I grew up riding at Mount Washington Alpine Resort just outside of Courtenay, British Columbia. But since those first years shredding the hand crafted u-ditch big changes have happened at the biggest resort on Vancouver Island. Today I had the chance to become re-acquainted with the mountain where I first strapped in fifteen years ago.

It was interesting to return after a prolonged hiatus. What used to be a small, chili-and-a-bun style warming hut has been replaced with a new timber framed lodge and in place of the old triple chair was a high speed six pack running right up into the old pow stash below west basin. Nobody's hitch hiking at the bottom of the mountain anymore and a stretch hummer was parked in the VIP section at the front of the parking lot. But the snow was just as deep as it used to be. And, with a 230 centimeter (90 inch) base the backcountry was firing-Mount Washington is in full winter operation.

In recent years, change has done the mountain well. The most significant development is the two year old Boomerang Quad Chair, which runs up the west peak, over a ridge, and down the other side to McKay Lake. Accessing what used to be a sled-only backcountry zone, the Australian themed "Outback" area boasts perfectly spaced trees, devoid of limbs on their lower extremities, which sweep down sustained 30 degree pitches into North facing bowls. A bit of a sketchy traverse off the true peak of the mountain puts you above a decent assortment of pillows, chutes and powder fields that all funnel back to the base of the Boomerang. Instead of post-holing out it's an easy traverse to the bottom of the lift making the backcountry easily accessible and opening up dozens of new lines for more advanced riders to plunder.

Change is a double edged sword. At Mount Washington it means stretch hummers and more tourists, but the payoff is worth it. Even though there was no new snow this Christmas Eve there were plenty of steep, untracked lines. With the addition of the Boomerang Quad, Mount Washington has established itself as a legitimate freeriding destination. A return visit is already on my calendar for next Christmas.

We are pleased to announce a very special and very limited collaboration between our family and our textile friends at Spacecraft. To celebrate Spacecraft's Stefan Hofmann Gallerie in the latest issue (#6.2), we are stoked to release the iFreq hat, featuring a custom cut-and-sew patch with the double-peak and classic snowcat logos, and your professed adoration of both. The iFreq is not available for individual sale, less than 150 were produced and will not be re-issued.

Stand out from the mall-boarder herd get (or give) your two-year sub, hardbound Photobook and limited-editon iFreq headgear today. Current subscribers are welcome to extend their subscription and take advantage of this package. Order before December 21st for Christmas Delivery. Click this link for the special offer HERE

12/13/07

Southlake Seattle, WA: With temps cooling, the snow finally starting to hammer, and the troops ready to let loose some post-production and holiday steam, our first ever Winter Bash with Spacecraft and Snowboard Connection at their new spaces in Southlake Union was all that and a foot of fresh.

With the release frequency: TSJ's newest issue #6.2 featuring Spacecraft's Stefan Hofmann's Gallerie, the limited edition collabo "iFreq" Spacecraft beanie, and commemorative event T's courtesy of John Logic himself, most everybody went home with something. Shred pioneers, up and comer's and more VIPs than a damn Puff Daddy video joined together over Winterhooks and good times to catch up and relax amidst December's usual frenzy.

Among the mingling and laughter, the illustrious Scott Sullivan took the stage along with early freq. staffer and NW musicologist Matt Remine for a memorable performance and the legend himself Mr. James Michael Lynn climbed behind the turntables in his incognito D.J. Ho Chi Minh persona complete with specs and fu-manchu. You could walk right by and not even recognize, but the turntable mashings were unmistakable. Other attendees included Patrick McCarthy, Blair Habenicht, Laing, Airman Welch, the Logic Family, the Spacecraft crew, K2's Danielle, Mervin's Barto, T-Nutz, and Pos freq's MvM, Wibby, Colin (our new Youth Minister) Jessie Lu, and even The Walrus came up for air. Breckon made it back from Europe in time to attend and look, well, rather Euro.

If you didn't make this one, well... we can't imagine not doing it again next year.
Welcome to winter.
JG

Vail Co. - SOS Outreach (formerly Snowboard Outreach Society) kicked off the season in a big way on Saturday, December 8. A launch on Vail Mountain celebrated SOS's expansion into skiing and 100% growth during the 2007/2008 season. U.S. Senator Ken Salazar joined 125 participants across SOS's seven year curriculum to recognize the impact that SOS is having on youth development. It was amazing to see the Senator interact on a personal level with Colorado youth. He inspired them to succeed in the sport and carry their lessons learned back to the struggles they face on a daily basis.

In addition, SOS awarded Bill Jensen, Co-President of Mountain Operations for Vail Resorts, the Humanitarian of the Year award for his long-term support of our programs and growth.

SOS provides a seven year curriculum that incorporates core values to promote positive decision-making in underserved youth nationwide. Programs are currently offered to over 2,500 youth at 30 mountain resorts nationwide. For more information, to donate, or to get involved today, please visit www.sosoutreach.org.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - We are a week into recovery over here at evo from our 2nd Year Anniversary party! Those of you who were down for the neon themed bash got to experience the sights and sounds of a historic celebration. Neon clad manufacturer reps, evo employees, friends, family and evo supporters were in attendance. Graced with awesome performances from hip hop's rising sun, Kid Sister, DJ Catchdubs and DJ Sean Cee.

A lot of hard work... and yes, blood, sweat and tears have hit the shop floors at evo over the past 2 years and this party was our opportunity to kick back and say thanks to everyone who has been along for the ride! As people started strolling in we saw everything from neon 90's to neon construction workers and I can't begin to count the number of neon fanny packs! It didn't stop at neon though. There was interactive entertainment from photobooth sensation Usnaps (enter secret code: "evohouse2) and video karoake from Danceheads!

Check out the 2min video recap of the night, you won't want to miss it! Thanks again for being the best part of what makes evo the best place to work!

Mt. Baker fired up her lifts to kick off another season yesterday and the freq's were out in full force. The lineup at Chair 7 extended all the way to the patio of the White Salmon Base Area, replete with stoked out shredders from all over the northwest frothing at the mouth for a taste of Cascade powder. A cheer erupted when they loaded the first rider just before 9 a.m. and the lift promptly came to a halt for a few brief seconds, while the crowd surged forward in anticipation. And, despite the hiccup, the lineup depleted quickly as riders dispersed to find a pocket to slash before everything was tracked out.

The poachers had already gotten to a few lines before the lifts opened, but, if you were quick enough, there was plenty of snow to go around. While the inbounds terrain was beat by lunch time, the more adventurous, including a contingent from the Funny Feelings office, made their way out to the elbow and Shuksan Arm to get some virgin snow. Despite minimal coverage in some areas, opening day provided pow-jonesing northwesterners with a much needed fix. With more snow in the forecast over the weekend, the season is definitely underway,

On Friday morning, Nov. 16 at approximately two a.m., the Mt. Baker snowboard community lost another much-loved local. Michael Dean Peterson AKA Mikey P, was thrown from his car in a high-speed single-vehicle auto accident. Passengers in the car included Patrick McCarthy, Tarek Husevold, and Fred Gaudette. Although the survivors suffered injury, all are now in satisfactory condition and are expected to make a full recovery. He is survived by his wife Kara Miller. Our prayers and meditations go out at this time to Mikey's family and close friends around the country.

Mikey P. was a member of the Burton factory developmental team during the 1990's and became friends with many at the company including luminaries John Gerndt and Terje Haakonsen. His infectious smile, love for music and down-home attitude made him likeable, and his solid riding skills - both fall-line and freestyle earned him respect. From his hometown Black Hills micro-areas in South Dakota, to his college riding days in Bozeman, MT stints in Utah, and his subsequent move to Bellingham and the Mt. Baker area, he made fast friends with the riders around him and impacted each community. With an entrepreneurial streak that needed to be fulfilled, Mikey took to his realty career with a seriousness and dedication and had been building a budding reputation among his friends and peers at Exit Realty. He had been a frequency TSJ subscriber for a number of years and always was supportive of our cause. From his current home in Glacier, WA, to his friends in South Dakota, Montana, Utah, and beyond, Mikey P. will be very, very missed.

"I and I" literally means my brother and myself in Rasta patois Michael Dean Peterson lived this ideal every day. Ride in Peace.