What is a better place for a handful of freestyle workhorses to be put to the test than a rope tow? Non-stop laps with no chance of your equipment getting a break until you are ready for a warm drink in the lodge or a cold one in the parking lot. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of sweating while riding in below freezing temps, we highly suggest you toss your board in the car and find the closest one to enjoy. Not only is the setting perfect for testing, it is a immediate reminder of community as every lap up is a perfect time to watch all your friends enjoy their trip down the hill. Tapping Michigan-born photographer Simon Berghoef for his unique take on his home state’s offerings, we sent our 2025 park boards up to Cannonsburg Resort (right outside Grand Rapids, MI) to let the locals flex, slide, pop, and hit everything they could. Over four days with a mix of every type of weather the Midwest can throw, Simon gathered all the evidence we needed to name our new class of Platinum Park Picks.

The Abstract was quite the distraction up on hill this year. A crew favorite, the art by Emma Crosby and Gian Sutter is as stunning as the ride on the board. Plenty of sizes and plenty of terrain that can be handled, you won’t be second-guessing your choice this year if you have a Salomon Abstract under your feet. A true twin, medium flex that comes wide if you need it, it has all the ingredients for a good day on hill or in the streets.

SALOMON Abstract—$549.95

138, 143, 147, 151, 153, 155, 158, 162, 155W, 158W
“Fast and playful. Good pop. Super snappy in the park. Loved the shape and the white top sheet is clean. I would 100% ride it again.” – Logan Buitton