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SUPERPARK 16: DAY 4 | unionheelcup
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Jones Carbon Flagship with Union Charger bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 161 cm First Impression: Wow, the carbon combination definitely makes for a lightning fast, aggressive board for charging riders. Weight: Lighter than average. Flex: The Carbon Flagship [...]
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Intended Purpose: The Girls Heli Pro is designed specifically for women riders who want a serious backpack to take out snowboarding. Size: The Girls Heli Pro is 18L which keeps it pretty simple for the mountain. It’s not bulky, it’s a sleek design that won’t take over your back on the mountain. There is a [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to rider driven brands that have created their own path in snowboarding, Dinosaurs Will Die is it. From the inner depths of Sean Genovese and Jeff Keenan, DWD has been around the block and continues to drive creativity from themeselves and the riders behind them. This is going to be a big [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Union Milans on the Bataleon Whatever with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: No time at all, I grabbed the bindings from Union and brought them over to Bataleon to get them mounted. They were [...] Email To A Friend
After a great first day of riding Whistler Bike Park yesterday, I was ready for more. The weather today called for a chance of showers which meant good grip on the trails and a real chance to get muddy and dirty on the mountain. Today was just me, which meant loading up the singles line [...] Email To A Friend
Each summer the Industry Profile Interviews take over to give a glimpse into the jobs, people and experience it takes to work in the snowboard industry. Each of them have been drawn to snowboarding and hooked but found different routes to make their jobs in the snowboard industry. You’ll hear from a range of people, [...] Email To A Friend
Last summer I got hooked on downhill mountain biking and began my progression into something new. Maybe it was the adrenaline, heart-pumping fun that came with it but I loved riding in the dirt and craving to ride better. As winter was winding down, I started dreaming about the trails in the Northwest most specifically [...] Email To A Friend
I thought I had closed out Stevens Pass for the season when Closing Day went down on May 6 but turns out, the snow is still there and it’s too hard to resist playing on it. The mountain looked as if Closing Day never happened, there are few rock spots and still a ton of [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Superpark has been going strong all week long with daily shred stoke, massive features and tons of invited pros that make everything look easy. Day 4 was a long day for many riders as the week was starting to catch up but those willing to keep upping the stakes proved it with another day of [...] Email To A Friend
As Superpark was starting the wind down, the vibe was changing on the mountain to a much more relaxed, shred, have fun and get the last shots/filming done. Most of the riders who weren’t wrecked or hungover, took to the slopes to get their final shots. The day went by quickly and it wasn’t long [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mission Ridge, WA Snow Conditions: Softpacked groomers to fresh snow on the mountain. Setup: I rode the Lib Tech Attack Banana with K2 Formula bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 156cm First Impression: The Attack Banana continues to charge the entire mountain. Weight: average. Flex: Longitudinally it’s stiffer from nose to tail [...] Email To A Friend
After 11 years Stepchild Snowboards is still an independent brand with the heart and soul of riders involved behind it. With team riders Joe Sexton, Simon Chamberlain and JP Walker holding it down on Stepchild boards, it’s no surprise they’ve secured a place in snowboarding with park/urban destroyers and hilarious graphics. Stepchild Snowboards continues to [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Voyageur is a new design for 2013 that delivers a rimless design with the quick step lens system built for maximum versatility on the mountain. Location: I wore the goggles at Stevens Pass, Alaska and Whistler/Blackcomb. They’ve been taken on a couple trips with me so far this year. Conditions: Mix of [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection. Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into [...] Email To A Friend
What happens when you bring talented and creative park builders, pro riders and media together in one place? A park riders dream full of park pleasure for the taking. This year marks the 16th year of Superpark and plenty of talent are in the house at Mt Bachelor to stomp tricks, make videos and get [...] Email To A Friend
Superpark 16 is well underway at Mt Bachelor with invited pros, massive features and plenty of action going on around the mountain. Day three continued with the trend of riders going big, bigger and getting creative. With the help of four parks: Mt Bachelor, OR, Seven Springs, PA, Loon Mountain, NH and Boreal, CA there [...] Email To A Friend
Rider owned, rider driven and providing cool, tough-as-hell helmets for riders that want protection on the mountain. Sandbox helmets developed by Kevin Sansalone continue to offer a variety of features with protection for snowboarding. Sandbox helmet features are a low profile design with a custom48 that helps with fit padding combos, goggle fit friendly, all [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection. Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Oakley Canopy gives you a huge field of vision on the mountain with all the features you’ve come to know from Oakley: unrestricted airflow, full helmet compatibility, dual vented lenses with anti-fog coating. Location: I wore the goggles at the Winter Park, Colorado on-snow. Conditions: Mix of sunny bluebird to overcast flat [...] Email To A Friend
It was an amazing season for snowfall at Stevens Pass; 564″ total snowfall for the 2011/12 season, plenty of powder days and an extended season through May for riding. But it was also a rough season for Stevens Pass. Amazing people were taken from us and the local watering hole was burned down towards the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the K2 Agogo bindings on the K2 Highlite with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings. It was more about making sure the adjustments for the auto strap fit [...] Email To A Friend
From 2002 to 2012, Coal has been delivering headwear that’s more than an accessory – an extension of you, your identity and your lifestyle designed around fit, fashion and function. Now after 10 years, they continue to bring a range of headwear from beanies to brims, hats to headbands and all the much needed scarfs, [...] Email To A Friend
Pow Gloves has been focused on making a variety of gloves and mitts that are built to last, capable of a variety of conditions and guaranteed to satisfy your needs on the mountain with fit, feel and dexterity. For 2013, POW continues to partner up with GORE-TEX with the guaranteed to keep you dry promise. [...] Email To A Friend
From urban jib sticks to backcountry powder machines, Rome Snowboards continues to revolutionize their collection year after year with boards that suit all riders. For 2013, Rome continues to add to the collection most noticeably with the new Double Agent and Powder Room splitboards, for park destroyers the new Hammerhead. For board tech, there’s a [...] Email To A Friend
A snowboarding rhythm section that would be longer, higher and smoother. That was the motto for the Rhythm N Bruise contest at White Pass this year. Snowboarders from around Washington, Oregon and even California came up for the event to come get their rhythm on and have a good time in the northwest. I was [...] Email To A Friend
One of the best perks of being in Whistler for the Telus Festival is the demo days that go on each weekend. Anyone with a ID and credit card can check out the 2013 snowboards from a ton of brands at Whistler Mountain. I headed up despite all the crew riding Blackcomb and lapped Whistler [...] Email To A Friend
2013 marks the 10 year anniversary of Endeavor Snowboards and a year committed to the future. This Canadian snowboard company has continued to grow their brand and make their mark on snowboarding. Big steps have been taken for Endeavor in the past year. They’ve grown their office space to build the Archtype Snowboard Lab and [...] Email To A Friend
The first day I fell in love with Valdez was when I walked around town and took in the breathtaking harbor in the middle of the peaks that surround the town. The next day I fell more in love when I was standing on the top of my first run at Thompson Pass by myself [...] Email To A Friend
Rome Snowboards continues to build bindings based on quality, comfort and durability for the 100 day rider. The names Targa, 390 and Madisons have won over riders hearts and taken their place in the line-up for quality bindings that work. Other bindings have been added to the line-up of the years and now you can [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Bataleon Whatever with Union milan bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 159cm First Impression: Wow there’s no flat basing on this board, you are either carving or carving. Weight: average. Flex: The Whatever is on the more playful side [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
A home away from home. For the past month, that was the Mountain Sky Hotel in Valdez, Alaska. It came with all the amenities you expect from a hotel; complimentary breakfast, coffee, comfy beds, swimming pool, hot tub and daily cleaning service. But it also came with a new watering hole called the 32° Lounge [...] Email To A Friend
There are many reasons to come to Whistler for the Telus Festival but one of the biggest reasons for me (besides the snowboarding) is the Pro Photographer Showdown. Photographers are able to capture so many amazing moments and at this event, they can compose their best images into a slideshow tuned perfectly with music that [...] Email To A Friend
It was a quiet couple of weeks for Friday giveaways when I was in Alaska but I’m back! Flow Snowboarding was the main sponsor of Tailgate Alaska and has offered up an assortment of Flow goodies for one lucky winner. Every Friday I’ll be giving away some kind of prize (usually a footbed or facemask) [...] Email To A Friend
After a couple days of much needed rest, I hit the highway north to Whistler. Whistler Blackcomb has had an amazing winter and it’s still in full force! I always try to come up for the Telus Festival because it’s always such a good time on the mountain, apres around town and at the parties [...] Email To A Friend
Smokin Snowboards has been marching to their own beat for over 15 years. Their snowboards has been a labor of love with Smokin Jay at the realm and they continue to be committed to building quality handmade snowboards in the USA just outside of Lake Tahoe. For technology, Smokin continues to offer a variety of [...] Email To A Friend
Over 15 years ago, Flow Snowboards began building bindings with the speed entry system to make getting in and out of bindings easier. For 2013, they continue to improve their binding system and bring out new technology to make it better than ever. New for 2013 is the NX2 series with N.A.S.T.Y new active strap [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Flow Rush with Flow Minx SE bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 156cm First Impression: Augmented Base Technology actually works on the Rush. Weight: average. Flex: Softer nose and tail on the Rush so you have some playfulness but [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the GNU B-Free bindings on the GNU Ladies Choice with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: Normal time to set up the bindings and adjust them to my boots. Fit: I tried the GNU B-Free bindings [...] Email To A Friend
After a day off to rest, it was time for Tailgate Alaska and Flow Snowboarding to host the Flow World Freeride Championship Finals. The final location was determined late the night before so even riders didn’t know what they would be battling out on. The end result was heli and sled access to the backside [...] Email To A Friend
The best freeriders took to the mountain yesterday for a chance to qualify for the Flow World Freeride Championship Qualifiers in a midst of steeps, rocks, drops and powder. Instead of riding the mountains around them, everyone gathered at Bro Bowl to watch the qualifiers go down with over 20 athletes taking two runs to [...] Email To A Friend
Unity Snowboards has been building snowboards in the heart of the Rocky Mountains since 1995 and continues to develop boards built for everything you want to ride. From big mountain peaks to splitboarding outside the boundaries to riding the perfect pipes, Unity handcrafts their boards in Colorado just minutes from the mountains they ride. For [...] Email To A Friend
The past couple days in Alaska have been “down days” when the weather comes in and you take a break from the mountains till the snow piles up and the sun comes out. It was a good break and time to figure out the next plan of attack. A couple of the Flow guys mentioned [...] Email To A Friend
Eat Kebab and headbang – That’s the motto behind Lobster Snowboards. The company was started by pros Eiki Helgason and Halldor Helgason. For their first year at SIA, they introduced a small collection of baords to showcase the upcoming line for 2013. For technology, the boards are brought to you with Bataleon standards including Triple [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the K2 Highlite with K2 Auto Agogo bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 152cm First Impression: Light but aggressive and built for charging. Weight: Lighter than average. Flex: Stiffer flex underneath the bindings, torsionally has some forgiveness to the board [...] Email To A Friend
For 20 years, 686 has been about providing the riding community with innovative, fashionable outerwear and technical apparel. To commemorate their double decade of outerwear progression, the catalog is a mix of history with riders, stories and featuring the next generation of 686 outerwear. For 2013, 686 partners with Dickies for a signature urban background [...] Email To A Friend
It took a while for splitboarding to get kicked into full gear but now that I’m in Alaska it’s finally happening. It’s the cheapest way up the mountain and a great way to explore around the mountain. I ended up heading out with Tony, Peter and Jordan for a morning trek to the ice cave. [...] Email To A Friend
Tailgate Alaska is well underway at Thompson Pass. It’s been beautiful every day and today was a great day to get out on the mountain. Gilly was kind enough to bump us with his sled so we could get in our laps for the day. We headed up to below Bro Bowl to get in [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been an incredible season of firsts. First Baker Banked Slalom, first heli, first backcountry turns in Alaska and now my first cat day of snowboarding. When I first arrived in Valdez, I met Nate from 907 snowcat and decided that a day of cat boarding would be a great way to start the Tailgate [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1991, Never Summer has been building snowboards out of Colorado designed for quality and durability. They’ve built up a solid reputation and now with their RC Technology, continue to grow the brand into more than a popular company out of the Rockies. Their Rocker + Camber technology was introduced a couple years ago and [...] Email To A Friend
Twenty years of designing bindings built on performance, comfort and durability. Flux Bindings celebrates their double decade collection with 20 years of history and perspective. New for 2013 is the Ultima highback that comes in FS and FR. The FS is the ultimate lightweight design for freestyle flex and versatility. The FR highback offers freeride [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Salomon Absolute Premium bindings on the YES Greats/Venture Helix with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings. Fit: I tried the Salomon Absolute Premium bindings in the medium [...] Email To A Friend
In only a matter of years, Ashbury has created a brand with a distinct look and quality with their goggle designs. Their riders signature style is showcased in their signature goggles and they continue to offer a range of goggles, softgoods and sunglasses for riders. For 2013, Ashbury introduces a wider peripheral goggle with the [...] Email To A Friend
After spending the last couple days exploring Valdez, it was finally time to head up to Thompson Pass and get the full scale of Alaska mountains. I headed up bright and early with my gear to see what work needed to be done and ended up getting in a couple laps to warm-up for this [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection. Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into [...] Email To A Friend
Since 2003, Academy Snowboards has focused on building quality snowboards built around progression and technology. Academy knows we have one thing in common: the love for snowboarding and riding with our friends. They continue to offer the scholarship program to help kids learn something new and get out and shred which means 1% of sales [...] Email To A Friend
It’s pretty incredible. I’m sitting in Valdez, Alaska staring out at these massive snowcapped mountains that surround me while thinking of life’s adventures and yesterday I passed a milestone on Shayboarder.com. Watching this site grow into something beyond my dreams has been amazing and it’s allowed me to grow leaps and bounds into the world [...] Email To A Friend
Do you wish you could own some of those amazing photos you see in the snowboarding magazines? Here’s your chance! The Canvas Wave offers amazing snowboarding and other action sports photography on stretched canvas prints ready to hang on your wall. They are giving away one of their large 20×30″ canvas prints (valued at $129) [...] Email To A Friend
Since the winter of 1994, Vans has been utilizing their footwear experience to build snowboard boots that are a reflection of Vans deep boardsports heritage. Vans understands the need to ride but also a boot that will perform for you so you can enjoy each turn. The boots continue to be developed and durable to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Genesis on the Burton Root with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings. Fit: I don’t remember what size the Genesis bindings were, either a small or [...] Email To A Friend
10 years is quite an accomplishment but for Endeavor it’s only the beginning. They’ve had challenges, they’ve been tested and they’ve fought through it. Snowboarder owned and operated, Endeavor Snowboards is still closed on a powder day. They’ve taken their dreams to new levels with the Archetype Snowboard Lab for R&D, new ideas and the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Capita DOA with Union Contact Pro bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 156cm. First Impression: Stability of camber meets the fun of freestyle. DOA just like the film keeps snowboarding fun and flowing for the mountain. Weight: Average. Flex: [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been a stormy week for the Northwest. Lots of rain in town and snow in the mountains. Stevens Pass has been getting snowfall that kept delivering powder days on the mountain. I waited for Erik to start the day on the slopes we could carpool up together. Even by the time we arrived in [...] Email To A Friend
It’s not every year that a pro snowboarder comes to SIA to deliver up a new design, new brand and new ideas to snowboarding. For 2013, JF Pelchat is doing just that with his latest creation, NOW bindings. The design takes inspiration from skateboard trucks and delivers connection back into snowboard bindings for the ultimate [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
It was great to arrive back in Washington to fresh snow falling from the sky. The Northwest has certainly been the place for snowfall this year and it’s still coming down! I took yesterday off for a much needed down day and hoped that today would still deliver the snowfall. It did, the snow was [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The APXs goggle is designed off of the Dragon APX but in a smaller frame option for those wanting the Infinity Lens Technology (full peripheral vision and easy interchangeability). Location: I wore the goggles at the Winter Park, Colorado on-snow. Conditions: Mix of sunny bluebird to overcast flat light on the mountain. Color: [...] Email To A Friend
For Lib Tech, it’s been about experimenting, creating and designing snowboards for a range of snowboarders from the small to the big, from the mountain to the park. The concept of the banana has spread like wildfire and is a common tie among the snowboard styles they produce. For 2013, Lib Tech continues to offer [...] Email To A Friend
Deep in the rugged Rocky Mountains near a little town called Silverton, Venture builds and designs snowboards for the mountains that surround them. Their operations use 100% windpower and take pride in the fact that they are built in the US and use Forest Stewardship Council certified hardwoods to make their cores. They build boards [...] Email To A Friend
Sometimes there are much needed down days, that was day 4 at Tailgate BC. The weather was stormy at basecamp and a bit of writing was calling my name. Plus it gave me the chance to really meet, greet and hang out for the afternoon/evening. I’m still pretty sore from snowmobiling so a down day [...] Email To A Friend
To say I was excited to win a day of Eagle Pass Heliskiing was an understatement. It was a dream come true and I was so excited, so stoked and so ready for my first experience on a heli. Despite all the excitement, I made sure to get a good night’s sleep to prepare myself [...] Email To A Friend
For more than a decade, Capita Snowboards has been building, designing and devouring snowboards with a brand image that sticks out from the rest of the crowd. Highly regarded for their captivating snowboard graphics, they’ve remained a top company in snowboarding without losing their roots. They continue to grow with their technology, team additions and [...] Email To A Friend
The next adventure is just beginning! Yesterday I intentionally stayed off the slopes so I could have a day to myself, catch up on blogging and get everything clean and packed for traveling. Today I’m hitting the highway with Andy and Nico so we can make our way to Canada for the inaugural Tailgate BC [...] Email To A Friend
After weeks of anticipation, Tailgate BC has finally arrived in Revelstoke, British Columbia. The next five days offer up a party in the parking lot mixed with a range of snow sports from the backcountry to the resort. We arrived late last night into Revelstoke and woke up bright and early to get a feel [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection. Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into [...] Email To A Friend
The Flow Tailgate BC is underway in Revelstoke, British Columbia and it’s pretty fun to be part of the experience. Thursday was arrival, setting up, meeting new faces and riding Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Today was getting out into the backcountry, back on the sled and going over avalanche safety in the BC backcountry. It’s a [...] Email To A Friend
GNU snowboards are handbuilt in the US by snowboarders with jobs and designed for snowboarders who rip pow, parks and pipes. For 2013, GNU continues to offer men’s and women’s snowboards featuring a variety of technology from straight up BTX for park riders to C2 for freeriders and EC2 for those wanting something more. For [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Rome Mob Boss Bindings on the Rome Hammerhead with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings. Fit: I tried the Rome Mob Bosses in the small binding option and [...] Email To A Friend
As soon as I got confirmation that I would be heading up to BC and AK this year, I knew it was time to take the avalanche level I course. I checked out a couple options for course providers in the NW and eventually found the American Alpine Institute out of Bellingham and Mt Baker. [...] Email To A Friend
The third day with the American Alpine Institute (and second day on snow) meant taking all the education, on-snow practices and really applying it to our experience in the backcountry. It was focused on us enjoying the snow while remaining safe and watching for terrain that could be avalanche prone. We had made a trip [...] Email To A Friend
If you’re wondering what mountain has been getting hammered this season, I can tell you Stevens Pass has been getting the goods. The snowbanks are high, the coverage is amazing and today was another powder day. Despite the backside not being open (due to avy danger), the front of the mountain and especially the trees [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
There are good days and then there are great days. The past two days in Tahoe have been great days, the snow finally arrived and delivered amazing powder runs. I couldn’t believe how quickly the conditions changed on the mountain and just in time for my last day in Tahoe. After dropping off my rental [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Flux GM30 Bindings on the Endeavor Diamond with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings. Fit: I tried the Flux GM30 bindings in the small size which fit [...] Email To A Friend
Pro Snowboarders are starting to make their mark in snowboard companies and designs. With Nidecker producing the boards, Gigi Ruf set out to launch Slash Snowboards at the SIA tradeshow in January. For 2013, Slash will launch with four different models including Gigi’s pro model (ATV Hub) and a pro model for Johnnie Paxson (Slash [...] Email To A Friend
The weather in Lake Tahoe can switch rapidly. One day it’ll be bare roads with spring like slushy conditions and a couple days later it’ll be dumping snow with a total winter appearance. I made sure that I was in Tahoe for Monday morning’s storm and heading to Sierra at Tahoe for the day. Sierra [...] Email To A Friend
Last year, Arnette came back into snowboarding and started making waves. This year they continue riding with a signature collection of goggles and a team of rad riders to represent them. Arnette goggles have a variety of features including three layers of face foam for comfort, no-bs (no blind spot) for the best field of [...] Email To A Friend
If you’ve ever been to Lake Tahoe, you know what a beautiful place it is. The lake ties together so many different mountains, communities and offers so much fun in one place. This morning, I woke up to a beautiful North Lake Tahoe view from the Shreddytimes house and was ready for another day of [...] Email To A Friend
Oakley has a deep history in snowboarding and ski goggles, for over 30 years they’ve been producing goggles built for performance, vision and functionality. Riders can take their pick from the classic A-Frame series, to the popular Crowbars to the wide view new Canopy goggles. For 12-13, Oakley continues with the switchlock technology, an interchangeable [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Root with Burton Genesis bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 144cm First Impression: Want something more all mountain than the Nug, this is it. Weight: Average. Flex: The Root continues where the Nug left off. Similar in flex, [...] Email To A Friend
Earlier this winter I had two options: 1. to stay in California and figure things out or 2. travel the world, live my dreams and figure things out. The decision was pretty easy, I was gonna travel, have fun and do what I wanted. It’s been everything I’ve dreamed of and this winter is about [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
I had been hoping to return to Tahoe before the season ended since I had my Tahoe Pass and wanted to spend time on the mountain with friends. The time finally came when flights were affordable, access was easy into Reno and my friends had time off from work to ride and hang out. It’s [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the GNU Ladies Choice with GNU B-Free bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 151.5cm. First Impression: Offering up the whole mountain on a platter and giving you a deck that can handle whatever you give it. Weight: Average. Flex: The [...] Email To A Friend
Dragon has been in the goggle game long enough to know performance, technical features and design elements matter. It doesn’t hurt that they’ve created a testing facility at 12,000 feet in the remote backcountry of Silverton. Their philosphy is smart design from the smart to finish and they’ve led the way with their advanced performance [...] Email To A Friend
When I first saw the mock-up drawing for the Third Shift contest, I was pretty much blown away. It meant constructing a town square in the terrain park that was literally a urban jump/jib contest over and onto buildings. For the northwest, it was pretty rad to see freestyle progression come here and be on [...] Email To A Friend
Twenty-five years of enjoying the mountains. K2 Snowboarding’s deep history in snowboarding started in the Northwest and has now grown to be a major worldwide brand. Their technology focuses on different riders needs, from catch free for beginners to rocker for park or pow or just flatline for the perfect balance. For 2013, K2 introduces [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mission Ridge, WA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Salomon Powder Snake with Salomon Halogram bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 156 cm First Impression: I was hesitant about how this would handle on groomers but the Powder Snake could ride the groomers with ease and a bit [...] Email To A Friend
Yesterday was a hard day for the northwest. Avalanches took three lives in the backcountry at Stevens Pass and one life at Alpental. As the events would unfold yesterday, texts came in that said it was Chris Rudolph in the avalanche. I’ve known Chris from Stevens, the industry and he was an amazing guy to [...] Email To A Friend
No matter what kind of rider you are, socks keep you warm on the mountain. That’s where Stance socks comes in, they create socks that keep you warm, dry and ready to rock. But there’s more than just that, they aim to blend form and function with art and collaborations. The Winter 2012-2013 series include: [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mission Ridge, WA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Jones Mothership with Union Trilogy bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 154 cm (but technically this size doesn’t exist, it’ll be 152 or 156) First Impression: I started laughing out of excitement when I realized how fast, stable and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Rome Hammerhead with the Mob Bosses bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 153cm. First Impression: Woah crazy shape but you don’t notice it when you are riding. Weight: Average. Flex: The Hammerhead is definitely built to be a softer [...] Email To A Friend
I forgot how much I missed snowbanks until I drove up to Stevens Pass, parked the truck and realized that the looming height of them was back in my life. The northwest has gotten most of the storms in the US, riding powder while the rest of us were riding parks and groomers. So far [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection. Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into [...] Email To A Friend
There are few contests in snowboarding that create legends, stories and memories like the Legendary Banked Slalom at Mt Baker. The backdrop of the Shuksan overlooks the banked course with a stacked list of riders competing for duct tape and the ultimate riders contest. All types of riders from parks, pipes and pow compete for [...] Email To A Friend
After attending four days of SIA, you walk away with a ton of catalogs and a ton of free stickers from visiting the booths. Last year I started to give the stickers away and am continuing the tradition this season with one lucky winner who will take home all the stickers from SIA. All it [...] Email To A Friend
The Legendary Banked Slalom brings out the best in snowboarding. Sure it’s a race with times and competitive streaks and bets but it also brings snowboarding together as a family. The best riders in snowboarding come to be part of this weekend because it is about snowboarding. There are no tv cameras, no commercials and [...] Email To A Friend
In eight years, Union Binding Company has become a major player in snowboard bindings for design, functionality and keeping it fun. As SIA was getting started, they added another big player to their team lineup…Travis Rice now joins the ranks of Union Binding riders. For 2013, Union keeps it fresh and continues with their new [...] Email To A Friend
“Come ride with me and escape the chaos of the world are you. No matter which board you choose, you’ll find freedom and the perfect line” – Jeremy Jones. For year three, Jones Snowboards continues to be a strong dominating company for the soul of snowboarding – freeriding. For 2013, Jones introduces three women’s boards [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Arbor Swoon with NOW IPO bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 155cm. First Impression: Offering up easy all mountain riding that you can count on. Weight: Average. Flex: The Swoon fits the medium flex description to a T. It’s [...] Email To A Friend
Each year I fly to SIA with a suitcase with only the basics and I come back with my suitcase and a duffle bag filled to the brim with catalogs and swag. The catalogs become my bible of information for the next couple months as I read through, learn and indulge myself in the latest [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the Union Charger on the Jones Flagship Carbon with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: This was the second setup of the day and Parker took care of it, he’s a magician when it comes to demos and [...] Email To A Friend
Right after the SIA Tradeshow,retailers and industry don’t have to go far to check out the latest gear on the mountain. The WWSRA hosts a bunch of on-snow demos around the US with alot of the brands from SIA being present. The Northwest demo was just east of Stevens Pass at Mission Ridge, WA. It’s a [...] Email To A Friend
On the first day of demos I apologized for bringing the sun to Washington but yesterday the Northwest was back in full action. There was new snow on Mission Ridge for day two of the demos and a storming day on the mountain with cloudy conditions. Some runs you’d be riding through foggy clouds and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers. Setup: I rode the NOW IPO Bindings on the Arbor Swoon with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: JF Pelchat was on hand to make sure the bindings went out with good fit for the sizing options he had at the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
After taking a day off to relax at the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa, it was time to hit the slopes today to finally explore Vail Mountain. One of the most amazing parts about Vail is when you look at it from hwy 70, it doesn’t look like much but what’s hidden behind that first [...] Email To A Friend
Instead of saying no, snowboarders are now saying YES. It is a passion, a way of living life, of being in a natural habitat, of snowboarding and having fun. JP, DCP and Romain are the riders behind the brand and pour their heart and soul into YES. Snowboards. For 2013, YES honors the greats of snowboarding [...] Email To A Friend
After a long night of partying, Day three kicked off with a much needed can of Red Bull, comfortable shoes and something permanent that I’ll never forget. By the time the third day generally hits, you are a bit more tired but it’s well worth the lack of sleep for a whole lotta fun at [...] Email To A Friend
Being on the mountain requires a great pair of goggles and the support of a shop to get them to you. Action Sport Optics out of Vermont knows that and offered up a pair of Spy Zeds for a lucky Shayboarder reader. All it took was two likes and a comment to be entered in [...] Email To A Friend
I can always count on the SIA Tradeshow to be an amazing experience. SIA at Denver keeps products close to the mountain and fun parties with great people. Day four of the show was finishing up booth visits, getting the last catalogs and photos before heading out to the on-snow for the next couple days [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Heavenly, CA, Northstar, CA and Mammoth, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to soft conditions. Setup: I rode the DWD Genovese with Union Atlas Team bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 157cm. First Impression: Flat Camber makes this board really handle everything you throw at it. Weight: Average. Flex: Pretty consistent flex, it’s on [...] Email To A Friend
After four days of being at the SIA Tradeshow in Denver, getting back into snow boots and hitting the slopes always feels great! We headed up to Winter Park last night for a good nights sleep night during SIA (very rare) and hit the slopes early this morning for the on-snow portion. Tons of companies [...] Email To A Friend
It’s pretty fun to come to Winter Park when the industry takes over the resort, the base is filled with friends from different companies and there are good times on and off the snow. Last night I enjoyed the Mervin party for the last party of the SIA Snow show and had a later start [...] Email To A Friend
It’s pretty amazing to attend the SIA Tradeshow each year. It really boils down to a great experience because of the people you meet who run the industry, the products that come out after years of hard work and the amount of fun each night at the parties. By the time the on-snow rolls around, [...] Email To A Friend
For four years I lived in a beautiful mountain town called Steamboat Springs, Colorado and I still consider it an amazing place to live. The mountain offers up some of the best aspen riding on more mellow terrain, the town has a great relaxed vibe and everyone loves to be in the outdoors. I was [...] Email To A Friend
Arbor continues to build on their 17 year legacy by supporting the experience of the mountain with the most environmentally responsible, next-level product possible. Their System technology gives riders combinations from jib, park and mountain but they still offer camber for true mountain riders. Combined with their system, you get grip-tech for added contact points [...] Email To A Friend
Rest. Relaxation. Luxury. That was my light at the end of the SIA tunnel. Six days of tradeshow is fun but exhausting. Instead of leaving Colorado tired, I opted for a relaxing vacation that was well worth the wait. The invite to experience Vail Cascade Resort & Spa in Vail, Colorado couldn’t have come at [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Stilettos on the Burton Lipstick with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: This was an easy set up for my boots. Probably one of the easier bindings to get going and didn’t require much [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to action sports, having clear vision means everything. That’s where Action Sport Optics came in; to carry everything you need, nothing you don’t and focus on the best in sport and lifestyle eyewear. Based out of Vermont, they are backed up by great service and fast shipping. Here’s your chance to make [...] Email To A Friend
After weeks of planning, organizing and getting ready for a move…it was finally time. Since I can no longer call Mammoth Lakes home, I packed up my truck and hit the open highway to bring my belongings up to Washington. I’m not quite sure where the end of the road is yet but Washington is [...] Email To A Friend
Hard to believe it’s that time of year but things are about to get crazy in Colorado! For the next 10 days I’ll be on the road, in the tradeshow for four days, on the snow demos for two days and finally relaxing towards the end of the trip. I’ll be attending the SIA Tradeshow [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions. Setup: I rode the Burton Feelgood Flying V with Burton Diode bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 155cm. First Impression: Continues to be a great board for all mountain female riders Weight: Average. Flex: Softer torsional flex between the bindings so the board is [...] Email To A Friend
Four days of 2013 snowboard gear. That’s what SIA is about in Denver, Colorado. Today it all went down, the opening speeches, the first glimpses at what’s coming out for next year and a whole lotta high fives and hugs on the tradeshow floor. This is my favorite time of year and the busiest since [...] Email To A Friend
You can always count on Snowcial to bring together creative minds, social skills and skiers/snowboarders to Heavenly Resort. Last year I got my first taste of it and this year, I attended the welcome party and one day of snowboarding to celebrate the fun event. Unfortunately I couldn’t attend the whole weekend of events since [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection. Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions. Setup: I rode the Burton Lip-Stick with Burton Stilletto bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 149cm. First Impression: Flat Top definitely suits the Lip-Stick! Weight: Average. Flex: Now that the Lip-Stick is a Flat Top, the board still offers a fun playful park flex [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Stay covered up on the slopes with a breathable, moisture wicking neck tube that protects your face and isn’t the same old boring black design everyone else is rocking. The Pom Pom 2 ply necktube gives you bright options that work for coverage on the slopes. Appearance: I received the Pom Pom 2-Ply in [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions. Setup: I rode the Burton Aftermath with Burton Malavita Restricted bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 155cm. First Impression: I was warned this board is aggressive and stiff for a park board but dang it’s fun! Weight: Average. Flex: For a park board, the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Diode bindings on the Burton Feelgood Flying V with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: This setup was average time to set up for the demo. Once we knew the size, it was easy to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Scribes on the Burton Nug with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: This was a pretty quick setup to get going thanks to the knowledgable demo guy. He grabbed the Nug, the Scribe bindings [...] Email To A Friend
Things are about to change in Tahoe; the sunshine has disappeared and clouds are starting to reappear on the mountains. It’s a sign that snow is coming. After the dismal conditions at Mammoth, I headed north to get in soft groomer laps at Northstar today. The decision paid off with long laps, runs through the [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Mercenary is Arnette’s ultimate goggle for style and performance technology to meet the demands on the mountain. Location: I wore the goggle at Mammoth and June in California and Park City in Utah. Conditions: Mix of sunny bluebird days to overcast cloudy days on the mountain. Color: I received the Mercenary goggles [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
After a late night with the ShreddyTimes crew, today started with a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe and a fun day of shred on the slopes. Sometimes the best cure for a late night is getting moving and turning again. Ashley and I headed back to Northstar to get in a couple midday laps together before [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions. Setup: I rode the Burton Nug with Burton Scribe bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 142cm. First Impression: As long as I don’t look down, I feel pretty good on this thing and it’s just plain fun to ride. Weight: Average. Flex: The Nug [...] Email To A Friend
With no new snow in California and the roads clear to explore, it meant heading up to Northstar for a couple days to get in riding time. I was really stoked because it meant being able to hang out with the Shreddy Times crew when we got off the mountain. I made the drive from [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Malavita Restricted bindings on the Burton Aftermath with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: This setup was average time to set up for the demo. Once we knew the size, it was easy to get [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers. Setup: I rode the Burton Escapades on the Burton Fortress with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8. Time to set up the binding: This setup took the longest time because of the demo guy not knowing how to properly. Halfway through I noticed the bindings were [...] Email To A Friend
It’s the second day of the Burton demo tour, so today meant an early start to make the most of the mountain with the early groomed conditions. The crowds have died down from the holidays so most of the day wasn’t too busy in the Chair 6 lift line. My camera battery died early in [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions. Setup: I rode the Burton Fortress with Burton Escapades bindings and Vans Ferra boots size 8. Size: 154cm. First Impression: Camber compliments the Fortress with a charging handling for the whole mountain. Weight: Lighter than average. Flex: The Fortress rode longitudinally stiffer with a slight torsional [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The sleek smaller frame of the Spy Bias meets the fashion mavens at Les Ettes for a fun signature model. The Spy + Les Ettes Bias is packed full of Spy’s features like Carl Zeiss vision and Scoop ventilation system with fresh matte accents, a signature multi-colored polka dot strap and “you stink” [...] Email To A Friend
In this day and age, boredom is when you turn to your smartphone to check out the latest updates on social media, play on Words with Friends or go for the win with Angry Birds. But for snowboarders, there’s a new game in town that lets you get your shred fix while hanging around. SummitX [...] Email To A Friend
It’s a good time of year when the Burton demo tour rolls into town. It means getting on the snow to try out a bunch of gear in three days. Today was busy in the tents as the masses came up to try out the 2012 gear and get a feel for what Burton offers.
It [...] Email To A Friend
With the lack of snow in Mammoth, it was an easy decision to visit my friend Ashley at Heavenly for two days of riding. Tahoe seems to be better off with snow coverage and snowmaking capabilities so you don’t get too much impact damage on the mountain. It’s been a couple years since I’ve visited [...] Email To A Friend
2011 was a great year for Arnette but 2012 is going to be an even better year for a lucky winner who gets to rock Arnette all season! Thanks to Arnette, we offered up a rad prize pack with sunglasses, goggles and goodies to one lucky winner! All it took was three likes by midnight [...] Email To A Friend
Two days in heaven. That’s exactly what I needed and received at Heavenly Mountain. Today was even better than yesterday, which I thought wasn’t possible since I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face yesterday. It’s amazing how good, fun people can make a day on the mountain the best.
This morning the timing worked out [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
The vibe at June Mountain has always been great. It’s a mountain that is full of good times. I finally talked the skier into joining me for a June day despite the park not being insanely huge right now. We ended up having a great day on the slopes, working on tricks in the mini [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Ease and comfort – that’s the Airbrake goggle. With the SwitchLock™ Technology you can switch out lenses quickly with the push of a lever and the goggle is packed full of comfort to eliminate pressure.
Location: I wore the goggle at Mammoth and June in California, Canyons in Utah and Keystone in Colorado.
Conditions: Majority of [...] Email To A Friend
Happy New Year!
Things don’t quite always go as planned. That was definitely true for 2011. For 2012, I’m hoping for the best and optimistic for the future. Last year I found a new passion with mountain biking and I kept writing on this amazing snowboard blog. 2012 brings the unknown but change can mean new [...] Email To A Friend
It felt really good to start 2012 on the slopes. Snowboarding makes me happy. It might not have been powder or a ton of terrain, but sometimes it can be one run doing something you love to make it matter. I hope everyone else enjoyed a good start to 2012.
This time of year means new [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Allure helmet is designed for women wanting a lightweight helmet with super plush comfort and style.
Appearance: I ended up with the Allure helmet in the black pearl colorway. It’s a shiny gloss helmet with the black color option, the inside fleece tricot liner is a grey/silver ish coloring with a super plush [...] Email To A Friend
2011 is almost over but 2012 could be a great New Year…especially if you win a ripping good time vacation from evo to Red Mountain Resort. All it takes is an entry into the evo contest and you can skip the resort experience for a thousand of acres of terrain all to yourself.
Many more famous [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mostly hardpacked conditions with some soft spots.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Coda with my Union Team and Bent Metal Mortal bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The Mountain System gave the Coda a lot more life
Weight: Average.
Flex: The Coda is built for all mountain riding so the flex [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection.
Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into the [...] Email To A Friend
Snow matters. Good snow conditions can help bring out skiers and snowboarders while bad conditions can mean finding other things to do instead of skiing/riding. I got back yesterday into town with a clear drive over Yosemite which is insane that there is no snow on that pass right now.
I knew what to expect today: [...] Email To A Friend
2011 was certainly a good year for Arnette. They came back into the spotlight, rounded up a rad team of riders to represent them and brought back their signature goggles to snowboarding. Now it’s your chance to get decked out with Arnette and rock a variety of shades from them plus keep them protected this [...] Email To A Friend
With the Yosemite highway passes open (normally snowed in) it was an easy decision to leave Mammoth Lakes for a Christmas in San Jose with my family.
I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope you get to be with your friends and family over the holidays.
Merry Christmas from Capitadog and myself! Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Bent Metal Mortal on the Arbor Coda with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Took a couple minutes to familiarize myself with the Bent Metal bindings, then it was just dialing in the bindings to [...] Email To A Friend
Just in case you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas, I wanted to make sure someone had a chance to win a rad backpack to kick off the 2012 season.The 2012 Ride Rucksac backpack was up for grabs and all it took to be entered was a comment and you were entered to win. [...] Email To A Friend
After the madness at Mammoth yesterday, I opted to take a 15 minute drive down to the highway to June Mountain. Termed “California’s best kept secret,” it really is a hidden gem of a mountain. Last season I had my best powder days at June, so deep and never tracked out so you had endless [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Bonfire Banked Fleece is essential for the mountains. The jacket is designed with a fleece lining for snowboarding (or around town) and an accented hood. It’s a great collection for layering on the mountain during the cold winter or warm spring conditions.
Fit: It was designed to be a layering piece in the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Exactly one year ago today, I was riding over three feet of snow and this year I’m riding manmade snow with really sketchy conditions. It’s pretty crazy the variety of seasons that can come to Mammoth. I’ve been out of town the last couple days to spend time with family and came back to a [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: These women’s gloves are designed to be a pipe glove for spring conditions. But I disagree, they offer a warmer fit than I think pipe gloves should be. I consider them an all around glove that could be used on cold days and warmer days.
Location: I’ve been wearing these gloves during the early [...] Email To A Friend
The good news? The mountain is open. The bad news? Holiday crowds are riding limited terrain and manmade snow conditions. Today we headed up together for laps but stuck to South Park to ride the park. It’s frustrating because I’d love to ride other stuff but there’s really nothing open other than parks and riding [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Interchangeable ease meets stylish functionality for the mountain. The I/O goggles are popular for good reason, good visibility with great functionality.
Location: I rode the goggles mostly at Mammoth during early season and Copper, Colorado for the Grand Prix.
Conditions: Since these goggles arrived for early season, I’ve ridden them on a majority of sunny [...] Email To A Friend
Christmas is a giving time of year. To celebrate the Christmas spirit, I’d like to make sure someone has a rad backpack to kick off the 2012 season and a pack they could use for anything from snowboarding to school to work.
Here’s your chance to win a 2011/12 Ride Rucksac backpack, with tons of space [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mostly hardpacked conditions with some soft spots.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Blacklist with my Union Team, Flux GU15 and GNU B-Famous bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Very fun and playful mid-wide park board without being a noodle
Weight: Average.
Flex: The Blacklist is on the softer side of the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the GNU B-Famous on the Arbor Wasteland with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Mounted the bindings up, then grabbed my boots to make sure they fit in the bindings and adjusted the straps to work with my boots. [...] Email To A Friend
In my opinion, Park City Mountain Resort has it all. You have amazing parks with tons of jumps and features built to perfection, tons of acreage for freeriders to play on and a vibe that makes you feel welcome and want to come back for more. Plus you can also get a Cobradog. It was [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth Mountain, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Flux GU15 on the Arbor Wasteland with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Pretty average time to set up the bindings. Adjusted the binding straps to fit my boots better but that didn’t take more than a couple [...] Email To A Friend
A couple weeks ago I was watching Copper put the finishing touch on their always perfect Superpipe and now I”m seeing the best riders in the world completely dominant it. Today was the Grand Prix Superpipe Finals at Copper Mountain in Colorado. The best pipe riders throwing down for their chance at winning cash, getting [...] Email To A Friend
It feels great to be back in Colorado. It’s well worth the drive from California for a ton of events going on, seeing friends and better conditions. Today we headed to Keystone to get in some early morning laps before the Grand Prix at Copper in the afternoon. The snow conditions had good coverage, parks [...] Email To A Friend
Utah snowboarders already get some amazing snow, great local shops and now a rad collaboration that represents the Utah snowboard scene. For those whose heart, soul and snowboard are inspired by the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in Utah, can now own a limited edition Crowbar goggle collaboration from Oakley and Milosport designed by Jared [...] Email To A Friend
A detour can lead to many great things. Today’s detour included a morning stop at the Canyons Resort in Utah to get our fix of skiing and snowboarding. The best part of today was the resort to ourselves, soft snow groomers and fun turns with friends. We woke up in Park City and headed to [...] Email To A Friend
Colorado has played a pivotal role in snowboarding. There is so much history of snowboard production, riding and resorts in this area that it was only a matter of time before it was collected and shown to the masses. Thanks to Trent Bush, David Allen and Kurt Olesek there is finally a place in the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection.
Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into the [...] Email To A Friend
You know sometimes when life gives you lemons, you just make lemonade and rally through to something better. That’s what is currently going on with myself so rather than sit around and do nothing, I’m making the most of my current situation and heading out to Colorado for the Copper Grand Prix. It’s the first [...] Email To A Friend
“The Wonk is Zion’s all mountain jibbing board. It’s built tough despite the softer flexing jibber attitude it’s designed for. This is a great option for those wanting a all mountain freestyle board that isn’t overpriced. It’s quality built and it shows in how it handles.” Last month I reviewed the Zion Wonk snowboard and [...] Email To A Friend
Wondering what to get the special skier or snowboarder for the holidays? Look no further, here are 10 gift ideas that won’t break your bank account and they’ll be stoked to use on the mountain. From the ease of comfortable socks, to keeping goggles protected to rocking a new hat, here’s a couple options for [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Coal V-Neck Gator is a two sided micro tech fleece designed to be lightweight and bandana style for the mountain.
Appearance: I received the V-Neck Gator in the purple colorway which is entirely purple with the coal branding all over. I like the bright color but there are other options that aren’t as [...] Email To A Friend
What do women want when it comes to snowboard outerwear? All the ladies had a chance to give their input on Solstice Supply’s fanpage to be entered to win a box of Lifetime Collective Gear. Tons of women put in their favorite brands and reasons why they rock them. But now it’s time to announce [...] Email To A Friend
I had spent Thanksgiving in Mammoth but an invite to Tahoe for the weekend was hard to turn down. We headed up on Friday night after a day of rest to visit the Tahoe family house and hang out with my brother’s extended family. Thanks to Jon at Boreal we were all able to spend [...] Email To A Friend
What a day. Today made my Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe it was the lack of crowds, the good conditions, the sunshine or maybe it was all those combined with good people. Ever since visiting Northstar last weekend, it just keeps getting better and better. Today we woke up early, left a sleeping house in North Tahoe and [...] Email To A Friend
After a weekend of stuffing your face full of food, it’s time for a giveaway! The crew from Solstice Supply want to hear what the ladies think for this contest. Here’s your chance to win a whole box of Lifetime Collective Gear goodies from Solstice Supply so you can be decked out this winter! This [...] Email To A Friend
My first taste of the backcountry was years ago when a friend took me out on a borrowed splitboard and backcountry gear to “earn my turns.” It was tough with lots of sweat but it was also a blast and it felt amazing to ride terrain I hadn’t dreamed of. Since then I’ve slowly been [...] Email To A Friend
It was hard to believe it is almost December on the mountain, the conditions are like spring and the warm weather was out in full blast. Luckily the winds helped cool you down but it was definitely a hoodie kind of riding day on the slopes. I headed out for a ride break with the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA + Boreal, CA + Northstar, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked snow.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Poparazzi with Union Atlas Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: Camber isn’t dead – it feels too good to get back on it.
Weight: Average
Flex: On the softer side longitudinally with some stiffer flex [...] Email To A Friend
In my opinion, a good park chair offers up the best views, quickest laps and good people. Chair 6 at Mammoth definitely offers up all three of that list. I hit Chair 6 to get my park fix today, a little disgruntled at the lack of snow so the rest of the mountain can open [...] Email To A Friend
In October I upgraded to a new phone and started using apps to make my mountain experience better. One of those apps was AlpineReplay, a free app designed to track the mountain experience on any mountain that delivers your riding stats from vertical feet, to mph, to calories burned. AlpineReplay works on any iPhone or [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Last year I believe it was almost January before the pipe was completed. This year it’s November and the Mammoth 22′ pipe opened today, a whole month before last season. It helped make the mountain look a little bit more like winter but we still need more snow to make for a total winter experience. I [...] Email To A Friend
When you work for a ski resort, you get used to working holidays and never enjoying the day off. This year, I was expecting to spend Thanksgiving with family so I asked for the time off but I ended up staying in Mammoth instead for my days off. I wasn’t sure about riding on Thanksgiving [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Feel your music while blocking out the rest of the world. Good for the mountain or whatever else you need them for. The Neo ear buds have a built in microphone so you can use them for phone calls.
Sound: Pretty clear sound but I’m no sound expert. They work, they play my songs [...] Email To A Friend
On Thursday, the winds were starting to pick up on the slopes just in time for a lunch ride break with friends. I texted around to see who was coming up and got the girls together for a couple laps. There was a brief detour of snowboarding since Liz and I got stuck on Chair [...] Email To A Friend
One of my goals this season has been to explore and ride a variety of other mountains in California. Tahoe received new snow yesterday just in time for Northstar’s Opening Weekend so we packed up the car and headed to Tahoe last night so we could get first tracks this morning. The best part was [...] Email To A Friend
Typically I wear one set of outerwear each year but this season, I’m able to try out multiple brands on the slopes. After meeting with Oakley at SIA last season, I got in touch with them to see about goggles and ended up with a whole kit from head to toe for the season. I [...] Email To A Friend
Only a couple days till Thanksgiving and it’s starting to pick up around town and the mountain already. My Monday morning started with bluebird skies and leftover powder from the weekend. By the time I made it onto the slopes to meet up with friends, the winds had picked up and more terrain had opened [...] Email To A Friend
One of the most important components to a good day on the mountain is what protects and cushions your feet. Determined by fit, a suitable snowboard boots gives you an amazing day on the mountain without knowing it. Of course quality and durability go hand in hand with the decision process. Since I won’t review [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
As I made my way up to Northern California to visit family, a stop at Boreal was the most logical choice for a detour. They opened in October for the season but I missed opening weekend since I was in San Francisco. Today it was an easy stop off the highway for a couple park [...] Email To A Friend
Since becoming an iPhone owner, I’ve loved being able to capture daily moments and post them up on Instagram. It’s becoming addicting and allows me to share my life in new ways. I’ve also been sharing them more frequently on Twitter and Facebook but the majority are still posted to Instagram.
If you have an instagram account, [...] Email To A Friend
Getting to the ISPO Tradeshow is a pretty big deal for small brands and each year, the ISPO does a brand new award for the hottest brands in the industry. This year a couple familiar faces are in the running and need your vote to make sure they have a chance to show at ISPO [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The carry-on roller matches its name. It’s built for traveling by plane, easy to carry on and quick to roll through the airport with. It’s compact and lightweight with enough room for your travel needs. It comes in women’s designs and men’s designs so you don’t have to sport the basic black carry-on [...] Email To A Friend
Usually I know exactly what outerwear I want the second I see it at the SIA Tradeshow but 686 was hard to choose from this year. They really do a good job of making designs for every style of rider. But there were so many options to consider: going bright, going snaggletooth or just going [...] Email To A Friend
We opened last Thursday for the season but I was gone for an extended weekend so didn’t get to ride Mammoth till today. Conditions were hardpacked still early season snow with bluebird skies. There weren’t too many people on the slopes so each run you pretty much went right up to the gates. I headed [...] Email To A Friend
When I think of Danny Toumarkine, I think of his laugh, his smile and seeing him snowboarding in the summer. He’s an awesome person to be around and I was lucky to spend the summer at Windells Camp watching him kill it on the mountain. Last winter Danny suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) during [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA and Boreal, CA
Snow Conditions: Mostly hardpacked conditions with some soft spots.
Setup: I rode the Zion Wonk with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: The Wonk’s full of fun without paying a ton.
Weight: Average.
Flex: The Wonk is built for all mountain jibbing so it’s on the softer [...] Email To A Friend
You know it’s a good day when the season finally kicks off at your home mountain. It means first turns, powder turns and tons of fun ahead. I was really forward to today, it was finally my mountain that was opening up for the season. After the last snowfall and snowmaking, there was more than [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection.
Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into the [...] Email To A Friend
A couple years ago, I would have chosen snowboarding over my family. I was younger and needed the freedom to be away, make my own decisions and follow my own path. As I’ve grown older and experienced the freedom, it has pushed me closer to my family and was part of the reason I was [...] Email To A Friend
When you live in the mountains, dealing with snow becomes everyday life. Often before the plows or shovels come out, you are wading around in deep snow to get to your vehicle, to get to work and to get around town. When I first moved to the mountains years ago, I bought a pair of [...] Email To A Friend
100 days is the true test of wear and tear on snowboard gear. It determines whether a company builds gear for the 100 day rider or builds gear for the average snowday rider. Over the past couple years, only a couple products have made the 100 day test. After 100 days, they get the perspectives [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Bolle Simmer is designed to fit small to medium face in a compact design with distortion free vision.
Location: I rode these goggles in the early season at Mammoth Mountain.
Conditions: The early season conditions were a lot of stormy days with overcast skies, crappy flatlight and a couple rare bluebird moments.
Color: I received [...] Email To A Friend
Rather than have people blend in on the mountain, it was time to reward creativity and standing out. That’s where the Adidas Style Your Own goggles came into play. It’s a goggle you could design and transform to your own creativity.
For this week’s contest, all it took was a comment to describe what you would [...] Email To A Friend
After being jealous of the early season in Colorado the past couple weeks, it’s finally time for Mammoth to open for the 2011/12 season. Opening Day is this Thursday, November 10. It’s my second season here in California so definitely looking forward to the slopes opening nearby and being able to ride around the state [...] Email To A Friend
Whether it’s your first time in the backcountry or you just need a pack to carry your gear around; having a snowboard specific backpack makes all the difference.
K2 Snowboards offered up the 11-12 K2 Sentinel backpack for a giveaway, so I asked you guys why you needed it. The comments were a good mix of [...] Email To A Friend
It can be easy to blend in on the mountain but how about standing out and creating your own style? Adidas Goggles makes it easy with their ID2 Style Your Own goggles, designed for those wanting a bit more creative when it comes to their eyewear.
Here’s your chance to win the Adidas Style Your Own [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Airhole designs their masks with a signature airhole design at the mouth so you can inhale/exhale easily, drink water through it and shred all day with good breathability.
Appearance: I received the Tie Up Mask with the gigantic logo print but with a mix of blue/purple/pinkish stripes. Some of the other masks are crazy [...] Email To A Friend
For many of us, our local mountains haven’t opened and we haven’t quite leaped into the full blown winter season yet. But it’s coming and it’ll be before you know it. If you were like me this year, you probably stored your gear away without thinking twice about it. But it’s time to bring your [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Speck x Burton Fitted iPhone case is a collaboration between Speck and Burton that delivers the protective quality of Speck and the visually stimulating patterns from Burton. It makes your iPhone look better with a better feel to it.
Fit: This is a two piece hard shell design that snaps and locks [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection.
Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into the [...] Email To A Friend
It all started in Seattle and from there it took off. The Downtown Throwdown has been about urban jibbing from the beginning, bringing the snow to people in the cities who might have ever seen anything like it. Over the past couple years Snowboy Productions has grown the contest into the big event it is [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Remind insoles offer the cush version meant for those hard days on the mountain and keeping your feet comfortable on the slopes, in the air and on the landings when you want more cushion for you feet.
Appearance: There are definitely other options that I love the designs more but the blue cush [...] Email To A Friend
Time flies when you are having fun! That’s certainly the case considering this winter will be my 18th season snowboarding (crazy huh!). Each year I try to progress my snowboarding, share the journey and have fun doing it. This year I’m looking forward to another winter in California, riding new mountains and progress my own [...] Email To A Friend
The streets of San Francisco are getting a touch of snowboarding this weekend. Snowboy Productions is bringing the Downtown Throwdown to San Francisco this weekend, Saturday October 29 for four hours of the best of urban shredding. For the past five years, the Downtown Throwdown has grown from a small local contest to one of [...] Email To A Friend
100 days can seem like a lot or a little depending on how many days you ride each season. Over the past couple years, only a couple products have endured the 100 day mark. After 100 days they get the perspectives post to identify how they look after so many days, how durable they are [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to snowboarding on the mountain, sometimes all your stuff can’t fit in your pockets and you need the extra space of a backpack. It keeps everything in one place and allows you to bring the essentials especially when traveling in the backcountry. If you’ve been thinking about playing in the backcountry or [...] Email To A Friend
This year’s biggest film is about to land in Massachuesetts which meant it was the perfect timing to give away tickets to see it! I received five pairs of tickets to the Art of Flight premiere in Boston for Thursday night and gave people two chances to be winners. Three pairs of tickets were set [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, cookies are probably the last thing to be considered alongside our favorite outdoor activity. But in Mammoth Lakes, CA cookies are being served up near the slopes in an assortment of flavors with a variety of healthy options. It was only last month that Mimi’s Cookie Bar went [...] Email To A Friend
Everyday I open myself up as a snowboarder to the world but I still remain closed off on the interior of who I am. I’ve been meaning to share my story for years but still never have. Maybe it was feeling ashamed, scared or just trying to let time heal wounds…who knows. It’s October, [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection.
Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday into the [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: This knitted neckwarmer is built for the rugged cold of the mountains. It’s best for the chilly negative temp days because the material in thick but breathable.
Appearance: I received the Frena in the turquoise color choice which happens to be my favorite option. The rest of the color choices are bright colors that [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of slushy snow to leftover soft snow to hardpacked conditions.
Setup: I rode the Venture Storm splitboard with Spark R&D Blaze bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: A good trek on the way up, even better on the way down the mountain.
Weight: Average
Ease of Use: Setting up the [...] Email To A Friend
Each year, the goal is the same. To ride, review and describe how a snowboard rides to the average snowboarder. These aren’t boards put through Alaska powder riding or 80 foot jumps, these are boards ridden at resorts in varying conditions and reviewed by the same standards each time. Each season I hit the slopes [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Designed to keep your neck ultra warm and protected on the slopes. Meant for unpleasant weather conditions and those cold days on the slopes.
Appearance: I received the Markovich 2 artwork necktube, it’s pretty rad to check out the art up close and rock something that’s totally different than the standard colors/prints. It’s original [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked icy conditions to soft packed slushy conditions.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Premier F1 with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 159cm.
First Impression: The Premier has always been that board for freeriders to the core.
Weight: Average.
Flex: The Premier F1 is on the stiffer side [...] Email To A Friend
There’s no doubt that Art of Flight is one of those films that’s meant for the big screen. The scenery, the riding and the sound effects are much bigger than your laptop or home tv can really showcase. For those on the east coast, Art of Flight will be premiering in Massachusetts next week and [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: These women’s mittens are part of the Swany Toaster Collection that help generate heat to keep your hands warm. They have the warmth of a mitt with the flexibility of a glove.
Location: I wore these throughout most of the winter at Mammoth and June Mountain.
Conditions: I used these mittens on powder days and [...] Email To A Friend
Within minutes, a snowboard film can be downloaded and watched. Instead of the anticipation of waiting weeks for your local shop to get the much requested video; you can now bypass them and get every video that’s released that year without thinking twice.
But you should think twice. Think about the film crew that worked hard [...] Email To A Friend
Over the past 10 years, evo has gone from online shop to brick ‘n mortar to becoming more than just a snowboard shop. Over the years evo has hosted many ski/snowboard film premieres, art exhibits in the gallery and many other fun events. When I lived in Seattle, evo was my local shop and it’s [...] Email To A Friend
The first snow has fallen, resorts around the US are opening up and all the 2011/12 gear will be hitting the slopes soon! Each year before the season begins, I get to test and try out different bindings to review. Eventually this list will be expanded but here’s the collection of bindings I was able [...] Email To A Friend
Yesterday the mountain received a fresh dusting of white and kept up cold temperatures for most of the day. Today I woke up to a blanket of white and headed outside to walk the dog in a snowy wonderland. It’s pretty amazing to think that less than 3 months ago we were open for riding [...] Email To A Friend
It’s a great feeling to know that winter is almost here! A fresh blanket of snow was seen on the mountain yesterday that helped brighten my day and made me realize I need to hear your input on reviews for this upcoming season! I want to hear from you what boards/bindings to ride and review [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The DC Amo Jacket is an insulated snowboard jacket with 5k/5k and critically taped seams. It’s a great option for drier snowboard climates while still protecting you from wind and snow conditions.
Fit: The DC Amo comes in standard fit which I thought still offered a baggy loose fitting fit to the jacket. It [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked morning snow to softpacked slushy afternoon snow.
Setup: I rode the YES Big City with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: Don’t let the graphics or name fool you. This board is not meant for city riders, it’s an aggressive mountain board.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Big City [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your feet comfortable on the mountain, footbeds are the most important accessory to your snowboard boots. Sure you put them in your boots all winter and forget about them but they make your winter last longer with better foot protection.
Every couple weeks I’ll be throwing a Footbed Friday [...] Email To A Friend
Atomic Snowboards feature a product line focused on the ride from backcountry to freestyle snowboards. The boards are built in Altenmarkt with a focus on being environmentally friendly to help protect the playground we love to play in. The environmental efforts feature the Renu board construction on the Poacher Renu and Alibi. [...] Email To A Friend
Having a snowboard board bag is a necessity when it comes to traveling with your snowboard gear for a quick weekend getaway or an around the world trip.
To stoke someone up for their most exciting travel plans this winter, Ride Snowboards offered up the 11-12 battery board bag for a giveaway. To enter, you just [...] Email To A Friend
No companies are exempt from issues whether it’s during manufacturing, business deals and just plan things not working out the way you wanted them to. The past couple months, there’s been a lot of unknown and silence from Omatic Snowboards. No sneak peaks into their upcoming line or news from the brand, but now you [...] Email To A Friend
For as long as I can remember, snowboarding has been my main passion. I’ve made my dreams come true with year round riding and never thinking twice about it. I figured since I was so passionate about snowboarding, I’d probably wouldn’t find another sport that would make me feel the same way. In reality, I [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Roxy Isis offers a wide panoramic visibility for women in a quality goggle.
Location: I rode these goggles from March to July at Mammoth and June Mountain.
Conditions: These goggle lenses are meant for sunny days and that’s what I rode for the majority of days. Always bright sunny days with few clouds in [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to traveling with your snowboard gear for a quick weekend getaway or an around the world trip, having a snowboard board bag is necessary. It keeps everything in one place, lets you fly around the world at a moment’s notice and makes traveling a whole lot easier. If you’ve been thinking about [...] Email To A Friend
Long before this blog, I wondered about the people behind the snowboard brands, companies and ideas. Those questions turned out to become the Industry Profile series. For the past three summers, countless companies, jobs and people from all different backgrounds have told their stories in these interviews.
The 2011 Industry Profiles composed of 33 individuals, [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Owner in training.
Employer: Self and AXIS Media.
Years on snow: 22.
Days on snow: Not enough.
Currently Riding: Whatever’s free.
Currently I am: Watching cartoons.
Shay: Who was your first kiss?
Mike: Joy Bernice Parrish. Next door neighbor when I was a kid. She’s moved on…
Shay: Have you ever worn a thong?
Basher: No, but my wife bought me [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Each year the snowboard magazines decide their top snowboard choices by designing boards tests built around various methodologies. Snowboard Magazine has their Platinum Pick describes as the “best of the best. Here you find out our choices for best jib boards, best powder boards and just plain best things…”
Despite discussing methodology in previous Platinum [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Video Producer / Designer
Employer: Self / Workhorse Collective
Years on snow: 15
Days on snow: Not enough…
Currently Riding: Gnu Pickle 156
Currently I am: Back in MN planning out the next step.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Tyler: I was born and raised in Mississippi River valley of Winona, MN, where [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Sparks Blaze bindings on the Venture Storm splitboard with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: I set up the Sparks R&D Blaze bindings with the stainless steel pins for the voile touring brackets on the Venture [...] Email To A Friend
Imagine pre-1995 clubs, old school outfits and lots of adult beverages mixed in with nine holes of golf at Sierra Star Golf Course in Mammoth Lakes, CA. That was the 2nd Annual Golf Tournament today. Mammoth Snowboard Team coach Ben Wisner and Mammoth Sponsorship Manager Rob Hewett started the golf tournament last year and kept [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked icy conditions to soft packed slushy conditions.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Raptor with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 159cm.
First Impression: The Raptor tears alive the mountain…one carve at a time.
Weight: Lighter than average.
Flex: The Never Summer Raptor is designed to be carved, it’s [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Barista, Competitive Snowboarder
Employer: Right now I work at Cool River Coffee House in Breckenridge.
Years on snow: Since the new millenium. I think.
Days on snow: Over 100 days.
Currently Riding: 147 Bataleon Distortia, Flux Titans
Currently I am: Waiting for A-Basin to open! Then Keystone, then Copper, then Breck. Come on snow!
Shay: Tell us a little [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Creative Director
Employer: YoBeat.com
Years on snow: If you count old skateboard decks, 25 or so.
Days on snow: 20 maybe? I’m not sure.
Currently Riding: K2 Raygun w/ Union Bindings. Graphically the Raygun was my favorite board at SIA, because RayGun magazine which inspired it, is what got me into design. I’m stoked to have one. [...] Email To A Friend
In the grand scheme of snowboard tests, the Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood test is the longest running and the most well known test that defines a list of boards to consider each season. I’ve tagged along with the Good Wood Test a couple times to see how they test each snowboard and got to see [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Testing Program Coordinator
Employer: Boa Technology Inc.
Years on snow: 18 years
Days on snow: 70 per season / prior to BOA over 100.
Currently Riding: Salomon and Bonfire products
Currently I am: a single speed mountain biking fool
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Rob: I grew up in New Jersey then lived in [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Today is the day for your chance to win the 11-12 Arbor Formula Snowboard Snowboard! I’m currently in Los Angeles, CA and at noon, I’ll be putting out clues on twitter that you’ll have to use to track me down! I will be checking @shayboarder replies if you have any questions during the [...] Email To A Friend
Of all the contests I’ve done on Shayboarder.com, the twitter giveaways have been a great way to get people in various cities to win a snowboard. Today was the 5th twitter givewaway from shayboarder.com, which took place in Los Angeles proper. I started posting clues at 12pm on twitter that would help people find my [...] Email To A Friend
Last week was a pretty big week for snowboarding, the Red Bull Media House and the Art of Flight. The film premiered in NYC on Wednesday, hit the #1 sports download on itunes soon after and is still in the top 10 for movies on itunes. You could say that the Art of Flight has [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Professional Snowboarder/Dragon Ambassador/Creative Director for 2 of Mammoth’s Snowboarding videos/Writer
Employer: Artec Snowboards, Billabong, Dragon, Mammoth, Val Surf, 32, Etnies, HDX, Purl, Coal, Grenade,
Years on snow: 13
Days on snow: 150ish
Currently Riding: At Mammoth on a Gabe Taylor 151 and sometimes 155
Currently I am: Golfing and riding my bicycle. Looking forward to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow NXT-AT bindings on the Flow Era with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: I set up the NXT-AT bindings at work right before I went out riding. It was actually the quickest I’ve adjusted them [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Rucksac backpack is Ride’s metro pack designed to fit everything you need in one pack. It features lot of pocket and organization space which makes it perfect for traveling with lot of items.
Size: The Rucksac backpack is 20L which is a decent size. I like the separate zones for gear, I [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been a long time coming! After living in California for almost a year, it’s time for a So-Cal snowboard giveaway! I’ll be making my way down to Los Angeles and have some time to leisurely stroll around with a 11-12 Arbor Formula that is yours to keep if you find me first! This is [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The RED Hi-Fi comes with a customizable women’s fit in a low profile lightweight helmet designed to protect your head on the mountain.
Appearance: I ended up with the Hi-Fi helmet in the Haze colorway which looks like a cream color choice. There’s some pink on the earflap strap and a small mix of [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been a long time coming! After living in California for almost a year, it’s time for a So-Cal snowboard giveaway! I’ll be making my way down to Los Angeles and have some time to leisurely stroll around with a 11-12 Arbor Formula that is yours to keep if you find me first! This is [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Technine TM/Designer and Film maker
Employer: Brandbase/MFM
Years on snow: 23 ish
Days on snow: Not what they used to be, unless standing there filming counts.
Currently Riding: Technine Re Enforcer/ Elements bindings/Magoon Jacket and pant/JSLV/Electric/Skullcandy
Currently I am: Working on the last of some T9 designs and editing our 11th movie, Familia 2!
Shay: Tell us a little [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to deciding the top boards of the season, each magazine defines their own lists and how they collect the results. For Snowboarder Magazine, it means talking to the industry and shop employees to find out their favorites from the industry on-snow demos. These on-snow demos were hosted at a mix of mountains [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Snowboard Instructor/Coach/Guide
Employer: Steamboat Guides and Steamboat Resort
Years on snow: 21
Days on snow: Ever? More than 2,000. Close to 150 last year.
Currently Riding:
For 2012
Riding/Teaching: 155 Burton Process Flying V
Jib Park: 155 Burton Hero
Pow: 157 Burton Sherlock
Bindings: Burton Malavita EST
Boots: Burton Ion
When I’m not in my instructor uniform, 686 Outerwear.
Shay: Tell us a little [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the [...] Email To A Friend
Today I read a quote from Terry Kidwell that said, “I never started snowboarding to make money. It was always about having fun, riding with friends…and the same stands today.” That quote made me think alot about snowboarding, myself and this blog. When I started this blog on August 20 four years ago, it was [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Anon Solace goggles features comfort and style in a small frame for women.
Location: I rode these goggles during day two of the SIA on-snow at Winter Park, CO.
Conditions: The conditions were brutal for temperatures. My own Smith goggles had frozen up from moisture on the lens so I borrowed the Solace’s and [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Associate Photo Editor
Employer: Snowboarder Magazine
Years on snow: 19 years
Days on snow: 150 a year
Currently Riding: Dinosaurs Will Die 158 Genovese
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Mike: I was born and raised up in Alaska, and decided to move south when I graduated from High School. I lived in Seattle for a bit, [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Apparel Designer/Product Art Manager
Employer: Armada
Years on snow: Pretty much my whole life. Skiing first, and then snowboarding since highschool.
Days on snow: 75ish? The number doesn’t really matter because it’s never enough!
Currently Riding: Burton Feelgood 153. Armada TSTw
Currently I am: In the office making prototype revisions… or rather avoiding proto revisions by doing this [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow Drifter with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 159cm.
First Impression: This is not the same board I rode at the SIA on-snow – which is a great thing!
Weight: average
Flex: Right in the middle of the board flex [...] Email To A Friend
Hundreds of snowboard products have been reviewed on Shayboarder.com but how do you give recognition to those that stand out from the rest of the pack? It was easy, I listened to your input on the recent survey for improvements and worked to create a way to showcase the gear that rank highest in [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Women’s glove designed for cold weather days and guaranteed to keep you dry with Gore-Tex.
Location: I wore these gloves at the SIA On-Snow in Winter Park and throughout most of the winter at Mammoth and June Mountain.
Conditions: I used these gloves in very cold temperature days (-20 in Winter Park) and anytime it [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Terrain Park Manager
Employer: June Mountain
Years on snow: 18 years
Days on snow: 5-7 days a week
Currently Riding: 156 Signal Omni
Currently I am: Basking in the summer sun, thinking about winter.
Photo: Gabe Taylor
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Sam: Well…I grew up skiing and snowboarding in Pennsylvania. By the time I was [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Sick since ‘96, that’s the motto Flow stands by when it comes to building their snowboards. They design products that allow you to just go out, ride and forget about your gear.
For 11-12, Flow expands the Whiskey technology using basalt, revolutionary carbon designs and forever perfecting the art of shaping a board for the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
When Mammoth closed on July 4, I wasn’t sure if It’d snowboard again this summer but today the opportunity arose when my friend Daniel talked me into a shred sesh. We headed up to a snow patch we heard about and found that we could have a blast creating our own features. I definitely miss [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow Infinite with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 159cm.
First Impression: Solid freeride board – just wish it wasn’t spring conditions to ride this board.
Weight: average
Flex: Longitudinally the Infinite felt stiffer with a more forgiving torsional flex [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to building snowboards, Head is about people, innovative and high quality products. The passion from riding meets technology so that a product rides better. For technologies, Head uses a chip placed close to the front of the board that absorbs vibrations and within five-thousandths of a second stiffens the board [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Content Director – BNQT Media Group
Employer: USA Today
Years on snow: Learned to ski at 3. Been on a snowboard 19 years.
Days on snow: Lost count – average 20-30 days a season since moving to So Cal from Vermont five years ago.
Currently Riding: Less than I used to, but more than most of my [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Owner / Ink Monstr Custom Graphics
Employer: Ink Monstr
Years on snow: 20
Days on snow: Up until last yr I was getting 200+ a yr (now I’m a workin stiff)
Currently Riding: Lib Tech Board, Ride Bindings, Vans Boots, Smith Goggs, POW Gloves
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Reed: I’m [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Designed for smaller faces, the Smith I/OS is based off of the popular I/O model and features an easy interchangeable design so you can switch out lenses easily.
Location: I rode these goggles most of the winter at Mammoth Mountain with some days at June Mountain and Sugarbowl.
Conditions: Since these goggles came with two [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the [...] Email To A Friend
Since 2001, Monument has delivered the visual impact of art with high performance technical features into their snowboards. The 2011-2012 snowboard collection continues with a diverse collection of artwork from artists and continues to build on their snowboard performance.
The 11-12 collection marks Monuments fifth year using renewable resources like bamboo in the cores and on [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Messiah Backpack is designed to carry everything, go anywhere and pack everything kind of bag. It’s simplistic in design, functional without too many bells and whistles.
Size: The Messiah backpack is 23L which makes it a good enough size for packing what you need. I’ve used the pack to carry my spring [...] Email To A Friend
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Burton continues to be a leading force in the snowboard industry with their offering of snowboards built around every rider in mind; for backcountry, park, pipe, freeriders or just beginning snowboarders. The 2012 collection also marks the return of Jake Burton running the show.
For board bends, Burton offers two types of rocker EZ V and [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: VP Marketing and Creative
Employer: Mervin MFG
Years on snow: Started on skis when I was 5
Days on snow: Never quite enough
Currently Riding: Gnu Park Pickle
Currently I am: Still getting better
Photo: Tim Zimmerman
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Pete: I like long walks on the beach, cobblestones back up to the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech T.Rice with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: Pop, check. Stability, check. Charging, check. Ride a little more like Trice in your head? Sure.
Weight: Tad heavier than average
Flex: I was expecting a stiffer ride [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Owner, baker
Employer: Mimi’s Cookie Bar
Years on snow: 13
Days on snow: I can’t even try to count those
Currently Riding: A Burton Lipstick 141, courtesy of Gabi Viteri. A Roxy Torah Bright 149 for pow and I was just given a DC board that I’m stoked to try out for this coming winter, [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Production Artist
Employer: GoPro
Years on snow: 10
Days on snow: 100/yr
Currently Riding: …skis? 4FRNTs of all types!
Currently I am: In the office, editing GoPro commercials
Photo: Brad Schmidt
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Abe: I’m 24 years old, grew up near Portland, Oregon skiing Hood through high school. Always had [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Pilchuck backpack keeps it short and sweet and is designed for short hikes or sidecountry adventures. It is ready for backcountry and comes with a aluminum probe and rescue shovel. All you need is your beacon.
Size: The Pilchuck kit is 11L, definitely a smaller backpack for only the essentials. When I [...] Email To A Friend
Oakley continues to set the stage for goggle designs and signature series. Riders can take their pick from the classic A-Frame series, to the women’s stockholms to the popular Crowbars. Their pro riders have their signature touch on everything from goggles to outerwear to softgoods in the collection.
It’s remarkable to see the variety of riders [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softpacked slush.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Draft with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Ideal for spring park laps.
Weight: Average
Flex: Definitely the softest men’s board in the Arbor line, it’s overall a soft jib board. The nose and tail are softer making for [...] Email To A Friend
The growth of backcountry riders is apparent in snowsports but there’s also a need for an affordable option (other than snowshoes) to get you up the mountains and that’s where MTN Approach comes in. In January, they debuted at SIA and introduced a ski device that allows skiers/snowboarders to get up the mountain without paying [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow Verve with my Union Team and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Freestyle fun – that’s the Verve snowboard
Weight: average
Flex: The Verve has a softer freestyle flex to it. Torsionally it’s not as soft but that helps give it more [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked icy conditions to soft packed slushy conditions.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Infinity with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Continues to be the women’s SL – ride anything board
Weight: average.
Flex: The Never Summer Infinity is NS’s all mountain freestyle board for [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Owner, Manager, Buyer, Marketing Director, Sales Director, Snowboarder
Employer: Shred Soles Performance Snowboard Boot Insoles & Pitcrew Skateboards and Snowboards
Years on snow: 22
Days on snow: I don’t count… Many but, never enough. Lots of the guys at the shop have started logging hours instead of days. It’s kinda like a joke because [...] Email To A Friend
“It’s not seeing different things, it’s seeing the same things differently” – that simple thought helped define Spy Optics. In 1994, a group of action sports and motorsports enthusiasts wanted to make sunglasses better and Spy Optics was born to fulfill that demand. Now you can live through their lens to fulfill your passion whether [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: General Manager & President
Employer: Northern Escape Heli-Skiing
Years on snow: 40 years
Days on snow: 120 days/year
Currently Riding: Prior Overlords (sorry, I’m a skier…)
Currently I am: Getting ready for winter once again
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
John: I started skiing and climbing when I was quite young and [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Founder/Designer of Akinz
Employer: myself — Akinz
Years on snow: 4 (5 if you count the 3 snowboard trips the year before I moved to CO)
Days on snow: Somewhere between 40 and 100, depending on how busy I am that season.
Currently Riding: Capita Space Metal Fantasy
Currently I am: Printing bike t-shirts [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers to powder.
Setup: I rode the Endeavor BOD with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression:
Weight: Average
Flex: Noticeably stiffer than the previous Endeavor boards I rode (Color and Boyfriend) and more aggressive than them. The B.O.D was stiffer longitudinally with a [...] Email To A Friend
What a winter! My California winter began in October and it ended in July with 126 days on the mountain. It was an amazing season in Mammoth – record-breaking to be exact. In December when I was clearing out up to 3 feet of snow for 3 days in a row, I started to realize [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1966, Vans has stood for authenticity in lifestyle, music and action sports through their footwear. Over the years, the brand has gone through different owners and is now owned by VF Corp. Under the umbrella lies Pro-Tec which was founded in 1973 and is the original action sports protective gear brand. The same [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: California Rome Rep
Employer: Rome Snowboard Design Syndicate
Years on snow: 28 Years
Days on snow: 2000+
Currently Riding: Mod Rocker 156 with Mob Bindings
Currently I am: Feeding my 4-month-old daughter Zoe!
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
John: I’m into long walks in the village and coffee by the ice skating rink, I enjoy [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to ice chunks to slushfests.
Setup: I rode the Stepchild Simon Chamberlain with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: The Simon Chamberlain steps it up with changes and it’s a damn fine ride.
Weight: Average
Flex: Softer flex torsionally between the bindings with a stiffer [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Co-Owner of Milosport
Employer: Other owners are Todd Mitchell, Calvin Egbert, George Egbert and George Johnston
Years on snow: 26 years on snow
Days of snow: 80-100 days a year (avg 90?)
Currently riding: 09/10 Capita Black Death Inc 156cm, 09/10 DC Devun Walsh 158cm, 10/11 Capita Charlie Slasher 158cm
Currently I am: Staring at [...] Email To A Friend
Burton has it all when it comes to outerwear. There are collections for both men and women as well as the standard Burton’s outerwear for both. For the charging core rider, the AK series dominates with Gore-Tex and their lifetime warranty. The White Collection offers White’s signature style through outerwear options. The Restricted collection for [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Founder
Employer: evo
Years on snow: about 20
Days on snow: 50-70 depending on the year
Currently Riding: K2 Pontoons (yes, two snowboards)
Currently I am: Looking out at the Olympics getting some work done on a Sunday evening
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Bryce: I started evo just about 10 years ago out of [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow Era with my Union Team and Flow NXT-AT bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Easy does it, that’s the Era just relax and enjoy the ride
Weight: average
Flex: I felt that the Era was a softer flexing park [...] Email To A Friend
Red Bull needs no introduction; the energy drink company makes the most popular energy drink in the world with 4 billion cans sold each year, their name and logo is recognizable and they are one of the biggest non-endemic companies to promote action sports. Their promotion of a fun and active lifestyle is linked harmoniously [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Lead Hand Crew/Head Digger
Employer: Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Years on snow: 8
Days on snow: 100+ every year
Currently Riding: Rome Artifact Rocker 150
Currently I am: Keeping it real
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Jordan: I grew up in Virginia, but moved to Pittsburgh, PA when I was 12. My dad [...] Email To A Friend
Just beyond the shadows of Mt Hood, lies TREW Outerwear in Hood River, Oregon where they create outerwear for the true riders. The collection focuses on a high demand of performance, function and style to the dedicated riders who need functional and highly durable gear. All of the pieces offer a 20,000 waterproofing and breathability [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA + June, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.
Setup: I rode the Endeavor Boyfriend with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 148cm.
First Impression: I could love this thing like a boyfriend on the mountain – it rips and doesn’t talk back.
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: The Boyfriend was longitudinally more stable [...] Email To A Friend
It didn’t feel like the last day of the season but today was the last day of operations at Mammoth Mountain. Daily till July 4 and we stuck with it. The mountain ended with incredible conditions, top to bottom snowboarding and tons of people on the mountain. Like any holiday for a ski resort, I [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Director of Marketing
Employer: O’Neill
Years on snow: Around 20
Days on snow: Not enough!
Currently Riding: one of the new BTX boards from Mervin Manufacturing
Currently I am: wishing I wasn’t sitting at my desk
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Cedar: I grew up in Washington and went to college [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.
Setup: I rode the K2 Eco Pop with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The Eco Pop is an aggressive pipe board and it’s quick.
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: Stiffer flex longitudinally from nose to tail that helped give it stability on the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to softer slushy runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow Quantum with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: This board is why I don’t review graphics. The graphics aren’t for me but it’s the board from Flow that I’d ride all the time.
Weight: average
Flex: [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Account Relations/Logistics
Employer: Holden Outerwear
Years on snow: 17
Days on snow: This season. Ha. One. Sadly
Currently Riding: 1970’s Red Raleigh with a basket
Currently I am: Putting the last touches on my backyard chicken coop
Photo: Yobeat Halloween Spectacular
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Nate: I am an aries male that enjoys working on [...] Email To A Friend
Today started like any other day. I woke up, took my dog for a walk, made breakfast and loaded up my gear for another day’s work. This time my snowboard gear was already at work and I carpooled up with my bike gear so that I could snowboard and bike in the same day. I’ve [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Snoqualmie Summit, WA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to heavy leftover powder.
Setup: I rode the Union Forces on the Capita Indoor Survival with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The forces were easy to mount and only took a matter of minutes with adjustments.
Fit: I normally use men’s Union bindings [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Mammoth is known for its spring skiing and riding which means capturing that essence on the mountain. A couple of us headed out onto the snow to showcase the warm weather and get in some photos/videos of the amazing warm spring conditions.
Newest Marketing employee Delaney in the 4th of July spirit going through Forest Trail [...] Email To A Friend
Earlier this week I sat down with Jed from Snomie for an interview about shayboarder.com to find out more about blogging and how my blog has become so successful. The interview just got posted up, so if you want to hear the background behind shayboarder.com, what inspires me and how I continue to make this [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Spy Soldier’s combine sophistication, clean designs and superior optical performance to handle the mountain with.
Location: I rode these goggles at the WWSRA Mammoth on-snow and then continued to ride them in February conditions.
Conditions: I’ve spent the majority of time riding these goggles on sunny bluebird days and the occasional overcast day.
Color: I [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1979, Dakine has been making a variety of products from luggage to gloves, backpacks to accessories. They are designed to be functional for any skateboarder, snowboarder or skier. The basic principals are quality, function and style which is present in their entire line. For 2012, all Dakine pack and bag materials are PVC free.
For [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Promotions Director
Employer: POW Gloves
Years on snow: 21
Days on snow: midweek
Currently Riding: Capita Stairmaster Extreme (2013)
Currently I am: Wishing I was outside (the sun is out in seattle!)
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how snowboarding has changed your life?
John: Born and raised in Philly, snowboarding was/is what [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Communications + Art Director
Employer: NW! snowboards
Years on snow: about 8
Days on snow: I average about 50 days a year.
Currently Riding: Tahoe on a NW! Catalyst 156 Reverse
Currently I am: Young, Naïve and Passionate.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Andrew: I am a snowboarder, an artist, a videographer, a photographer and [...] Email To A Friend
Four years ago, DC introduced snowboards to their collection and they continue to step up the technology, design and materials that define their snowboards. Inspiration for this winter’s DC snowboard line comes directly from the snow team’s needs and DC’s history in skateboarding.
For 2012, DC introduces the Ply snowboardsthat have a skate twin geometry, lock [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked snow.
Setup: I rode the Endeavor Color with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Quick to rip and ready for jumps!
Weight: Average
Flex: I’ve been on the Color series before and it still kept the similar ride with some upgrades to it. The flex didn’t [...] Email To A Friend
For over 10 years, Drop has been focused on bringing technical accessories to snowboarders with a commitment to riding good and looking good on the mountain. Their glove line brings a variety of styles for riders to choose from and offer many mitt/glove options. The variety of models allow for each rider to choose from [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Social Media/Marketing Manager and Team Coordinator
Employer: The House Boardshop
Years on snow: 18 on a snowboard. 27 total.
Days on snow: A lot
Currently I am: Sitting in my backyard in Portland with my MacBook and my roommate’s dog Gaper.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Adryan: Born and raised in Steamboat Springs, [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA & June, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of fresh powder to hardpacked to soft groomers.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Lotus with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: Rides like the same board as last year, dominant freeride board for women.
Weight: average.
Flex: The Lotus is the women’s freeride [...] Email To A Friend
I started Shayboarder.com in August 2007. In November 2009 shayboarder.com passed 1 million, in October 2010 it passed 2 million and now only 8 months later the 3 million mark has arrived! What an insane journey this blog has become. When I began writing, I never expected to become a leader in snowboard blogs and [...] Email To A Friend
Most Mondays I never get out onto the slopes but when I shadow the lifts, it means a couple laps to myself for an afternoon of helping out. Today was that day, getting turns on chair #3 before heading to chair #23 for the afternoon.
Amazing how much the snow has started to melt since the [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Marketing Director
Employer: Boreal Mountain Resort
Years on snow: 18
Days on snow: 80+
Currently Riding: Academy Collective 158
Currently I am: Broke. Not sure what you are looking for here.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Jon: I claim North Carolina as home, even though I have now lived in [...] Email To A Friend
It felt really good to get out on the slopes today. Just a much needed break, relaxation and fun being outside working as a liftie for the afternoon. The riding was excellent even though it was a slushy day but that meant fun park laps to end out the day. I met up with the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Snoqualmie Summit, WA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to heavy leftover powder.
Setup: I rode the Capita Indoor Survival FK with Union Force bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: I forgot what NW concrete felt like but the Indoor didn’t.
Weight: Average
Flex: Overall a playful board with the reverse camber on the Indoor Survival [...] Email To A Friend
It’s June 15 and I’m still walking out on the snow to go snowboarding. That’s pretty rad considering most resorts have closed for the season or aren’t open daily. Last summer I was riding Timberline and now I’m at Mammoth enjoying the summer conditions. But it’s also a reminder that the season will end on [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Credit and Customer Service Manager
Employer: C3 Worldwide; home of Capita Snowboards, Union Bindings and Coal Headwear
Years on snow: 10 non-commited, 2 committed
Days on snow: not enough, but I managed to get in around 20? last season
Currently Riding: 154 Capita Indoor Survival FK, Union Atlas Bindings, 32 Lashed boots, Bern Baker helmet and VZ [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA & June, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to deep powder conditions
Setup: I rode the Rome Madison bindings on the Never Summer SL & Lotus with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: It’s been a while since I mounted Rome’s by my own hands and at first I thought the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to snowboarding for Mammoth Mountain, I will always offer my services. Mostly because it’s fun to get out on the hill and get to help out when they need snowboarders to film for uplinks and videos. This morning, we were getting footage of our amazing spring conditions to send out. I headed [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech Magic Banana with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: It rips up the mountain with all mountain freestyle flare to it.
Weight: average
Flex: The Banana Magic is that all mountain freestyle board that is on the [...] Email To A Friend
In the three years since Ashbury first debuted at SIA, they’ve grown from a small hipster goggle company to a brand that’s recognizable and known for their look. It’s no easy feat to start a company especially during a down economy but with brothers Mike and Lance Hakker and Nima Jalali behind the brand, [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Finally spring arrived…even though it’s almost summer in Mammoth! The sun came out, warmer temps were on the mountain and the snow got softer. The mountain’s coverage is exceptional for a resort in June, our snow base is still 9-17 feet in spots which means good luck finding dirt patches on the mountain.
I headed out [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to designing snowboard boots, DC designers blend advancements in their snowboard boot technology with a skate inspired focus on styling. They understand a boots true performance can only be felt when you have a seamless fit from your foot in the liner and in in the liner in the shell which you [...] Email To A Friend
Perfect day for ride lunch laps at Mammoth. I love days like this because I just grab the board, gear up and hit the mountain with the ipod (which of course dies about 10 minutes into riding). Luckily, it didn’t faze me and I just lapped pipe and park to have fun.
Today I tested the [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Communications Manager
Employer: Backcountry.com
Years on snow: 30
Days on snow: Just asking the years made me sound old. Don’t push your luck.
Currently Riding: BD Kilowatts
Currently I am: Watching my baby daughter traipse around naked trying like hell to bust into a Lara Bar.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Marit: [...] Email To A Friend
There are days when you show up to the mountain and everything syncs up for you: front row parking, no lines, no one hitting the features in front of you and just jamming along. As much as today seemed like that with the front row parking and no one on the mountain, it was deceiving [...] Email To A Friend
In 1992, Ride Snowboards started with four snowboard models. Now twenty years later, they have grown their collection of boards, boots and bindings that stays true to their roots. When it comes to designing snowboard gear, Ride focuses on innovation, quality and style.
For snowboards, Ride offers the best of both worlds with their technology. For [...] Email To A Friend
Lars recently left his position at Porters Tahoe but this interview will live on!
Job Title: Web Developer, Web Guy, Lead Web Nerd… All applicable
Employer: Porters Sports / PortersTahoe.com
Years on snow: 20 (on a snowboard) I skied for three years but who really counts those days anyway.
Days on snow: 30 and I know that [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Marketing Manager
Employer: DC
Years On Snow: Hooked since the 5th Grade.
Days On Snow: Never enough.
Currently Riding: Mammoth/Bachelor/Snowbird/Hood over the next few weeks.
Current Set-Up: DC Devun Walsh 157, DC Lauri Heiskari 153, DC Torstein Horgmo Ply 150.5, DC SuperPark Boots, DC Outerwear and Layering
Currently I am: Mildly hungover? Eating a grapefruit and watching the hockey [...] Email To A Friend
Winter hasn’t ended. Weird huh but nope hasn’t ended in Mammoth yet. The mountain looks and feels like January conditions but my mind/body knows it’s June. Last weekend was pretty packed in town so I hid inside to catch up on launching Industry Profiles and blogging time. But today it was quiet and I had [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
It’s no secret that Rome Snowboards designs for the 100 day rider and it stays the same motto when it comes to their gloves. They continue to create gloves for a range of snowboarding days from the tough winters to the warm summers.
For 11-12, Rome Gloves have a lot to offer with a variety of [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Technine Jibs on the Unity Reverse with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time to set up since I grabbed the bindings from Technine and took them to Unity to mount up.
Fit: The Technine Jibs [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to backpacks, the possibilities are endless with Burton. Packs for sled rats, backcountry riders, photographers, students, traveling, snowboarding or just having a good time drinking packs. For packs, there are many options depending on your needs and many features like skate/board carry or just protecting your laptop. Their luggage is designed to [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to snowboard outerwear designed specifically for women, Betty Rides has been doing it since 1994 and continues to bring quality and fashion to the snowboard scene. For 2011-2012, Betty Rides has seven series for women riders depending on their styles and taste: Classic (8k/8k), Lucky Plaid (10k/8k), Mosaic (10k,8k), Day Dream (10k,8k), [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to deep powder conditions
Setup: I rode the Rome Targa bindings on the Rome Mod Rocker with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Pretty quick timing to mount up the Targa’s during the demo. I figured that they might take some time with adjustments but for [...] Email To A Friend
There is no “I” in Frends. That’s certainly the case with the Frends headphone collection, it’s a collaborative effort driven by imagination and the ability to translate ideas into a reality. Frends is a crew of pro and bro snowboarders who welcome new frends, who have your back and won’t leave you out in the [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your lid protected, Pro-Tec has been delivering innovative, leading technology geared for progression for over 35 years. Pro-Tec’s goal is to continue to support and protect riders around the world so they can keep innovating, expressing and progressing.
For technology, Pro-Tec offers different helmet protection. The multi-impact protection in the B2 [...] Email To A Friend
Usually I can walk outside the building to chair 6, wait a couple minutes, run into someone I know lapping park and have a riding buddy for a couple laps. Today was not that day, waited, called, texted and nothing. Good thing I had my music to listen to.
I ended up lapping 6 for a [...] Email To A Friend
The weather wasn’t supposed to be cooperating for Saturday but it didn’t matter one bit. The mix of clouds and slight rain drops didn’t impact the fun that was had. I left the skier at home (ankle injury) and headed up to the mountain to see who was around. It worked out that after a [...] Email To A Friend
Technine began 18 years ago with bindings, designed to be innovative and built tough for maximum comfort, support and responsiveness. When it comes to binding progression, Technine has been at the forefront of developing new ideas to take to the snow. First with baseless bindings in 93, then in 2000 with the Baltimore toe [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Rome Mod with Rome Targa bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 153cm.
First Impression: New upgrades on the mod and a switch from camber to rocker camber!
Weight: Average
Flex: In the grand scheme of flex, the rome mod is on the stiffer end of [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to being homegrown in Colorado, Venture has been it since 1999. Deep in the mountains of Silverton, Colorado, Venture builds boards for the mountains that surround them and uses 100% windpower for their operations. They build the boards they want – no hype, no frills – just solid engineering and stellar [...] Email To A Friend
In the springtime, year round employees get to shadow other departments to help out with the limited operations. I really like shadowing lifts because it gets me outside with ride breaks and a chance to see friends on the mountain. We had winter conditions the past couple days but today the sun came out for [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Over the last couple days Mammoth has turned into a full blown winter paradise despite the fact that it’s May! In fact the mountain looks just like it did this winter, nothing has changed and it’s frozen in winter time. This morning started out with sunshine and powder, it took a while for the top [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Signal OG with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The original series – it’s been around the block and camber knows how to keep on riding.
Weight: Average
Flex: The OG had a stiffer flex longitudinally but also [...] Email To A Friend
For over 100 years, Helly Hansen has been making outerwear for those seeking the great outdoors. Their history goes beyond being cool or core but a determination to give high quality, performance driven outerwear to all kinds of adventurers. The key components to Helly Hansen outerwear are insulation, ventiliation and waterproofing, that create jackets that [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech TRS with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: The TRS is that classic choice for riding everything, ripping up everything on the mountain.
Weight: average
Flex: It isn’t so stiff it falls into the hard charging category [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Salomon Absolutes on the Salomon Salomonder with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The bindings were quick to set up on the board. In hindsight I thought the toe strap was centered and adjusted properly but [...] Email To A Friend
Nativ was founded in 2006 with the goal to bring the feel and style of surfing back to the snow with a board for back footed style of riding. The snowboards are made in the US with a set back stance and a smaller sized board for increased maneuverability, directional change and responsiveness.
Nativ comes in [...] Email To A Friend
Since the beginning, Rome has been redefining, reinventing and revolutionzing their collection year after year. They’ve expanded their collection of snowboards to offer something to every type of rider. From the urban jib sticks to the backcountry powder machines, each board serves a purpose. For 2012, Rome introduces the whiteroom splitboard, reverb and reverb rocker [...] Email To A Friend
What a beautiful day! I wasn’t planning to snowboard but since we’re still shadowing lifts to help out every now and then, I got to head back to chair #6 to help scan passes/tickets and greet the park riders during the lunchtime. I absolutely love it, it gets me out of the office and I [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to powder.
Setup: I rode the Salomon Salomonder with Salomon Absolute bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Salomon’s created a fun park board that you could ride out of the park.
Weight: Average
Flex: It’s on the soft side like the park urban board but it’s [...] Email To A Friend
The world of snowboarding has many names, faces, talents and ideas. These people aren’t the poster child of snowboarding, they aren’t making millions but they are the people behind the curtain making snowboarding fun. Somehow we’ve all been drawn to snowboarding, we’ve taken different routes to find our dreams and have ended up working in [...] Email To A Friend
In snowboarding, one company bleeds the yellow and that’s Lib Technologies based out of the northwest. In 2006, they introduced a banana to snowboarding and there’s no question to how much a banana has impacted the snowboards we ride today. Since then Lib Tech continues to do what they do best, create and redesign snowboards [...] Email To A Friend
Easy in, easy out – that’s the motto behind GNU when it comes to developing snowboard bindings. Over the past couple years GNU has entered into the backdoor of binding design with bindings that are very simple and straightfoward. Make it easier to get into and get out of. All the dirty connotations set aside, [...] Email To A Friend
Designed to be ridden in, it’s simple but yet surprisingly unexpected. Foursquare products are made just for snowboarding, to make it more enjoyable, to last longer and to be there for those days on the mountain (not in the bar or walking around).
Three series help distinguish the outerwear for men and women: Convertible Series which [...] Email To A Friend
West Coast Invitational has finally arrived in Mammoth. This weekend has everything from concerts and parties to pros and jibs. Today started out with the Eddie Wall Ride contest right out in front of Main Lodge. It’s the second year of the wall ride contest and Eddie Wall was on hand to play around on [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1992, Special Blend has been creating outerwear designed for those who ride first chair to last call. The pieces are centered around a collection tailored to fit consistently while providing a flawless match between the garment’s specific look and its on-snow rideability.
For 2012, every Special Blend jacket and pant has been tailored for a [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to powder.
Setup: I rode the Unity Reverse with Technine Nines bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The reverse is fun and playful but also rides very similar to camber when carving.
Weight: Average
Flex: If you are expecting a soft reverse camber board, you are mistaken. [...] Email To A Friend
Last week I took out the Venture splitboard for the first day of the season splitboarding on the mountain. Somedays you don’t get to ride during work but luckily the snow is waiting for you to finish work. Just like last week, I finished work, grabbed my gear, my dog Capita and headed back to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA + June, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to powder.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Swoon with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The new Swoon gives women a snowboard that goes along for the ride, wherever you ride.
Weight: Average
Flex: Medium flex all around on the swoon, longitudinally stiffer [...] Email To A Friend
Chances are if you were riding chair 6 this afternoon, you had me as a liftie. After seasonal staff is laid off, the year round staff comes out to help on the front lines so that’s what I did the last two days was help out as a liftie at the park chair at Mammoth. [...] Email To A Friend
For 13 years, Transworld has done the Good Wood Test to determine the best boards in snowboarding. With all the 2012 boards out, they do the test each year in the spring with selected riders to find out the most popular boards of the bunch. This year the Good Wood Test was in Mammoth, they [...] Email To A Friend
It’s officially May and Mammoth is nowhere close to closing up on the mountain. But Spring conditions have finally arrived, sunny skies with minimal winds and hardpacked snow in the morning to slushy afternoon fun fests. Today was a blast on the mountain, so much fun that I took minimal pictures and just enjoyed riding [...] Email To A Friend
Founded by Pro snowboarder Mikey LeBlanc and designer Scott Zergebel, Holden has kept their goals set on a fusion of fashion and function with design, tailored fits and high quality technical features in environmentally committed outerwear. Their desire is to create products that make people happier and healthier. Holden has grown from the quiet NW [...] Email To A Friend
I have to say it. Next weekend, Mammoth will be the place to be. It’s already in a list of last resorts to be operating through the spring/summer but it’s also going to be hosting the West Coast Invitational for the 10th year from May 6-8. The evening rail jam will go on in The [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been a busy week at work which means less ride time but that doesn’t mean I can’t ride after the lifts close and work ends. I discovered splitboarding a couple years ago when I lived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado but it wasn’t till recently that I had the means to get into splitboarding. For [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Burton Snowboards is the biggest name in snowboarding with a collection of snowboard gear that often outnumbers everyone else in the market. Their bindings and boots feature a variety of designs with support and responses depending how you like them. Each of these determine the relationship between the rider and the board in order to [...] Email To A Friend
With June Mountain closing, it was an easy decision to plan to ride June one day this weekend before they close for the season. We packed up the car, loaded it up with our gear, picked up the aussie crew and headed up the highway for the easy drive to June. On the way, I [...] Email To A Friend
It didn’t look like the best day to be outside on the mountain but despite the weather, it was a day to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. A quick trip up to Main Lodge showed that many people decided to stay in and that the mountain was ours to enjoy. We ended up parking at The [...] Email To A Friend
For the past 18 years, Vans has been utilizing their 45 year footwear experience to build snowboard boots that are a reflection of Vans deep boardsports heritage. Vans understands the need to ride but also a boot that will perform for you so you can enjoy each turn. The boots continue to be developed and [...] Email To A Friend
For over 45 years, Smith has been dedicated to designing and innovating goggles to make great days better. Smith takes helmets and goggles to be designed to be one seamless, functional integrated system that complements each other.
For quickness and adaptability, the I/O and I/OS goggles allow you to swap lenses even faster for changing conditions. [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Easy Livin with Burton Lexa EST bindings and my Vans Veil size 8 boots.
First Impression: It’s definitely not the same easy livin I rode in 09-10 but I’m not feeling that it improved much.
Size: 155cm
Weight: average
Flex: The Easy Livin [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe most resorts are closed for the season when the season is still going strong in Mammoth. After this week we close some of the mountain but the Main Lodge to the top portion stays open till July 4. The conditions have been interesting, winter one day, spring the next. Today was [...] Email To A Friend
Unity Snowboards are hand crafted in Summit County, Colorado and just minutes from the mountains. They have created big mountain boards to splitboards and now are frequently seen in the parks and pipes (often winning big time contests).
For 2012, Unity introduces the Whale model with a wide nose and shorter effective edge, it’s meant for [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Bern Muse helmet offers up a women’s specific low profile, comfortable fitting protective lid with a visor to protect your head on the mountain.
Appearance: I ended up with the matte black hatstyle with black knit. A color choice that featurs a pink brim, black and grey helmet. The color combination didn’t have [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve only gone snowmobiling a handful of times but every time it’s so much fun that I really wish I had a snowmobile. At the base of Mammoth Mountain, we have Snowmobile Adventures that operates during the winter so today I got to head out with the Mammoth Marketing team for the afternoon on sleds.
Walking [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Lexa EST’s on the Burton Easy Living with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Took time tracking down the bindings at the burton demo but once we found them, the set up was quick and [...] Email To A Friend
Living in Mammoth Lakes has been a dream and having Mammoth in my backyard has been better than imagined but having June nearby is the icing on the cake. It’s a different vibe than Mammoth and it reminds me of the ski hills back home (not resorts) except with amazingly good parks. I’ve had great [...] Email To A Friend
Over the past 15 years, Smokin has evolved and adapted as a snowboard company. With beginnings in a basement factory in North Lake Tahoe to the current state of growing into a 5,000 square foot factory in Sparks, Nevada. The company is a full labor of love movement with Smokin Jay at the realm of [...] Email To A Friend
The best way to end the work week is shred time with the co-workers. That was today! I headed out with my Mammoth Marketing co-workers for an afternoon of snowboarding (even the skiers went riding). The conditions were warm with a breeze and the snow was sticky, definitely a reminder to make sure my gear [...] Email To A Friend
I had two choices for today: take photos and watch the volcom PB+RJ finals in Main Park or stay in Art Park and mini park filming and lapping features (including trying new ones!). I chose the second option, even though the first would have been fun to check out the contest, I wanted to just [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been an interesting April week for weather in Mammoth. Started out sunny and warm, turned into full blown winter and windy then back to sunny and windy. I’ve been anxious to spend more time on the Endeavor color so hit the slopes for a lunch break and shred sesh over by Canyon Lodge today.
This [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe that 15 years ago, Flow Bindings began the speed entry system they are now known for. A system that has been designed outside of the “norm” box for bindings, the kick, lock and drop system featuring the reclining highback that makes strapping in easy. In 11-12, they continue to improve their [...] Email To A Friend
Maybe it’s the art behind Spacecraft or the story behind the brand but Spacecraft always stands out from the crowd in a sea of snowboard companies. They bring art to snowboarding and create art in their hats, beanies, wallets, shirts and other softgoods.
From the beaches of Bali to the mountains in Seattle, this small Northwest [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers to powder.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer SL with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 153cm.
First Impression: Still an all mountain ride everywhere, everything board from NS.
Weight: Average
Flex: The SL flex is right in the middle of the road, it’s torsionally softer [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Smarty Original Cargo snowboard pant started it all with the smarty series. Highly waterproof and breathable with a ton of pockets to store everything you need on the mountain.
Fit: The original cargo pants have the baggy fit to them in usual 686 standard sizing. Baggier all around feel and super comfortable if [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the K2 Auto Agogo LTD’s on the K2 Fastplant with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Tad longer than average to set up the bindings since you need to make sure the auto strap is adjusted right [...] Email To A Friend
In the days leading up to Holy Oly, I was trying to explain why I would fly up to Seattle just for this contest but it comes down to the experience of it. It’s a northwest competition that’s based around the fun and promotion of snowboarding without worrying about winning or losing, making money or [...] Email To A Friend
I grew up skiing with my family and took the ski bus to the mountains but somewhere down the line I wanted to snowboard and snowboarding became my path for the past 17 seasons. Since then I’ve only stepped back on skis one other time until today. My co-worker Lauren and I rock the same [...] Email To A Friend
Earlier this winter, Speck and Burton released a collaboration of protective cases that protect your apple tech products in a fun design. The collaboration offered up colors and stripes by Burton to liven up your apple products. First it was the itouch and now it’s the Ipad and Iphone getting the fun case designs. I [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the K2 Fastplant with K2 Auto Agogo LTD bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: The upgrade to the 11-12 fastplant just adds to the fun of the board!
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: Stiffer flex between the bindings with the ollie bar [...] Email To A Friend
After 19 years of designing bindings, Flux continues to offer performance and durability from backcountry booters to urban rails. The bindings for next year have slimmed down the weight to be better than ever in a featherweight package with heavyweight performance.
New for 2012 is the alpha baseplate which higher sidewalls that increase the bindings responsiveness [...] Email To A Friend
Sunday Funday. That was what I hoped for today as we gathered a crew to head to June Mountain and it definitely turned out to be the ideal Sunday Funday. Packed up the truck full (literally) with people and snowboards/skis for the 25 minute trek down the highway to the less crowded but awesome June [...] Email To A Friend
The men wear L1 but the ladies have their own brand, L1TA for the feminine take on the L1 brand. Their approach has been streetwear to snowboardwear inspired by classic Americana, timeless military cues and vintage finishes with outerwear that fits better to function better with slimmer cuts, tailored fits and a streamlined silhouette. Design [...] Email To A Friend
Over the past 23 years, K2 snowboards has been building up their binding collection with new technology designed to keep progression fun. They offer a every rider some type of binding system that will work for them, from the regular strap system to the auto system that quickens the pace for strapping in, to the [...] Email To A Friend
In honor of last week’s Roxy Chicken Jam at Mammoth, Roxy Snowboards gave me a 145cm Ollie Pop to giveaway to a lucky shayboarder.com reader. While the Roxy Chicken Jam got snowed out with a ton of snow, the contest exploded on this blog with a whole lot of creativity!
The contest was about creativity; take [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The 686 Plexus collection is all about the minimalist, lightweight, shell jackets that go above your standard shell jackets. The Sonar softshell jacket continues with the minimalist features in a shell jacket but also offers 15,000k waterproofing and 10,000gm breathability.
Fit: The 686 Sonar continues with the 686 fit so it will run baggy [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to designing and creating snowboard outerwear, Bond does it with a commitment to sustainability. In order to make the most sustainable pieces possible, Bond uses recycled materials that have been used before and can be used in the years to come. Bond re-uses items like buttons, zipper pulls, snaps, all recylced and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Ride Farah with Ride Fame bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 153cm.
First Impression: This board handles like a bigger size snowboard and gives women a fast aggressive ride like one.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Farah is an aggressive women’s board with a [...] Email To A Friend
After the recent storms, the sun finally emerged in Mammoth but it was deceivingly not warm out. Quite the opposite, the winds were blowing hard with the anticipation of the next storm system’s arrival. It was a good day to keep completely covered up on the slopes with no skin showing.
I headed out early to [...] Email To A Friend
Snowstorms can be great but it’s easy to forget how powerful they can become. Saturday was the prime example of a snowstorm getting worse throughout the day. By the time I made it to the mountain, I knew that Roxy Chicken Jam was cancelled due to weather but I figured that I’d still take a [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Ride Fame bindings on the Ride Farah with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time to set up the binding, nothing major to change and felt comfortable. I had one issue with the rear ankle [...] Email To A Friend
After the last couple days of powder with high winds I was ready for a mellow day like today and crossing the fingers for no winds. We ended up heading up to Mammoth Main Lodge and after driving by chair #2 and seeing a monstrosity for a line, we grabbed our gear and headed to [...] Email To A Friend
10 years ago, an independent snowboard company came out of the woodwork that didn’t plan to take over the world, just create high quality boards and enjoy snowboarding. Stepchild Snowboards is still an independent brand with the heart and soul of riders involved behind it. With team riders Joe Sexton, Simon Chamberlain and JP Walker [...] Email To A Friend
The amount of snowfall in Mammoth this winter has been insanely good. Town is buried in snowbanks, 4wd has been a necessity and powder days are a plenty! Today was no exception, 32-50 inches in the past 24 hours on top of all the recent feet of snow we got.
I borrowed the Jones Hovercraft for [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
I feel spoiled. It’s March 23 and this season has been packed full of powder days, amazing powder days including today. Sometimes it’s a lunch break or early morning laps, sometimes the whole day of riding but everytime it’s faceshots and deep snow. Mammoth’s been having insane amounts of snowfall this year, feet of snow [...] Email To A Friend
Established in 1987, K2 Snowboards not only has a history in snowboarding but they’ve also adapted to the future of snowboarding by building up their snowboard technology. They’ve focused on the progression of snowboarding through their snowboards and introduced concepts for all types of riders. K2 continues to offer multiple baseline profiles: flatline, catch free [...] Email To A Friend
In just a matter of days, the world’s best female snowboarders will be on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain for the ultimate women’s contest – The Roxy Chicken Jam. The Roxy Chicken Jam is the most original and prestigious stand-alone women’s snowboarding contest and it doesn’t end there, there are mascots, concerts and tons of [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Flux RK30 bindings on the Bataleon Goliath with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time to set them up at the Bataleon tent on the goliath. Nothing major to adjust and quick overall to get [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your head protected on the slopes, Bern is one of those companies focused on giving you helmet options focused on quality, design, engineering and style by listening to their market. Their mission is to give action sports enthusiasts what they want before they know they want it. Basically Bern makes [...] Email To A Friend
I’d been fighting off getting sick but figured a day off and a good night’s sleep was enough for a powder day today. It definitely made me feel good enough to commit to today at June. The snow has been dumping nonstop in Mammoth and June, delivering more feet of snow. By today it was [...] Email To A Friend
Ride it for real – a simple idea that often goes unnoticed by companies. But Salomon Snowboards stands by collaborating, constructing and communicating with riders all over the mountain, all over the world. It gives the snowboards a commitment of quality, authencity and next level performance that the riders can experience.
Salomon Snowboards focuses on the [...] Email To A Friend
NXTZ was introduced last SIA to showcase a collaboration of people, ideas, style and passion wrapped up in a product line for the active lifestyle. The products are worn and tested in the hardest conditions almost 365 days a year. The fabrics and fits pass through the toughest critics before they can ever become an [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to keeping your face warm on the mountain, facemasks do the job. On the deep powder days, they keep you from breathing in the snow. On the sunny days, they keep you from getting burnt. On windy days, they keep your face from going numb. Gone are the days that you have [...] Email To A Friend
Straight out of the northwest snowboarding scene, POW Gloves has been dedicated to building the best gloves on the planet. They focus on making a variety of gloves that are built to last and quaranteed to satisfy. POW glove and mitt components focus on fit, feel, dexterity and built to last.
For 2012, POW continues to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Bataleon Goliath with Flux RK30 bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 153cm.
First Impression: Ride everything and ride it good, that’s the goliath. It was one of my top 3 boards of the demos.
Weight: Average
Flex: The goliath was on the mid [...] Email To A Friend
Inside Mervin Manufacturing’s umbrella lies GNU Snowboards, handbuilt in the US by snowboarders with jobs and designed for snowboarders who rip pow, parks and pipes. Both the GNU women’s and men’s line-up is dialed with models that work for a variety of riders featuring a variety of technology from straight up BTX for the park [...] Email To A Friend
Almost 6 months ago, I arrived in Mammoth Lakes to work for the mountain. Its been a really great learning experience and most of all, I learn from the people I work with everyday. Today a couple of us from marketing like Dan, myself, Katy and Steve headed out onto the slopes with Bill Byrne [...] Email To A Friend
This has been the first Art Park at Mammoth Mountain, but it has exceeded my expectations as to what a park can be. It’s innovative, creative and challenging but also educational on the I AM SNOWBOARDING /JLA – Jeffy Anderson collaboration. I’ve seen beginning to advanced riders and skiers go through art park enjoying the [...] Email To A Friend
In 2003 out of a little town called Aspen, High Society Freeride Company was born to share the passions of the outdoors and pay tribute to what is possible. Keeping it local, they create the ideas and the boards are produced out of the Never Summer Factory in Denver.
From apparel to skis and snowboards, High [...] Email To A Friend
L1 Premium Outerwear focuses on taking the best fits and fabrics to create a style that is unique and individual to snowboarding. Their approach has been streetwear to snowboardwear inspired by classic Americana, timeless military cues and vintage finishes with outerwear that fits better to function better with slimmer cuts, tailored fits and a streamlined [...] Email To A Friend
Thanks to the crew at skiforfree.com, they offered up lift tickets for me to giveaway to Mt Baldy Ski Resort in two giveaways. I did the first one two weeks ago and the second one earlier this week.
In order to win the tickets, all you had to do was leave a comment with your favorite run [...] Email To A Friend
The storm took off and the sun came back out in Mammoth for a tuesday shred session. I headed out for a couple lunch laps with the skier to enjoy the soft snow and sunshine on the mountain. It’s hard to stay inside all day when the mountain is just outside the doors and it [...] Email To A Friend
For years, Rome has been designing and building bindings for the 100 day rider. The targa’s, 390’s and Madisons have won over riders hearts and taken their place in the lineup for quality bindings that last. Over time other names have been added to the list, arsenal, united, shifts, struts, bosses to bring out a [...] Email To A Friend
Another sunny day on the mountain without the winds howling, conditions were soft and parks were good for lapping on my lunch break. I headed out with the skier to get some shots of him in Main Park on the rails and pipe, and get some laps on Forest Trail so I could hit the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech Box Scratcher with Roxy Rock-it power bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: This is the only smaller size board I’d want to ride all the time.
Weight: Average
Flex: The box scratcher has a softer nose and tail [...] Email To A Friend
Over the weekend a storm rolled into Mammoth and delivered up a couple more inches of snow on the mountain. The total is now 453 inches (almost 38 feet of snow) and it’s good on the mountain. So good that I’m happy snowboarding will continue into the spring.
Ashley and I hit up the mountain with [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Roxy Envi C2 BTXwith Roxy Rock-it power bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: Feels good to ride a women’s board that looks good but rides more badass than it looks.
Weight: Average
Flex: The envi is a more aggressive women’s [...] Email To A Friend
Last week I did the first giveaway for lift tickets to Mt Baldy and now it’s onto the second and final giveaway for two lift tickets to Mt Baldy. With a motto of southern California’s best kept secret and a quick distance drive from there, it’s worth checking out whether you’ve been a ton or [...] Email To A Friend
Thanks to the crew at skiforfree.com, they offered up lift tickets for me to giveaway to Mt Baldy Ski Resort earlier this week and this is the first of two giveaways (which means if you didn’t win, stay tuned for your second chance to win). Mt Baldy is closest to So-Cal with natural terrain and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Flow Prima bindings on the Flow Drifter with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: One of the big components with Flow bindings and rear entry is making sure they are adjusted properly to your boot so [...] Email To A Friend
Weekend covets snowboards instead of thinking of them as commodities and limits the number of snowboards they produce each season which mean when you see a Weekend snowboard you really notice it. Each year the boards are built in Austria and they only offer a limited number of boards per size, per model. Each board [...] Email To A Friend
While the slopestyle finals were fun to watch yesterday, the pipe finals at the US Snowboarding Grand Prix were definitely the popular choice to watch and be a part of. I started the day catching up with Cope from Neff, Tricia Byrnes and Stacey and John from Fuel TV before making my way up to [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve been anxiously awaiting the Grand Prix stop in Mammoth after watching the earlier stops this season around the US. This week has been a mix of weather from sun to overcast to storming snow but today the weather finally came around and delivered up bluebird sunny skies with the wind coming in towards the [...] Email To A Friend
Since 2003, Academy Snowboards has focused on building quality snowboards, progression to improve their technology and individuals which make all the characters in their family special. Academy knows we have one thing in common: the love for snowboarding and riding with our friends. They continue to offer the scholarship program to help kids learn something [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Roxy Rock-it power bindings on the Roxy Envi and Lib Tech Box Scratcher with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The rock-it’s were average time to set up but also required some more time to make [...] Email To A Friend
One of Southern California’s secret gems is Mt Baldy boasting to be the largest and steepest ski area in so-cal with 26 runs spanning 3 mountains and a peak elevation of 8600 feet. I’ve only heard about the powder turns and natural terrain at Mt Baldy making it a resort I’d like to try out [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Dragon APX combines modern, minimalist design with an increased peripheral vision through Dragon’s frameless infinity lens technology.
Location: I rode these goggles during day one of the SIA on-snow at Winter Park, CO.
Conditions: I’ve spent the majority of time riding these on overcast flat light conditions.
Color: I checked out the Dragon APX in [...] Email To A Friend
I can’t believe it’s already March. Despite the winter season coming to an end, I have to remind myself that living in Mammoth means a longer season like possibly till July and no complaints on that!
Right now the Grand Prix is in Mammoth which means this week is practice runs until the qualifiers and finals [...] Email To A Friend
At the crossroads of an emerging Action Sports culture in the mid-nineties, Spy was created by a passionate group of action sports and motor sports enthusiasts. Spy invites the world to “live through their lens” with a brand focused on eyewear technology.
For 2012, Spy collaborates with world-renowned Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision for superior optical [...] Email To A Friend
Sometimes being dysfunctional has its perks especially when you are part of the Snaggletooth family. I’m a huge fan of the 686 outerwear series featuring a dsyfunctional family and wanted to give someone the chance to rock the 686 Snaggletooth Jr Jacket in XL. I asked you guys to leave a comment with your Snaggletooth [...] Email To A Friend
Over the past 19 years, 686 has created outerwear with a signature purpose of making things better through snowboarding with technical apparel. The 2012 686 collection features the Smarty, Mannual, Plexus and Reserved series that offer a range of apparel for various riders/conditions.
For 2012, 686 collaborates with Fallen to bring the skateboarding influence into a [...] Email To A Friend
Forum Snowboards sticks to the left side of snowboarding with a focus on freestyle boards. They don’t need gold medals, overpriced products or a season pass to have fun, they ride the backyards, the streets, the mountains and wherever they can find snow.
For 2012, Forum offers their combo platter, doubleDog, Chillydog with pop, camber and [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been quite the week with my personal life but the latest storm delivered a good amount of fresh snow that was calling my name and today was the day. I woke up early this morning to bluebird skies and hit up the mountain just in time to meet up with Daniel for our powder [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Rome Anthem with Rome Mob bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: Anthem is still that comfortably charge the mountain board.
Weight: Average
Flex: Longitidinally stiffer flex and a definite more aggressive freeride board. Torsionally had some give but required [...] Email To A Friend
Go blast some air – sometimes it’s that simple. Airblaster’s taken the fun of snowboarding and bottled it up into a pill that makes you happy. The more you snowboard, the happier you are. Travis Parker founded Airblaster and if you’ve ever seen his video parts you’d know that snowboarding is just about having fun, [...] Email To A Friend
One of the outerwear collections that really stands out on the mountain and that i’m a huge fan of is the 686 Snaggletooth jacket series that showcases a fun dysfunctional family on snowboard outerwear. Since everyone has some creativity and ability to be dysfunctional, you can win the 686 Snaggletooth Jr Jacket in XL by [...] Email To A Friend
Don’t let looks deceive you when it comes to Roxy Snowboards, they ride more badass than they look. Handbuilt in the US at Mervin Manufacturing (who also does Lib and GNU), these boards are created and designed by women for women riders. They continue to focus on the environmental efforts that Mervin stands behind which [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Rome Mobs on the Rome Anthem with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The mobs were average time to set up and easy to adjust with the quickstrap on both the ankle and toestrap on the [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1995, Arbor has been evolving their approach to snowboards over the years and derives influence from the skate, surf and art scene you can clearly seen in their snowboards. They continue to utilize environmental efforts in their snowboards with sustainable riding solutions while building next level technology.
For 2012, Arbor continues to offer the System [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers to leftover powder
Setup: I rode the YES Pick Your Line with Union Milan bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: The Pick Your Line is as aggressive as the name, pick your line and it’ll hold it down the mountain.
Weight: Average
Flex: [...] Email To A Friend
Three years ago big name riders were dropped from a big name brand but instead of going quietly and saying no, they created YES Snowboards. Now when you watch Absinthe’s latest film, the constant array of YES snowboards is present and screaming loud across the screen. JP, DCP and Romain are the riders behind the [...] Email To A Friend
Pro-snowboarder Danny Davis has some amazing favorite things like a Burton/Mountain Dew snowboard, an Alien Workshop complete skate set-up, a Martin acoustic guitar and a set of FRENDS headphones, all of these were up for grabs in the latest contest! I wanted to hear what your favorite things were using photo or video to show [...] Email To A Friend
When you think of TBT, only one company comes to mind for standing out from the crowd and doing a shape that works. Bataleon Snowboards patented TBT in 1998 and the concept has fully developed into a brand defined by the movement in a range of boards with variations for different riders. And if you [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Union Milan on the Jones Hovercraft with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The milans were quick to set up on the Jones board and perfect fit to my boots without having to adjust the heelcup [...] Email To A Friend
Everyone has favorite things in their life; usually the items that we can’t leave home without because they matter so much to us. Pro-snowboarder Danny Davis has some amazing favorite things like a Burton/Mountain Dew snowboard, an Alien Workshop complete skate set-up, a Martin acoustic guitar and a set of FRENDS headphones – and you [...] Email To A Friend
In the past 11 years of building, designing and devouring snowboards, Capita has created a brand that sticks out from the masses. They’ve updated their technology over the years but also know a good thing when they have it and continue offer the models that work. Their team riders have made names for themselves, winning [...] Email To A Friend
I haven’t made my way to June Mountain as much as I’d like but I finally went back to check it out and see what it was like on a non-powder day. As we pulled up, the parking lot was busy for June but still not busy at all. I think June has the most [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been starting to get busier in town with President’s holiday quickly approaching but even still, took my time this morning to get up to the mountain and start making laps with Pat and his crew. I ended up running into Dee Dee so was able to get in laps with her and meet one [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Union Atlas on the Capita Totally Fk’n Awesome with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The atlas were the first binding of the day and had some adjustment to the heelcup to fit my women’s boots [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers to leftover powder
Setup: I rode the Jones Hovercraft with Union Milan bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: At first glimpse, you don’t think the board will handle non-power conditions but it does and it’s a totally fun way to ride [...] Email To A Friend
Backed by name recognition and a team of riders that voice their opinions on the products they ride, Nike 6.0 outerwear continues to build up the collection for their second year. The designs, functionality and focus on the Nike heritage is what makes Nike 6.0 different from Nike Snowboarding and how they bring their own [...] Email To A Friend
It’s the second and last day of the WWSRA demo at Mammoth Mountain. I made my trip to SIA include the tradeshow and demo so I could really get on more boards there but also knowing that I’d be able to spend a little bit of time in Mammoth checking out boards. While shayboarder.com is [...] Email To A Friend
Snowboard socks are often ignored but what goes on your feet during a day on the slopes does matter. While the rest of snowboard gear breeds personality, socks are neglected from the creativity but that’s no longer the case. In the disappearance of eesa, I was happy to see Stance Socks come out of woodwork [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the first day of the WWSRA demo at Mammoth which meant my lunch/ride break was spent trying out boards for the demo day. It was a beautiful day for demo’ing, sunshine and groomed runs. Plenty of companies were in the parking lot at chair #2 with demos for industry shops.
I ended up riding [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1991, Never Summer has been building snowboards out of Colorado designed for quality and durability. They’ve built up a solid reputation and now with their RC Technology, continue to grow the brand into more than a popular company out of the Rockies. Their Rocker + Camber technology was introduced a couple years ago and [...] Email To A Friend
Seven years is the period of refinement and for Union bindings, it’s building on the development of the previous years but also showing remarkable changes to what will become the future of the bindings. Moving into 2012, Union introduces a new Stage III base and the new open toe strap design featured on all bindings. [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Proto CT with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: The middle of the road between the SL and the Evo
Weight: Average
Flex: The Proto CT is definitely a mix between the SL and Evo. The [...] Email To A Friend
I definitely wasn’t in a rush to snowboard after SIA and the on-snow, just wanted sometime to relax but today definitely felt the need to be back on the slopes in the warm sunny california sunshine. Plus it gave me a chance to ride the NS Proto again before the review goes up.
I headed [...] Email To A Friend
Everyone has favorite things in their life; usually the items that we can’t leave home without because they matter so much to us. Pro-snowboarder Danny Davis has some amazing favorite things like a Burton/Mountain Dew snowboard, an Alien Workshop complete skate set-up, a Martin acoustic guitar and a set of FRENDS headphones – and you [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers
Setup: I rode the Capita Totally Fk’n Awesome with Union Atlas bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The name of the totally fk’n awesome was definitely on point…it is a totally fk’n awesome ride down the mountain.
Weight: Average
Flex: Tad softer than [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Men’s glove designed to be lightweight and great for a spring/pipe glove on the mountain.
Location: I’ve worn these gloves for most of January at Mammoth Mountain and a powder day at June Mountain
Conditions: I’ve worn these gloves on a majority of sunny bluebird days with warm to colder temps but also on a [...] Email To A Friend
As soon as I arrived at SIA, I thought about all the catalogs I’d be getting and then I thought of the stickers I could be taking home and how it’d be fun to incorporate it into a giveaway for you guys. As a fan of the Price is Right, I decided to go with [...] Email To A Friend
If there’s one vacation I have to take each year, it’s to the SIA Tradeshow. It has all the components of a vacation: flight, hotel, dinners, drinks but it’s a lot of hard work jammed packed into 4 days of fun inside and 2 days of fun outside. The best part about SIA is the [...] Email To A Friend
Find your line and ride it – that’s certainly what Jeremy Jones did when it came to designing and starting his own snowboard company last year. In year two, Jones Snowboards looks stronger than ever with freeriding boards that bring out the pure hearts of riders. With such a big name and team behind the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Smokin MIP with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Wow this board isn’t just for park riding
Weight: Average
Flex: I was expecting a freestyle board in terms of the flex but the MIP was on the stiffer side for freestyle [...] Email To A Friend
I had heard that the second day of the on-snow was supposed to be cold but negative temperatures are beyond cold. Negative 10-15 degrees was hard to deal with on the mountain but it was sunny and a good day to demo more boards despite the weather. I stayed out from 9am to 4pm demo’ing [...] Email To A Friend
I absolutely love snowboard catalogs; they are my bible of information for the next couple months as I flip through, learn and indulge myself in the latest snowboard gear. They also weigh quite a bit and stack up to be a huge pile by the time SIA ends. This year I wanted to do a [...] Email To A Friend
Day 3 of SIA is definitely the most tiring day; the partying starts to catch up with the overall tiredness of being on your feet all day at a tradeshow but it’s still sooo worth it. Day 3 for me was the big guns of snowboarding, the brands that have a lot of products to [...] Email To A Friend
This year passed quickly and the last day of the tradeshow, day 4 came quicker than I could remember. I kept the partying to a minimum on the last evening, just enjoyed dinner with a great crew of people and went to bed earlier than the previous nights. The hotel room was a war zone [...] Email To A Friend
It feels really good to get out of my shoes after 4 days of tradeshow and back into the snowboard boots for the on-snow portion of SIA. It’s the chance to take the new gear to the snow and see what you think about it. I arrived in Winter Park the night before, got a [...] Email To A Friend
The SIA Tradeshow is underway in Denver, Colorado and day 2 was packed with more appointments to see what’s coming out for 2012. I’ve been able to see everything from snowboards to outerwear to gloves to goggles, just getting an idea of what is to come next year. It’s also overwhelming with the amount of [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the DC Devun with Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: You’d swear you are riding a camber board
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: It goes without saying but if you’d seen Devun ride, you know this board is gonna be on the [...] Email To A Friend
I definitely look forward to SIA each year because it’s 4 days of fun packed together, appointments all day and tons of people that you love catching up with. The snowboard industry is small but with some amazing people involved in making something we love happen.
Today was Day 1 of the SIA tradeshow in Denver, [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the last day of Big Snow Bash which meant helping out the events crew with handing out shirts on the mountain. Lauren and myself hit up each of the main base areas, giving away Snowpowcalypse shirts to guests for the morning and early afternoon.
After we were done it was time to hit up [...] Email To A Friend
We’re just days away from the SIA Tradeshow in Denver, Colorado with the industry checking out 2012 and lots of business going on but also a ton of fun parties and events going on. The ski and snowboard industry will be out partying it up and even if you aren’t attending the SIA tradeshow, you [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, California
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Cobrashark bindings on the Burton Sherlock with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: The cobrasharks were the first binding of the day and quick to get set up. I almost didn’t go with them but was open to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Sherlock with Burton Cobrashark bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: I can see why this board is so popular…it’s so damn easy to ride.
Weight: Average
Flex: Sherlock was softer in the nose and tail of the board with stiffer flex underfoot [...] Email To A Friend
Last year was the first year for the SIA Tradeshow to go off in Denver, Colorado and I welcomed the new location with open arms. I no longer live in Colorado but I’m making my way back for 4 days of tradeshow madness and 2 days of on-snow riding. My schedule for the tradeshow is [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Joystick with Burton Cartel bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Stiffer than the Hero but with a similar riding style
Weight: Average
Flex: The joystick had a noticeably stiffer flex than the hero but that’s a good thing, it delivers up [...] Email To A Friend
This year has been interesting for my riding, I’m jumping everyday now! I never really wanted to but I’m feeling more comfortable and just having fun with it. I probably won’t ever hit big jumps again but right now I’m enjoying the small jumps in the Forest Trail and Wonderland Parks. Today I hit [...] Email To A Friend
Last season I rode a snowboard from a Australian based company called Chemical Storm. The board received a lot of attention because it was different; in shape, in graphics and something new. This year they are releasing a limited edition octorocker skullteeth snowboard and I wanted to give one of you this snowboard to ride! [...] Email To A Friend
What a day! Earlier this week, we found out that the marketing team would be able to ride Stomping Grounds today to get a taste of the AcroBags. I hadn’t hit an airbags since Windells Camp this summer and even then it was only a couple times. I was excited and then nervous to hit [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Columbia Powder Bowl Parka is a technical jacket that offers up advanced Omni-Heat warmth, sleek designs and an assortment of technical features to stay warm and dry on the mountain. It makes the coldest days on the slopes, the warmest and offers waterproofing for those cold/wet days.
Fit: When I was asked what [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to resist the sunny clear sky weather Mammoth has been having especially when the snow is outside your door. I headed out today to meet up with Nate Musson who runs Shredsoles and works at Pitcrew back east. He’s out here for the thirty-two boot camp which has been riding up Mammoth with [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, California
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Cartel bindings on the Burton Joystick with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: About average time to set it up but more so making sure the men’s binding would fit my female boot size.
Fit: I got into the [...] Email To A Friend
What does it mean to ride for a friend? Does it mean just thinking about them on the slopes or getting people together (friends, strangers, people who care) to come together for a riding purpose. A day that means more than you? Today friends of Danny Toumarkine will be hitting up Northstar to take laps [...] Email To A Friend
It’s rare to hear of snowboards made in the United States but there are still companies that are just outside the mountains in your backyard building your favorite snowboards. In my quest to visit all the US factories, I’ve been to 5 of them in the US and 6 in North America. Each factory has [...] Email To A Friend
Since moving to Mammoth, I haven’t had too many Colorado people come out and visit. But I finally got one visitor who booked his ticket and made plans to leave Crested Butte to check out what Mammoth had to offer. I’d been looking forward to his visit for weeks and he finally arrived in town [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Blender with Burton Scribe EST bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Reminds me of the lipstick with V-rocker but with a twin shape and flex.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Blender had a softer flex to it, torsionally it was on the softer [...] Email To A Friend
The morning was spent getting in some turns with the skier at Mammoth. His second day on the slopes wasn’t as nice as the first, the weather had turned flat light and definitely feeling the rough hits from the day before. We ended up lapping through the windy Main Park, windy South Park and settled [...] Email To A Friend
Last Friday I had the amazing opportunity to be the keynote speaker at Snowcial’s Blog University. The Tahoe Snowcial is where technology, community and snowsports meet up and it begins on January 6th in South Lake Tahoe. The Blog University portion included a lot of questions regarding blogging and focused on how Snow Sports [...] Email To A Friend
The sunny weather returned to Mammoth just in time for the weekend! I put in a couple hours of work but then headed out to enjoy some laps in the sunshine and help with the latest webvideo filming. The mountain was so warm and beautiful but mostly warm. On the way up checked out the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, California
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Scribe bindings on the Burton Blender with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: These were the last bindings of the day and quick to get set up and adjusted to my boot. It was probably because the tent [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, California
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers
Setup: I rode the Rome Pusher with Rome 390 Bosses and my Vans Veil boots size 8.
First Impression: Last year the pusher was a favorite of mine and continues to be that solid all mountain board the second you get on it.
Size: 159cm
Weight: heavier than average
Flex: The pusher [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Women’s glove meant for all mountain conditions on the slopes. Designed to be the perfect combination of form and function.
Location: I’ve been rocking these gloves in the early season at Mammoth Mountain in California.
Conditions: I’ve worn these gloves on colder to snowy days on the mountain. The majority of time has been spent [...] Email To A Friend
Burton arrived in Mammoth with the AM series and demo tour hitting the slopes this weekend. I was working today but managed to get out for a ride break so I could try out some new gear and ride with friends. To start out the day, I got set up with the Burton Nug with [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the last day of the Burton Demo Tour at Mammoth Mountain but the perfect day for me to try out multiple boards that I wanted to get on. It was a cold start to the day with the winds picking up and hardpacked conditions on the mountain but was able to meet up [...] Email To A Friend
Last year I had the opportunity to try out and review a Chemical Storm snowboard; a board that captured a lot of attention on the mountain with the graphics and shape. Now the Australian based snowboard company has a new model coming out, the Octorocker Skullteeth, and one of my lucky readers will now get [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Nug with Malavita bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 146cm.
First Impression: Holy tinyness…10cm less than what you normally ride
Weight: average.
Flex: I was expecting a board similar to the signal park rocker, just straight up soft but the nug definitely still offers up [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, California
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Burton Malavita bindings on the Burton Nug with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: It took longer than usual to get them set up which was weird since they should be quick but it was a busy demo day. [...] Email To A Friend
I really enjoy January since it’s full of tons of fun stuff that keeps your head spinning for weeks. Heading to Snowcial tomorrow, then back in town for the Burton Super Demo Tour, visitors in town and then SIA at the end of the month. The days of riding decrease this month so I’m enjoying [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, California
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to soft packed groomers.
Setup: I rode the Flux RK30 bindings on the DC PBJ with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: It was average time to set them up, actually really a bit quicker than usual. I didn’t have to take out a [...] Email To A Friend
After weeks of storms, seeing the sun for more than 24 hours has been much-needed. It felt really good to get out on the slopes, take lunchtime laps and cruise around the mountain to just ride. I had been wanting to check out the Art Park since it opened but hadn’t had the chance to [...] Email To A Friend
Three months ago I moved to Mammoth and I gotta say, life is good. Mammoth is a great state of mind, the mountain is amazing and I’m still exploring it! Plus June is just outside of town and already loving that mtn. The town and people are an interesting change with the majority of traffic [...] Email To A Friend
Happy New Year!
It’s incredible how much has changed within a year. A year ago I was living in Colorado and now I’m living in California. I left my year round job with Steamboat, worked at Windells Camp this summer and now am incredibly happy to be working for Mammoth Mountain. I moved away from friends [...] Email To A Friend
A quick drive down the highway from Mammoth lies June Mountain. Nestled back in the trees with views of peaks and the lakes, June is the sister mountain that’s quietly overlooked. June opened in mid-December but I hadn’t gotten the chance to ride there until yesterday when timing worked out with friends to head over [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of soft packed groomers to choppy powder to some new snow.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Infinity with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: Still remains that all mountain women’s board that you can take anywhere.
Weight: average.
Flex: Right in the middle of the road [...] Email To A Friend
It’s the busy time when resort towns are packed with vacationers that help fund our towns and mountains. Usually I stay off the mountain this week since it’s so busy but today I was feeling the itch, I just needed to get out onto the snow to make a couple turns. We’re getting hit with [...] Email To A Friend
Last spring I had to put a stop to the shayboarder stickers because realistically I knew that summer at Mt Hood was going to be busy and not affordable to ship out stickers. But now that I’m settled, I put back in an order with Ink Monstr and just got more shayboarder stickers!
Both the shayboarder.com [...] Email To A Friend
The reports said a possible 2 feet of snow and the reports were right. It dumped 2 feet of snow overnight which meant digging my truck out this morning, just another day at Mammoth. Capita was a bit dismayed when she didn’t see the walkway so I had to dig out a trail for her [...] Email To A Friend
Having a facemask or necktube on the mountain can make those cold winter days a lot better when you are covered up all warm. I wanted to give out one of the rad Pom-Pom necktubes in a crazy design so that someone could enjoy keeping hidden from the cold this winter. I asked readers to [...] Email To A Friend
You know it’s a great powder day when the sun comes out to show off all the new snow and goods on the mountain. Despite the holiday rush, today was an awesome day just with longer lift lines. I headed out for a lunch ride break with Dan just in time for some lift openings.
It [...] Email To A Friend
Since December 20th, nine lives have been lost in North America from snowboarding accidents. At least four of the deaths have been from riding in trees either from colliding with a tree or falling into a tree well. As beautiful as winter wilderness is to look at and fun to ride in; snow and [...] Email To A Friend
Merry Christmas! As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate being able to spend the holidays with family versus the gifts I receive. Today was the best present, I was able to ride Sugarbowl with my brother and my mom accompanying me on the mountain. I had an amazing Christmas morning, slept in, [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Designed to be a lightweight first layer and with dryride ultrawick it helps repel moisture. It’s quick drying and stink proof to keep a sweaty day on snow less noticeable to your friends. It’s functional for warm weather coverage or midwinter insulation.
Appearance: I bought the men’s camp pullover hoodie in the true black [...] Email To A Friend
Sometimes all it takes is an idea, materials and a sewing machine to piece it together. Hieronymus had an idea, gathered the material and started creating designs with a sewing machine. Their clothing is founded on two concepts: literature and design. While you might wonder how this company has its hand in snowboarding, it’s out [...] Email To A Friend
Merry Christmas! As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate being able to spend the holidays with family versus the gifts I receive. Today was the best present, I was able to ride Sugarbowl with my brother and my mom accompanying me on the mountain. I had an amazing Christmas morning, slept in, [...] Email To A Friend
All in a day’s work. Today was the craziest day for snowfall, it buried my truck in the parking lot and even I was amazed to get it out. Then I couldn’t drive to work due to chain restrictions so left the truck in the village and caught the shuttle to the mountain. That was [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Men’s glove designed to be lightweight and great for a spring/pipe glove on the mountain.
Location: I’ve been rocking these gloves since opening day to the present day at Mammoth Mountain in California.
Conditions: I’ve worn these gloves on a majority of sunny bluebird days with warm to colder temps but also on the occasional [...] Email To A Friend
I’m addicted to coffee. Maybe because I grew up in Seattle but I love coffee. However nothing beats waking up and starting the day than getting fresh powder turns. I’d gladly trade in all the coffee for fresh tracks in the morning. I woke up to bluebird skies which meant an amazing powder morning on [...] Email To A Friend
Last week I gave away a more manly mask so this week it’s something more feminine. I love facemasks and trying them out, one of my favorites is the Pom-Pom necktubes which keeps your neck and face warm while riding with some rad crazy bright designs.
Since Christmas is almost here, you have the chance [...] Email To A Friend
The numbers keep adding up, 8ft, 10ft, 11ft. Each day there’s more snow on the mountain that’s turning into a good base for the rest of the season. Last night we got another foot on the mountain and in some spots, it meant a couple feet deep of snow. Adam and Ben from TWS Snowboarding [...] Email To A Friend
Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Meg Pischke (DCP’s wife) who is an amazing snowboarder, human and a strong woman. We discussed her latest venture ReTreat Yourself and I interviewed her on the blog about the first ReTreat Yourself women’s slopeside retreat. Now it’s a year later and the second ReTreat Yourself [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been almost a week without seeing the sun, with storms pounding Mammoth and 11-17 feet of snow dropping on the mountain. An insane week of snowfall to say the least. But today the sun came out showing just how much powder is still available and the top of the mountain finally opened up. Normally [...] Email To A Friend
It was hard to leave Mammoth after the amazing powder days this week but I made my way to North Lake Tahoe yesterday to spend Christmas with family. One of the highlights of moving to California has been having family just a couple hours away and in such a great location! Today I’ll be hitting [...] Email To A Friend
When the temperatures drop in the mountains, it means covering up your face for those bitter cold days so you can play longer and keep your face staying warm. I wanted to reward a reader with a 2B Facemask that they could use this winter and check out for themselves. All it took was a [...] Email To A Friend
Over a foot in 24 hours. Definitely a powder day and a damn good one to be out on the mountain. I headed out at lunch time to get my turns in and found that even at lunch time there was still powder to be enjoyed. I met up with Sam from Red Bull who [...] Email To A Friend
What a day. Last night I headed to bed early because you know the early bird gets the worm. Well the early Shay gets a powder day! This morning, it was over knee deep in the parking lot and when I texted my trusty snow reporter friend Ashley, she said 3+ feet on the mountain [...] Email To A Friend
I’m sitting in bed realizing that outside my window is over 8 feet of snow that has fallen since Friday. It’s insane. On the mountain it’s supposed to be anywhere from 8 to 12 feet of snow. Yesterday I enjoyed the day off from riding after realizing no steep lifts were open and while powder [...] Email To A Friend
This has been an amazing winter so far. Moving to California has exceeded all my dreams in terms of the mountain, the job and a fresh start. One of the rad things coming up is being part of the Tahoe Snowcial in a few weeks. The Tahoe Snowcial is where technology, community and snowsports meet [...] Email To A Friend
Last night was the first snowfall of the week; today we got over a foot of snow and this weekend a storm is supposed to bring in up to 8 feet of snow. Yep I’m crossing my fingers for that much snowfall to arrive over the weekend! It was the perfect lunch break to get [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of soft packed groomers to choppy powder to deeper powder.
Setup: I rode the GNU Riders Choice with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154.5cm.
First Impression: C2BTX does the Riders Choice good.
Weight: tad heavier than average.
Flex: The Riders Choice is meant to be a stiffer board that [...] Email To A Friend
Usually Mondays are impossible to get out on the slopes because of work and getting things done for the week ahead but today it was a good time to take a break, finish up some footage for the Mammoth video and get some quick turns in. Over the weekend I went out with Mammoth’s snow [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked groomers to icy death.
Setup: I rode the Salomon Answer with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: This board has some snap, crackle and pop to it giving you a lighter all mountain lively board.
Weight: lighter than average.
Flex: One of the first noticeable [...] Email To A Friend
Sundays are my favorite day of the week in Mammoth. It’s the day that I can sleep in, relax with my dog in the morning and hit up the slopes for the afternoon when it gets quiet in town again.
Adina, Dan and Ashley at the top of the mountain
It was a beautiful day on the [...] Email To A Friend
The snowboard industry is constantly changing and adapting to the world around us. The last couple years snowboarding hit a rough spot in the economy but is now bouncing back with companies, films and snowboarders developing snowboarding for how it will be into the future.
One of those companies and the man behind it is Think [...] Email To A Friend
Usually when you flip through a magazine you might check out a couple ads but the latest Columbia omni-tech advertisements featuring naked people holding up the omni jackets in the winter definitely stop you in your tracks. Omni-heat claims to be 20% warmer than the ordinary lining by breathing and regulating temperatures so you don’t [...] Email To A Friend
The first of thirteen stops on the Peanut Butter and Rail Jam went down in Mammoth today under bluebird skies and plenty of crowds watching the action from the sundeck. Riders competed in different heats to prove their skills worthy enough of the Championships that will return to Mammoth in May. There were three lines [...] Email To A Friend
Each day that I ride, I’m finding new terrain, new runs and getting a better taste of what’s to come this winter. It’s a rad experience to be riding somewhere totally new and calling it my home mountain.
Today Dan and I headed out for some lunch laps and made our way over to Chair #4 [...] Email To A Friend
Winter is here which means keeping those faces covered up on the mountain so that you can enjoy the day longer and keep your face staying warm on those cold days. I just got my hands on a 2B mask to test on the slopes but I wanted to give someone else the opportunity to [...] Email To A Friend
It’s December! I love December! It means Christmas is just around the corner but before that, there’s tons of stuff going on in Mammoth. This weekend is Premature Jibulation, next weekend is Volcom PB&RJ and then it’s Night of Lights. Plus every day is paradise when you snowboard! Stoked for December!
Waking up early for work [...] Email To A Friend
For years I’ve watched the Premature Jibulation hit up resorts around the US but now I’ll actually be on location to watch the action live and probably munch down a hot dog while drinking a beer. This Saturday, Rome SDS is putting on the Premature Jibulation at Mammoth Mountain. In its 7th year, the Premature [...] Email To A Friend
It’s a good feeling when the mountain is right outside your door and helps refresh you at lunch break when you just need to think about things or not think about things. I did that today, needed a breather so ended up just lapping Chair 6 and Forest Trail Terrain Park. It felt really good [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to icy to softpacked powder.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech Attack Banana with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 159cm.
First Impression: The attack banana matches its name. This board rips up the snow whether it’s attacking the groomers or powder.
Weight: average
Flex: For an all [...] Email To A Friend
After yesterday’s riding, I was expecting today to be much of the same low visibility, overcast weather but when I looked outside at lunch the sun was shining! It was easy to head out onto the slopes with my co-worker Justin for a couple laps. We headed over to South Park to check out [...] Email To A Friend
To start off the season right, Rome SDS puts on multiple Premature Jibulation Rail Jams around the states. Today was the Mammoth Mountain contest with amateur riders proving their skills in a jam format. I had only heard of the Premature Jibulation but never got to check it out first hand until today. It was a [...] Email To A Friend
Just a sunday in the park at Mammoth Mountain. Got the wake up call from Pat this morning telling me to get up, enjoy the sunshine snowboarding before the storm rolls into town. He had a good point so I got my gear, grabbed breakfast and parked the car at Chair #2 to meet up [...] Email To A Friend
The holidays are just around the corner and it’s that time of year to deliver some goodies to your friends, significant other or favorite snowboarder in the family. I’m a huge fan of keeping gifts under $50 and keeping it simple with items that people will actually use on the mountain.
I put together 10 [...] Email To A Friend
I was hesitant to start wearing a helmet last season but as I ventured into the park and listened to my readers, I realized it was time to stop messing around and put a lid on it. Since then I’ve been rocking Sandbox and Bern helmets for the majority of last season, last summer and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Mammoth, CA
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked groomers to softpacked powder.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Formula with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: This is one of those boards that’s an easy forgiving ride for any level of rider and can be ridden anywhere on the mountain from park [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: On Hill Manager/Head Digger
Employer: High Cascade Snowboard Camp
Years on snow: 22
Days on snow: 200 +
Currently Riding: Dinosaurs Will Die Genovese 157
Currently I am: Finishing up the summer at HCSC getting ready to Jump into winter mode with Planet.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Corey: Grew up snowboarding in Idaho [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat, CO & Timberline, OR
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers to powder days.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Draft with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Soft buttery goodness for park laps
Weight: average
Flex: The draft is the soft buttery flexing board in the arbor line, it’s meant [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Founder
Employer: SolsticeSupply.com
Years on snow: 17
Days on snow: 60 + p/year
Currently Riding: Lib Tech Jamie Lynn
Currently I am: Geeking out on Microsoft Word
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Justin: 30 years old. Born and raised in San Diego, CA. Moved to Bend, OR in 2004. I enjoy long walks [...] Email To A Friend
There’s a list in my head of things I want to do when it comes to snowboarding. It’s not really a bucket list but more a list that every snowboarder dreams of. One of the items was to do a summer at Mt Hood and I can finally cross it off the list. There was [...] Email To A Friend
In only a matter of months winter will return to the mountains and cover our favorite playgrounds with a blanket of white so that snowboarders can play once again. Until then we have some of the best filmers and riders out there bringing us snowboard films each season to keep us occupied until winter strikes.
For [...] Email To A Friend
For the past two years the anticipation for TGR’s deeper has been steadily growing and soon “Deeper” will be released to the public so riders around the world can see deep into Jeremy Jones & friends big mountain adventures. Premiere season has arrived in the Northwest and with big mountain/freeriding as the soul behind these [...] Email To A Friend
Three years ago I sat down in front of my computer and began this snowboard blog that eventually would grow to become something recognizable. It began as a way to express myself and share a passion for snowboarding with the world but I never expected that it would reach over 1.7 million visitors and lead to [...] Email To A Friend
I won’t call this the last day of the season yet because I know that come September a day trip down to Timberline would be worth it but it’s the last day for me as of right now. My knees feel sore but my heart is still wanting more of the mountain. The park has [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Goggle Product Line Manager
Employer: Spy Optic
Years on snow: 10
Days on snow: Plenty and never enough
Currently Riding: The new Spy prototype goggle. Doing hotlaps on a skateboard testing vision and fogging. So far – Amazing… During the winter – anything I can swindle, beg, borrow or steal from friends. Major thanks to everyone [...] Email To A Friend
So far this has been the best and also the longest season I’ve had which is making it hard to come back to reality but I know the time is coming soon. Today was day 150 of the season, it’s so crazy that I’ve spent almost half my year snowboarding but incredible that I’m lucky [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: a gypsy snowboardcoach/hustler/life student/sometimes waitress pro shredder babe…
Employer: Tim Windell… well, he was- but not anymore. So I guess I am actually employer-less… haha.. yess! It feels pretty amazing– just cruising free-bird status. I am about to return to being a full time student…I am stoked- I really love school.
Years on snow: [...] Email To A Friend
Normally I don’t take off the weekend from blogging it up but the last 36 hours I was in a car driving from Oregon to Colorado and then back from Colorado to Oregon with no more than 20 minutes out of the vehicle the whole time. It was operation bring my dog home to the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Timberline, OR
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Capita Horrorscope FK with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: The horrorscope is that fun soft board that is just meant for park
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: The horrorscope is meant to be that soft [...] Email To A Friend
The last couple days have been a whirlwind of fun here at Mt Hood, Oregon. My time at Windells Camp came to an end which meant celebrating with the staff party, then packing everything up to move out of the ark. I ended up not going far since I’ll be staying in Govy the next [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Sales Rep
Employer: K2 Snowboarding
Years on snow: 20
Days on snow: Not enough
Currently Riding: Gyrator/Parkstar-Auto Evers-Maysis
Currently I am: Waiting to get the boat out for wake laps and writing this
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
JP: Not a NATIVE… but got here as fast as I could. hehe. In 1990 I became [...] Email To A Friend
The last day of camp. Summer has flown by so quickly that it’s hard to believe it’s the last on-snow day and camp is ending. After having such a great progression session yesterday, I headed back to HCSC to finally dial in some tricks that I wanted. Not to say that I couldn’t do [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Marketing and Communications Manager
Employer: Park City Mountain Resort
Years on snow: My first experience on snow was in Aspen, Colorado when I was 4, BUT I grew up in Mississippi. Needless to say that first snow experience was an isolated incident! My true ‘’snow career” begin in 2002, so eight years.
Days on [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes to snowboarding at Mt Hood, there is only one camp that’s 100% snowboarders and that’s High Cascade Snowboard Camp located right next to Windells on the mountain. I had the opportunity earlier this summer to check out HCSC when Snowboarder Magazine came to town and I had a blast riding there for [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Forum Holy Moly with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: I was told this was a love it or hate it board but I’m actually in the middle of the road on this board…never knew what [...] Email To A Friend
There’s only a couple days left of Windells Camp, a couple more chairlift rides, a couple more PB&J sandwiches and a couple more times to try tricks in the Windells Park. After camp I should be able to stick around in Oregon to get in some more shred time on the mountain so I’m looking [...] Email To A Friend
Above the clouds is my favorite time to be at Timberline, the moment you get above you feel on top of the world. It can be cloudy overcast below the clouds and above the clouds it’ll be bluebird and beautiful.
Windells has the demo shack at camp with all of next year’s gear available at your [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the first day of on-snow for session 7 and definitely time to throw down the tricks before summer ends! Timberline is still in great condition, Palmer chairlift is covered with good amount of snow still and the snow where the parks are at is still holding up.
I have a rad schedule that I [...] Email To A Friend
Summer flies by when you are having fun and with session 7 already here, it brings the last snowboard session of the summer for Windells Camp. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I came out here but sometimes the unknown and unexpected ends up being a great surprise of new experiences and [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: CMC student/intern
Employer: I have interned for Never Summer Industries and Spacecraft Clothing
Years on snow: 11
Days on snow: 70-80
Currently Riding: 158 Salomon drift and 07-08 union contacts
currently I am: just living the dream
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Cody: Well my name is Cody Clark, I grew up in [...] Email To A Friend
It’s the weekend for Windells Camp which means most of the staff disperses to the coast or into the woods and Timberline has less people so it’s the perfect time for getting up to ride. Public park is still holding up with a jump line and rail features but the only downside is the hike [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Design Engineer – Snowboards
Employer: Ride Snowboards
Years on snow: 18
Days on snow: Optimistically ~50 days.
Currently Riding: Protos (white top and a single black sprayed paint rat on the left side of tail).
Currently I am: plugged into my IPod with: ‘Manic Street Preachers’ – track: ‘Revol’ in a bar in Hong [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Remind insoles come in two versions, cush and thin. The thin are meant for more shoes and low impact like walking, the cush are ideal for higher impact activities like snowboarding. I’ve worn both in my snowboard boots and the cush are definitely more favorable for snowboarding.
Appearance: This is one of my [...] Email To A Friend
One of my favorite days of each session is usually the last day because the mountain is quiet, the private windells camp is quieter and it’s my day to just enjoy the ride! I’ve been working on my riding more this session, feeling more comfortable on higher rails and still working on ollie’ing onto features [...] Email To A Friend
You know it’s a great day when you start and end your day with songs from the Robotfood movies…they just do a great job of pumping you up for a day of shred and stoking you out on the end of a great day. It’s day 140 of the 09-10 season for me, hard to [...] Email To A Friend
There are definitely some days that don’t feel as progressive as others and my mind is not in the right place…today was one of those days. I really wasn’t feeling the mountain but made it up to get in some turns, try something new and hope for the best. I still have no complaints though [...] Email To A Friend
Most of this summer has been early morning breakfast and then heading straight to the mountain for a full day of shredding but then there are days like today where after breakfast at camp, you fall back to sleep for a couple hours before heading to the mountain. It definitely helps make the day better [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Assistant Manager
Employer: Powder Tools Snowboard Shop
Years on snow: 18
Days on snow: 90+
Currently Riding: Ride Society 157, Ride RFL boots size 8.5, Ride Alpha Movement Bindings, CAPP3L Clothing, Oakley Crowbar Goggles, Skull Candy headphones
Currently I am: Waiting anxiously for the Flyers Stanley Cup finals game 1 to start. My Flyers and [...] Email To A Friend
July is coming to an end but even still every day on the slopes is another day of snowboarding at Timberline and having fun at Windells Camp. The snow is melting faster on the slopes which means you hike to the parking lot at the end of the day or at the end of each [...] Email To A Friend
What a great day on snow! Session 6 arrived to Windells Camp with campers finally hitting the snow today. It’s definitely feeling like summer is coming to an end and time to make sure I get tricks I wanted from this summer.
Yesterday Never Summer arrived in town with their riders Nick De Cicco, Cooper Hoffmeister, [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: hmmm. Snowboarder/innovator, creator maybe.
Employer: Self, with my clothing company (Two For One).
Years on snow: standing sideways on snow since 1985
Days on snow: More then not.
Currently Riding: Tahoe cali maybe 45 days a year but hope more next year
Currently I am: Not riding and at my computer so I can share what I am [...] Email To A Friend
We’re already down to the last two sessions before Windells ends…summer has flown by with the amount of fun I’ve been having. The session 6 campers arrived today so it was a perfect day to head up to the slopes to just freeride without either camp operating. Timberline is a public mountain but the camps [...] Email To A Friend
A couple weeks ago, Trevor Jacobs tagged my snowboard with a GKC sticker to which I replied, what’s GKC? GKC has many explanations but with their invasion of Mt Hood this summer they’ve created a summer edit that gives a good explanation of what Mt Hood is like in the summer.
Check out the video and [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the last on-snow day of session 5 here at Windells Camp and probably the least favorite day for weather since the winds were blowing hard on the mountain making it sunny but cold. It was a quick day on the mountain, headed up with Izzy’s group, took some laps, had a long lunch [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Snowboard Instructor, Snowboard Staff Trainer/Clinician, Buyer-Snowboard Shop, Board Tester (skate & snow), Freelance Snowboard Consultant, Professional Skateboard Slalom Racer.
Employer: Park City Mountain Resort. Destination Sports/PC Park & Ride, Geckodecks.
Years on snow: 25 years.
Days on snow: Approx. 130 FULL days per season
Currently Riding:
BOARDS- Never Summer Raptor 159-2011, Never Summer SL-R 155, Rome [...] Email To A Friend
The last couple days have been spent at HCSC for America’s Next Top Pro Model contest which has been so much fun to be able to watch it live and be a part of it. The last couple days have been so much fun hanging out with the Snowboarder crew and House crew in town [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Associate Editor
Employer: TransWorld Snowboarding
Years on snow: 18, if you include a couple years of pizza wedging
Days on snow: Never enough.
Currently Riding: My office chair
Currently I am: Staring at 1s and 0s
Photo: Chris Wellhausen
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Ben: I am a quiet-Colorado-mountainman-hippie-snowboarder-intellectual-musicloving-reader-cyclist-geographer-chef turned SoCal sandcrab, writer? I grew [...] Email To A Friend
When America’s Next Top Pro Model began at Mt Hood yesterday, it was the place for pro snowboarder with pro models to come in order to prove their the Top Pro Model. Plenty of big names came out to ride like Heikki Sorsa, Iikka Backstrom, Austin Smith, Bryan Fox, Marc Frank Montoya, Kyle Clancy, Chris [...] Email To A Friend
The crew at Snowboarder Magazine arrived in town to bring back America’s Next Top Pro Model contest at High Cascade Snowboard Camp which is a super fun contest based around pros having fun on their pro models. Maybe it’s the boards, maybe it’s the rider…the Next Top Pro Model determines all! Today was Day [...] Email To A Friend
The arrival of Session 5 campers began yesterday with a fun day on campus and today finally hitting the slopes. It’s going to be a fun weekend with Snowboarder’s Top Model contest going on the next couple days at HCSC but today was lapping the new public park and new Windells revamping of the park.
I [...] Email To A Friend
After spending the last couple days camping with friends and staff, it was great to be back at camp to start out session 5 with arrival day. Everyone is so stoked to come to camp and to be a part of it, just makes for a fun journey. I can’t wait to hit up the [...] Email To A Friend
I often think about the pursuit of happiness and the choices I’ve made that have made me happier. Coming to Hood this summer was a big decision; quitting my year round job at Steamboat and leaving my dog with friends was tough but the payoff has been happiness. I am living the dream of riding [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: many
Employer: Eastern Boarder
Years on snow: 15
Days on snow: 30-40
Currently Riding: Skate Banana
Currently I am: typing
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Herb: Born in 1972, Lifelong Massachusetts resident, married with an amazing daughter and black lab.
Shay: How has snowboarding changed your life?
Herb: [...] Email To A Friend
Normally during the off days from camp I’ve been completely getting away from camp and Mt Hood in order to come back totally stoked but today was the best off day! Last night some of the Stevens Pass crew rolled into town so I grabbed Nate and we headed to Lake Trillium to camp out [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: PR Manager
Employer: Fuse
Years on snow: Since I was born
Days on snow: Now, about 40 a year. In my past life, about 120
Currently Riding: The GNU B Pro-Barrett Christy’s Model. We had a rocky start, the board and I, but now she is my true love. I named her Indy.
Currently I [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Technine Team Dennison with Technine Mass Appeal bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 153cm.
First Impression: For the conditions of choppy bumpy cruddy snow this board just cut through it and was a very comfortable ride.
Weight: Average
Flex: The dennison has a softer [...] Email To A Friend
Life is definitely easy when all you think about is snowboarding everyday but unfortunately sometimes other things catch up to you like some kind of allergic reaction. I’ve not been feeling 100% the last couple days so mountain time has been rougher than usual but I’ve been loving the adult group this week and hanging [...] Email To A Friend
Usually when Pipe to Pipe comes to Mt Hood, Oregon I’m sitting in Colorado working and watching the updates from the contest wishing I could be there just to enjoy the summer shred. But this year, I was there bright and early to watch from registration, each riders runs on snow and skate until the [...] Email To A Friend
The very very hot weather has arrived at Windells Camp and the mountain delivered another sunny slushy day on the slopes which makes riding park very forgiving. I started the morning with some laps from top to bottom through Windells private park and then through the public park. The snow is melting/changing so each day [...] Email To A Friend
Session 4 at Windells certainly has the perks and tomorrow will be no exception with the Pipe to Pipe Contest. The doors of Windells private camp will be open for one day as the event goes down and I’ll be on the slopes and in the skate park to watch the action unfold tomorrow!
If you [...] Email To A Friend
We had high winds the past couple days which means that instead of white snow we get dirt covered snow to ride down but the actual snowpack is still holding up. Each day we strap in at the magic mile chairlift and can ride both magic mile and palmer chairlifts. The warm weather finally arrived, [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Director of Sketchy Dealings and Shady information – no, really I don’t have a single title.
Employer: MODA3
Years on snow: 16
Days on snow: Average of about 40 a year these days.
Currently Riding: Burton Process w/ Malavita EST bindings.
Currently I am: Cold chillin’ in the cut.
Shay: Tell us a [...] Email To A Friend
Session 4 of Windells began yesterday but today was the first day to hit the slopes. It was fun having some time off in Seattle but great to be back on the mountain. The summer weather finally delivered with a very warm day in Oregon but the winds stayed up on the mountain and kept [...] Email To A Friend
Here’s a look back at this incredible season that was my 2009-2010 season. I spent most of the winter in Colorado but was able to travel to many events this year and it was definitely the most fun progressing year for me in the park. I’m still blown away by the love that many have [...] Email To A Friend
It’s another arrival day at Windells Snowboard Camp as session 4 began today with another batch of campers, fun times and warm weather! Now that I’ve gotten used to the camp schedule, you know what’s expected and arrival day is just helping out and having fun!
It was a really relaxing 4th of July weekend so [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Product Development
Employer: Never Summer Industries
Years on snow: 29
Days on snow: 30
Currently Riding: Summit Custom Split, 2010/11 Heritage
Currently I am: Working on a board graphic idea and soft goods for future development.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Vince: I was born in Denver, a fourth [...] Email To A Friend
A couple days ago I celebrated Canada Day with my Canadian friends at camp but now it’s time to celebrate 4th of July with close family. I’m currently in Washington in a tiny mountain town called Skykomish where my family is gathering for a reunion. It means being able to see family that many of [...] Email To A Friend
Timberline is still in prime condition for riding and the magic mile chairlift is still rideable to the bottom which is awesome! For those not familiar with Timberline, there are private camps but it’s also open to the public in the summer so anyone can shred year round. Everyday I get to tag along [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: The Boss, The Rider, The Producer, The comedian
Employer: Holden, Snowboarding and Videograss
Years on snow: 25
Days on snow: 40 this year, approx 1600 days total lifetime
Currently Riding: An office chair
Currently I am: Generally happy, AWAKE and making moves.
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Mikey: I [...] Email To A Friend
Just another day on the slopes of Timberline and at Windells Camp…it’s hard to believe that we’re in session 3 and halfway through the summer! The US Snowboard Team has been at Windells Camp to practice in the pipe and get some air bag time in on the slopes so I hit up the mountain [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Lexa bindings with a variety of Burton snowboards (Lipstick, Feelgood, Whammy Bar) with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time with the EST system and disc system. I rode both types of Lexa’s and [...] Email To A Friend
Most of session 3 at Windells has been sunny bluebird days but today the cold overcast skies came out for the morning on the slopes. It was a reminder that even though it’s summer snowboarding, there’s always a chance for winter weather on the mountain. I headed up a little later than usual but went [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: VP of Marketing
Employer: 686/Westlife Distribution
Years on snow: Wow, I can’t believe it but 19. Since 1991.
Days on snow: Not enough, that’s for sure!
Currently Riding: A few different boards – Omatic, Never Summer, Lib Tech and Elan, all different sizes and shapes, depending on the conditions.
Currently I am: Sitting at [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been such a fun and crazy summer being out here at Mt Hood and Windells Camp but the best feeling was today when I headed up to the mountain realizing that the mountain is my office for the summer. Every day I wake up, eat breakfast and head to the best office I’ve ever [...] Email To A Friend
After all the years of Rome snowboards, the shred remains in their collection and is the constant devotion behind their products. For 2011, their snowboards feature a variety of camber/rocker options for the assortment of riders that hit up the local mountains.
For camber, rome has positive camber, hybrid camber and powder S camber. For reverse, [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the first day of on-snow for session 3 and still insane to believe that I’m at Windells Camp all summer to partake in the most shredding and fun for months. I carpool up to the mountain each day with my skier gals Dania and Keri so we can get up early for laps [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe it’s already session 3 at Windells…time just flies by when you are having fun at summer camp! Today was arrival day for session 3 as campers made their way to camp for another epic week of fun, sun and shredding. The sun was shining which made arrival day perfect to be [...] Email To A Friend
During the off-days at camp most of the camp is quiet as staff and campers are non-existent but the Windells Academy students stay busy with on-snow and off-snow activities. On Friday the van was loaded up with Academy kids to head to Seattle where K2 Sports is located and were given a tour of the [...] Email To A Friend
We’ve got two days off from Windells Camp before session 3 begins but that means a relaxing morning and then hitting up the mountain for an amazing bluebird day of riding with Izzy, Johnny and met up with my friend Julie and family.
During off-days the Windells private park is closed so we just lapped the [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Web-Reporter
Employer: Method Mag
Years on snow: 18 including my childhood skier days
Days on snow: about 40
Currently Riding: A Capita Indoor Survival 156 and an Omatic Extreco 157 with Unions and 32 Lashed boots
Currently I am: Married and addicted to swiss cheese fondue!
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Edgar: [...] Email To A Friend
Burton continues to be a leading force in the snowboard industry with their offering of snowboards built around every rider in mind; for backcountry, park, pipe, freeriders or just beginning snowboarders.
Their 2010-2011 snowboards offer the springloaded Flying V with rocker/camber, V-rocker with rocker and camber for the traditional camber roots.
Burton Whammy [...] Email To A Friend
Name: Aaron James Draplin, Age: 36
Job Title: Graphic Arts Category, Illustration, Friendship, Clipping Pathery, Garying, Jokes/Laughter, Campfire Strummin’, Gocco Dynamics, Road Trip Navigation, Trust, Guitar Tuning, Gen’l Conversation, Culture Critique, Color Correcting, Existential Wondering, Bounty Hunting, Heavy Lifting, Advice, A Warm Meal, Simple Ideas and Occasional Usage of Big Words.
Employer: Myself! [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve been anxiously awaiting the beautiful bluebird days that summer riding at Timberline is known for and despite some cold winter/rainy weather we finally got a great sunny day on the slopes today.
The camp features have been progressing nicely, we have the dream feature this session but also a bunch of fun features down to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Whistler, BC
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked and icy to new bumpy snow on the slopes.
Setup: I rode the Bataleon Riot with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The Riot is always a favorite board to ride at the demo days…consistently great.
Weight: average
Flex: The riot is the middle of the road [...] Email To A Friend
So far the summer of snowboarding has been hit or miss with weather and today was another winter weather kind of day on the mountain. It started out with blue skies that you thought would come out but they ended up hiding away in the clouds by the end of the morning.
I woke up early [...] Email To A Friend
This morning started out with cloudy skies and rain down off the mountain but it was one of those days where it didn’t last long and Timberline was above the clouds line as the afternoon progressed on. I headed up to the mountain later than normal to avoid the lift lines and met up with [...] Email To A Friend
Since I’ve been out in Oregon it’s easy to forget what day of the week it is but today was a great Friday! Camps in session, we’re on day 2 for snow time and plenty of time to get the stoke out on the mountain. I woke up early for breakfast where the Windells kitchen [...] Email To A Friend
Roxy continues to help pave the way for female riders with their snowboard collection but they also offer a rang of bindings designed to partner with the snowboards.
For technology, Roxy offers their high-speed fastec entry/exit system on two models, RX-fastec and Fastec binding for youth. Designed with a reclining highback makes strapping in easy and [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe that on June 17th there would be fresh snow at Timberline in Oregon but today there was 8-10 inches of fresh snow for the first day on snow day at session 2 of Windells Camp.
I headed up to the mountain bright and early to check out the new snow we received [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Web Guy
Employer: Easy Loungin, Porters Tahoe, and Tahoe Dangerzone
Years on snow: 13
Days on snow: 116 this season
Currently Riding: Capita Horrorscope 153 with Union Contacts, Capita Indoor Survival FK 152 with Union Forces, L1 Outerwear, Nike Kaiju Boots, Ashbury Kaliedoscope Frames with Warlock Straps, Coal Beanies, and Comune and Beta [...] Email To A Friend
We made it through session 1 and now onto the second session here at Windells Camp at Mt Hood in Oregon. It’s been a really fun couple of weeks out here and still just only the beginning. One of the best things is being at the funnest place on earth where kids are stoked upon [...] Email To A Friend
For 23 years, K2 snowboards has been offering a way of fun progression to the mountains with their boards, boots and bindings. Their technology focuses on different riders needs, from catch free for beginners to rocker for park or pow or just flatline for the perfect balance.
For 10-11 K2 introduces the Fastplant with Bambooyah core, [...] Email To A Friend
Name: John Makens
Job Title: CEO
Employer: REMIND INSOLES, INC.
Years on snow: 20
Days on snow: 100
Currently Riding: Rome snowboards design 162
Currently I am: Getting new tires put on my truck.
Self-Portait
Shay: Tell us a little bit about yourself
John: I grew up in Minnesota. Gradually made my way west to [...] Email To A Friend
Last summer I purchased a new pair of 08-09 Vans Veil to be my main snowboard boot this winter and they just recently surpassed the 100th day on snow which means they get 100 day perspective to see how well they’ve held up through countless days on snow riding. Most snowboard companies make products that [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech TRS C2 with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: The addition of C2 to the TRS really delivers a total ripper series.
Weight: Average
Flex: The TRS is that good middle of the road, medium flex [...] Email To A Friend
In my 27 years of being on earth, I can truly say that today was the best birthday I’ve ever had. Unforgettable and amazing! Just like any other day at Windells Camp I woke up, made it in time for breakfast, packed my lunch and then carpooled up to the mountain with Windells ski coach [...] Email To A Friend
Today’s my birthday and I am now 27 years old!
I don’t believe I’ve ever snowboarded on my birthday but today I’ll be heading up to Timberline with Windells Camp to get my shred on and celebrate being another year older! Stoked to spend today with new friends doing something I’m so passionate about! Email To A Friend
The weather finally cooperated for an amazing day on the slopes with Timberline above the cloud line most of the day. It was a great day up at Windells Camp, plenty of coaching going on and the park was hopping with kids dialing their tricks.
I started the day making lap with Izzie’s group of campers [...] Email To A Friend
What could a snowboarder do with 50,000? Well two snowboarders from the east coast are trying to win a grant for $50,000 in order to buy 3 buses, convert them to bio diesel and use them to run city kids to local mountains like Hunter, Mountain Creek and Big Boulder…but they need your vote to [...] Email To A Friend
Today was another cold weather day on the slopes but this time I stayed down at camp to fight off a cold. The campers went up to shred the lower mountain park that was set up yesterday and when they came down from the slopes, the on campus activities were in full force after dinner.
Tonight [...] Email To A Friend
Name: Sarah Cameron
Job Title: Co-Founder, Co-Owner & Co-Director of Magical Go-Go® and POM POM®
Employer: Magical Go-Go, LLC (POM POM and Magical Go-Go)
Years on snow: Since I was 4…wow, that means 31 years. Yikes.
Days on snow: As many as I can get. With 2 kids in tow we’re now [...] Email To A Friend
It may be June in Oregon with summer just around the corner but today winter paid a visit with cold temps and weather on Timberline. The mountain opened up the lower chairlifts and created a mini park for camp so we could hit up the mountain today despite the weather.
A bit cloudy walking up to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat, Vail, Beaver Creek, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers to icy to powder conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Roxy Eminence C2 BTX with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Disregard the prettyness of this board because it rides like a badass down the mountain.
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe that I’m really at Timberline and Windells Camp snowboarding, but every day I wake up, get my gear on and head back to the mountain to capture snowboarding in it’s most core form…snowboarders who ride in the summer. Today was a action packed camera day, I spent most of the day [...] Email To A Friend
Name: Charlie Ninegar (pronounced like vinegar)
Job Title: Snowboard Sales and Marketing Manager
Employer: Arbor
Years on snow: My first trip was around 1993
Days on snow: Lifetime? No idea. This year: 30+ before I dislocated my shoulder riding.
Currently Riding: I think the 2011 Coda is the best board I’ve ever ridden. [...] Email To A Friend
Session 1 at Windells Camp is in full swing and today was the first on-snow day of camp. The weather cooperated and despite some cloud coverage on Timberline, most of the day offered up bluebird skies.
I met up with some of the staff in the parking lot and ended up riding with Steph one of [...] Email To A Friend
First chair and last call is the quintessential logo of Special Blend outerwear and since 1992 they’ve brought out their signature styles in colors, stripes and technical features on their snowboard jackets and pants.
Each of the Special Blend group collections focus on a different fit, inspiration and details. For the men the Fader group gives [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the beginning of summer camp at Windells Camp as session 1 campers began to arrive. It was an early day with a staff meeting to go over details and work together during the day to welcome new and returning campers. It was fun to be on the opposite end than last year [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been a rainy past week in Oregon but today the sun came out full scale for a great day on the mountain. I woke up at 9am, got my gear together quickly and headed up to the mountain with Johnny from camp. A bunch of the staff was up shredding since today was [...] Email To A Friend
For 10-11, Drake did a total overhaul and revamp on their bindings. For technology they have the contact pad a solid EVA pad that covers the base of the binding from toe to heel, biomapping the hiback to be specifically engineered to correspond calf and leg movement to contour perfectly that ensures correct natural stance, [...] Email To A Friend
I arrived at Mt Hood, Oregon a couple days ago to get acclimated to camp life before the first session of summer snowboard camp will begin at Windells. I had talked to Tim a couple months ago about coming out to camp, helping with blogging and being here as shayboarder to write about the rad [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: “Manager” is what you might call it
Employer: Sequence Boardshop
Years on snow: About 18 sliding while standing up in some way, about 12 or so on “real” snowboards
Days on snow: Today was day 64 for the 2010 season, and still counting.
Currently Riding: Capita and Union! Indoor FK [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Blackcomb, BC & Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Blackcomb, BC was hardpacked & ice to slushy bumpy snow. Loveland was powder and groomers to bumpy snow.
Setup: I rode the Jones Mountain Twin with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm
First Impression: I’m don’t ride like Jeremy Jones or Jonaven Moore but I [...] Email To A Friend
Job Title: Outside Sales Rep
Employer: I represent c3worldwide (CAPiTA, COAL, UNION), Ashbury eyewear, Nike snowboarding, and Magical Go-Go.
Years on snow: I always have to go back and add em up. I started riding in 5th grade (88-89ish) so 21 winters or so.
Days on snow: This past season I got 30 something [...] Email To A Friend
There are few snowboard brands built in the United States and even fewer that are built with the mountains just outside the factory. Unity Snowboards based in Silverthorne, Colorado has been handcrafting snowboards since 1995 for high quality and high performance snowboarding. What once was a freeride company is now making waves in the pipes, [...] Email To A Friend
In addition to their snowboard line, Nitro continues to bring out their snowboard outerwear that answers to the call of audio & visual liberation on the slopes. Their outerwear features 15k, 10K and 8K specific features depending on the conditions you’ll be riding in and they all have a variety of technical features to enhance [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat, CO
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Sierra V-spot with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: This board is soft and so easy to butter up the mountain with.
Weight: average
Flex: The V-spot is one of the softer women’s boards I’ve been on, super [...] Email To A Friend
Since I moved to Steamboat 4 years ago, I’ve lived in the same house with my dog that overlooks the Yampa Valley. Roommates have come and gone, friends have joined along for the ride but I knew eventually it would could to an end. Steamboat has been paradise in many ways; powder days were a [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Warmer weather glove with good grip and insulation so even on the warmer spring days your hands stay warm.
Location: I spent the majority of time riding these late season at Steamboat.
Conditions: I’ve worn these gloves on cold to snowy days and warmer days on the mountain. They are ideal for the warmer spring [...] Email To A Friend
Snowboarding was meant to be enjoyed and it’s no surprise that Stepchild follows through with enjoying snowboarding, good quality snowboards and keeping it real. Stepchild added a couple new boards to the line which includes more reverse camber models in a variety of low to high price ranges.
Joe Sexton received a pro model and guest [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Omatic Celebrity with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155
First Impression: Hands down the most poppy board I’ve ridden in a while.
Weight: Average
Flex: The celebrity had a stiffer flex longitudinally that really gave it a lot of stability [...] Email To A Friend
Now that the 09-10 season has come to an end (with the exception of this summer at Mt Hood) I figured it was finally time to bring back the best of 09-10. The best of list is my way of commending boards I enjoyed riding this year, it’s not a board test but just a [...] Email To A Friend
Since the beginning of Nomis they have stuck with designs that showcase a fresh/creative statement and quality that stands out. From their outerwear to their streetwear, they’ve offered up the Nomis look whether you snowboard in it or wear it around town. Their premium collection offers the ultimate fabric, construction and styling for men and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Ration with Burton lexa bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Wow, I’ve actually found a board that’s meant to go straight and hit rails.
Weight: Average
Flex: The ration was medium flex from tip to tail and a stiffer torsional [...] Email To A Friend
Drake has been known for their bindings but behind the bindings lies a snowboard company with boards built in the GST factory in Austria. Their boards were stamped with the Drake name in 09-10 and they are bringing back their signature line for 10-11. Drake has added a few reverse cambers to their line with [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat & Copper, CO
Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked to slushy groomers.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Cadence with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 151cm.
First Impression: The park system suits the Cadence perfectly
Weight: average
Flex: The park system definitely makes the cadence a more fun park specific ride than last year, it’s [...] Email To A Friend
Under the Mervin Manufacturing umbrella, GNU Snowboards are handbuilt in the US by snowboarders and ride the parks, pipes and pow by snowboarders. GNU continues to bring environmental practices to their snowboards with their bioplastic topsheets, sustainable woodcores, on-site recycling and 100% vegan.
For 10-11, C2BTX is added to two new boards in the line up [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Feelgood Flying V with Burton Lexa bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155
First Impression: This is the perfect board for Flying V, all-around riding for any level female rider
Weight: Average
Flex: I noticed the flex was stiffer than last year’s [...] Email To A Friend
Each summer the Industry Profile Interviews take over to give a glimpse into the jobs, people and experience it takes to work in the snowboard industry. There are people in every type of job, from every type of background who help contribute to the snowboard industry. I’ve lined up interviewees ranging from company owners to [...] Email To A Friend
While the other snowboard companies are thinking of all the different ways to bend boards from tip to tail, Bataleon snowboards patented the idea of bending your base from rail to rail since 1997. Their Triple Base Technology is offered on all their snowboards in a variety of flavors for twin for park and rails, [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked groomers with some soft snow on top, overcast to bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Ellis Street with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: First time riding an Ellis snowboard and not a bad ride at all
Weight: Average
Flex: I wondered how this board would ride [...] Email To A Friend
Each year the crew from Mervin’s Denver office takes to A-Basin for a day on snow with drinks, BBQ and games. Once I knew the date, I marked it off on my calendar and planned for the day off from work to come enjoy the festivities with friends. I made my way into Denver last [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Stevens Pass & Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Snow Conditions: Sunny bluebird skies with hardpacked groomers.
Setup: I rode the Capita Quiver Killer with Union Force bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: It’s been a couple years since riding the MHT/FCG now the Quiver Killer but it’s still the same good consistent ride down [...] Email To A Friend
For Nike 6.0’s inaugural release, the design began with the athletes needs and opinions for making their voice heard through the product they ride in. Nike 6.0 is different from Nike Snowboarding in it’s designs, functionality and focus on the Nike Heritage. They take influence from classic Nike silhouettes and continues with the spirit of [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions with overcast weather
Setup: I rode the Burton Lip-stick flying V with Burton lexa bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm
First Impression: Wow I actually prefer this board with V-rocker than Flying-V.
Weight: Average
Flex: The switch to Flying V stiffened up the lip-stick just a tad, it’s still stiffer [...] Email To A Friend
The 2009-2010 may have been a season to remember for most of us but for some unlucky few it was a season to forget. Earlier this week I asked those who endured a worst season ever to share their stories in order to win an Omatic Extr-eco with BS Technology. The stories came in and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat, CO
Snow Conditions: Sunny bluebird with hardpacked corduroy snow, leftover powder and bumped groomers.
Setup: I rode the Chemical Storm with my Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155
First Impression: The shape of the Chemical storm’s nose and tail is getting too much attention but the ride of the board makes [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Designed to be a lightweight first layer and with dryride ultrawick it helps repel moisture. It’s quick drying and stink proof to keep a sweaty day on snow less noticeable to your friends.
Appearance: I bought the men’s tech polo in the white color mostly because it was the only color they had on [...] Email To A Friend
Monument was started in 2001 and is driven by art which is apparent in their boards each season. By working with a roster of established and emerging artists to infuse art into snowboarding, Monument brings inspired high quality products for snowboarder. For 10-11 Monument works with artist Daniel Jackson to commemorate their limited artist series, [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Dragon Rogue’s offer optical clarity for the mountain with pure comfort to make your mountain experience easily visible, comfortable and long lasting.
Location: I started riding these at Winter Park in early February and kept riding them all season long mostly at Steamboat.
Conditions: I’ve ridden with them on sunny bluebird days to overcast, [...] Email To A Friend
It’s rare to see a snowboarder riding without highbacks on the mountain, so uncommon that if you try it you’ll get interesting glances by those who notice and the people you snowboard with might question your sanity. The concept of riding without highbacks has been around since the beginning of snowboarding but moved into [...] Email To A Friend
Did you take a trip to the hospital from your insane cliff jump that broke some bones? Did your girlfriend dump you in the Snowbird Tram and make you cry in front of hundreds? Did your board & your beer get stolen from your vehicle? Did you break your only snowboard and lose your job? [...] Email To A Friend
Four years ago I packed up my truck with all my belongings and moved to Colorado for resort town living. I arrived in Steamboat Springs without a home, job and unsure of what the future would hold for me but all I wanted was to snowboard. The move ended up being the best decision I’ve [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe it’s May outside when there is a couple inches of new snow at your house, along the highway and falling at resorts around Colorado. Loveland is a true freeriders mountain in Colorado with the open terrain and drops. It’s off the beaten path for many skiers & snowboarders that drive by [...] Email To A Friend
L1 takes the street to the mountains with outerwear designed around a belief that style wins over tech. Even with a focus on style they offer pieces that vary in tech depending on the riders who need it. Their premium fit, fabrics and attention to detail create a collection of outerwear for both men and [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Designed to be a lightweight facemask offering bandana inspired style coupled with the technical protection and functionality of traditional ski masks and balaclavas.
Appearance: I received the black bandana with a red geometric stripe down the side of the mask. I like the simple design of it and the red stripe gives it something [...] Email To A Friend
Skiing and snowboarding can have consequences on the mountain but POC tries to reduce accidents by developing gear that helps protect our bodies on the slopes. POC has set the standard with protective gear thats lightweight, high performance and offers the ultimate protection against injury thanks to superior impact absorption and penetration resistance. Each of [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Keystone, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy snow conditions during night riding.
Setup: I rode the Atomic Stasher with Union Force bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 156cm
First Impression: Definitely a backcountry freestyle board with the stiffer flex this has…not your typical resort park flex.
Weight: little heavier than average
Flex: The stasher was on the [...] Email To A Friend
Frequency fits a different mold than your average snowboard magazine; the quarterly publication is focused on high quality and limited advertising which is rare in snowboarding. Founded in 2001, Frequency: The Snowboarders Journal has grown to become a popular magazine for snowboarders wanting more than a throwaway magazine and the editorial/photography speaks for itself when [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions with overcast weather
Setup: I rode the Burton Marley Whammy with Burton Lexa winged bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm
First Impression: This board pulls a whammy everywhere, not a bad ride at all. This is the whammy bar but with marley graphics.
Weight: average
Flex: Softer nose and tail [...] Email To A Friend
All it takes is an idea and the drive to create something which is what Dan Reid did when he started Casual Industrees with his brother Brendan in the late 1990’s. From their Mt Baker days they went forth with a clothing company that was about the WA roots, they continue to be a multi-hundred [...] Email To A Friend
Each season I have a goal of hitting 100 days usually it takes the full season from October to June to collect the big 100th day on snow. However this season I was able to get out on the snow more often, taking full use of ride breaks and managed to rack in my 100th [...] Email To A Friend
It’s another beautiful (well overcast) day in Whistler, BC but the Grenade Games make every day a good day on the slopes with the fun antics, good riders and all around good times. I headed up with evo’s Molly, Chris, Gorio and Amy to check out the superpipe competition. Of all the pipe contests I’ve [...] Email To A Friend
Last Wednesday I announced a contest with AMP that would get you stoked on the season, the prize pack included the new AMP energy juice, a branded AMP beanie with built-in speakers and a iTouch. All you had to do was tell me what gets you amped up for a day of snowboarding and the [...] Email To A Friend
After attending last years Grenade Games in Whistler during the Telus Festival, I knew the combination of Grenade Games and Telus Festival meant coming back year after year to be a part of it. The fun atmosphere of the games mixed with the vibe of the festival was ideal and the good shredding on both [...] Email To A Friend
The journey to Whistler yesterday took longer than expected but it was packed full of fun stops along the way until I reached my final destination of Whistler, BC. I arrived just in time to drop off my bags and pick up my friend Carrie before we headed to the Asymbol Exhibit and Opening Party. [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions that softened up during the day with bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Smokin PYT with Union Force bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: It’s surprising that anti-rocker is on this board but the anti-rocker takes the jib board to a whole new [...] Email To A Friend
Last month the crew at POW gloves offered up POW high 5 gloves for the person who could put their best high 5 on video and pro high 5′er Pat Milbery would pick the winner that would take home the pair of gloves.
It took some time to pick the winner but Pat decided and informed [...] Email To A Friend
Omatic marches steadily into the future as a company for the riders by riders and they won’t BS their way into your heads. Since Omatic was introduced to the public they’ve developed with the changes, seen riders come and go but continued to be about having a fun ride built with honesty. With legendary Todd [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the Seattle Twitter Giveaway which is the 4th city I’ve been able to giveaway a snowboard in. I started putting clues out at 3pm on twitter that would help people try to track me down in order to win an 09-10 Signal Omni.
Despite growing up near Seattle, I thought I would know where [...] Email To A Friend
I arrived in Seattle on Friday night and I’ve been holding onto this 09-10 Signal Omni snowboard that is looking for a special person who will take it home today. Here’s your chance if you are remotely near Seattle today…come track me down using Twitter clues and if you are the first person to find [...] Email To A Friend
Foursquare products are not your lounge area outerwear but are made to be ridden out on the mountain…clearly put they are built for snowboarding. Every feature and design element is focused on the simple purpose of making snowboarding more enjoyable and in simple clear patterns that blend earth colors with mountain colors. Three series help [...] Email To A Friend
My visit to the northwest timed perfectly with a sunday funday at Stevens Pass to help close out their 09-10 season. I woke up bright and early to meet up with my friends Anj and Niko in Seattle at 7:30am with just enough time to get coffee for the drive. The skies remained blue all [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Designed to help cover up on the cold days and keep your neck & face warm with a moisture wicking fashionable neck tube.
Appearance: I have a crazy black and white geometric design on my neck tube which I like since it’s very simple. I’m not one for the girly flower options so [...] Email To A Friend
It’s April which means it’s time to head back to Washington & Whistler! I try to hit up Whistler at least once every year for my favorite time of year, the Telus Festival when snowboarding meets music meets canadian beer. This year the Grenade Games are doing their 6th year and 2nd year in Whistler [...] Email To A Friend
With a product line focused on the ride from backcountry to freestyle, Atomic snowboarding makes it easy to understand and just wants you to have fun riding it as much as they had making it. With the alps right out their doorstep, Atomic boards are built in Altenmarkt with a focus on being environmentally friendly [...] Email To A Friend
Even though the snow is melting and our snowboarding season is coming to an end, the crew at AMP energy want to treat you with AMP goodies that will keep your summer amped up. If you live in the United States or Canada, here’s your chance to win a AMP prize pack that includes the [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Sandbox class brain bucket is the original sandbox helmet with a thin and soft EVA liner for a comfortable, low profile fit. The brain bucket helmet is non-certified.
Appearance: When I first got the brain bucket, the purple was a bit bright for me but I’ve grown to love the color over this [...] Email To A Friend
Weekends are about having fun and since everybody’s working for the weekend it makes sense that Weekend Snowboards would continue that tradition by bringing fun into their second year of snowboards. Their motto is to keep their snowboards coveted not commodities and with limited releases of each size it’s a guaranteed coveted board. With pros [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions that softened up during the day with bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Evo with Union Force bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: Nothing changed on the NS evo from 09-10 to 10-11 but it’s still that board I enjoy getting back [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve been waiting to do a Seattle twitter giveaway for a while but finally on this trip to Seattle I’ll have the time to leisurely stroll around Seattle carrying a 09-10 Signal Omni that is yours to keep if you find me first! If you’ve been eyeing up reverse camber all season here’s your chance [...] Email To A Friend
You know your life is easy when the only decision you make in the morning is what mountain to snowboard at. I had made the decision to skip out on Steamboat’s closing day in order to ride Breckenridge for the BSG demo day but a couple factors were involved.
A couple factors helped make the decision:
#1 [...] Email To A Friend
It’s closing weekend here in Steamboat and while tomorrow might be the last day for snowboarding, today was my last day at Steamboat since i’m going to skip out on tomorrow’s festivities to ride Breckenridge for a demo day.
The sky was blue most of the day, warm temps on the mountain and slushy soft snow [...] Email To A Friend
A backpack from Burton isn’t just your typical backpack; the options to choose from for features, measurements and functionality are endless. Packs for sled rats to backcountry riders, water packs to day packs for the resorts, packs for traveling and packs for photographers…there are many options depending on your tastes and needs.
Their luggage is meant [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the last ride break of the season, ride breaks are the reason I can get up on the mountain even though I work a full time Monday to Friday normal job. It means instead of lunch, I can shred and I’ll definitely miss having that luxury out of the office each day.
I hit [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions that softened up during the day with bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Union Force bindings with the Never Summer Evo and Smokin PYT with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time for the Forces. I grabbed them from Union and set [...] Email To A Friend
In addition to their snowboard line Signal Snowboards brought their outerwear collection to last year SIA’s show for the first time and now in it’s second year it’s coming back with designs that follow the snowboards and into the fashion of snowboarding.
For technology, most of their outerwear uses 10K/8K waterproofing and breathability with a mix [...] Email To A Friend
After the excitement of the USASA Nationals at Copper ended today, athletes and spectators were awarded the inaugural Monster Mash Invitational Pipe Jam. The Monster Mash showcased USASA alumni with some familiar names like JJ Thomas, Danny Kass, Zack Black among others. The range of riders were amateur to pro, varying in ages but all [...] Email To A Friend
Timing worked out perfectly that I could spend today on the mountain just in time to check out the USASA Nationals at Copper. I did take a couple laps at Breckenridge this morning, before heading over to Copper to take in the afternoon of riding, Nationals and the Monster Mash pipe contest (look for [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Trevor goggle offers a comfortable blend of features and affordability for the snow conditions on the mountain.
Location: I started riding these goggles at Steamboat in the late season.
Conditions: Mostly overcast, flat light and snowy conditions on the mountain. Some rare bluebird days with them.
Color: I received the Trevors in the grey-denim acid [...] Email To A Friend
It’s hard to believe that even in April there are Winter Storm Warnings but last night we received another winter storm rolling through Steamboat delivering a powder day on the mountain this morning.
During the winter on a powder day you have to get to the gondola early to get in line and start getting the [...] Email To A Friend
This has been one interesting season for conditions on the mountain, there’s no guarantee to what the weather or snow will be like until you get up on the slopes. Today was a really slow snow day on lower mountain, almost warm but not fully bluebird out and really hard to judge speed in spots, [...] Email To A Friend
Nitro’s been in the snowboard game for over 20 years with designs based around the influence of skateboarding and music within snowboarding. They continue to offer snowboards including their pro model series and pro one-off boards as well as music collaborations like the Swindle x Early Man and art influence boards like the Rook [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions that softened up during the day with bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Technine Re-Enforcer with Technine Elements bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 152.5cm.
First Impression: This is much better than I expected, a Technine board that I’d actually ride.
Weight: Average
Flex: Despite the re-enforcer being a [...] Email To A Friend
The mountain conditions are taking a hard hit from the lack of snow this year, there’s more brown than white on lower mountain and you definitely get the feel that the season is winding down quick for Steamboat. Today the winds were roaring in Steamboat which meant chair and gondola closures, I stayed low on [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1996, Flow has been in the game of snowboarding with boards for a range of snowboarders. In 10-11 they continue to offer their sick lineup to riders wanting boards for powder, park, pipe, freeriding or just learning how to ride.
For 10-11 Flow offers a variety of board options depending on your riding style. Their [...] Email To A Friend
Each year Denver’s alternative weekly newspaper Westword hands out awards in their Best Of list and as an alternative paper it’s the best list out there for being funny, honest and a good voice for the people. I read through the best of list for last year and love that they include snowboarding/skiing in many [...] Email To A Friend
Mother nature came through Steamboat and delivered a late season storm that dropped a couple inches on the mountain today. It was quite the surprise to wake up and notice new snow outside my house this morning. I kept to my promise of riding everyday till Steamboat closes and headed out to unsure mountain conditions [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions that softened up during the day with bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Rome Garage Rocker with Rome 390 bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Definitely a board to rock out too but won’t rock you around on the slopes.
Weight: average
Flex: The Garage [...] Email To A Friend
Winter arrived back in Steamboat! Friday I watched it snow most of the day and finally got to get outside to enjoy some of the new snow. I headed up with the girls, Claire and Steph to get our pow turns on.
The gals, Claire and Steph stoked for the new snow!
Steph getting some powder
For the [...] Email To A Friend
I came in late last night from dinner at the Carrigan house and ended up crashing hard till this morning. During my hours of sleep, it snowed in town and delivered a couple new inches on the mountain that just got better as the snow kept falling during the day.
I’ve been rocking the C2 technology [...] Email To A Friend
As the snow was coming down in Steamboat Springs, skiers and snowboarders gathered just above the base area for Steamboat’s first and only Rail Rodeo this season. The jam style competition was put on by Steamboat, Akinz, Ellis Snowboards, Volkl, Marker, Urbane and RideSports. I headed off the mountain to grab my camera and head [...] Email To A Friend
Just a week left till Steamboat closes which means enjoying the mountain as much as possible while it’s open. This weekend was my last weekend that I plan to in Steamboat for April so it was good to take it easy, get to the mountain when I felt like waking up and just enjoy the [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow conditions that softened up during the day with bluebird skies.
Setup: I rode the Technine Elements bindings on the Technine Re-enforcer with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time to set up the binding.
Fit: I rode the women’s mediums which fits [...] Email To A Friend
Events like the Holy Oly make me miss being in the northwest, it’s partially the people but also the vibe of just having fun at a event/contest. It’s not about the money, fame, spectators or sponsors…it’s just hanging out having a good time watching people throw down on a quarterpipe plus a play jib section. [...] Email To A Friend
Every time I visit Seattle, a trip to Stevens Pass is always in the cards to get in some much needed snowboarding time. It’s my old stomping grounds & place of employment before I moved to Colorado so it always holds a place close to my heart. I woke up this morning in Seattle and [...] Email To A Friend
10 years ago, Capita Snowboards began their journey and as I’ve watched them grow in those 10 years they’ve never lost who they are. Their symbolism, their passion and their appreciation of customers is what drives the company into creating boards that people come back for. They’ve endured rough years, great years, award winning years [...] Email To A Friend
If you venture into Silverton, Colorado you’ll find yourself surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and a snowboard company loyal to making tracks down the slopes whether it’s from the chairlift or earning your turns. Venture Snowboards is true to their name and each year ventures into the mountains by making a collection of three models [...] Email To A Friend
This winter has been a easy travel winter with the lack of snow, so the cheaper flights out of Denver are much easier to get on. Luckily for me I timed it so I could get in some night riding at Keystone on the way to Denver and ride Summit County on the way back [...] Email To A Friend
I grew up in the pacific northwest so no matter where I move around the country, home is always Seattle, Washington. So I’ll be heading to Seattle this weekend to spend time with family, visit friends and for shredding.
I’ll be visiting a couple snowboard companies while in Seattle, borrowing board/bindings from C3 (thank you Johan) [...] Email To A Friend
Rome has entered their third season for designing and bringing outerwear to their snowboarders, each year it gets better and this year I think they found their niche in outerwear. From the men to the women’s line, there’s functionality, technical features and colors from basic to flashy depending on the rider’s style.
For 10-11 they loaded [...] Email To A Friend
Starting the morning on the mountain makes the day so much better, I think it’s something about the morning air hitting your lungs and each turn waking you up that does the trick. I lost a friend 9 years ago on this day and thanks to him I’m a snowboarder so being on the mountain [...] Email To A Friend
Oakley continues each year to secure their place in snowboarding with a solid line of goggles. From the A-frame goggles to the Crowbars, riders have something that works and is always there for them every season.
In terms of outerwear, Oakley continues to offer pro model pieces like the Gretchen Bleiler Collection or pieces you can [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain, flat-light riding conditions.
Setup: I rode the K2 Fastplant with K2 Auto Agogo bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: I have a feeling this is going to be a very popular board next year, 5 year warranty on the core and [...] Email To A Friend
Last week I announced a snowboard contest based around how your snowboard crews make you a better snowboarder something that everyone around the world could relate to and give away a couple sierra crew snowboards in the process. The results were clear, so many great responses, stories and experiences that can only be shared by [...] Email To A Friend
After spending a lazy Saturday off the mountain, today was a great sunday to be on the mountain. I met up with my friend Amy for breakfast before hitting up the mountain. It was ideal and the best part about being single this Valentine’s Day is just enjoying the shred, riding with whoever I ran [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1994, Betty Rides has been bringing women outerwear based on quality and fashion. For 10-11 they continue with that tradition by offering four collections of varying styles and pricing. The four collections are: classics series, day dream series, lucky plaid series and all mountain series. Their outerwear styles range from the bright lights to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain, flat-light riding conditions.
Setup: I rode the Union Flite’s on the Capita Black Snowboard of Death (and other boards) with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: It was the first binding of the morning and we made sure the [...] Email To A Friend
Smokin Snowboards comes out of the smoke each year with a solid line of snowboards handmade in Lake Tahoe and with no problem speaking their mind about the direction of snowboarding. They’ve introduced a couple new models for 2010-2011 including a new women’s model, all with different options for rocker/camber.
For 2010-2011, Smokin has a mix [...] Email To A Friend
“Rocker adds fun, camber delivers high speed stability…the best of both worlds” is Never Summer’s motto for 10-11 and they certainly struck gold with the R.C Technology combined with quality, hand-crafted boards out of Denver, CO. It’s been a journey to see Never Summer grow outside of Colorado but the snowboards speak for themselves and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain, flat-light riding conditions.
Setup: I rode the Capita Black Snowboard of Death with Union Flite bindings and Vans Veil Boots.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: The BSOD is back, 10 years later and charging the mountain like the badass board it’s meant to be. It felt like [...] Email To A Friend
Normally I take a couple days off after SIA to just relax but this year I took a couple days off to get over a bad cold that came my way. I’ve been fighting a fever and cough most of the week but snowboarding was calling my name and what better way to fight a [...] Email To A Friend
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They say there are no friends of powder days but some of my personal best days of snowboarding have been shared with friends regardless of powder, groomers or ice. Having friends on the mountain can make your tricks more dialed, your laughs louder and your chairlift rides much more fun. They bring out the best [...] Email To A Friend
If you ride in the northwest, there’s only one race that matters in snowboarding…it’s not the olympics, it’s not the grand prix or the dew tour…it’s a little race called the Legendary Banked Slalom out of Mt Baker in Washington. It defines freeriders and it’s a true race of snowboarders of all ages.
I’ve been watching [...] Email To A Friend
Known as the biggest little company in America, Fuel Clothing was on hand at SIA to show off their 2010-2011 line of clothing and outerwear from brights to basics, prints to solids.
It was my first time to see the outerwear company and each time I walked by them on a way to an appointment, I [...] Email To A Friend
What a long week it’s been, SIA and then the on-snow, then the death cough…well I’m finally getting back to blog business and thinking about the on-snow demos, writing the reviews up and getting ready to post them starting next week.
SIA is really the time to see all the products but I always wait till [...] Email To A Friend
Union has begun it’s sixth year of bringing bindings focused around rider driven performance, no bells & whistles just stellar looks that ride solid. For 2010-2011, they have listened to riders wanting new toe straps with two new toe straps designed to grip the boot better. The Flite, DLX and women’s cadet features the toe [...] Email To A Friend
As one of the few snowboard companies with their own factory building snowboards in the United States, Signal Snowboards continues to build boards based around the fun factor. From their insanely soft park rocker to their reverse camber omni, they have rocker boards for a variety of riders but also continue to build traditional camber [...] Email To A Friend
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the move to Denver for the SIA Snow Show but soon found out that regardless of location, the fun and products would always be there (except with less smoke). SIA in Denver was another great time at the trade show, I was able to meet a ton of [...] Email To A Friend
Tuesday was the final and last day of the on snow session but luckily blue skies arrived for a fun day outside to ride some new decks. Despite the sickness starting to impact me, I made it up for most of the day to get my shred on.
Today’s boards were Roxy Ollie Pop c2 with [...] Email To A Friend
Normally there’s a bit of a gap between SIA and the on-snow but this year they held the on-snow for Colorado in conjunction with the show so it was directly following the 4 days of busyness. I made my way up on Sunday with Joey to Winter Park where we would be staying slopeside in [...] Email To A Friend
The last day of SIA is always the quietest and most haggard day of the show for most people. I was able to sleep in on Sunday, pack up my gear and slowly make my way to the show. I was expecting day 3 to be a quiet day at the show but soon [...] Email To A Friend
Saturday arrived in Denver (despite a couple late nights) and day 3 continued with the tradition of waking up early, meeting with companies at appointments and hanging out with fun people during the show. I was able to have a break on Saturday for lunch but met with companies from 9am to almost 7pm which [...] Email To A Friend
So far Denver has kept up with the parties, fun and products that the SIA show brings for the industry each year. Day 2 for me was a personal triumph with a late night out on the town the night before and a little over 2 hours of sleep but adrenaline kept me alive all [...] Email To A Friend
At age 23, Hannah Teter has quite the track record for snowboarding and humanity. She’s already won a Gold Medal in the 2006 Olympics and her ventures have taken her into the public eye with appearances on late night television, her own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor and she continues her charity work [...] Email To A Friend
Today is the beginning of four days of fun, products and people at the SIA Snow Show in Denver. SIA is an industry only event which means you’ll get the most influential people to snowboarding in one building and access to all of the 10-11 gear that will be hitting the sales floors in the [...] Email To A Friend
The time has arrived and despite a very busy schedule Hannah Teter picked a winner in the ask Hannah Teter a question to win a AMP Snowboard Contest! All you had to do was ask Hannah a question and if she picked your question to answer then you are the winner of a new AMP [...] Email To A Friend
Instead of the typical flight to SIA, this year I just needed to hit the highway and drive 3 hours to Denver. Luckily I could overpack, bring groceries and never miss my flight. I left Steamboat later than expected but still made it to Denver with plenty of time to run errands before checking into [...] Email To A Friend
The moment has finally arrived and I’ll be making my way down to the SIA Snow Show in Denver, Colorado. Even though it begins tomorrow at 9am, I’m happy to head down early today to check into my hotel room and get the fun started the right way. What you’ll see is 6 whirlwind days [...] Email To A Friend
There’s still a couple of sierra snowboard members/staff in town so today I was able to take my ride break and join some of the crew for shred time. Since the arrival of sierrasnowboard, it’s been snowing in town which is helping the mountain look more like Steamboat again.
Sierrasnowboard continues with the collaboration boards which [...] Email To A Friend
A couple weeks ago when Idea Mensch approached me about an interview for their website, I immediately headed to their website to see what it was about. I soon found out that there motto, “Featuring people with good ideas from all over the Internet” crossed many borders throughout the webosphere and to be one of [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Pocket Rocket Rub-on wax is an all-temperature rub-on wax that you can carry with you on the slopes or keep by your board for those days when you forgot to wax your board but are going out to shred anyway.
Smell: Pom Pom wins me over at the smell test, hands down the [...] Email To A Friend
In just a matter of days, snowboarders from around the world will be flocking to Denver Colorado for the SIA Tradeshow. Amidst seeing plenty of 10-11 gear, they’ll also be able to enjoy some of the most fun parties going on each evening. The best part about this year is even though the tradeshow is [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the last and final day for Bruizzapalooza and finally the snow gods delivered to Steamboat! I woke up at 7am, looked outside and saw a couple inches of new snow at my house which meant double that amount on the mountain. By 8am, I was geared up and by 8:30am when the gondola [...] Email To A Friend
Last night was the meet and greet, but today was the shred session with various sierrasnowboard community members. Bruizzapalooza is the Steamboat meet this year for sierra snowboards and so far it has been quite fun hanging out with everyone. I was up at 8am for the breakfast in our meeting room at the Grand [...] Email To A Friend
The sierrasnowboard community started Bruizzapalooza last year and this year it came to Steamboat Springs, Colorado where I reside. Over 100 members made their way to Steamboat on Friday and will be riding together this weekend. I met up with everyone at the evening’s cocktail party to meet and greet for the night.
It’s pretty amazing [...] Email To A Friend
It was another park day in the boat…definitely with the lack of snow this year, it’s a lot of park and pipe riding during ride breaks. I’m totally fine with it since I’m hitting features I never would have dreamed of last year and I’m ollie’ing onto boxes now!
However with the lack of snow we’ve [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Custom with Burton Lexa bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: The v-rocker upgrade finally enticed me to check it the new Custom and see what the fuss was.
Weight: Average
Flex: The custom is in the middle of the road on [...] Email To A Friend
You know it’s a rough week when you might not even get outside to enjoy the snow during the week, unfortunately that was me this week. With SIA approaching, it means less ride time on the mountain but luckily today I spent my hour lunch break making park laps with some of the instructors. Steamboat [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Nitro Rook with Raiden Eris bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: A bit stiffer than I was expecting but good pop and all around seems like your typical park board.
Weight: Average
Flex: The rook was deceiving at first, it seemed like [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Arbor Push with Union Force bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: Camber is like coming home, you know it’s good for you and you know exactly how it will react to you.
Weight: tad heavier than average
Flex: The push is [...] Email To A Friend
I wasn’t sure if I’d hit up the mountain today but as soon as I made it to the top of the superpipe and had my best run…there was no turning back on what a fun afternoon it would be. I came up alone since I had just dropped off Mike at the airport and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Forum Youngblood with Forum Shaka bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: Woah, softer and really feeling the connection between bindings to board…a bit too connected.
Weight: average
Flex: The Youngblood is a softer flexing park board throughout the board and the combination [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Steamboat, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Capita Sierrascope with Union bastardized bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 152cm.
First Impression: The sierrascope is a collaboration between sierra snowboards and capita snowboards, sometimes collabs can make a product that is a great deal and a great ride…this is one of them.
Weight: Average
Flex: [...] Email To A Friend
When you venture to Southern Colorado, there’s one company that’s predominantly the brand of choice and that’s Venture Snowboards based out of Silverton, Colorado. With their backcountry/big mountain focus they fit right into the steep peak surroundings and through their own factory they create environmentally friendly boards based on superior performance.
For 10-11 they continue to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the K2 Slayblade with K2 Auto Agogo bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression: The eco pop won me over, lets see if I feel the same about the men’s model for flatline technology.
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: Overall it’s on the stiffer [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Rome Agent with Union Force bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: The agent is a classic and while I couldn’t ride the 1985 version it was good to get back on a classic ride.
Weight: Average
Flex: The agent isn’t a noodle [...] Email To A Friend
Over the summer I invested in a Canon Vixia High-Definition Camcorder so that during SIA I could get High-Definition focus on Todd Richards or whoever else stepped in front of the camera. Now that SIA is just a week away, I want to ask you specifically to name one product you’d like to see in [...] Email To A Friend
This week was definitely working for the weekend and when the weekend arrived, it was much-needed time to shred! With Mike in town we were finally able to take laps together and since he spent the last two days freeriding the mountain, we opted for a park day today.
Say hi to Mike…he’s the behind the [...] Email To A Friend
Mike arrived in town yesterday so he hit up the slopes today but by the time I made it out for my ride break it was the end of the day for him so we missed making turns together. I ended up lapping park/superpipe with Tracy and Becca for the afternoon…perfect girls day to shred [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Analog Perimeter snowboard pants are meant to keep you dry on the slopes with 1oK waterproofing (best in Colorado) and fully taped seams. The Perimeter pants have a baggy fit, pockets for everything and ventilation to help keep you riding on the slopes without needing to come inside.
Fit: The Analog Perimeter pants [...] Email To A Friend
It’s fun how a weekend of sledding and snowboarding in the backcountry can work the muscles a lot harder than expected and yesterday I was sore from the weekend. With no new snow and bluebird skies, it was the perfect day for park laps in Rabbit Ears Park, Bashor and Lil’ Rodeo for my ride [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Ride Machete with Ride Sigma Movement bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 158cm.
First Impression: Finally getting to ride the machete, I heard this board can cut down trees.
Weight: Lighter than average
Flex: Overall it isn’t a soft board, as a park board it’s [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Bluebird sunny skies and hardpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the K2 Auto Agogo’s on the K2 Slayblade with my Bonfire Geo boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Little longer than average, to make sure the auto strap was adjusted properly. Props to K2 reps for making sure it is.
Fit: [...] Email To A Friend
At age 23, Hannah Teter has quite the track record for snowboarding and humanity. She’s already won a Gold Medal in the 2006 Olympics and her ventures have taken her into the public eye with appearances on late night television, her own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor and she continues her charity work to [...] Email To A Friend
At age 23, Hannah Teter has quite the track record for snowboarding and humanity. She’s already won a Gold Medal in the 2006 Olympics and her ventures have taken her into the public eye with appearances on late night television, her own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor and she continues her charity work to [...] Email To A Friend
At age 23, Hannah Teter has quite the track record for snowboarding and humanity. She’s already won a Gold Medal in the 2006 Olympics and her ventures have taken her into the public eye with appearances on late night television, her own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor and she continues her charity work to [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Lip-stick with my Burton Lexa bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: A stellar women’s park board that is the definition of playing on the mountain.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Lip-stick was definitely a tad stiffer between the bindings and softer on [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Lip-stick with my Burton Lexa bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: A stellar women’s park board that is the definition of playing on the mountain.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Lip-stick was definitely a tad stiffer between the bindings and softer on [...] Email To A Friend
SIA is just around the corner which means it’s almost time to see all the 2011 products and check out what companies will be offering next season. Drop Gloves has announced their collaboration and projects for the 2010-2011 season so here’s a sneak peak at some of what they’ll be offering.
Revamped Boundary III glove
Simon Chamberlain’s [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Form Destroyer Chillydog with Forum Shaka bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm
First Impression: Chillydog rocker, lets see how this is on a mid flexing board.
Weight: Average
Flex: Overall the flex was middle of the road, its meant for all mountain and it’s [...] Email To A Friend
After yesterday’s amazing riding at Buffalo Pass, it wasn’t a hard decision to go back there today for more snowboarding. Despite a late night out, some of us rallied this morning with much needed coffee and made it back to the sleds for more powder turns. We had less people and ended up being more [...] Email To A Friend
I spent Friday morning getting some work done for the mountain with our park crew and luckily with friends arriving in town I was able to call it a day at noon so I could meet up and ride with them for the rest of the day. Friday was cold temperatures in Steamboat but bluebird [...] Email To A Friend
Just outside of Steamboat is Buffalo Pass which offers ideal sledding access and some amazing snowboarding terrain if you have a sled. I don’t have a sled so getting out to Buff has never happened but with the crew in town we were able to borrow sleds to enjoy some powder riding on Buff Pass.
I [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Bluebird sunny skies and hardpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Ride Sigma Movements on the Ride Machete with my Bonfire Geo boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average set up time
Fit: I had no problem adjusting the binding to my boot, the fit was fine for width and the [...] Email To A Friend
This year I’ve been really excited about park because I’m finally hitting features and trying to progress my park riding. I feel comfortable on every feature in the small park, a couple features in the medium park and any day that it’s bluebird outside I’m generally taking a ride break to the park especially when [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Breckenridge & Steamboat, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Mixture of weather with hardpacked groomers to overcast on new snow.
Setup: I rode the Signal Omni with my Union Force SL’s and my Bonfire Geo boots.
First Impression: Definitely not what I was expecting but a nice surprise on signal’s take to reverse camber.
Size: 156cm
Weight: lighter than average
Flex: The omni [...] Email To A Friend
The mountain is your best friend and your worst enemy, it can make you happy but it can also make you sad. Steamboat was hit hard with the news of a death on the mountain today, it’s sad that something we love doing can end lives so quickly.
I wasn’t planning to ride the mountain today [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Airblaster Air goggles are venitilated goggles that snowboarders can afford without losing the style on the mountain. The mirrored lens gives you unlimited staring opportunities and with a widescreen vision on the mountain, you’ll be able to see lines you never saw before.
Color: I picked out the Air Goggles in ocean [...] Email To A Friend
Brah, dude, that’s really RAD! Have you ever encountered a rad moment but caught it on camera? Here’s your chance to win a contest designed around you. To start off the New Year, the crew over at Frequency magazine are stepping up to their first contest designed around being rad whether it’s snowboarding or just [...] Email To A Friend
I first heard about Capita Snowboards through word of mouth while I was working at a snowboard shop in Seattle and I took a chance by purchasing my first Capita without knowing how it rode or anything about it. I found out that I was supporting local snowboarders and when I needed help [...] Email To A Friend
If you are in Colorado and remotely near Beaver Creek this Friday, come and help support everyone’s favorite mountain peaks: breasts. Men love them, women are amazed by what they do and through Boarding for Breast Cancer we can help support them.
The ladies of Retreat Yourself are having a B4BC Fundraiser in Beaver Creek. A [...] Email To A Friend
Ah resort town living…it means that some nights you close out the bars only to wake up hours later to press glass and get in some epic powder turns. That was today for me and nothing beats a hangover like a powder day on the mountain.
I picked up Amy at 8am, got coffee and bagels [...] Email To A Friend
It feels really good to have a 3 day weekend in town where I can leisurely relax and make my way to the mountain when I want to. I made a couple calls but most people had gone in for the day so I ended up spending the afternoon alone riding the mountain. We received [...] Email To A Friend
I started 2010 exactly how I wanted to: sleeping in and going snowboarding with friends. It felt great and was exactly my idea of beginning this year. Yesterday was the powder day in Steamboat but I couldn’t enjoy the goods so today Philip and I made our way up to find some leftover snow for [...] Email To A Friend
Happy New Year!
What a year! 2009 was a very fun and busy year with the snowboard blog, I’m very lucky to be able to write everything, snowboard as much as I can and share my snowboarding life with you. I have the most amazing readers who help support this site and I want to thank [...] Email To A Friend
This week has been the busiest week of the season in Steamboat which meant more work and less play. Luckily I was able to get out today just as the week and year was coming to an end. We received over a foot of snow in the last 24 hours and plenty of people got [...] Email To A Friend
Founded in 2005, Akinz apparel began out of Texas by Suzanne Akin and kept growing as she moved to Colorado. With a wakeboarding and snowboarding focus, this smaller apparel company has found it’s own wings with their designs that are created in-house. Their motto is “find your wings” based upon finding something that moves and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Rome Postermania 1985 with Union Contact bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 153cm.
First Impression: I wasn’t planning to ride this board but lets see how it handles on the mountain.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Postermania rocked a stiffer nose and tail which helped give [...] Email To A Friend
Disneyland may be the happiest place on earth and Windell’s may be the funnest place on earth but for someone who loves snowboarding gear, the raddest place is the SIA show. The SIA Snow Show is when the next year’s gear is released to the industry and in four days, you can see a whole [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The 686 KR3W Lumberjack is a softshell jacket that is a limited edition collaboration between 686 and KR3W. The softshell jacket is durable enough to be used as your main jacket and with 10,000mm and 8,000gm it holds up for most days on the mountain.
Fit: The 686 KR3W jacket continues with the 686 [...] Email To A Friend
After a very fun and relaxing weekend in Silverton, I had to say goodbye and start the journey back to Steamboat. Luckily for me, I encountered no cops on the drive back and sped my way back to Summit County just in time for some afternoon shredding at Keystone.
I made a couple calls on the [...] Email To A Friend
I have heard many stories at Silverton Mountain as its the only mountain in Colorado that offers a backcountry experience whether unguided or guided. It’s not a resort because the only lines you’ll encounter are the ones you make on the mountain and with only one chairlift most of the mountain is earn your turns. [...] Email To A Friend
Waking up in Silverton on Christmas was perfection. It’s truly been a vacation for me where I can sleep in and it’s a nice quiet time away from the busy resort town life. I had opened my family’s gifts before I left for Silverton so Christmas morning was pretty mellow. We all ate breakfast and [...] Email To A Friend
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas with family and friends today!
I’m still in my pajamas waking up in Silverton but looking forward to playing in the snow and enjoying some time off in the mountains. Email To A Friend
Yesterday I left a snowy and busy Steamboat Springs to get a easy day of traveling for today on my first trip to Silverton, Colorado. With a sleepover in Summit County and no ambition to spend this morning on the mountain, I was able to sleep in and hit the road when I had enough [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Bluebird sunny skies and hardpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Union Contacts on the Rome Postermania with my Bonfire Geo boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: I set it up so it was normal time since I’m familiar with the Contacts.
Fit: I just had to make sure the [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve always wanted to go to southern Colorado but never had the opportunity, that is until this week! Over the last week my Christmas plans changed causing me to scramble but luckily another family has let me into their Christmas which just so happens to be in Silverton, Colorado.
So tonight I’ll make the trek to [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The stealth earbuds are meant for listening to the tunes while snowboarding and not worrying about lower quality or tangled cords. The people behind Siege Audio are snowboarders and so it’s no surprise that these earbuds can be taken on and off the mountain.
Sound: I’m no expert on sound quality but just a [...] Email To A Friend
Just in time for the holidays, two Washington homegrown companies have collaborated to bring together a hat for loving support. Frequency the snowboarders journal and Spacecraft have created a limited run of beanies that are available when you purchase a new, gift or resubscribe a frequency subscription and put in the promo code shayboarder. It’s [...] Email To A Friend
Today was the last day of the Totino’s Open aka Dew Tour at Breckenridge with an afternoon ending of slopestyle finals for the men and women. The afternoon start time meant a morning of snowboarding at Breckenridge and checking out the booths for their full fun factor. I was able to make turns with Mike [...] Email To A Friend
Throughout the week the qualifiers have been going on at Breckenridge for the Totino’s Open aka Dew Tour and while I missed them, I was happy to come down for the finals today and tomorrow. Waking up to this view of Breckenridge Mountain this morning was amazing.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Totino’s [...] Email To A Friend
Last week I had my gear stolen out of the back of my truck while in Summit County and as much as I believe bad karma will get the person, good karma also came my way in the form of a package yesterday. The C3 family took care of me and sent me out a [...] Email To A Friend
It’s the calm before the storm in Steamboat, the final last breath before the tourists arrive on their vacations. As much as I appreciate tourists (because of them I have a job and live where I live) I appreciate the quietness before it gets crazy. Today was that day, quiet on the mountain and mellow [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Burton Feelgood V-rocker with my Burton Lexa bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: The Feelgood and V-rocker go hand in hand, this board is better from it.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Feelgood had a softer tail flex with a tad stiffer nose [...] Email To A Friend
In 2004 Stephen Cleary set out to create a layering company that worked on the slopes and looked good off the slopes, that company was eesa lux layering. Now 5 years later after other companies followed in their footsteps it’s become time that the doors are closing at eesa and for Stephen Cleary to take [...] Email To A Friend
This season I’ll be able to ride Tuesday mornings which can mean getting the first powder turns or carving up the corduroy, today was the latter with bluebird skies and groomed runs on the mountain.
I made the switch to wearing a helmet, trying out the Sandbox Classic low profile. Many of the comments mentioned how [...] Email To A Friend
Many people have wondered why I haven’t owned or wore a helmet and the reason has been I’ve been a firm believer in personal responsibility and judgement. I don’t ride outside of my skill level and I am aware of my surroundings on the mountain which has worked for me in my time riding and [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the Lib Tech Banana Magic with my Force SL bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: Definitely not the loosey goosey feeling of the Skate Banana, Banana Magic is all freeriders version.
Weight: Average
Flex: The Banana Magic is on the stiffer end but [...] Email To A Friend
I should have stayed in summit county for the progression series and rode there today but I felt like heading home and sleeping in with a relaxing day. After I arrived back in Steamboat, the storm rolled in and delivered a ton of new snow today. I ended up riding with Amy, Amanda and David.
A [...] Email To A Friend
It was hard to get stoked on today’s finals after getting my gear stolen last night but I made it to the mountain just in time to watch the final runs of practice. The conditions weren’t as nice as yesterday, overcast with some snowfall during today’s finals. From the parking lot, you couldn’t miss the [...] Email To A Friend
What was meant to be a quick trip to the liquor store and dinner pick-up ended up being a sucky night since my snowboard and bindings got stolen from my truck.
A friend picked up a 30 rack of PBR, put it in the back of my truck (which the lock is busted) and walked over [...] Email To A Friend
I made my way down to Copper Mountain in Colorado to watch the first stop of the Grand Prix and a chance for riders to make their way to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. I missed the women’s qualifiers yesterday unfortunately but today I was able to watch the men’s qualifiers and tomorrow I’ll see [...] Email To A Friend
After launching a new website at work, Thursday was the perfect day to end the week and get some ride time to enjoy the bluebird skies and hardpacked conditions on the mountain.
I went up with my co-workers on the mountain: James, Lev and myself
The best part about getting out on the mountain was that I [...] Email To A Friend
We are living in the age of the internet where anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer but no matter how many shots you take, that first photo in a magazine is celebrated. Their hard work is paid off in the issue dedicated to snowboard photography, the Photo Annual.
I caught up with Snowboarder [...] Email To A Friend
A winter storm hit Steamboat which delivered 10 inches in the past 48 hours allowing for the opening of more terrain on the mountain. Despite the cold temperatures it’s hard not to get out and enjoy the new snow on the mountain.
The only bad part is the really extreme cold temperatures we’ve been having, -11 [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Bluebird sunny skies and hardpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Forum Shakas on the Youngblood & Destroyer with my Bonfire Geo boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: It was decent amount of time, not quick but not super long to get it dialed up for me.
Fit: I was [...] Email To A Friend
I know winter has arrived when the sounds outside my house are filled with the snow plow doing the morning drive-by and the quietness of a town covered in snow. It means waking up a bit earlier, dressing warmer and getting to enjoy shred time on the mountain which is why I live in a [...] Email To A Friend
Ride time on a monday is usually hard to come by since I’m catching up on work for the week but today I had to drop off something at the top of the gondola so that meant getting a ride break.
It was only one run from the top of the gondola to the base but [...] Email To A Friend
I woke up at 9am on Sunday to no new snow in Steamboat and went back to sleep, by the time I hit the mountain at noon it was dumping snow with a couple inches accumulation. That’s how quickly it changes here. By the time I made it to my gear at the base of [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: Spring pipe glove for women on the mountain (MFR’s pro glove model)
Sizing: I have typical women’s hands. In Rome gloves I fit a medium or large, the large is a bit easier to get into and looser but the medium is snug and ideal for a glove thats shaped perfectly around my hand. [...] Email To A Friend
After a couple morning errands in Steamboat I picked up Amy and Tessa on the way to the mountain for a day of snowboarding. We took the gondola up and met Philip at the top for a couple laps on BC chairlift and what terrain was open.
The conditions have been no new snow and machine [...] Email To A Friend
Despite the really cold temperatures that have been hitting Colorado, I set out today on my ride break to warm up my body with park laps. Nothing has really changed on the mountain, no new snow and no new features but that doesn’t bother me since I’m still working on getting comfortable in the park. [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the GNU Danny Kass C2 with my Force SL bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: I’m a bit bummed there’s no halfpipe around to ride but looks like I don’t need just a halfpipe for this board.
Weight: average
Flex: Despite the Danny [...] Email To A Friend
I was able to get away from the daily grind of work to enjoy a couple laps through the park with my co-worker Loryn today. It was her first time hitting boxes in the park so although we have different sticks on our feet, we set out to get her in the park and having [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Bluebird sunny skies and hardpacked groomed runs.
Setup: I rode the Burton Lexa EST on the Burton Custom with my Bonfire Geo boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: Average time with the EST system, didn’t have to wait long and the staff had no problem setting it up.
Fit: The Lexas [...] Email To A Friend
The crew over at Pom-Pom are heating up their line for 2010-2011 with the addition of facemasks and necktubes to keep your face warm on the mountain. I’ve been trying out their necktube for the last month and on those cold days I like not having to adjust it, just pull it up over my [...] Email To A Friend
With Steamboat open, it means being able to get out a couple days during work for a ride break. It’s one of the perks of living and working in a resort town and although I work a Monday-Friday job, I still have flexible lunch breaks to enjoy some much needed shred time.
Riding in the gondola [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy conditions on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the GNU Street Series with my Force SL bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 154cm.
First Impression: Definitely a jib stick that I’d keep in the park, I wasn’t sure it there was magne traction on the board either.
Weight: average
Flex: The Street Series [...] Email To A Friend
The holidays are just around the corner which means for all of us snowboarders it’s the perfect time to start shopping for those gifts that would make those special snowboarders in our lives happy and make us happy without having to break our bank accounts.
I put together 12 gift ideas under $50 that are out [...] Email To A Friend
I arrived back in Steamboat last night so today I enjoyed a good morning of sleeping in before deciding to wrangle up my gear and head to the mountain. With no new snow on the slopes and people telling me how icy/cruddy the mountain is, I just went to Christie Peak to lap the terrain [...] Email To A Friend
The Copper Superpipe opened today as the first halfpipe in the United States and during a non-Olympic year it might have gone unnoticed but with the Olympics around the corner it was a very busy superpipe training day.
Tom and I headed over to Copper to enjoy an easy day on the slopes and get some [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve been feeling under the weather but that didn’t stop me from heading down to Summit County for two days of riding. Friday was the perfect day to spend at Breckenridge and even though the crowds came out that couldn’t take away from the bluebird weather and fun being outside in the sun.
I picked up [...] Email To A Friend
YES Snowboards was just the beginning of professional snowboarders starting small with their own snowboard company and building something that identifies with consumers through only their names. Since last year they’ve certainly proved a point that riders can do it and people have remained interested in what these boards have to offer.
DCP, Romain and JP [...] Email To A Friend
Thanksgiving Day takes on a different meaning when you live in a resort town and work for the mountain. It’s a day that you spend working and generally spend the dinner with friends because getting time off to visit family is almost impossible. I worked this morning and made time to get out for a [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, CO & Timberline, OR
Snow Conditions: Loveland was hardpacked to light powder on the runs. Timberline, OR was hardpacked to slushy snow conditions.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Infinity-R with my Force and Force SL bindings and Bonfire Geo boots.
Size: 156cm.
First Impression:
Weight: average
Flex: The Infinity hasn’t changed much since the switch from [...] Email To A Friend
When it comes time to snowboard in Steamboat Springs its an easy 5 minute walking commute to the mountain so needless to say when my mountain opens…I’m ecstatic! I love riding other mountains but it’s also fun to have a mountain outside your backdoor and you can always find friends on the mountain ready [...] Email To A Friend
The holidays are just around the corner and Neff headwear is getting our their knitting needles just in time for winter with their knitted headphones.
This Holiday season they come in 3 unique color choices, from stripes to indian prints. They’ll keep your ears warm during the cold winter months and still be able to [...] Email To A Friend
Last March I spent 3 days at Stevens Pass riding and reviewing snowboards for Board Insiders, a new snowboard review site that would launch this winter. They’ll be launching the site next month and I’m stoked to see the final finishes to their reviews make their way online. Their plans are to put up “one [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland, Breckenridge & Copper, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Mixture of weather with hardpacked groomers, slush and hardpacked icy conditions.
Setup: I rode the Capita Ultrafear FK with my Union Force SL’s and my Bonfire Geo boots.
First Impression: This is my kind of porridge, just right for shredding…not insanely soft but not insanely stiff…still a fun deck to [...] Email To A Friend
Despite being a passholder for Vail Resorts, I tend to avoid the mountains in the early season because of the long lines but eventually I make my way there for the fun terrain. I’ve been feeling sick and running on little sleep, but I made my way to Breckenridge with Tom for an early day [...] Email To A Friend
The Backyard Bang Rail Jam arrived in Colorado on Saturday giving downtown Denver a chance to watch an urban rail jam with plenty of local riders showing their skills. It was quite an impressive gathering for a Saturday when many snowboarders could be up enjoying the snow on the local mountains but stayed outdoors to [...] Email To A Friend
Salomon and Bonfire Snowboarding have arrived in Denver to give us the Backyard Bang Rail Jam today at the Art Institute of Colorado. Come to the Backyard Bang at 11am and get a Salomon/Bonfire pro autograph, tweet about it with #backyardbang on twitter and stop by the Salomon booth to get the clue that leads [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The Wacky Tacky Taction wax is meant to be applied on your topsheet for no-slip when you are skating off the chairlift or when you need extra grip on your freestyle grabs. I tested it with the chairlift, putting it in on my board in the spot where I put my free foot [...] Email To A Friend
Despite a late night in Summit County, day 2 of demos meant getting back on snow bright and early for more boards and bindings to try out. The weather remained beautiful all day long and offered up the perfect opportunity to take laps with friends while trying new gear.
The K2 guys making sure a [...] Email To A Friend
In November each year there are two days where a range of companies come to Loveland to give shop employees the chance to try out the latest gear. Each year I attend the shop demo to get a better understanding of what boards you guys want to know more about. This year I drove down [...] Email To A Friend
The Backyard Bang Rail Jam arrives in Denver this Saturday for it’s first time hitting the mile high city so to celebrate the first Backyard Bang Rail Jam in Denver, Salomon Snowboards and Shayboarder.com are holding a scavenger hunt for your chance to win a Salomon Salvatore Sanchez on Saturday.
You’ll need to meet a Salomon [...] Email To A Friend
Location: Loveland & Copper, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Mixture of Conditions.
Setup: I rode the Union Forces (size M/L) with the Capita Ultrafear FK and my Bonfire Geo Boots
Time to set up the binding: Average
Fit: My Bonfire Geo’s fit snugly into the heelcup and conform fine to the highback. I have a small bit of extra width between [...] Email To A Friend
The 2009-2010 season is well underway and I’m already surpassed 50 snowboard reviews for the 2009-2010 models that I feel confident putting out a “early season” best of list. Each year I demo, try and review boards for both men and women riders and the end process is boards that rode for a variety of [...] Email To A Friend
I watched it snow in Silverthorne last night and this morning we had a couple new inches of snow on the ground for today’s shredding. I was able to sleep in and plan out another day of shredding at Loveland with Julie.
It was a cold day on the mountain but beautiful out with almost sunny [...] Email To A Friend
There are definitely somedays when I hate waking up early even though I know I’ll be happy once I hit the snow and Saturday was that day for me. The driving conditions were rough from Steamboat to Loveland which meant getting up earlier and going slower because of icy roads.
I managed to make it to [...] Email To A Friend
Living in a mountain town has its ups and downs, but the one constant reminder of why you live here is for the reason I woke up with a smile on my face today, SNOW!
I anxiously await the arrival of snow, sometimes we get teased because it’s too early for it and other times we [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The zoom pack is a photographer’s backpack with customized compartments for camera equipment and a vertical board carry. I’m in no way a real photographer but wanted something to carry some of the camera equipment I do have and be able to travel with it without carrying camera equipment. It suits [...] Email To A Friend
It’s been two weeks since I traveled to the east coast for 48 hours with the Gore-Tex Experience More Blogger Summit and the opportunity to see inside the doors at Gore-Tex. Coming from a snowboard background, I was clearly in the snowboard bubble when I arrived and found myself learning just how much Gore is [...] Email To A Friend
Intended Purpose: The High Sierra single padded snowboard bag is ideal for a riders first snowboard bag to fit their one setup for the snowboard trip once or a twice a year. I travel a good amount during the season, so having a wheeled snowboard bag with multiple compartments benefits me more.
Size: The single [...] Email To A Friend
In 2007, pro snowboarder Tj Schneider did the unbelievable by not focusing on video part by choosing to make a series of videos that came from his heart, passion and soul of snowboarding. The end creation was Snowboard Realms which offers a bigger glimpse into a pro snowboarders life, triumphs and personal stories than a [...] Email To A Friend
Copper Mountain had opened up on Friday and since I’m a season passholder it made perfect sense to spend Sunday at Copper. I carpooled with Lauren to Copper and met up with Chris from Snowboarderguide to shred for the day before I carpooled back with him to Steamboat.
Today’s demo was Capita and Union with the [...] Email To A Friend
Four resorts are now open for snowboarding and skiing in Colorado which means my weekends are filled with traveling down to one of those four mountains to enjoy some much needed shred time. Saturday I spent the day at Loveland, carpooled down with Philip and Doug and then met up with my friend Bruce who [...] Email To A Friend
Two weeks ago I traveled to California with the sole mission to visit as many snowboard companies as I could, give away a snowboard and spend time with family. The end result was an amazing time on the west coast, a glimpse into the so-cal shred company life and the ability to see behind doors [...] Email To A Friend
I’ve been distracted the last couple weeks with daily life and traveling for the blog that I completely missed passing 1 million total visitors since I started this blog. Each day this blog gives me an outlet to express myself and a way to do something more with snowboarding through posts, reviews, interviews. At the [...] Email To A Friend
Arbor brings a responsible consciousness to the table when it comes to building and designing snowboards. With a heavy skate, surf and art influence that Venice expresses and Arbor showcases, it’s no wonder that Arbor snowboards continues to support their roots.
Just seconds from the Venice boardwalk houses one of the most environmentally friendly snowboard and [...] Email To A Friend
It’s the beginning of demos here in Colorado which means that your favorite companies will be available to try out on snow and see what you think about the gear. This is where I spend a lot of my time for reviews so if you happen to attend a demo, look for me cause chances [...] Email To A Friend
It’s easy to imagine that snowboard publications are massive but in reality the people behind our favorite words, photos and events are a lot more home grown than you’d expect. Snowboarder has a huge name in the industry and continues the tradition of the passion of riding within a mix of written content and photograph [...] Email To A Friend
What started out as a binding company has grown to become the number two binding company around the world. Flow has now become a triple threat with snowboards, boots and bindings to compliment each rider on their journey in the mountains. After 10 years of doing their designs, its no surprise that other companies now [...] Email To A Friend
Since I’ve been snowboarding, Dragon has always been there as a consistent leader among goggles on the mountains. With their signature logo that many wear on and off the mountain they remain true to who they are, what they support and continue with a steady stream of quality product from the snow to everyday use.
Dragon [...] Email To A Friend
In early September I received an invite from Gore Tex to attend their Experience More Blogger Summit that they would be hosting in late October and while it meant traveling two weeks in a row it also meant an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. The time has come and I am heading east for a [...] Email To A Friend
Since 1987, Transworld Snowboarding has been at the forefront of snowboarding for print publications and a name that snowboarders turn to each day. It wasn’t a difficult decision to decide to visit the major publication and see how things go down behind such an influential name in snowboarding. Transworld was the third stop on the [...] Email To A Friend
Yesterday I left the snowy mountains and headed to the east coast as a guest for Gore-Tex’s Experience More Blogger Summit. What exactly is that? Well Gore-Tex is launching a new community and invited various bloggers from outdoor arenas to come out for a couple days to find out more about the brand and the [...] Email To A Friend
I arrived in Philadelphia for the Gore-Tex Experience More Blogger Summit where day 1 was the introduction but day 2 was where the tours went down and it gave a huge amount of insight into the Gore-Tex company and brand. Our itinerary on Thursday included touring the Gore Testing Facilities, Myth Busters Session, visit to [...] Email To A Friend
It was a perfect day to spend Halloween and even though I was tired from traveling, I got talked into going riding and spending the day outside at Loveland Ski Area. I didn’t regret the decision later and definitely a great way to welcome myself back to Colorado, enjoying the snow that fell over the [...] Email To A Friend
I treated my friends great by being the designated driver at Halloween last night so I could enjoy snowboarding today and it paid off with a fun day on snow. I even forgot that it was daylight savings but luckily my phone kept me on time for meeting up to shred.
I met up with Chris [...] Email To A Friend
With the motto “handcrafted by expensive machines” its easy to love O-matic snowboards with their fun no-BS approach to snowboarding. Beyond the company and the names behind it, once you ride the boards you aren’t disappointed by the little shred company that could.
O-matic snowboards was the last stop on Day 2 and located in beautiful [...] Email To A Friend
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