It’s that time of year where the Whitelines test team are strapping into and trying as many of next season’s products as we can. All in the vein of finding the things that are worthy of parting with your hard earned money for.
Last week, we headed to the Interlude trade show in Salt Lake City, Utah. And although we were on a fairly regimented testing programme, we couldn’t help but notice just how much this event is shaping the future of snowboarding.
Alongside the obvious daytime activities of comparing snowboards; Interlude acts as a base for the industry to gather, mingle and chat about this seasons hot topics and reflect on years past.
There was a group vote for the “The best snowboard photo ever taken” led by Trevor Graves and Pat Bridges. It was a stiff competition but ultimately Mike Basich’s helicopter selfie took the win.
There were also panel discussions with core snowboard shops and brand leaders to tackle topics like inclusion, cost, diversity and just where brands should be directing their support to best shape snowboarding.
Oh, and a call to arms from Bjorn Leines to storm Alta for snowboarders everywhere… Slide into his DMs if you care to join the cause.
Photo : Patrick Johnson
We left the event with our brains whirring with new ideas for events, projects and ways to grow the snowboarding community. And a truly monumental spreadsheet of data on all of next year’s products that’ll ultimately be refined down to curate next year’s Whitelines 100.
But you’ll have to wait until next year to see how that all comes together.
For now though, here’s a peek behind the curtain at all of next winter’s goodies from your favourite brands.
