2004 DTR - Mt. Baker, Washington

The one, the only, the legendary Mt. Baker. If you know anything about snowboarding then you've heard of it. If not, pull your pants up, tuck your shirt in and get rid of that damn rag hanging off your belt 'cuz it will do you no good here. Let me begin with a little history: this was the first place to ever allow our kind, this was the place that just a few years ago received enough snow to completely bury the Statue of Liberty, and this was the place where Craig Kelly earned his wings. In short, Baker is the place.

How can I explain it? Baker is a national treasure as far as snowboarding is concerned. Yes, it is the snow and, yes, it is the terrain, but more than that, it is the attitude. People take their riding serious in these parts. What I felt more than anything was a commitment to excellence and a pride for the place that has given so much to our sport. Let me take that back, what I felt more than anything was the snow under my board, about two feet of it. Two feet in the last day to be exact. Once again, it has happened; the goods were delivered upon our arrival. Why does it snow everywhere we go? I really don't understand it and I really don't care. Having said that, I could go on about how one pinner section of Mt. Baker could teach you more than the whole of some mountains could, but I refuse. If you think you've got it down just take a few runs here for an ego check. I saw girls here that would put some so-called locs at my home mountain to shame. I gave some serious thought to whether or not I have been wasting my time after witnessing how the Mt. Baker locals ride.

Now I must give some long overdue thanks to 686 Enterprises for hooking up the crew with our outerwear. If it can handle a North Cascades snowstorm, it can handle anything. Drop Gloves also made an appearance with a fresh shipment arriving just in time to hook up the prune hands. While we're at it, when you visit the area a required stop is at the Mt. Baker Snowboard Shop. This place has more history than you are ready for. And if I can say one last thing, come to Mt. Baker to ride and for no other reason. Are we clear?

SNOWBOARDER Magazine's best of Mt. Baker
Best employees: From the cafeteria to the marketing dept, big thanks to everyone.
Best place to couch surf: Thanks Hillary.
Best place to love snowboarding.