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Events


> Swoard Demo Tour 2021 :   11th edition > see the poster
> ExtremeCarving Session 2021 :   18th session
     | info and COVID-19 restrictions | blue package | red package | list of riders |


Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session - 15 years anniversary in 2018


SWOARD snowboards organizes every winter the ExtremeCarving Session (ECS). This event is included in the Swoard Demo Tour, with other smaller meetings (in resorts we have "certified for EC"). "Demo" does not only mean that the participants can test Swoard boards, but also that they can watch demonstrations of extremecarving by the Swoard team (the founders and Swoard instructors).

Free lessons or advices are given to explain the ride technique developed by Jacques Rilliet and Patrice Fivat from 1995 to 2001. This technique, easily identifiable, is especially adapted to the width and other specificities of the SWOARD Extremecarver Gen5, the snowboard that inspired extremecarving. The words "rotation", "push-pull", "fluidity" and "gesture purity" will be part of your vocabulary. Advices on the settings of bindings and boots are also provided to benefit fully from all advantages of the SWOARD snowboards.

The SWOARD Dual2 model is also available during the events. Therefore the riders in soft boots are welcome! The SWOARD Extremecarver Pro2 is made in limited series by hand (in 3 sizes and 5 flexes): thus only few demo boards are available.



> Swoard Demo Tour 2021

  • 12-13 Dec 2020: Hintertux (Austria) - COVID-19 > CANCELLED
  • 23-24-25 Jan 2021: Zinal (Valais, Switzerland) - ExtremeCarving Session > see below
  • 13-14 March 2021: Pila (Aosta, Italy) - COVID-19 > CANCELLED

At least 2-3 Swoard instructors will be present at each event. The Swoard team will be complete during the "ExtremeCarving Session" in Zinal.

> La Grande Première & Rock On Snow

  • 21-22 Nov 2020: Val Thorens (France) - COVID-19 > CANCELLED
  • 11-12-13 Dec 2020: Avoriaz (France) - COVID-19 > CANCELLED

More info (Forum) >>>



> ExtremeCarving Session 2021 :   Jan 23th to 25th, 2021 > Zinal, Switzerland

COVID-19 - IMPORTANT: please respect the rules given in the info.
This is not an event, but a session. Just carve the same slopes!
No dinner. No party. No stand. No photo group. But a black slope, perfectly groomed, is reserved for us every morning.

The session takes place in the typical and small village of Zinal (Switzerland), the home of Swoard. At the altitude of 2900 m the panorama is just amazing. The participants can carve laid turns on the dream slopes that are shown in the Swoard movies, with the best specialists of the extremecarving discipline.

The level of most participants has incredibly raised since the first session, which had been organized at the request of the community over Internet. This event has become very popular with more than 230 snowboarders (from 15-20 countries) who want to push their limits still further.

> Reports of the 17 previous sessions: see below.

> Info, COVID-19 restrictions and registration: in the Forum

> Direct links:: blue package | red package | list of riders



Previous events



> ExtremeCarving Session 2020 :   Jan 25th to 27th, 2020 > Zinal, Switzerland

Three fantastic days, with riders coming from Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Canada, USA and even Japan!
For the first time, we organized a fun challenge: an extremecarving slalom, with small flexible gates which we planted in such a way to force the riders to close their turns.

Useful links:
- reports and pictures on the Forum
- photo album on Facebook
- movie of the event - sequences of two days (duration: 4min00):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 118MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2020



> ExtremeCarving Session 2019 :   Jan 26th to 28th, 2019 > Zinal, Switzerland

It was a great Session again with awesome EC on Saturday and Sunday. Low temperature and quality of snow allowed the slopes to resist very well against the carving trenches all day. On Monday we got fresh powder for nice freeriding. The dinner on Saturday in Sorebois (at 2440 m) contributed to a very friendly ambiance.

Useful links:
- reports and pictures on the Forum
- photo album on Facebook
- movie of the event - sequences of two days (duration: 3min03):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 87.3MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2019



> ExtremeCarving Session 2018 :   Jan 27th to 29th, 2018 > Zinal, Switzerland

We got ideal EC conditions at the 15 years anniversary for the ExtremeCarving Session and Swoard! Wonderful weather, especially on Sunday, and a great festive spirit.
For the first time, some participants came from... China!
The Session was marked by the announcement of the results of the 2nd Swoard Film Contest.

Useful links:
- reports and pictures on the Forum
- photo album on Facebook
- movie of the event - sequences of two days (duration: 3min00):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 49.7MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2018



> ExtremeCarving Session 2017 :   Jan 28th to 30th, 2017 > Zinal, Switzerland

An excellent Session again with great EC and blue sky on Saturday and Sunday. The dinner on Saturday in Sorebois (at 2440 m) had a spirit "back to the roots"! Indeed this is the place we had chosen for the 4 first Sessions. Thus we took the gondola in the night.

Useful links:
- reports and pictures on the Forum
- photo album on Facebook
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 3min13):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 49.7MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2017



> ExtremeCarving Session 2016 :   Jan 30th - Feb 1st, 2016 > Zinal, Switzerland

The number 13 has brought good luck to all the participants. The EC conditions were awesome on Saturday, probably the best for 5 years. The spectacle with all the extremecarvers was beautiful below the blue sky. On Sunday we got 60-70 cm of fresh snow! Full sun was back on Monday for superb freeriding.

Useful links:
- reports and pictures on the Forum
- photo album on Facebook
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 4min31):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 86.6MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2016



> ExtremeCarving Session 2015 :   Jan 31st - Feb 2nd, 2015 > Zinal, Switzerland

Another session where you had to come with two snowboards, alpine and freeride. Some of the newcomers have travelled from Quebec: the family is truly global! We managed to perform not too bad EC turns in difficult conditions, as this can be seen in the pictures and the film given in the links below.

Useful links:
- reports and pictures on the Forum
- photo album on Facebook
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 8min01):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 163MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2015



> ExtremeCarving Session 2014 :   Jan 25th to 27th, 2014 > Zinal, Switzerland

Saturday was a beautiful EC day, with the sun but however a snow which was a bit too soft.
The bad weather on Sunday doubtless contributed to the family spirit and excellent atmosphere.
On Monday many participants devoted to freeriding with 30 cm of fresh snow fallen at night!
The Session was marked by the announcement of the results of the Swoard Film Contest.

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and "summary" in timelapse video here
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 9min34):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 188MB)
- all videos of the Swoard Film Contest on the YouTube channel here

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2014



> ExtremeCarving Session 2013 :   Jan 26th to 28th, 2013 > Zinal, Switzerland

What a beautiful 10 years anniversary for the ExtremeCarving Session and Swoard! The three founders were naturally present: Patrice, Jacques and Nils. The Saturday dinner ended with an anniversary cake, music and drinks... for sportsmen. The conditions of carving and EC were fabulous on Saturday and Sunday, as rarely. On Monday, further to a grave power failure, everybody had to move to Grimentz! We won't forget this!

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: here (and soon in the Gallery, on the page Photos)
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 6min03):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 100MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2013



> ExtremeCarving Session 2012 :   Jan 28th to 30th, 2012 > Zinal, Switzerland

This has been a great session again! On Saturday the snow was quite soft but we could lay down with nice moments of sun, despite the pessimistic weather forecast. Riding off piste was great and many participants could enjoy the powder down to the other resort, Grimentz. The snow was harder on Sunday and Monday, and the freeride boards were replaced by the alpine weapons.

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: here (and soon in the Gallery, on the page Photos)
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 6min03):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 94.4MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2012



> ExtremeCarving Session 2011 :   Jan 29th to 31st, 2011 > Zinal, Switzerland

While the winter was very bad in West of the Alps (ice and stones everywhere!), the people working at the slope maintenance managed to make miracles. The famous slope "Barthélémy" was just perfect for extremecarving. Sun for three days, smiles, friendships and excellent atmosphere again!

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: here (and soon in the Gallery, on the page Photos)
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 6min30):
  streaming from YouTube or downloading AVI version (ZIP file 98.6MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2011



> ExtremeCarving Session 2010 :   Jan 30th - Feb 1st, 2010 > Zinal, Switzerland

The fresh snow on Saturday was ideal to present the new DUAL model dedicated to freeriding and freecarving. The bitter cold and the weather have given a very special atmosphere to this session, which has become indispensable to many. The sun came back on Sunday and Monday to the delight of the 230 participants.

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: here (and soon in the Gallery, on the page Photos)
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 6min59):
  downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 146MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2010



> ExtremeCarving Session 2009 :   Jan 31st - Feb 2nd, 2009 > Zinal, Switzerland

With 220 participants, it has been the biggest meeting so far! This is almost the maximum possible for the small resort and the main hall. Though the size of the village is a disadvantage, we believe that it is contributing to the particular atmosphere of this event.
Should we mention that the snow conditions were perfect? Hard packed snow and no ice!

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here, here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: Gallery, on the page Photos, and here too
- movie which was screened on Saturday night - sequences of the first day (duration: 16min34):
  downloading MP4 version (ZIP file 152MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2009



> ExtremeCarving Session 2008 :    Feb 23rd to 25th, 2008   > Zinal, Switzerland

The Swoard event has made another step with the help of many volunteers. More activities, a big stand with tents and tables, two dinners all together, a tombola, videos and other surprises... Well, it was probably the best session till now! The about 200 participants have appreciated the slopes, the ambiance and the beautiful weather during the 3 days (again!), with a spring temperature on Monday.

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: Gallery, on the page Photos, and here too
- movie of the event: Saturday and Sunday filming

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2008



> ExtremeCarving Session 2007 :    Feb 3rd to 5th, 2007   > Zinal, Switzerland

About 170 participants from 20 countries have come for, again, 3 sunny days! We got excellent snow conditions for carving and extremecarving: probably the best in the last 4 sessions. A black slope was reserved in the morning for the participants only! Great moments and excellent spirit.

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos (here and here) of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: Gallery, on the page Photos
- movie of the event (duration: 18min39): downloading AVI version (ZIP file 150MB)
  or streaming from YouTube (in 3 parts)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2007



> ExtremeCarving Session 2006 :    Feb 11th to 13th, 2006   > Zinal, Switzerland

As for the 2 preceding sessions, we got 3 sunny days! But the lack of snow (never seen for 40 years!) pushed us to Grimentz (8 minutes away) where the conditions were much better.
More than 150 persons have come for 1, 2, or 3 days, or even more!
The dinner on Saturday evening, with so many people, was amazing.
Moreover we got many girls this year!

Useful links:
- reports, pictures and videos of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: Gallery, on the page Photos
- movie of the event: streaming from DailyMotion (duration: 17min21) or
  downloading AVI version (78.8 MB) (right click the link and save on your hard disk)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2006



> ExtremeCarving Session 2005 :    Jan 28th to 30th, 2005   > Zinal, Switzerland

The snow has come right in time before the meeting and made us forget a bad winter start!
More than 130 carvers over 3 days which were cold despite the sun! Laid turns everywhere...
The participants level at extremecarving has risen compared to the preceding year!
This shows the importance of such type of events for our growing community.

Useful links:
- many feedbacks of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: Gallery, on the page Photos

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2005



> ExtremeCarving Session 2004 :   Jan 31st - Feb 2nd, 2004 > Zinal, Switzerland

This first extremecarving meeting in the world was great! About 60 participants joined us to lay down turns in Zinal, Switzerland (region of Valais), in a nice and friendly atmosphere.
Weather and snow were perfect during the 3 days.

Useful links:
- enthusiastic feedbacks of the participants (Forum)
- pictures shot during the event: Gallery, on the page Photos
- small movie of the event (right click the link and save on your hard disk):
  Windows Media Player version (.wmv 13.9MB) or Quicktime 6 version (.mov 15.8MB)

Group photo - ExtremeCarving Session 2004











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