Growing up in Vermont, Hannah Teter found snowboaring at a young age thanks to her older brothers Abe and Elijah and has becoming one of the top-ranked females on the superpipe circuit.

The gold medalist at the Torino Olympics in '06 and silver at Vancouver last year, Hannah is a different rider from most, using her notority to make the world a better place. She often gives her contest winnings to charity and started the Hannah's Gold foundation — a maple syrup, in which the proceeds go to creating safe drinking water for the people of Kirindon, Kenya.

We caught up with Hannah while she was inn Mammoth getting ready to compete at the Grand Prix. The Vermont native, now Tahoe local, talks about the upcoming US Open, Sweet Cheeks panties and riding tons of pow this season.

All photos courtesy of Burton Snowboards

How has your season been so far?
It has been definitely mellow compared to last year. You could call it a recovery year.

How many times have you competed in the US Open? 
If I'm counting the Junior U.S. Open, then this will be number 10, I think.

Explain why you think the Open is one of the best contests in snowboarding if they've never been before.
The U.S. open has major roots that most other contests don't have yet, because they haven't been around as long. These roots make the Open one of the most progressive competitions year after year, where all the riders show up because they know what to expect — the best.

What's the deal with Sweet Cheeks? How did you get involved and what is the company about?
Sweet Cheeks is about giving back while covering your backside! It's designed to be a badass company with a ripping team of supporters. We are promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, and encouraging people to buy a product that with one purchase, feeds a third-world child for a month. It's a cool concept. Hopefully we make it big time. www.sweetcheekspanties.com

Have you been able to ride much in Tahoe this season?
I have scored some major powder while being home, mostly at Sierra-at-Tahoe, soooo deep!

What's on the agenda coming up with your saving the world endeavors? Headed to any crazy countries?
I've been invited on a bunch of third-world trips, and I'm hoping to line up some adventures that will open my eyes wider to the crisis' people are facing.

What do you have going on for spring?
Thus far, a Burton Shoot with some of the team riders.

Are you working on any film projects at all?
Not yet, mainly just doing small segments for random shows here and there, and that's kinda my scene.

Do you have any specific goals this season?
This season is definitely toned down, and really, I'm just working on a few small things, nothing quite next level.

Anything else going on you want people to know about?
Eat organic. Fully.

Sponsor shout out:
BURTON Snowboards, ANON Optics, GRAVIS footwear, Sierra-at-Tahoe