Check out the last events of '08. East Coast Represent!

May 10th - Loon
Hike and Huck - Jump and Rail Jam

May 24th - Stowe
Memorial Rail Jam

May 25th - Mt Snow
Memorial Rail Jam

Hope to see you all there!

Mount Snow Announces $5 Million Snowmaking Expansion

West Dover, VT- Mount Snow announced today that it will install more than 150 additional fan guns this summer, investing over $5 million in energy-efficient snowmaking. Combined with last summer's installation of 101 of the machines, Mount Snow will have the most new-technology fan guns in North America when it opens for the 2008-09 ski season.

The project is part of an expansive snowmaking investment by Mount Snow's new owners, Peak Resorts. Several well-trafficked trails will be flanked by the new guns, including Ridge, Meadow, Upper Nitro, Lower Titanium, Mine Shaft, Deer Run, Canyon, Lodge, and Lower Exhibition, as well as other assorted locations.

Tim Boyd, president of Peak Resorts, offered his congratulations to the Mount Snow community: "We believe that by improving the snow surfaces and the overall guest experience, Mount Snow's potential can be realized. We appreciate your support during our first year."

New-technology fan guns run on electricity and feature on-board air compressors. With this year's investment, Mount Snow eliminates the need for 16diesel compressors typically used during the season to power traditional air/water guns. This will save approximately 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year.

"It certainly became very clear to us that fan guns are the real deal, as we were the first ski area to open in Vermont-with top-to-bottom skiing and a terrain park on day one-and we were among the last to close in late April," said Mount Snow's General Manager, Kelly Pawlak. She noted that fan guns are able to make more snow in varying weather, and produce better quality snow overall.

In addition to the $5 million snowmaking expansion, $1.4 million will be spent on painting chair lifts, improving the guest locker room, and upgrading the Mount Snow Golf Course, reinforcing Peak Resorts' commitment to maintaining a quality resort.

For more information on Mount Snow and Peak Resorts, visit www.mountsnow.com.

FLOW'S GLOBAL AWARENESS PROJECT PARTNERS WITH THE A.S.E.C.

For the second consecutive winter season, FLOW snowboarding introduces an exclusive line of signature series snowboards inspired by its team of pro riders. This year, Scotty Lago threw out an idea that was sparked by his views of growing up in the shadow of the Seabrook, NH nuclear power plant. His Signature Series "Quantum" snowboard graphic features a spin on the "toxic avenger" that not only raises awareness about the pollution going on in his back yard, but also gives back to an organization called the Action Sports Environmental Coalition (A.S.E.C).

The Action Sports Environmental Coalition (A.S.E.C) is an industry organization with an economic, environmental & social focus that acts as a resource and educator for the action sports industry to improve its collective impact on the environment. FLOW and Scotty Lago recognize the need to educate and combat the immense environmental challenges that face us today in both business & our personal lives. FLOW is stoked to announce that a portion of the proceeds acquired from sales of the Quantum snowboard will be donated to the A.S.E.C. to help bring about a healthier planet. In addition, one of these boards will gladly be donated to the A.S.E.C. to use for an auction in one of their Green Rooms to further their cause.

"I'm from Seabrook, New Hampshire and the inspiration for my board graphic is from the nuclear power plants scumming up my backyard. I'm not exactly a tree-hugger, but I want to do my part for the environment and that's why Flow and I are supporting ASEC (Action Sports Environmental Coalition) by donating a portion of this board's profits to help promote global awareness and responsibility."
–Scotty Lago

While many snowboarding companies have spent a lifetime trying to fit-in, FLOW has spent its time standing out. Born from originality, FLOW is defiant against the norm of tradition. The world has witnessed how this one time "binding" company has progressed into an entire line of "speed entry" shred options featuring the reclining hiback binding, best fitting boots and award winning snowboards. FLOW is also proud to feature one of the best snowboard teams in the world. The future is FLOW.

Waterville Skate Camp

Waterville Valley is proud to announce that the Skate Camp is back for its 7th summer with 7 midweek and 6 weekend sessions including overnight and day camps running June 29-August 10. Midweek overnight camps run Sunday-Friday starting at $650 which includes lodging at Waterville's Town Square Condominium, daily skating and coaching from 10 am- 8 pm, weekly trip to the Nashua concrete outdoor skate park, Concord park and Eastern Boarder skate shop. Ralph "The Pirate" Murphy, pro rider for Substance skate boarders and Dana "D-Unit" Ericson will be returning to coach and skate along with Camp Director, Luke Mathison. Signature sessions are also back, with the likes of Oakley, Volcom and Substance Skateboards.

The WV skate park will have some new and improved features; plans include a new pyramid and a euro gap with stair set section. The Mountain Park will be in full effect with medium features and a resurfaced indoor mini ramp.

After hours, skaters can change their thrills with mountain biking, hiking, swimming, boating, weekly trips to the movies and all the newest skate videos. Plus campers will be able to relax after those long days skating out in the park at the White Mountain Athletic Center pool, sauna or hot tub

SOURCES REPORT LAYOFFS AT BURTON SNOWBOARDS

Sources within the company have reported layoffs at Burton snowboards. Recently, the company has released statements in which it claims to have plans to add 270 new employees to it's Burlington, VT headquarters. Burton Snowboards already employs 420 Vermonters.

Recent posts on Transworld Business have claimed that the layoffs have come mostly from the west coast "Syndicate" staff.

"Syndicate" is Burton's internal advertising/creative/media agency, which has it's core base in the company's Burlington headquarters. Burton has recently been working to acquire the behemoth building next door to it's current headquarters from a private real estate company. The building is currently inhabited by General Dynamics, a contractor which provides the US military with armament products.

For now, everything is mere speculation, but there is no doubt that the company is expanding in Burlington while scaling back it's operations in the west. Recent acquisitions in other boardsports categories point to Burton possibly moving all operations to the Industrial Parkway, Burlington, Vermont headquarters. We'll have to wait to find out what's up. Anyone wanna' move to B-town?

G.L.