- Shane McConkey
- Tanner Hall
- Candide Thovex
- Henrik Harlaut

Leaving Seth Morrison off this list hurts.

Same with Sammy C. and Wallisch.

One could definitely make a reasonable case for Jonny Moseley, Plake and JP Auclair, too. These guys all make sense.

But I think the four at the top are the primary reason skiing exists in its present state.
Mar 6 2021 1:07PM 8 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 6149 - Karma: 27,566
Morrison is going on this thing or I'll become a terrorist and blow it the fuck up
Mar 6 2021 1:49PM 7 0
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Static
Posts: 8304 - Karma: 2,459
Glenn Plake for sure, and if Tanner makes it he has to be wearing the over the head Oakley glasses.
Mar 6 2021 2:17PM 6 0
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jompcock
Posts: 196 - Karma: 1,180
Liz Swaney, Zane Kushman, Radio Ron, Big Air Dave. Honorable mention is Bode Miller
Mar 6 2021 4:51PM 19 0
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weastcoast
Posts: 1907 - Karma: 9,830
Someone with good photoshop skills make this photo, of Candide Thall Tom and Henrik of course, and I may or may not Venmo you 3 dollars
Mar 6 2021 5:23PM 6 0
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armchair_skier
Posts: 637 - Karma: 4,963
Jake Burton

Jay Levinthal
Candide
Wallisch
Mar 6 2021 6:00PM 6 2
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 6122 - Karma: 26,942
weastcoastSomeone with good photoshop skills make this photo, of Candide Thall Tom and Henrik of course, and I may or may not Venmo you 3 dollars


Okay, here's the model for carving.
Mar 6 2021 6:30PM 15 0
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moist_velvet
Posts: 291 - Karma: 2,035
😳
iFlipWe could put eheath up there but then there wouldn't be room for any others.
Mar 6 2021 8:31PM 7 0
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r00kie
Posts: 2010 - Karma: 14,551
Inb4 @EPfanboy says ep.
Mar 6 2021 8:39PM 5 0
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Young_patty
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 9,327
A traveling circus Mount Rushmore would be pretty sick... a lot sicker than the normal Mount Rushmore at least
Mar 6 2021 9:27PM 8 0
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EPfanboy
Posts: 367 - Karma: 2,298
Damnit yer bastard.
r00kieInb4 @EPfanboy says ep.
Mar 7 2021 4:15AM 2 0
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Way*Mo
Posts: 460 - Karma: 694
McConkey
Morrison
Candide
Pep
Mar 7 2021 11:11AM 4 0
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cultrara
Posts: 5130 - Karma: 46,454
Young_pattyA traveling circus Mount Rushmore would be pretty sick... a lot sicker than the normal Mount Rushmore at least


https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/841596/Washington--TC---A-Film-by-LINE-Traveling-Circus
Mar 8 2021 1:40PM 5 0
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chills__
Posts: 22 - Karma: 257
My top 4:

Nate Shredz
Mar 8 2021 2:26PM 7 0
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little1337
Posts: 7127 - Karma: 25,719
Moseley could be on fs
Mar 8 2021 3:02PM 3 0
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Mr.Front4
Posts: 164 - Karma: 182
Andri Ragettli, Jesper Tjader, Fabian Bosch and Walker Shredz
Mar 8 2021 3:50PM 5 4
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WisconsinDogfart
Posts: 663 - Karma: 5,119
cappsftAndri Ragettli, Jesper Tjader, Fabian Bosch and Walker Shredz


eat shit
Mar 8 2021 11:15PM 2 1
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WisconsinDogfart
Posts: 663 - Karma: 5,119
nobody has mentioned simon dumont 😡
Mar 8 2021 11:15PM 1 0
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codizzle
Posts: 844 - Karma: 1,915
WisconsinDogfartnobody has mentioned simon dumont 😡


Simon was a phenomenal, influential skier with mad longevity; but was not better or more influential than Tanner or Candide.
Mar 9 2021 8:54AM 4 0
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bogust
Posts: 199 - Karma: 939
stinky_cheeseHard to not include Eric Pollard especially considering all he's contributed to modern ski design as well


pollard over henrik
Mar 9 2021 11:05AM 2 0
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steve0
Posts: 1021 - Karma: 300
Jon?

Not in my top 4 but deserves a mention.

My four would have to be:

Morrison
Candide
Tanner
Wallisch
Mar 9 2021 11:16AM 3 0
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codizzle
Posts: 844 - Karma: 1,915
steve0Jon?

Not in my top 4 but deserves a mention.

My four would have to be:

Morrison
Candide
Tanner
Wallisch


Jon Olsson was a worse competition skier than Tanner, and Jon never made film parts that were as good as Candide's. Both are far more influential than Jon.

The only thing I can say about Jon was that he created the template for the stylish double with his kangaroo flip, which was basically a double backflip 180 with a Japan grab. that's his one notable accomplishment.
Mar 9 2021 12:35PM 1 0
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steve0
Posts: 1021 - Karma: 300
codizzleJon Olsson was a worse competition skier than Tanner, and Jon never made film parts that were as good as Candide's. Both are far more influential than Jon.

The only thing I can say about Jon was that he created the template for the stylish double with his kangaroo flip, which was basically a double backflip 180 with a Japan grab. that's his one notable accomplishment.


Agreed he's not in the top 4, but I would put him in the top 10.

I'd say this is pretty notable, not to mention JOI and his overall influence on the industry.

Jon Olsson

X Games Medal Count
GOLD - 2
SILVER - 1
BRONZE - 7

X Games Competition History

Winter X 2009 SKI Big Air 2nd
Winter X 2008 SKI Big Air 1st
Winter X 2008 SKI Slopestyle 3rd
Winter X 2007 SKI Slopestyle 9th
Winter X 2006 SKI Best Trick 5th
Winter X 2006 SKI SuperPipe 8th
Winter X 2005 SKI SuperPipe 3rd
Winter X 2005 SKI Slopestyle 3rd
Winter X 2004 SKI Slopestyle 3rd
Winter X 2004 SKI SuperPipe 2nd
Winter X 2003 SKI SuperPipe 3rd
Winter X 2003 SKI Slopestyle 3rd
Winter X 2002 SKI Slopestyle 3rd
Winter X 2002 SKI SuperPipe 1st
Winter X 2001 SKI Big Air 8th

**This post was edited on Mar 9th 2021 at 1:09:48pm
Mar 9 2021 1:07PM 4 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 6149 - Karma: 27,566
codizzleJon Olsson was a worse competition skier than Tanner, and Jon never made film parts that were as good as Candide's. Both are far more influential than Jon.

The only thing I can say about Jon was that he created the template for the stylish double with his kangaroo flip, which was basically a double backflip 180 with a Japan grab. that's his one notable accomplishment.


i'm not saying jon has to be on skiing's Rushmore but you're selling him short here

made dubs cool again, and people had tried. also i think he did the first modern dub 10, or maybe sw dub 10, in addition to the kang flip. i think he did the first sw dub 12 too...?

JOI/JOSS is iconic and "his" style jumps helped make stepovers more popular

was easily one of the biggest killers back in the day, he was blowing everyone's mind when he was doing sw misty 9s and shit in 2001

super consistently had great film segments

is attractive even to straight males
Mar 9 2021 1:59PM 3 0
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ColoradoDogfart
Posts: 1397 - Karma: 10,524
Steve stepp
Mar 9 2021 2:29PM 2 0
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codizzle
Posts: 844 - Karma: 1,915
SofaKingSicki'm not saying jon has to be on skiing's Rushmore but you're selling him short here

made dubs cool again, and people had tried. also i think he did the first modern dub 10, or maybe sw dub 10, in addition to the kang flip. i think he did the first sw dub 12 too...?

JOI/JOSS is iconic and "his" style jumps helped make stepovers more popular

was easily one of the biggest killers back in the day, he was blowing everyone's mind when he was doing sw misty 9s and shit in 2001

super consistently had great film segments

is attractive even to straight males


those are good points
Mar 9 2021 5:14PM 2 0
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little1337
Posts: 7127 - Karma: 25,719
WisconsinDogfartnobody has mentioned simon dumont 😡


His head would only be up to everyone else's shoulders tho
Mar 9 2021 5:16PM 3 0
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danbrown
Posts: 11442 - Karma: 14,283
mcconkey
tanner
tom
candide

alternates: mike douglas, seth, henrik
Mar 9 2021 5:25PM 1 0
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little1337
Posts: 7127 - Karma: 25,719
codizzleJon Olsson was a worse competition skier than Tanner, and Jon never made film parts that were as good as Candide's. Both are far more influential than Jon.

The only thing I can say about Jon was that he created the template for the stylish double with his kangaroo flip, which was basically a double backflip 180 with a Japan grab. that's his one notable accomplishment.


I mean, without JOSS we wouldnt have this
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/688906/Tom-Wallisch--amp--Simon-Dumont---Team-America-JOSS-2009
Mar 9 2021 5:28PM 0 0
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AlaskaDogfart
Posts: 176 - Karma: 1,851
ColoradoDogfartSteve stepp


Steve Stepp, Zane Kushman, Abraham Cain, and Stephanie Stepp
Mar 9 2021 5:55PM 3 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 6149 - Karma: 27,566
codizzlethose are good points


all good, i'm not sitting around feeling bad for jon of all people haha but since he went into other worlds after his freeski career, i feel like i've noticed people haven't listed him as much as i think they should when we talk about icons from our world. dude was GOOD and i always think it's interesting that he never had a major injury like most do at that level, i mean shit he was the other skier at both tanner's and dumont's crashes in 2005
Mar 9 2021 6:03PM 3 0
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steve0
Posts: 1021 - Karma: 300
SofaKingSickall good, i'm not sitting around feeling bad for jon of all people haha but since he went into other worlds after his freeski career, i feel like i've noticed people haven't listed him as much as i think they should when we talk about icons from our world. dude was GOOD and i always think it's interesting that he never had a major injury like most do at that level, i mean shit he was the other skier at both tanner's and dumont's crashes in 2005


I think the reason he never got hurt was that he was one of the first to treat it as a "sport" in the sense that he was an athlete, and his training was calculated. The dude almost qualified for Olympic downhill after he retired from freeskiing. He was calculated in the jumps he built and hit, instead of just sending anything.

Dumont and Tanner had to follow that road after they got hurt, and both ended up getting super into fitness once they found out how much it helped.
Mar 9 2021 9:10PM 3 0
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codizzle
Posts: 844 - Karma: 1,915
SofaKingSickall good, i'm not sitting around feeling bad for jon of all people haha but since he went into other worlds after his freeski career, i feel like i've noticed people haven't listed him as much as i think they should when we talk about icons from our world. dude was GOOD and i always think it's interesting that he never had a major injury like most do at that level, i mean shit he was the other skier at both tanner's and dumont's crashes in 2005


Jon wasn't insane. he was definitely more timid than his peers. and the benefit to that was he lasted a long time without getting his ass broken, and then he could continue a career in alpine racing when he left freeskiing.

My guess is that Dumont and Tanner are going to live with extreme discomfort and physical pain for the remainder of their lives. sort of like NFL players. Simon and Tanner broke themselves that hard. they are lucky they still have use of their brains.
Mar 10 2021 9:51AM 2 0
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