Rain. And clouds. That was the scene as riders awoke today here in what we’ve come to know as sunny Are, Sweden. With the deadline for edits rapidly approaching, teams are scrambling to put together shots, and shoot the last few tricks and lifestyle that will top off their masterpieces. Although the rain/snow/flat light would normally put a stop to anyone’s day, these are top level athletes, determined and hard working. While some filmed other bits and pieces, most headed up to the Parlino Rhythym section, overseen by the 28-ft giant, yellow Parlino Gnomes.

With quite a steady downpour, America’s Colby James West was the first and only (for a while) to session the jump for his filmers, as well as the gathered crowd. Slowly but surely Jacob Wester, Sammy Carlson, Oscar Scherlin, Simon Dumont and Andreas Hatveit showed up and played their part. With some working specific hits and some filming whole lines, the jumps went off for about an hour and a half — the sleds steadily churning up and down the hill. Last minute technical tricks were being crushed like it was nobody’s business: switch right and left, double flips, huge backflips, etc, etc.

Even judge PK Hunder and Announcer Luke Van Valin were feeling the good vibes, making several laps through the jumps, sessioning along with the riders. Oscar Scherlin flexed his creative muscle as well, picking up my camera to shoot a photo of Andreas (check it out).

So, despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, she couldn’t hold back the best in the world from doing their thing and cleaning up their segments. Tomorrow will be the last official day of shooting (assuming MN doesn’t come back with a renewed vengeance and flood us out). Then crunch time officially begins, as teams must prepare their 5 minute pieces by Saturday, 9 AM.

Make sure to stop by and check out the last day’s goings ons.

Jonesing for more? Visit the official JOSS site.