Grenade Games 5 proved that a lot has changed since the World Ski and Snowboard Festival began. More corporate sponsors, more village hotels, more crowds, and a lot more prize money. Well, maybe not a lot more prize money. Really just $1.

With the Skier's Arena brimming with thousands of weekend warrior Vancouverites, DJ Z-trip providing the soundtrack the Grenade Games Finale put a stamp on a week's worth of hilarious action and entertaining debauchery. After what had been year's of stale big air jumps in the base village the Monster and Grenade crew opted to add a bit of creativity for the competitors.

From a drop in jump riders hit a step up into a satellite dish to step down. Alternatively they could hit a gap jump on the left below which was a choice of a log bonk for tail tappers on the left or a down rail/kink combo stair set on rider's right. The course finished with a fun speed bump to a horizontal pole jib at the bottom.

Some 34 riders competed in the opening sortie but only Danny Kass, Andrew Burns, E-man Anderson, Warren Williams, Dave Fortin, Ikka Backstrom, Kael Hill, Andrew Burns, Jesmond Dubeau, Wyatt Caldwell, and Craig Beaulieu advanced.

Canadians Craig Beaullieu and Jesmond Deubea took the top two spots on the podium with Wyatt Caldwell rounding out the top three. Not before Dave Fortin got carried off in s stretcher (only broke his thumb), some old guy got bashed by snowball projectiles, bloodying him up, and Kevin Casillo launched himself into oblivion hitting the speed bump on a scooter sled.

Overlooking all the action was a Monster Party in the GLC bar where more than one competitor came in for refreshment during the event's intermission. But that was nothing compared to the 2000 lunatics that stood in line for hours to gain access to the main after party at The Whistler Conference Center where Z-trip, Matt The Alien, Vinyl Ritchie and Smalltown DJ's tore the house down.

With an extended liquor license the party went off until 4am making sure all in attendance had ample time to wring out ever last ounce of party they had left before it all shut down.

Returning to the real world after a week in Whistler is never easy. After indulging in a week of all things Grenade Games, one might never be the same.

Grenade Games Finale Video = practice, finals and after party!




Grenade Army leader, Danny Kass.


Practice runs during the day.


Leanne Pelosi won $500 for top female.


Ikka tail bonk.


Sled rig.


Thousands on-hand.

Z-trip


See gallery above for more pics or visit www.mosnterenergy.ca