686 Founder Mike West and SVP of Operations, Doug Sumi, recently took a trip to the backcountry of British Columbia with a bunch of snowboarding industry heads, all who left their desk jobs for a few days to get some of the last remaining powder stashes.  What they encountered was a powder mecca – 1.2 million acres across BC’s Cariboo and Monashee mountain ranges, all led by the fearless guides at Mike Wiegele’s Helicopter Skiing (www.wiegele.com).  Needless to say the group had an amazing experience, here are the pictures to prove it.  For more information, check out this story on TransWorld Business:
http://business.transworld.net/95033/features/office-booyz-take-over-mike-wiegele-heli/

Academy snowboards presents Camp Academy up at Boreal California the 14th and 15th of April. Roll up and get your shred on with the Academy crew.

Congratulations to Ryan Tarbell of Big Bear Lakes California for winning the Neff Beach Bash rail event in Big Bear California this last weekend. Slaying it on all features and bringing home the first place prize of 2 G’s. Yeah Ryan thanks for representing 686 outta Big Bear Lakes California.

With a smile on my face I want to thank everyone involved, and especially the helpers and sponsors for a great 2nd Montafon Banked Slalom! The event was a big success and I hope everyone who joined us had a fun time. The day was a perfect experience with good people, banks, banks, and more banks, good music, BBQ, beer and warm spring weather.The course was challenging, so in the end times ranged from 1:26 – 4 min, but all 89 snowboarders managed to race down the course and reached the finish line without any injuries, except for burning legs, fiery lungs and the high of adrenaline. At the prize giving we honored those who came from the furthest away to join us, the slowest, the oldest and of course the fastest. After the prize giving the fun continued with a great atmosphere and nice people at the after party. So thanks again to those who were there and who supported us. 686’s very own Alex Fischer took second overall check out his picture with the Black Hooded 686 sweatshirt representing! Congrats.
- Michael Lippitsch

Check out the “The Beagle Boys” 686 very own Norwegian boys killing it at Northstar this winter. Make sure to check out all the videos that they have released on Vimeo. Yeah Beagle boys thanks for representing 686 and destroying Northstar’s park! Bs 1080 Double cork ender make sure you check it!

Liptrip Episode 3: Macedonia
Featuring 686 rider Conny Bleicher