Burton U.S. Open moves to Vail in 2013

Big news hit earlier this week when Burton Snowboards officially announced the relocation of the U.S. Open to Vail, Colorado. Burton, one of the oldest snowboard makers was founded in 1977 in Vermont, so naturally the move away from it’s “roots” is a big deal:

If you missed the news, here’s a quick summary:

1. Burton hosts the U.S. Open snowboarding competition, one of the largest ongoing and earliest “gatherings” of snowboarders
2. It has been hosted in Vermont for 27 years (and 2013 will be the 31st Open)
3. This is a big win for Vail Resorts
4. Some think this a clear signal that times, they are a-changin’
5. The U.S. Open will be hosted February 25 – March 2, 2013

Some of the quotes speak for themselves but here are two that are especially telling:

“The US Open is one of my favorite events by far, and I couldn’t be more excited about its next evolution … Burton has always been about progressing the sport and doing what’s best for snowboarders, and I truly believe that this move to Vail will make the Open even better for the riders and the thousands of fans who come out to watch.” -Five-time US Open halfpipe champ and three-time Olympian Kelly Clark of West Dover, Vermont

“…as we look to the future progression of the US Open, I feel that Vail offers us the ideal venue to host the event. Vail is an incredible mountain and has been my snowboarding home-away-from-home for over 20 years. I have no doubt that the US Open at Vail will only grow in its legacy as the premier rider-driven event in the world.” -Burton Founder & CEO Jake Burton

I’m excited to have another world-class event hosted here in Colorado and most certainly looking forward to attending later next season. Until then…