The riding at this years North Face Masters of Snowboarding has been elevated to an entirely new level. The field of snowboarders included: Ross Baker, defending TNF tour champion Aaron Robinson, Ryland Bell who has been leading Jeremy Jones on expeditions as of late, Ralph Backstrom, Ryan Hudson, Shannon Yates and Mary Boddington.

For the men, Josh Warnick took first place during day 1 with a score of 86.33 throwing down 3 huge airs during his amazing run through the venue. Josh has been killing it as of late on his snowboard recently taking the best trick at the Mammoth Pro Am snowboard contest with a cab cork 900. On the ladies side Crested Butte local and one of my good friends Mary Boddington riding for Never Summer Snowboards took first place with a score of 83.00. Riding without hesitation she ripped powder down a steep section of the course while throwing in a few air’s in route to first place. The entire crowd was roaring during her run.

MSI event organizers decided to postpone tomorrow’s day #2 as we are expecting fierce winds and hopefully heavy snow. This means all the athletes are able to go and freeride tomorrow and the finals will resume on Sunday.

To show just how much the riding has improved at the North Face Masters a good friend from Jackson Hole that placed 10th at last years Snowbird Masters took almost his same identical line this year and placed in the mid 40′s. The athletes were riding with something to prove today, be sure to follow along for our coverage from tomorrow’s weather day.