Snowboarding hits the streets of Stockholm, with a startling adrenalin sports hybrid: rail riding. Photography by Daniel Blom,courtesy of Method Magazine

Were it not for the wintry conditions and the distinct lack of trucks, grip tape and urethane wheels, these guys sliding effortlessly about the Swedish cityscape would look like conventional skateboarders. Yet, as the more observant among you will have noticed, these fellows are on snowboards, having forsaken the pistes in favour of a little street action.

“Rail season is basically from when the snow falls until it melts,” says snowboarding photographer Daniel Blom. “Last winter, we had an early start in October and Stockholm was snow-covered for most parts of winter.”

The Swedish capital has been a rail-riding destination for snowboarders since the early 1990s, when the piste habitués adapted skatestyle tricks to suit the frozen city. “Professional riders come here from all over the world, thanks to the easy-going police and cold climate, ” Blom explains.

Despite the relaxed policing, locals can take offence to riders hurtling down their nearest flight of concrete stairs, and many of the more considerate snowboarders save their tricks for out-of-the-way spots – often they wait until after dark. If you want to take a closer look at some snowboarders rail riding, visit Method’s multimedia site, www.method.tv, or just head to Stockholm and listen out for the tell-tale sounds of cameramen filming their tricks.

“The film crews that go out to get shots for the snowboard films usually try to stay undercover,” says Blom, “but if you’re lucky you might spot one. If you hear a generator on a cold evening that would be the place to look.” www.methodmag.com, www.method.tv

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