Baldface Lodge, BC. Photo Vernon Deck

North America is the birthplace of snowboarding, and for many is still its spiritual home. While the Euro efforts made a few ripples, it was the influx of Yank-and-Canuck-heavy film crews out of California and British Columbia that first made waves over here. By the time the Forum 8 started knocking their stuff out, everyone wanted to head way out west.

Nowadays the search for the never-been-done has scattered pro snowboarders to the four corners, but still nothing beats the North American scene – on both sides of the 49th parallel – for consistency and innovation. BC alone offers more opportunities for powder than most whole countries, while Utah’s Salt Lake City boasts nigh-unbeatable access to park, pow and handrails. That’s not to mention Wyoming, Washington, the streets of Minnesota and Quebec, the summer slush of Oregon, and the countless hidden gems tucked away in-between. A land of opportunity indeed.

Then there’s Alaska – but that’s a different story altogether…

In Focus

“Police troubles are a constant problem during street missions – it seems you’re always trespassing on someone’s property. You need to be good with a sled to access America’s backcountry spots, which can be miles away, but when you don’t have to hike the days can be super productive. The snowparks have endless lines, though all the ugly banners for energy drinks and the Army make things hard to shoot.”

– Matt Georges, Senior Photographer