Thursday March 24, 2011
It's that time of year again, folks! Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont is hosting their 3rd Annual Joey Jam (disclosure: I may have had a hand in creating this event), a springtime celebration of all things Joey. The event goes off on Saturday, March 26th at 11 a.m.
What's a Joey, you ask? A Joey is one of those more conspicuous participants in skiing and snowboarding. A Joey is someone who, through no fault of their own, acts as entertainment for the more seasoned veterans of our respective sports. Basically, a Joey is a clueless, sometimes dangerous but always well-intentioned skier or snowboarder who has yet to learn the finer points of mountain etiquette. There...that wasn't too offensive, was it?
Okemo's Joey Jam finds youth and adult participants being judged on their outfit, persona, and ability (or lack thereof) on the Joey course - a series of small, easy terrain features. An all star cast of local judges will decide who takes home the adult crown, with first prize this year being a 1987 Kawasaki JS550 stand-up jet ski. What a jet ski has to do with being a Joey, I don't even want to speculate upon!
The adult event is open to the first 50 participants to register. Registration runs from 8-10 a.m. in the Clock Tower Base Lodge. For more information, visit www.okemo.com.
Monday March 14, 2011
As the snow begins to melt in some areas of the country, many snowboarders attention begins to turn to warm weather activities like hiking, biking, golf, or the long-dreaded yard work. I'm here, however, to tell you that these things can wait! As winter officially winds down, now is the time to enjoy warmer days, less crowded slopes, cheaper lift tickets and accommodations, and the always entertaining slate of spring activities at your local resort!
Spring snow, softened by the sun and warmer air, is often referred to as "hero snow," because it makes everyone ride like an expert. Resorts in the Rockies and New England will likely stay open through mid-April, giving us another solid month of riding! And, of course, there are the previously mentioned spring activities - wacky events like pond skimming, cardboard box races, costume contests - the list is practically endless. And don't forget the joys of a freshly grilled hamburger on a sun-splashed deck, either. Spring is the time for long, leisurely lunches on the slopes!
So avert your gaze from your golfclubs, throw a nice coat of spring wax on your snowboard and get out on the slopes for the next few weekends!
Monday March 7, 2011
The vaunted U.S. Open, arguably the most prestigious event on the competitive snowboarding circuit, returns to Stratton this week for the 29th year in a row. Held from March 7th through the 12th, the Open is the pinnacle of the snowboarding season, as well as the penultimate event in the Burton Global Open Series. The top female and male riders in the Global Open Series will each be awarded $100,000 this weekend.
The events schedule is jam packed, and sets up like this:
- Wednesday, March 9: Men's and Women's Slopestyle Semifinals.
- Thursday, March 10: Men's and Women's Halfpipe Semifinals.
- Friday, March 11: Men's and Women's Slopestyle Finals, and Men's and Women's Rail Jam.
- Saturday, March 12: Men's and Women's Halfpipe Finals.
In addition, music concerts and a sponsor village will be setup throughout the week, offering prizes and other giveaways. For more information, visit the U.S. Open website.
Monday February 21, 2011
Another holiday period is upon U.S. snowboard resorts, as the President's Week holiday has arrived. Conditions across the country are fantastic, with deep powder available out west and excellent packed powder surfaces reigning at eastern resorts. With many schools having vacation this week, it's a great time to get out as a family and make some turns!
Many resorts are ramping up their events schedule this week - in Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort is holding its annual Torchlight parade this evening, while Killington and Mt. Snow will be putting on similar displays, along with fireworks, later in the week. The weather forecast looks favorable, with light snow interspersed with days of sunshine and moderate temperatures!
