All the big names in the snowboarding industry were at Les 2 Alpes on the weekend of 27 to 29 October for the traditional season curtain raiser - the 18th Mondial du Snowboard

For this years event all the necessary conditions came together except one: snow. Hence the glacier was not at its best. However, in spite of that, the shapers once again delivered a very high-quality snow park and the whole team of Les 2 Alpes deserve to be congratulated.

So many talented riders had plenty to inspire them, as while the younger competitors took part in an amateur contest organised by Burton, the rest were able to test, free of charge, the new range of equipment that the snowboard brands had on display.

As is the case every year, in exchange for a test card, people could test all the new boards, bindings, boots, masks, and clothing of the brands exhibited on the glacier which is 3,200m in altitude.

On the Saturday, the New Era Threestyle Clash took place throughout the day in the snow park, offering the winners a ticket for the Burton Highway to Rail, the evening jib session organised at 7.30 pm in the centre of the village.

All the best French riders showed up. Mathieu Crépel was there to defend his title, while also there was Nico Droz and Morgan Lefaucheur - the two representatives of Les 2 Alpes; Arthur Longo and Gary Zebrowski, and many more.

A few international riders also took part: Jules Raymond from Switzerland, Kareem el Raffie, the Swede from the Forum Team, and Dutch participants from the Bataleon Team.

This year the decor of the Highway to Rail offered a glimpse into the future with lots of lights and flashes everywhere. It was like being in Star Wars.

The Jedi riders had a choice between six modules but quickly realised that to warm up the crowd they would have to gap it.

Thus the spectators could see the usual switch back 720's from crowd favourite, Mat Crepel over the rails, cab 540's, 720 corks, 50-50 front flips and so on.

A little before 9 pm, the demonstration finished with a final bouquet final with all the riders in single file dropping off rails into an old school backflip.

At 9 pm the session ended with the crowd moving towards the centre of the resort to look for somewhere to party. Because that's part of the Mondial as well.

The lucky ones succeeded in getting into the Avalanche - the nightclub to be seen at.

On Sunday the more motivated stayed awake to take advantage of the snow park and equipment while others went to bed.

The marquee, where many of the stands could be found, opened at 2 pm. Loads of kids came to snap up the stickers and posters, some of them watched the latest films from the major film houses in the video room.

Outside, Rossignol organised his Mini board contest on a strip of artificial snow and an autograph session.

At 7 pm, a few hundred handpicked guests made their way towards the Ranking Riders ceremony.

This ceremony rewards the French and international pro snowboarders who have achieved the greatest level of visibility in magazines over the past season.

The winners for France were Nicolas Droz and Caroline Béliard.

For the international award: Eero Ettala carried off the trophy for the men while Leanne Pelosi won the title of international female rider of the year.

The Mondial du Snowboard is an all incompassing event.

A bit of snow, a little riding, and a lot of social events, in which all the members of the snowboard world are more than willing to take part.

A little dose of sport, quite a lot of style and, especially, warmth and friendliness on every floor. Next year's 19th Mondial will be another can't miss event.

Eurosport