What does it take to become a pro snowboarder and affluent snow filmmaker?

It takes hard work and dedication–two disciplines that are sometimes at odds with a sport that is based on having fun.

Steve Lauder is a snowboarder that is well on his way to making it, as he has been climbing the rungs of the pro snowboard ladder for the past few seasons, including by launching his popular film company, Buck 90 Productions.

This native east coaster grew up riding hard-packed, icy conditions on the slopes of Mount Southington in Connecticut, but he knew if he were going to fulfill his snowboarding dreams, the first step would be moving west, where the slopes are bigger and the industry is based. Today, the 24-year-old resides in the mountain town of Frisco, in Summit County, Colorado, where he is working to amp up his game by riding more than ever this season.

We caught up with Lauder in between shoots with Buck 90 Productions at Keystone Resort to get the rundown on what he’s been up to.

What’s on the agenda for this season?
This season I’m focusing on filming in the street as much as I can while staying healthy after coming off my ACL surgery this past spring.

How’d you score your first sponsor and who was it?
My first official sponsor was Crispy Whips Snowboards and it all kind of happened out of nowhere. Crispy Whip’s owner, Jim Marino, asked me and other Buck 90 homies from Mt. Snow to ride for his new company and it was all history from there.

What is one of your ‘go-to’ tricks or a favorite trick to land?
I’d say my go-to is backside 180 50/50s, but any jump trick always feel rewarding.

Do you prefer bluebirds days, lapping the park, or grey bird days, hiking in the backcountry?
I definitely love lapping the park on blue bird days, but I always love a good powder day.

How do you feel about the contest scene and how often do you compete?
It is definitely insane and I respect that level of riding, but I don’t compete too often–just a rail jam here and there.

What’s your all-time favorite part of snowboarding?
Just having a good day riding with your crew whatever and wherever it may be.

How did you get started with Buck 90 Productions?
Buck 90 was created by me and my good buddy Jon O’ Doherty back in high school when we decided to get a camera and start filming ourselves at Mount Southington in Connecticut. I ride and edit the footage, but all of us riders trade off filming. Unfortunately we don’t have a specific filmer right now, but we will.

What is your favorite shot in the Buck 90 Productions Keystone resort edit?
It’s hard to pick one, but probably Ryan McCoy’s frontflip handplant off the knuckle or Stefan Kuhsel “after banging” his hat off.

What was the hardest shot to capture in that edit?
Most of the shots only took a few tries to get. Everyone has been killin’ it but we usually only try and film laps when we are feeling it.

Who are your sponsors?
Burton, Ashbury Eyewear, Candy Grind gloves, Satellite Board Shop, Frends & Mizu.

Check out Steve in action in this new Buck 90 Productions edit filmed at Keystone resort in Colorado.

Photo Credits: Jimmy Ahern (photo 1) Nathan MInatta (photo 2)