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The Natives Boss des Bosses competition in Chamonix was a stunning
St Patrick's Day special this year. The 15th time the comp has run,
the core event of the ChamJam went back to its roots with partying
on the mountain and the streets of Cham.
   
Dubious integrity
Chamonix upped the stakes initially by presenting the Judges with
a crate of beer to help their decision making, but the panel - though
well oiled - were unswerving in their integrity. Chamonix eventually
losing to Zermatt by only 1 point. To leave the Swiss contingent
as victors again, now running at 4 out of the last 5 years.
Val Thorens, having lost to the winners by only 1 point in the first
round, were forced into last place by Val D'Isere who produced a
fantastic burst of form in the final. Val Thorens glorious failure
no doubt aided by the last minute substitution of myself into the
team after Fab, sticking to the comp's spirit of freedom, opted
to ski the Argentiere glacier with a six-pack instead of the bumps.
Allegations that he was "a big scaredy-cat" have been vigorously
denied by his agent.
  
Big Euan, Big Air
- Big Helicopter
Courchevel and Meribel battled it out for 3rd and 4th. Big Euan
of Freeride in Courchevel got a special award for the biggest air.
Unfortunately he landed this on his back and had to be helicoptered
off the mountain. But thankfully he was released from hospital later
the same day.
Down the hill, the prize giving was held in the Place Balmat, to
much Zermatt cheering and then a street party and Paddy's Day parade
- organised by Wendy and Cham's Irish community. Dick's Tea Bar
laid on Mullet, cheap Beamish and more burgers than Bush's Birthday
(but better ones, with nicer people), before the coaches wended
their way home and Chamonix got even drunker.
 Congratulations
to Zermatt - keep the trophy looking nice for us, we'll be needing
it back one day soon!
Words
and Pictures from Jon Trigell- Natives Overseas
Team Manager
W ith Redeye - Natives Reporter
official beanie sponsor
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