Last year, we wrote about the six things you should not do on opening day. And this year, we stood by them. Our near 11am approach to the “white strip of death” at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado was greeted by a warm sun and a temperature of 45°. In our minds, that’s a grand alternative to the 18° that Seth Hill slept through during the night (much respect.) We landed a parking spot at the front of the lot, cruised past the park, and even remembered to bring beer.

We’re fucking excited to start snowboarding again.

What a feeling to finally set a turn! For months we have been hiding behind our computer screens, waiting for the satisfying sound of clicking ratchets, to feel the cool shock of exiting through a slash. I’m sure many of you can relate. We walked into opening day knowing that the snow will be firm, navigating the run is certain to be a large scale game of Plinko, and our inclination for speed will only add to the mayhem.

You have to head into these early season days knowing that you are going to have fun on the mountain, and marvel that resorts like A Basin are able to scrape together enough snow for us to ride before Halloween. From this day on, it’s only going to get better.

Arapahoe Basin Opening Day 2016
It’s a start. | Photo: Owen Ringwall

A Basin is the first of Colorado’s resorts to open, and we’ll start to see other lifts turning in the weeks to come. Make sure you check with your local hill or mountain to see when your opening day is, or for those of you in Washington and Oregon, be safe in the backcountry.

Here’s to winter 2016. We’re fucking excited to start snowboarding again.

Watch also: Statements: Onsen Tour, exploring Japanese culture through snowboarding

Photography by Owen Ringwall


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