This past weekend was special in many ways. It not only marked the first month of humankind's continued existence after the Mayan Apocalypse (miraculously?) failed to make an appearance, it also was to be legendary Swiss rider and snowboarding's first-ever Olympic Gold Medalist Gian Simmen's last dance. Yep, this year's pipe contest at the O'Neill Evolution, one of the year's biggest and most respected events on the World Snowboard Tour, was the last time Gian would ever don a contest bib as a professional snowboarder. That said, there was definitely a festive vibe, with tons of industry heads and legends making their way out to Davos for the big bash. Unfortunately the snow conditions weren't as ridiculously awesome as last year's Evolution, but at least this time everyone was actually focused on the contest instead of snorkeling through chest-deep pow.
And what a contest it was! Some of the craziest stunts ever landed at a big air event went down, including a triple frontside rodeo from Kyle Mack and Maxence Parrot's winning BS 1440 triple cork. Trust us, it was BANANAS!!
Here's some pictures, moving and still, of the 2013 O'Neill Evolution, big thanks to Jan Michaelis and Daan Meijer @ O'Neill for taking such good care of us all week, see you guys at next year's event!
Photos by TAG unless otherwise noted