"This attitude easily had me reveling in my youth all weekend and eventually brought out the Bostonian booze scowl I've been supressing for too long..."

It was here, and not so long ago, that Yankee innovation inspired Jake Carpenter to find a new way to slide on snow. It is here where for the past 17 years, snowboarders have gathered to present their piece to this great runaway train. It is here that riders know they will always find a history, a camaraderie and a common stance of unity.

Terje

Todd Richards said last year, "we already have our Olympics, it's called the US Open." The truth that rings through Todd's words emphasizes the unyielding fight to maintain our soul, community and history. The US Open brings these element together with a worldwide, yearly pilgrimage to this sacred spot in Stratton, Vermont.

You know it's not the snow, money or recognition, but the pride, heritage and celebration. For some it might be the chance to brush up against their hero or maybe to get a signature on their lid. For others, it is the reuniting of old friends and exchanging of stories. For all, though, it is a chance to witness the yearly powerful realization of our sport's evolution.

To me it is all these things and I spent the week extravagantly. Props out to everyone. Drinks on me because we are all brethren here and share what we can.

Open

Okay, so it wasn't all "after you, brah!" but it was something to be seriously stoked about. Sure the East Coast attitude prevails and drinking is taken to a new level of professionalism by our cold Eastern brethren. This attitude easily had me reveling in my youth all weekend and eventually brought out the Bostonian booze scowl I've been supressing for too long. So I somehow ended up in the parking lot Saturday night with an unnamed, unknown, unwilling and under age accomplice, shooting fireworks at anything that moved.

— Hans Prosl, gone commando slopeside for The Mountain Zone