This Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd and 3rd, at Bear Mountain, legendary pro rider and influential member of the snowboarding community, Russell Winfield, is hosting an event called the Ayee Esse Happening. Two days of celebrating diversity in the mountains, bringing together community through riding, and creating opportunity to bring more people into the fold.

In an Instagram post, Russell announced the event saying, “Diversity is the mountains. My whole career I have wanted to have this event. Let’s all come together as guud humans and celebrate each other. Ayee Esse is a movement that celebrates culture in the outdoors and continues to build community that transcends cultural barriers for this generation and the next.”

On Saturday, Russell, Bear, and the Share Winter Foundation are teaming up to build up community, and connections through building more access to the mountains. On Sunday, Russell will be joined by some special guests, including the mayor of Bear, Chris Bradshaw, to judge an open minipipe competition. All weekend, a vendor village and musical performances will round out the experience.

Here’s all the info from Bear Mountain (check their website for more info):

Brought to you by Russell Winfield, longtime professional snowboarder and living legend, the Ayee Esse Happening is at Bear Mountain on April 2-3, 2022, and features music, minipipe competition, and culture.

This event is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages. Registration to spectate the competition in the base area, enjoy the live performances or walk the vendor booth is not required. All guests must have a valid lift ticketor season passto receive access* to Bear Mountain or Snow Summit on-hill activities, including but not limited to skiing/snowboarding.

*At this time, lift tickets or season passes are not required for base area access. BBMR does not offer any snow play or general recreation areas and winter non-lift uphill access is not permitted at any time. Guests attempting to access BBMR lifts and trails or participating in on-hill activities without a valid lift ticket or season pass may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of lift privileges and removal from the resort.

Event Schedule

Saturday, April 2nd
8:30AM: Chairlifts start rolling & vendor village opens
9AM-1PM: In-person registration/check-in for the halfpipe competition at the Fat Tire Tent
2PM: Live concert – DJ Tye Hollywood
2:45PM: Live concert – DJ VIP
3:30PM: Live concert – OT Genasis

Sunday, April 3rd
8:30AM: Chairlifts start rolling & vendor village opens
9AM-10:30AM: In-person registration/check-in for the halfpipe competition at the Fat Tire Tent
11AM: Pipe closes for maintenance
12PM-2:30PM: Mini Pipe competition
2PM: Live concert – DJ SlipMat
2:45PM: Live concert –TJ Mizell
3:30PM: Live concert – theLINE

About the Ayee Esse Minipipe contest:
The Ayee Esse (pronounced “A S” ) Minipipe Competition judged on style. Everyone is welcome to compete. This will be a stress-free competition in a jam-style format. It’s like an open mic night; riders will be able to express themselves how they choose each time they drop-in. Russell can’t wait to see this all goes down; it will be similar to watching all my friends session a mini skateboard ramp. Everyone will be clapping their hands together for tricks being laid down.

There will be a winner selected for the Women’s category and a winner for the Men’s. Also, there will be several other small cash prizes handed out for best trick, etc. This is all about the Camaraderie and to be shared with everyone, so sign up and come ride with us.Judges Russell Winfield, Chris Bradshaw, and other top pros.

The minipipe competition is free, but registration is capped at 100, so register here.

Follow @ayee_esse and @bear_mountain for more.

Ayye Esse Happening flyer April 2022