Sun, Surf, And Summer Shredding in Australia. Check out the regional report for everything you need to know to go this summer!
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Everything you need to know to plan your New Zealand summer winter from deep pow at Treble Cone to the Burton New Zealand Open at Cardrona.
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Aspen, Colorado
At The Center Of It All
By Ryan Lougee
Photos by Matt Power
Mike Young tests out the blower pow at Aspen Highlands. Holla!
Deep in the Central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, surrounded by the Elk Mountains and the Sawatch Range, among twenty of the states 54 famous fourteeners, lies Aspen. The somewhat remote valley hosts four resorts—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. There’s always excitement and entertainment in the valley throughout the winter—from the busy holiday season and X Games madness to the multi-week spring break parties. We’ve got celebrities and zillionaires by the private-jet load—but beyond all the glam and glitz, you’ll find talented locals who enjoy a great lifestyle, and you’ll discover all the amazing riding opportunities that these mountains have to offer.
Where To Ride
Aspen is 220 miles west of Denver, which is a three-and-a-half-hour drive, or a 30-minute flight from DIA on United, Frontier, and Delta into Aspen’s very own ASE airport. With one lift ticket and the free RFTA bus system, you can ride all four resorts in a day or spend years figuring out what’s so special about each one of them.
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain/Ajax—The Town Hill
Aspen Mountain has been the centerpiece of Aspen since the first lift fired up in 1947. The new gondola powers you up from downtown Aspen in fourteen minutes, straight to the 11,212-foot summit. With 300 inches of annual snowfall and 673 acres, Ajax has zero-percent beginner terrain, making it a charge-hard type of mountain full of freeriding with steeps, cliffs, mine tailings, and well-manicured groomers. Feel the burn with some top-to-bottom cruisers on the ganja … I mean the gondola. Check out Walsh’s or the Dumps for some more goods. Or hang at Othello’s Rail Riding Hood to get your quick jib fix on. Backcountry access is available to the Castle Creek Valley and the Independence Pass side of the mountain. Watch out for aggro, speed-suit wearing skiers that forget snowboarding saved the ski industry.
Aprés at the pool/bar of 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel.
Distance from Aspen: It’s downtown
Cost: $260–336 (four-day pass with seven-day advanced purchase)
Best for: Real snowboarding, cruisers, and skiers in spandex and fur
Web site: aspensnowmass.com/aspenmountain
It’s not a secret anymore–Aspen Highlands.
Aspen Highlands—A Freerider’s Paradise
Highlands is the best-kept secret in Aspen! Not many people come here—it’s super steep, the Deep Temerity chairlift accesses expert-only terrain, and free snowcat rides at the top of the lift bring you even closer to Highland’s Bowl at 12,392 feet. The place gets over 300 inches of annual snowfall across a solid 1,000 acres of terrain, considering that 36 percent of the terrain is expert/double-black diamond runs as steep as 48 degrees—it’s only a matter of time before it gets “discovered.” Ride the snowcat and hike Highlands Bowl for an insane view of Pyramid Peak, the Maroon Bells, and steep, open pow runs that bring you down to the Deep Temerity lift. Danger, danger—good times!
Get your après on at the ZG Grill or at Crust.
Distance from Aspen: Three miles
Cost: $260–336 (four-day pass with seven-day advanced purchase)
Best For: Real snowboarding on a big mountain
Web site: aspensnowmass.com/highlands
Justin Bartle spreads a buttery slide at Buttermilk
Buttermilk—Get Your Park And Pipe On
Buttermilk, the home of the Winter X Games XIII, is coming in hot this season with the number-one ranked halfpipe in the Transworld annual Resort Poll. The resort is building an even more impressive Olympic-sized Superpipe with 22-foot walls that will be shred-ready this season. Riders can polish their skills in every level of terrain park as they work their way up to the X Park and Superpipe. Don’t be surprised to find yourself riding alongside Olympic and X Games medalists on any given day. With a summit elevation of only 9,900 feet, the temperature at Buttermilk is generally warmer, making the snow nice and soft for bangin’ those tricks proper … or learning new ones. Greg Boyd and his park crew keep this place smooth like butter every day, and you’ll usually have the place to yourself on weekdays. Buttermilk is the place to start your shred career.
Aprés at Bumps where you can see the X Park and Superpipe, or in Aspen after a five-to-ten-minute free bus ride.
Distance from Aspen: Three miles
Cost: $260–336 (four-day pass with seven-day advanced purchase)
Best For: Beginners to professionals, terrain parks/pipes, X Park/Superpipe and cruising perfect groomers
Web site: aspensnowmass.com/buttermilk
Lonnie Kauk ends it on an up note at Snowmass
Snowmass—Something For Everyone
This place is like Disney World—there’s something for everyone to get stoked on. It’s a giant mountain with 3,132 acres of terrain with 300 inches of annual snowfall with beginner areas, cruisers, glades, steeps and deeps, parks and pipes, and anything else you could ever want. An eight-passenger gondola leads to one side of the mountain, while a high-speed six-passenger lift goes to the other side, with wide-open runs in the middle and huge, alpine bowls at the summit.
Greg Boyd and his park crew keep the three terrain parks (including the new Snowmass Terrain Park), the regular pipe, and the Superpipe dialed on the daily. It’s a great place for the whole family to enjoy or just roll solo through the park, and you’ll be tagging along with local rippers in no time.
Aprés at the Cirque Bar & Grill, Goodfellows, Mountain Dragon, Zanes or the Brother’s Grill for free hot wings.
Distance from Aspen: Nine miles
Cost: $260–336 (four-day pass with seven-day advanced purchase)
Best for: Everything
Web site: aspensnowmass.com/snowmass
Around Town:
Aspen is a small town and easy to get around in if you walk or ride one of the many free busses, but if you drive, parking can be difficult since town is always packed. There are several hotels, restaurants, bars, and retail stores for your spending needs. The Little Nell is a five-star hotel, Matsuhisa is high-end sushi, fifteen-dollar mixed drinks are common, and Gucci or Louis Vuitton will burn a hole in the wallet real quick … here’s how to avoid getting burned.
Eating:
New York Pizza
This is the cheapest place to eat in town. Get two big slices of pizza and a drink, or a slice and a brew for under ten bucks … throw the extra buck in the tip jar because it’s the best slice you’ll ever have and the crew shreds, too. Open late night, this is the only place to eat after the bars close. They keep the party going with bumping music and a warm place to hang inside. Free delivery.
409 East Hyman Ave, Aspen. (970) 920-3088
Fill ‘er up.
Johnny McGuire’s Deli
Their motto is “Health Food Sucks”—specializing in hot and cold subs with many options, or build your own. Get a sandwich and a drink for under ten bucks and you’re full. Tip them, too. Free delivery.
730 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen. (970) 920-9255
The Big Wrap
This place is on the healthier side, with several wraps, salads, and smoothies. Check out here with food and a drink for under ten bucks as well. Closed on Sundays because the owner, Babs, needs a full day on the mountain—just like you. Free delivery.
520 East Durrant Avenue, Aspen. (970) 544-1700
La Cantina
Think mountain coastal Mex. This joint is a super fun place to hang with your crew and fill up on free chips and salsa. They have a huge menu and a cheap happy-hour menu (under ten bucks) in the bar. The owner, Darren, is super nice and stoked to have shreds in his restaurant, and Adam at the bar is always serving up “specials” to get your pre-game kicking before you head out to the clubs.
411 East Main Street, Aspen. (970) 925-3663
Jimmy’s: An American Restaurant & Bar
Come here for steaks and other quality dishes in the dining room—Jimmy’s also offers a reasonable bar menu. Several moderately priced choices including ahi tuna/filet mignon with mashers and veggies for twelve bucks. Or just order a beer and ask for the fresh pretzels and you’re on your way to being full for the price of a beer.
205 South Mill Street, Aspen. (970) 925-6020
Matsuhisa
Gourmet Japanese seafood and sushi by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. This is the best restaurant in town—by far. You can easily drop a hundo by yourself here … two-hundo even. Try the upstairs lounge and bar for Monday-night football specials where you can find several hot and cold items for ten bucks each. Split it up and share amongst your crew, and you’ll all get a real nice taste on your tongue. Seriously, though … banger place to eat if you’re trying to live it up.
309 East Main Street, Aspen. (970) 544-6628
Aspen–for better or worse.
Nightlife:
Eric’s Bar/Aspen Billiards/Cigar Bar
Eric’s Bar is the best bar in town. Aspen Billiards is Aspen’s nicest pool hall and is casually elegant with eight tables and a full bar. The Cigar Bar is an elegant smoking and drinking environment that serves fine cigars and fine liquors. This is the go-to spot in Aspen … three in one.
315 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen. (970) 925-6707
Fly Lounge
Are you ready for a music- and aviation-themed environment of a private leer jet cruising through the clouds with uniformed flight attendants offering drinks and bottle service? DJ Chuck Koch and other fly DJs will keep you dancing. Great experience!
426 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen. (410) 897-2625
The Regal Watering Hole
Aspen chic, while still maintaining a casual vibe using organic and earthy materials and colors. The owners, Tim and Paul, are often on hand to share drinks and play host while making introductions to keep everyone feeling right at home. Keep dancing—it’s a fun place.
220 South Galena Street, Aspen. (720) 275-3876
Belly Up, Aspen
Aspen’s premier live-music venue with a multimillion-dollar sound system, a capacity of 450 people, and three levels. In just the last couple months this place has seen the likes of Method Man, Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, DJ Z-Trip, Tiesto, STS9 … just wait for the winter season! Check the Web site bellyupaspen.com for upcoming shows. This place is a must.
450 South Galena Street, Aspen. (970) 544-9800
Sleeping:
It’s expensive to get hotel rooms here during the winter season. Check aspensnowmass.com and follow the links in “Stay Here,” and shop around for the best deals.
Sky Hotel
Located in town at the bottom of Aspen Mountain, this place has a very stylish lobby and rooms as well as the 39 Degrees Bar. The hotel offers courtesy transportation around town in brand-new Cadillac Escalades.
709 East Durrant Avenue, aspen. (970) 925-6760
The Inn At Aspen
Located at the base of Buttermilk.
38750 Highway 82, Buttermilk. (970) 925-1500
The Silvertree Hotel
This is a full-service ski-in/ski-out hotel.
100 Elbert Lane, Snowmass. (970) 923-3520
Radio Boardshop.
Local Shops:
Radio Boardshop
Owned by X Games announcer Travis McLain. The spots got Uninc and Nike SB, as well as the latest in tight, bright, and hipster trends. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
424 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen. (970) 925-9373
Polar Revolution
Owned by Sammy Knauer and run by two of Aspen’s first snowboard shop guys, Scott and Charles from the Alternative Edge. Does anyone remember AE’s hearse?
312 South Hunter Street, Aspen. (970) 544-0600
Events:
Winter X Games XIII
January 22–25, 2009 at Buttermilk. This is the place to be for the who’s who of the snowboarding, and the rest of the winter action-sports world. Chaotic, but a super fun time to be in Aspen. Bro, brah, cha! Dude, man, dude! expn.com
Aspen/Snowmass Open
February 5–8, 2009 at Buttermilk. This is an open event for those who wish to ride the X Games Slopestyle course and the X Games Superpipe. Cash and prizes are up for grabs—if you think you have what it takes, then register online through aspensnowmass.com. The event does fill up.
CoverGirl Snow Angel Invitational
April 5–8, 2009. Where the girls, including Gretchen Bleiler, show off their skills in a four-day all-chick shred sesh.
[sidebar]
Get Your Skate On
Aspen’s Skatepark.
Aspen Skatepark
Located just off North Mill Street in the Rio Grand Park. It’s free—outdoor, concrete bowls, mostly transition, some vert, a little pool coping, a flatbar, and a bank—all built by Team Pain. Helmets required.
Snowmass Skatepark
This a new skatepark located next to the Snowmass Recreation Center and the Town Park Station. It’s free, outdoors, concrete street/bowl setup, banked center piece, down-flat ledge, flatbar, curved bar, step-up, banked wall, deep and squared vert bowl, smaller round bowl, et cetera. Helmets required.
Words And Photos By Jake Stangel
The four major resorts in Southern Vermont—Okemo, Stratton, Mount Snow, and Bromley—are densely packed into the southwest corner of the state. Each offers something different for riders, and they are all within an hour drive of each other. This gives snowboarders a chance to keep their routine fresh and freely venture to new mountains without sacrificing much riding time. Pipe heavies from the Teter and Mitrani families to Kevin Pearce, Kelly Clark, Ross Powers, and Tricia Byrnes all grew up riding Southern Vermont.
One of the best reasons to visit and ride Vermont is for the state itself. Vermont has done an amazing job of preserving its natural environment, as well as its unique towns, businesses, and buildings. You also won’t see a single billboard in the state—they’re illegal. To get the most out of your trip, be sure to check out the scenery, take in the extending landscape of rolling mountains visible from the top of every resort, and buy some real Vermont maple syrup to take home for your next round of pancakes.
TJ James ropes in a big ol’ wallride at U.S. Open host mountain, Stratton, Vermont
WHERE TO RIDE The mountains of Vermont have always offered a classic mix of freeriding options, especially for enthusiasts of misty glades and secret side runs. Okemo, Stratton, and Mount Snow are also serious about their park game. Coming off one of the best seasons in decades, the mountains of Southern Vermont can make even the most spoiled, snobbish West Coast rider break out into a big smile—I’ve seen it myself.
Okemo-The Sleeper
If you’re a park or pipe dude or dudette in need of a perfectly shaped Superpipe, or are seeking out a heavy double-kink leading into a poppy 50-foot kicker, Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont has got what you’re looking for. Often pegged as a “family resort,” Okemo has been quietly slaying the Southern Vermont park scene for years. Led by a committed crew of park staff, Okemo boasts three levels of terrain parks, including the Nor’easter Superpark, a nicely flowing park full of big jumps and fun rails, walls and bonks. Okemo also has a legit, dependable, and regularly cut Superpipe serviced by an accompanying J-bar, which is a rarity in the entire Northeast. If freeriding is what you’re after, head over to the rider’s right side of the mountain to feast on glade runs and double blacks like Loose Spruce and Wild Thing, all serviced by the South Face Express Quad.
Distance From Stratton: 35 miles
Cost: $69 Weekday, $74 Weekend
Best For: Fans of a well-maintained park and a Superpipe with a J-bar
Web site: okemo.com
Chris Waker buffs out the S-rail in one of the three parks at Okeemo
Mount Snow-Best of Both Worlds
Former home of the Winter X Games and current host to several USASA events, Mount Snow has the prestige, resources, and mountain size to successfully entertain you and your crew over numerous days of riding. Mount Snow has four mountain faces. Granted, these aren’t Colorado-size bowls, but they translate to a good amount of variety for whatever your shredding mood. Feel like a challenge? Head to Ripcord on the North Face for some of the steepest runs on the East Coast. If you want a long, mellow run, slide over to the three-mile-long Long John/Deer Run trail.
Boasting five parks of every level, as well as a Superpipe of its own, park and pipe rats have their bases covered. Be sure to check out the Au Natural park, which is made entirely of natural features like wooden A-frames and wide log jibs.
Distance From Stratton: 10 miles
Cost: $63 weekday, $72 weekend
Best For: A little bit of everything
Web site: mountsnow.com
Mikey Klein slides the C-box in the Vermontster Park at Mount Snow. Photo: David Klein
Stratton-High Class On And Off The Mountain
Considered the most upscale resort of these four mountains, Stratton feels a lot like a mini-Whistler set in Southern Vermont. Owned by Intrawest, Stratton has a village center full of chic coffee shops, gift shops, and restaurants. Don’t be fooled by the fur coats and valet parking, though, Stratton is a serious mountain with fast lifts, 600 acres of rideable terrain, a clean park, and a bounty of off-trail runs.
To save some time, head straight to the Sun Bowl, located around the back of the mountain. There is a less-busy parking lot right at the base, so you can avoid having to take the shuttle from a satellite lot, and the crowds are way less hectic.
Cost: $69 weekday, $78 weekend
Best For: Shredding, heading to the spa, and a steak dinner
Web site: stratton.com
Brian Messler, TJ James, and Chris Waker shreddin’ pow at Stratton
Bromley—Low-Key Charm
Bromley is a quaint, no-frills, friendly mountain. Yes, it is small in size relative to the other three mountains, but everything in Bromley is stress-free and manageable. Parking lot? A two-minute walk away. Liftlines? None. Crowded, zoo-like cafeteria? Nope.
Going along with its no-frills attitude, Bromley walks away with the deal of the century, 25 bucks for a midweek, all-day lift ticket. If you and your crew are looking to have some fun on the mountain without paying a fortune, head to Bromley, find yourself a log jib in the woods, and get creative.
Bromley also does have a small park, but more importantly, its got glades and powder—two things that will make any rider happy when the conditions are right.
Distance From Stratton: 15 miles
Cost: $25 weekday, $63 weekend
Best For: Beginners, messing around for cheap, and avoiding crowds
Web site: bromley.com
Raw, no-frills Bromley is known for log slides and cheap tickets-two things that go well together. Forest Bailey knows this.
Around Town:
There are a couple of airport options including Albany, New York (two hours to the west); Manchester, New Hampshire (2.5 hours to the east); and Burlington, Vermont (2.5 hours to the north), but none are pleasantly close to the mountains. If a buddy can pick you up, there is an Amtrak station in nearby Brattleboro as well. There are also no major cities nearby, so Stratton Mountain Resort, the resort closest to the center of this four-mountain cluster, will serve as the reference point to gauge distance.
Each of these four resorts has local towns nearby, with plenty of places to grab everything from after-riding nachos and beer to live music. If you’re at Stratton, Bromley, or even Mount Snow, it’s worth a drive into nearby Manchester—it’s three-quarters cool town and one-quarter upscale outlet mall.
EATING
Tom’s Loft Tavern
This classic après-ride joint, located in the big red barn adjacent to Okemo’s base lodge, is hands down the best way to end a day of riding at Okemo. Chat it up with locals and make friends with the ski patrollers, all while chowing down on muchos nachos and daily Vermont beer specials. If local brew Switchback is on tap, grab a pint and see if it immediately becomes one of your favorite beers.
300 Mountain Road, Ludlow. (802) 228-5638
DJ’s Restaurant
Got a big group that can’t decide where to go for dinner? A local favorite, DJ’s consistently delivers a great mix of pasta, steak, seafood, and salads that’ll please even the most diverse group of eaters.
146 Main Street, Ludlow. (802) 228-5374
Dot’s Diner
For those who need a huge, super-satisfying breakfast to start the day, head over to Dot’s Diner. Located five minutes from Mount Snow, Dot’s serves up amazing eggs, home fries, pancakes, and waffles in a homey setting. Combined with its bottomless cups of coffee and doting waitresses, Dot’s will get you ready to shred all day long.
Mountain Park Plaza, Route 100, Mount Snow. (802) 464-6476
TC’s Family Restaurant
Owned by the family of Kelly Clark, this is a great option for riders looking to get a little taste of Olympic gold as well as a casual, filling dinner. TC’s serves Italian food, steaks, burgers, homemade pizza, and pasta. If you’re jonesin’ to get home, TC’s entire menu is available to go.
178 Route 100 North, West Dover. (802) 464-5900
Mulligan’s
If you’re on a budget, yet staying in a hotel on Stratton’s compound, Mulligan’s has got you covered. Serving up sandwiches, salads, ribs, steaks, and fajitas, as well as a bevy of margaritas and 50 different beers, this fine establishment will take away your hunger pangs, without taking away too much money.
Stratton Village Square, Stratton. (802) 297-9293
Sirloin Saloon
The saloon offers a classy mix of nearly every type of beef and seafood possible, and all entrees include unlimited trips to the most bangin’ salad bar of all time. While on the upper end of the price scale, you can easily make two separate meals for the price of one. To go box, please!
135 Depot Street, Manchester Center. (802) 362-2600
The Local Country Store Deli
Pretty much every country store in Vermont houses a kick-ass deli that will prepare the biggest, cheapest, most delicious sub you’ve ever had. Amazing breakfast sandwiches can also be had. These locally owned havens are ubiquitous throughout the entire state, so keep your eyes peeled and you’ll notice one. Don’t even bother with gas-station food.
The Sirloin Saloon in Bromley-live it up.
NIGHTLIFE
Clubbers beware—Vermont is probably not your scene, especially on slow weekdays. However, when weekends roll around, riders can find plenty of ways to stay entertained well into the night.
Christopher’s Sports & Spirits
Aside from sponsoring local Okemo riders, Christopher’s has live entertainment on Fridays and Saturday nights. If getting your groove on makes you a little hungry, Christopher’s also dishes out thin-crust pizza ’til 2:00 a.m.
145 Main Street, Ludlow. (802) 228-7822
Dover Bar And Grill
Affectionately called D-Bags, the Dover is one of few nightlife spots in the Mount Snow area. Open every day from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., D-Bags also runs a Thursday-night concert series. For those multitasking types, the bar also offers wi-fi, plus there’s a Laundromat next door. Score!
319 Route 100 West, Dover. (802) 464-2689
Green Door Pub
A great option for those staying at Stratton, the Green Door Pub offers live entertainment on Saturday nights, pool, and foosball tables, as well as big-screen football for all the jocks on Sundays.
Stratton Village Square, Stratton. (802) 297-0171
The Perfect Wife
Just outside of Manchester, The Perfect Wife houses both a top-notch restaurant as well as a cool tavern with a super relaxed atmosphere. It features live music on Friday and Saturday nights ranging from blues and rock to jazz, in addition to a full bar and drink menu. Solid.
2594 Depot Street, Manchester. (802) 362-2817
Welcome to Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow
SLEEPING
With Vermont becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination for affluent travelers from nearby cities, hotels near the mountains cash in by jacking up rates on weekends and holidays. Try to stick with locally owned inns that won’t gauge your pocket … and who often include breakfast in the price of the overnight.
Best Western Ludlow Colonial Motel
One mile from the base of Ludlow, near Okemo, this hotel often has the cheapest rates, ranging from 90 to 200 bucks for hotels in the immediate area. The nearby Governer’s Inn might also be worth a look if prices are out of hand.
93 Main Street, Ludlow. (802) 228-8188
West Dover Inn
West Dover Inn offers some slammin’ package deals that cover pretty much all the bases. For a mere 200 bucks per person on weekends, Mount Snow riders receive two nights’ lodging, one dinner, two breakfasts, and two full-day passes. Weekday packages are 179 per person. What a steal!
108 Route 100, West Dover. (802) 464-5207
Johnny Seesaw’s
A two-minute drive from Bromley and twenty minutes from Stratton, Johnny Seesaw’s is a storied inn that offers riders affordable and comfortable rooms, easy access into Manchester, and a hella good breakfast every morning … and dinner later. The restaurant is keen on using fresh and local ingredients, and most every item, from salad dressings to desserts, is made in-house. Built in 1920, Johnny Seesaw’s has been a haven against prohibition (complete with “sin cabins” out back). Check it out.
Located five minutes east of Bromley, Route 11. (802) 824-5533
Shaun White mid-victory lap McTwist at the 2008 U.S. Open at Stratton, Vermont. PHOTO:Nick Hamilton
LOCAL SHOPS
Darkside Snowboard Shop
The crew at Darkside knows what’s up. One of three locations (Killington, Stowe, and Okemo), the shop is packed to the brim with all the gear you need and a knowledgeable staff of friendly riders who can help you out.
57 Pond Street, Okemo Market Place, Ludlow. (802) 228-5444
Backside Snowboard Shop
Backside is a great resource located at the main base area of Mount Snow. Forgot your gloves under the bed of last night’s one-night stand? It would be too awkward to go back, so head to Backside to grab a new pair instead.
Mount Snow. (802) 464-4040
Podium Snowboard Shop
Owned by Ross Powers and his longtime buddy Nick Pedemonti, Podium is both a snowboard shop and mini-museum for snowboarding and Ross’ career. The Manchester-based store is filled with vintage skate and snow decks, each year of Ross’ pro models, as well as tons of posters and memorabilia that attest to the history of the sport.
5081 Main Street (Rt. 7A), Manchester Center. (802) 367-SNOW
Time for a new board? head to the Darkside shops in Stowe, Okemo, or Killington.
DON’T FORGET
The U.S. Open
A six-star TTR event, the U.S. Open is one of the oldest and most storied competitions in the history of snowboarding. Held at Stratton in mid-March, the Open features some of the most next-level riding seen around the world and provides an opportunity for hungry ams to step into the spotlight, as Charles Reid and Peetu Piiroinen did in 2008. Stratton always pulls out all the stops for the Open, and sponsors throw down a ridiculous amount of swag, so you have no reason not to go.
Dates: March 16–22, 2009
Web site: opensnowboarding.com
World Quarterpipe Championships
The infamous World Quarters were brought back last year after a four-year hiatus with a location move from Waterville Valley to Timber Ridge resort. The booze and fire infused event is just as much about partying and throwing snowballs at riders in the gauntlet (the run-in to the quarterpipe) as it is about snowboarding. It’s a fun way to cap off a long week at the Open for hearty VT riders.
Where: Timber Ridge private resort on the backside of Magic Mountain
When: Late March
By Corey McDonald
Little is known to the rest of the snowboard world about the small scene of Southern Idaho. For the most part, the area has been left to its own upbringing and self-sculpting. Not that the snowboard world doesn’t show up from time to time with the occasional McCall, Idaho picture in a magazine or the amazing Idaho shots in the beloved Robot Food movies… and now the Grand Prix coming to town every year. Yet the area seems to stay true to its surroundings and beautiful to its creators.
Keep your guard up, because at some point you’ll find yourself wrestling with the notion of settling down here. It happens, and that’s okay because Boise is amazing and the locals love to show that off.
Photography by Ryan Turner
Martin Campbell blasting into the abyss at Brundage
WHERE TO RIDE:
Bogus Basin is Boise’s local hill, but there are three amazing resorts within a three-hour drive from the city that all have a unique quality of their own. From historic Sun Valley with its traditions, to Tamarack and its fresh out-of-the box appeal, to Brundage, which is known simply for lots of snow, Southern Idaho has something for most every type of shred out there.
Bogus Basin-Boise’s Local Hill
Long days, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., allow the youth here to grow up riding every single day of the winter. The close proximity to the good-size populous of Boise does have its drawbacks, and that manifests on weekends. One Saturday last winter, Bogus had 8,661 visitors in one day. Luckily, Bogus has 2,600 acres of shredding terrain. When it snows, Chair 6 is where you want to be. Bogus also has three little parks that get meticulous attention day and night by the MaidenBoise crew, and it boasts some of the finest rails from Planet Snow.
Distance from Boise: 16 mile
Best for: Parks for all ability levels and fantastic terrain in Boise’s backyard
Cost: $46
Web site: bogusbasin.org
Shane Stalling. Foggy Frontside at Bogus Basin
Tamarack—Your Own Private Shred Hill
Two hours north of Boise is where you’ll find Idaho’s newest resort. This place is truly amazing and fully behind everything progressive in the snowboard world. The resort is doing everything in its power to cater to the hardcore snowboarder, from building the largest halfpipe on the Grand Prix tour (22 feet) to building super long and fun park setups. There are plenty of crowd-free zones to enjoy thanks to the 1,100 acres of lift-accessible terrain. If the empty liftlines aren’t enough to satisfy you, the backcountry access here is also amazing! A short walk north will get you to some of the most fantastic terrain in the area, and it all funnels back in-bounds to the Wildwood chair.
Distance from Boise: 111 miles
Best for: Uncrowded park and freestyle boardin’
Cost: $59
Web site: tamarackidaho.com
Parker Duke in Tamarack’s Superpipe
Brundage—Snowy Tradition
Brundage Mountain is just outside the small mountain town of McCall, Idaho. If deep snow and no liftlines is your thing, then this is the mountain for you. Also, with over 300 annual inches of snowfall, Brundage consistently gets the best snow in Idaho. The addition of two new chairs increased the lift-accessed acreage to 1,500 acres. Add to that another 1,900 acres of backcountry snowcat-guided terrain and you have a place where powder dreams come true.
The place to experience Brundage on a powder day is Hidden Valley—just a short walk northwest of the resort, it’ll get you some really steep lines and drops with just a short traverse back into the resort. Super long runs and fun trees is what this place is all about.
Distance from Boise: 112.5 miles
Best for: Deep snow, tight trees, and no lines
Cost: $48
Web site: brundage.com
Brundage Mountain
Sun Valley—Tradition
Way up in the Wood River Valley is the town of Ketchum and the famous Sun Valley resort. Known more for movie stars and moguls than epic shred, this mountain has had a reputation of skiing royalty and excellence for many, many years. But get through the old image and you’ll find the snowboard scene to be one of the most hardcore out there. The mountain of Baldy is big and steep. Super tight trees and wide-open groomers are the two main choices for this resort and the majority of the patrons choose the latter, so the trees stay fresh long after a storm. For those who want to put in a little to get the goods there is Mistletoe off Seattle Ridge and Heaven off of Greyhawk, both steep and amazing on powder days.
Distance from Boise: 173 miles
Best for: Long, wide-open steep groomers with historic luxury
Cost: $79
Web site: sunvalley.com
Kerri Pardon. Sun Valley
AROUND TOWN
Boise has always been the smallest of the “big” Northwest cities. But what it lacks in size is more than made up in substance. The music and art scene are a wonderful complement to the mountains, rivers and lakes. All of these things mesh together because of the proximity to the city. Being so close to one another, the outdoor and city looks tend to mesh. The same guy who just took you down the Payette will probably be making you get down on the dance floor spinning records in the city.
EATING
Capri
This is the place for breakfast. No frills just absolutely perfect breakfast every time! The consistency here is borderline alarming, and that’s what makes it the place to go when you need it right.
2520 Fairview Avenue, Boise. (208) 342-1442
Flying Pie
This place is the mecca for pizza enthusiasts. The menu is great on its own, but come on Tuesday for gourmet night and take the tour of their amazing creations.
6508 Fairview Avenue, Boise. (208) 376-3454
Bar Gernika
Located in the Basque district in Boise, this is the perfect city patio dining experience. The cracked pepper chicken sandwich is amazing! Get an order of croquettes (deep-fried balls of butter and other goodness) to go with your entrée and you’ll be in Basque heaven. Don’t be afraid of all the fixies that show up, they’re harmless and just want to share a Calimoxo and some good conversation with you.
202 South Capital Boulevard, Boise. (208) 344-2175
Sushi On 2nd
If you’re in Sun Valley, the majority of the shreds you’ll see are the Sun Valley Snowboard Team kids or their coaches. The program has produced some serious talent. A large number of those same coaches also have the talent of creating some amazing rolls over at Sushi On 2nd. The Sushi is as fantastic as the on-snow talent they help sculpt.
261 2nd Street, Ketchum. (208) 726-5181
Apples
When finished riding Baldy in Sun Valley, the locals don’t go to the lodge, they go to Apples for wonderful burgers and sandwiches and the right beverages to go with them.
215 Picabo Street, Ketchum. (208) 726-7067
Buffalo Gal
Sushi in Idaho? Leave it to a couple snowboarders, Tom Steinberg and his wife, to dish it up. In addition to epic sushi, they’ve got burgers, salads, soups … bring an appetite.
319 North Main Street, Donnelly. (208) 325-8258
The great atomic town of Arco
NIGHT LIFE
Boise’s Main Street has a borderline ridiculous amount of bars to choose from. The east end and the Sixth and Main area is your regular college drink-your-face-off area, while the west end has your seedy darker haunts with good music and some real conversation … with, of course, stiff drinks.
The Neurolux
Stiff drinks and a pleasant atmosphere. If you want either of these things this is your spot. Home to some of the best bartenders in Boise, the Lux is also the place to go to catch some pretty great live shows. On Friday nights DJ Revolve throws down some of the most amazing sets you’ll ever hear.
111 North 11th Street, Boise. (208) 343-0886
Red Room
Oddly stuck in the middle of the aforementioned Sixth and Main, this little gem is great for hiding out or meeting friends. Otherwise, the classic Nintendo game system can keep you entertained. It’s wise to move west before it gets too late so as to miss the madness of the college-bar street madness.
6th and Main, Boise. (208) 343-7034
10th Street Station
Located in the basement of the legendary Idanha Hotel, 10th Street Station is a wonderful place. The cigarettes, or more to the point, the smoke is what the place is known for—smoky atmosphere with stale popcorn that you can’t get enough of. Not for everyone, but that’s the point.
104 North 10th, Boise. (208) 344-2677
Whiskey Jacques/Casino
Two completely different spots that go hand in hand, these two Ketchum bars are located across the street from one another and offer two unique bar experiences. For bands and such Whiskey’s delivers, and for everything else, Casino does the same, but chances are you will cross the street once or twice in a night for both.
Highway 75 (Main Street), Ketchum.
Bogus Basin
SLEEPING
If you don’t have a friend’s house to stay at in McCall, Tamarack, or Sun Valley, you’ll be spending a good amount for lodging. But if a two-and-a-half-hour drive doesn’t bother you too much, Boise is your place for plenty of reasonably priced hotels.
Modern Hotel And Bar
Think Portland’s Doug Fir but smaller—a super dolled-up hotel with a really pleasant bar. Located in downtown Boise’s Linen district.
Cost: $89–200
1314 Grove Street, Boise. (208) 424-8244
Best Western Safari Motor Inn
Expect all the regular Best Western amenities plus the bonus of being right downtown so you can hit all the restaurants and bars without having to drive. Not to mention it’s right on top of Prestige—Idaho’s wonderful skate shop.
Cost: $87 and up
1070 Grove Street, Boise. (208) 344-6556
The Lodge At Osprey Meadows
Right at the resort complete with wireless Internet, year-round pool, hot tub, and Morels restaurant downstairs.
Cost: $279 and up
311 Village Drive, Tamarack. (208) 325-1000
Western Mountain Lodge
Shred at Tamarack all day with your 45-dollar discount ticket from the hotel, and then hit the indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Hallelujah!
415 N 3RD St, McCall. (208) 634-6300
Shane Stalling. Front three nosebonk at Tamarack
LOCAL SHOPS
Newt And Harold’s
A part of Boise since 1985, Lori and Lori at Newt And Harold’s have been a real blessing to the snowboard community by continually supporting local events and riders. With some of the most passionate and knowledgeable staff of any shop around, the crew can get you geared up for any type of shredding … having three of the most amazing riders in Idaho as employee’s doesn’t hurt either.
1021 Broadway, Boise. (208) 385-9300, newt-harolds.com
The Board Bin
This is Ketchum, Idaho’s only real snowboard shop with everything you need for shredding Baldy or getting some rad up at Galena. Jim and Karina have been doing it right in the Wood River Valley since 1988. Come check out a piece of Idaho snowboard history.
180 4th Street East, Ketchum. (208) 726-1222
Prestige
This is not a snowboard shop—it’s a skateboard shop that’s actually much, much more. Boise is blessed with snowboard legend Greg Goulet and Paul Whitworth, who both opened Prestige in Boise. Dedicated to bringing a real sense of community to the skate scene, all of Boise benefit from these guys and their hard work. Keeping the people of Boise looking beautiful is a lofty goal, but these two are making it happen one hoodie at a time.
106 South 11th Street, Boise. (208) 424-6824
Side Effect Board Shop
Boards, boots, bindings—check.
317 East Lake Street, McCall. (208) 634-8255
Hinson Powersports
The backcountry around McCall is no joke, just assume that every movie crew stops through here during the winter. Go to Hinson’s for all your snowmobile needs.
13924 Highway 55, McCall. (208) 634-7007
Newt And Harold’s obey the giant. Do you?
DON’T FORGET
The Carson Ianson Quarterpipe Classic
A Memorial, A Contest, And A Gathering Of The Community
In the fall of 2002, the snowboard community of Boise lost one of its longtime shred heroes, Carson Ianson, to respiratory failure. As a way to remember him, a group of friends decided to put together a memorial/snowboard weekend in his honor. The first year was a huge success and brought together friends from all over for a weekend of snowboarding and music in the mountains of Idaho. Now in its sixth year, the CDIQPC gathers around 300 snowboarders, friends, and family to ride a natural quarterpipe in the summer sun and remember why we all do this in the first place. The event is held at a secret location the weekend of June. A large quarterpipe is shaped (with the help of a snowcat donated by Tamarack) and rails from Planet are set up for a jam-style “contest” that brings the shred community together for one last ride of the year.
Legend Among Us: Geoff Tulloch
Every mountain has its shred hero—the guy who has been doing it the longest, or a legendary pro who is back at the local hill still killing it every day. In Boise, Idaho, up at Bogus Basin, is a rider who is a touch beyond all of that. His age is irrelevant, it’s his pure riding and stoke that makes him so legendary in his ways. Since the beginning of snowboarding, Geoff Tulloch has been riding and progressing and making snowboarding better with his presence. From his amazing shots in Totally Board that inspired so many in Boise to his groundbreaking first attempt over the Baker Road gap in ’88, you would think someone riding at that level for so long would fizzle out. His winning the CDIQPC in ’06 would tell you otherwise.
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