There’s a lot of talk about the current state of snowboarding right now, with the majority of it seeming to fall on the negative side. Everything is against us: the climate, the economy, the widening social and political rifts, and all seem to be taken as signs that snowboarding is fucked. Well, we’re here to say that that just ain’t the case. In fact our annual pilgrimage to the sport’s OG competition, The U.S. Open of Snowboarding, showed us the exact opposite, that snowboarding is alive and well and full of young riders and fans more hyped on shredding than ever. What we saw at Vail were pro’s riding at levels that seemed impossible only a few years ago, crowds at the nightly concerts that were the biggest they’d ever been, and an overall feeling in the air that snowboarding is fucking awesome! With picture perfect sun and blue skies during the competition to a massive snow dump as soon as the event wrapped (thanks of course to the SNOW GODS!) we spent a week doing what we love most in the world: shredding with friends all day and partying with them all night and it was all the proof we needed that snowboarding is still and will always be just about the raddest thing in the world. Still not convinced? Hit the jump for Craig Wetherby‘s photos and we bet you’ll be a believer again too.
Stairway to Heaven…it was TJ Mizell’s first ever U.S. Open and he couldn’t wait to get up Top!
Going Up!
Day 1 first tracks with a legend! Craig Wetherby, Dave Driscoll, Jeff Brushie, TJ & Timbo Baggins share the stoke!
Nothing like the sound of fresh corduroy!
Squad Goals: TJ, Brushie, Timbo, Whitney & Driscoll
Shaun White still loves snowboarding and the kids still love him!
Man vs. Beast
Tree Runz are the best runs, especially with the East Coast crew!
Broom Ball. Despite what you might expect, Broom Ball is fuckin rad!
And an awesome spectator sport.
We had to take some time out for Bones with Blotto.
Family Trip up to Danger Mouse!
The Three Musketeers
Big Grams
Ladies Love Cool Jake…Burton Girls in the house!
Skylar was up early & eating snow for breakfast!
#SnowGods Represent!
Jake & Jeff Koons
Follow the Leader
The kids are all right.
Ben Ferguson took second!
Raibu Katayama was boosting!
Taku Hiraoka took home 3rd!
Slash and Burn – Shaun’s Victory Run!
Congrats Shaun!
Now it was time to celebrate with DJ Griz!
Chris Nuñez getting busy on Danny Davis
No Pain, No Glory
Cheeseburger for Life
DJ Nu-Mark & Craze shut it down!
But we weren’t done yet…TJ needed to get some proper birthday laps in so we hiked to the top!
And the #SnowGods came correct once again!
Status DEEP!
Thank you to Burton Snowboards, all the shred homies & especially the #SnowGods! Til next year…
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