Flow Snowboarding has taken another step to bring a core snowboarding experience to all riders. Following the tradition of Tailgate Alaska, an event that provides easy access to terrain for people that might not ever experience it otherwise, Tailgate B.C. opened its arms to the public during its first year in Revelstoke.

On March 8, powder hungry fiends mobbed through the Canadian borders to the heavenly land of Revelstoke. Many of the riders involved had only dreamt of dropping into these territories. The sense of camaraderie was obvious; the mornings were a frenzy of riders trying to gather gear, straighten out schedules, and get their sleds ready.

It's no surprise. 6.5 feet of snow greeted the group, choppers were waiting, and there were fresh lines to be had.

Limited to 150 participants--to eliminate overcrowding and ensure fresh powder-- the event offered backcountry access via discounted Eagle Pass heliskiing, sleds, and resort lifts. When they weren't waist deep in pow or scattered among B.C. trees, the group was offered backcountry safety classes, beacon searches, and snowmobile riding/maintenance clinics-- essential preparation for big mountain riding. Riders concluded the day's activities with adult beverages, man games (axe-chucking or too much fun with a hammer), bonfires, and live music.

Flow's marketing director, Susanne Dachgruber, was more than satisfied with how the first Tailgate B.C. turned out, "I'm really thrilled with our inaugural Flow Tailgate BC event. Our aim is to provide a venue for backcountry enthusiasts that allows them to create their own adventure and give them access to snow safety education, ensuring that they're safe while enjoying the incredible terrain in Revelstoke. Local support from operations like Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Jeremy Hanke's Soul Rides was fantastic and helped ensure the success of the event."

Tailgate Alaska, taking place April 1-12, 2012, is a must-attend event in Thompson Pass, Valdez, Alaska. And while the Alaskan event is highly esteemed in the snowboard world due to it's history, the Tailgate experience is unlike any other, no matter the location.

Photo courtesy of Sean Hannah

Within the snowboard world, there's a deep appreciation for the riding that Mt. Baker, Washington has to offer. It's somewhat common knowledge that Baker offers endless powder, intimidating tree lines, and an experience unlike any other. "The Mad Ones" gives exposure to this gem of a mountain, it's culture, and the riders that make it their season's mission to get in as many turns there as possible.

Here are the past three edits...kind of seems like we're missing out, doesn't it?

Snowboarder Magazine's I Ride Park City -Trick Tips drops into the halfpipe this week with none other than Olympic gold medalist Torah Bright. The Australian halfpipe connoisseur demonstrates the classic but stylish air-to-fakie-- an essential trick for throwing down in the pipe.

To watch the latest trick tip and perfect your air-to-fakie head HERE.

Another avalanche has claimed the lives of two prominent backcountry skiers. The bodies of Steve Romeo, founder of the blog TetonAT, and Chris Onufer, a longtime Jackson Hole employee, were found Thursday, March 8 in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park.

The two experienced skiers were reported missing on March 7 after they failed to return home. A subsequent search by the Grand Teton National Park rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue was conducted immediately thereafter.

According to ESPN, one of the rescue teams located an avalanche debris field on the slope of Ranger Peak, just before 9 a.m. After a physical search of the debris, the bodies of the two skiers were found.

The losses of Onufer and Romeo are the latest of several deaths to hit the skiing community this year. On February 19, Freeskiing World Tour judge Jim Jack, Stevens Pass marketing director Chris Rudolph, and Leavenworth contractor Johnny Brenan were killed by a massive avalanche at Steven Pass.

The mournful events have poignantly increased an awareness of avalanche danger among skiers and snowboarders. And as a result, a substantial amount have enrolled in avalanche safety courses to prepare themselves for the unpredictable hazards of winter.

Image courtesy of Powder Magazine, Steve Romeo and Chris Onufer

The 2012 Oakley Progression Sessions will invade the Eastern Sierras March 17-18 with the all-female shred camp hitting Mammoth Mountain for the third stop of the season. Mammoth isn't just celebrated for one thing. This resort is outfitted with endless terrain options suitable for all levels of riding: long and wide groomers, steep and deep lines from the summit, and of course, prime-time park setups.
Mammoth Mountain's park crew and jib features are not only among the top in California, but within the entire U.S. This might be why the Oakley Progression Sessions will be heading to Mammoth for the first time. The ladies involved in the Sessions are aiming to increase their confidence in freestyle riding and Mammoth is quite possibly the best place to do so.

The amount of parks to choose from at the mountain is supreme-- Main Park, The Art Park, South Park, Forest Trail, Wonderland Park, and Eagle Park-- provide an array of different setups and opportunities to progress. Additionally, heaps of contests are held at Mammoth each season due to the impeccable grooming and maintenance of their freestyle courses.


The mountain boasts a high speed gondola to the summit, 28 lifts, 150 named trails, 3,500 skiable acres, and over 300 days of sunshine each year, so there isn't much room for improvement.

Marie-France Roy, Grete Eliassen, and Maddy Schaffrick are slated as the pro coaches for this stop of the Progression Sessions and are generous with their riding knowledge. If you haven't experienced Mammoth yet, this event is undoubtedly an amazing chance to. Head here for more info on the Oakley Progression Sessions.