This last weekend Forest Bailey traveled from Washington up at Mt Baker where he was riding powder to the other end of the spectrum to the winter X games. I had the chance to roll out with him on the drive from Denver to Aspen. Squeaking in just in time to register Forest without making a single practice run was able to take gold at winter x. Forest’s combinations, overall flow and consistency was unmatched. Also Ryan Paul got 2nd place as well and Phil Jaques also was able to make the finals. 686 was in full force at X games street killing it. Check out the full story at espn.com.

Follow 686 shredder Conny Bleicher, and the rest of the Lipstick crew throughout their season starting with “Liptrip” episode #1

The Northwest has seen a serious storm all the mountains getting there deepest base of the season. I have watched Baker get hit by 50 inches plus and seen it just fill in. The storm seems to be making it to other parts of the country as well hope you get out and enjoy some snowboarding.

Check out Peter Sandner in some Austrian powder action!

Check out 686 team rider Phil Handle shredding up some fresh pow…

The 686 RECLAIM Project is a much larger entity than just a design contest and a few jackets in the 686 collection. The RECLAIM Project is also about giving back and taking materials that would otherwise be thrown away and putting them to good use for people who are in need. At the end of 2011, 686 donated over 1,500 RECLAIM jackets to charities around the world, including the United States, China and Japan. Below is a recap of just a few of the donation days from around the world. We encourage everyone to research these charities and get involved in your community! We want to say thank you to everyone that helped make this year’s RECLAIM Project Donation Day a smashing success, especially to our factory, distributors and reps.

Read The Full Story… http://686.com/reclaim-project

– Never Summer, 686, Snowboard Colorado, PBR and Monster Energy are proud to announce the third annual SIA/SOS Shootout is a go.  Set to go down on Wednesday January 25th, the game will kick off the SIA tradeshow in Denver, Colorado. The competitive hockey game benefiting SOS Outreach, will feature all kinds of snowboard industry heads from the US and Canada, ready to square off before the show.

The Shootout is open to anyone who can skate hard – spectators are encouraged to attend, especially if they like great cold beer and good “beer league” hockey.  Each team is made up of a max of 15 players plus goalies.  PBR is generously providing the brew and Monster is helping to kick it up a notch with the donation of your favorite energy drinks. A suggested donation of $2 per can for the spectators and $20/player goes straight to SOS Outreach.

Last year we had NHL Alumni Joe Sakic, Derek Armstrong, Scott Parker and Phil Crowe participating, making this the coolest fantasy camp anyone ever attended. No telling who from the big leagues will show up this year, but don’t miss out on the chance to smash your favorite rep, shop employee or industry vet into the boards while dangling your way to the net.  The Shootout will take place at the Foothills Ice Arena in Lakewood, Colorado.  Don’t have a car?  Stay tuned as info on a shuttle between convention center and rink will be announced soon.

Here’s the details:

What: The SIA/SOS Shootout hockey game

When: Weds. January 25th, 2012     8:45PM – 10:15PM

Who: 30 hardcore hockey players from the industry plus 2 goalies

Where:

Foothills Ice Arena

2250 S Old Kipling

Lakewood, CO

We are still in need of a few players, so if you know how to skate, got some hustle in ya and don’t mind a beer or two after the game, please contact Mike Gagliardi at gags@neversummer.com .

Find out more about SOS Outreach: www.sosoutreach.org