November Photo Winner

The winner of this month's photo contest is Eric Flygare of Benson, Utah.

Eric’s photo captured the essence of the perfect powder day, with his friend Jenny Swanson emerging center stage from a cloud of the white stuff. One judge’s comment sums it up: “Cold smoke – Boom!” Eric will be rewarded with a Venture t-shirt and pint glass. His photo will also be entered into the second tier grand prize competition, giving him a one in seven chance of winning a snowboard.

Other photos that our judges felt worthy of honorable mention include a springtime photo of Amy Flygare shredding the gnar in northern Utah. Mmmmmmm, corn.

Mat Holgate's photo of his dog Nacho taking a leak after a day of face shots got a laugh out of our judges. Check out the snow beard and that back leg extension!













Jim Ferrigno's photo was noted for it's unique composition, although all the judges agreed it would be better with a Venture!











Finally, Skylar Holgate's photo of South America Snow Sessions coach Mauri Cambilla captured our attention for its great composition and rip roaring rooster tail. Too bad he's a skier...

Many thanks to the 20+ photographers who entered this month’s competition. If you missed out on this round, you still have four more chances to get a shot at the grand prize – a brand spanking new Venture board. Monthly competitions will take place from now through March 2009, with winners entered into a second tier competition, to be judged in early April. The contest theme is "The Mountain Life" and anything goes - lifestyle, action, scenic, humor... as long as it reflects life in the mountains. Click here for details on how to enter.

Think snow!

Telluride Is Open!

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving then riding with a bunch of turkeys?

Paul Goodman BS Brodeo the mini jump

View of the Tride backcountry

Season Kickoff 12/6!

Venture Snowboards and Ska Brewing are once again teaming up to welcome winter in style with their Fourth Annual Season Kickoff Party scheduled for Saturday, December 6th.

For the fourth year running, the two homegrown Colorado companies are producing a small run of custom graphics boards and a special winter brew, both of which will be unveiled at the bash. This year's Season Kickoff features live music from James and the Devil and The Freeman Social, Ska drink specials, and tons of giveaways from Bubba's Boards, Inferno Snowboard Shop, El Diablo Snowcats, Pedal & Powder, Purgatory, Purl Wax, Silverton Mountain, Spark R&D, and Wolf Creek Ski Area.

The highlight of the evening will be the raffle for a coveted limited edition Ska/Venture custom snowboard. Emblazoned with the zany worm from Ska's Mexican Lager label and the distinctive Venture snowflake, this year’s decks are destined to become collector’s items for beer and snow lovers alike.

The Season Kickoff Party gets rockin' at 8 pm at Silverton's Pride of the West (1323 Greene Street). Cover charge is $6 and this is a 21+ event. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies in Silverton. For more information call 970.387.5078.

YOU COULD WIN THIS BOARD!

October Photo Winner Announced

The winner of Venture Snowboards’ October photo contest is Josh Hejtmanek of New Castle, Colorado. Ooooo....spooooky!

Josh’s photo of a unique and snow-inspired jack-o-lantern really captured October’s spooky holiday spirit – and the attention of our judges. The carved squash was ablaze with Venture’s signature snowflake, which one judge commented “really shows Josh’s Venture pride.” His attention to detail was also noted, and his accuracy in reproducing the highly detailed flake. Josh will be rewarded with a Venture t-shirt and pint glass. His photo will also be entered into the second tier

grand prize competition, giving him a one in seven chance of winning a snowboard.

This month’s photo contest brought in nearly 30 entries from all over the world, including several submissions from our snow loving compatriots in Spain. There was a common theme for the runners up this month - like the winning submission they all had a certain glow about them...

Eric Flygare's photo of a warm campfire and an icy igloo was pretty captivating. Our judges thought the figure in the background looked a bit ghost-like. Maybe they just had ghouls and goblins on the brain thanks to Halloween...

Our judges thought that Shane Hopkin's photo was reminiscent of the work of Ansel Adams. Great contrast of light and dark, and look at all those stars!

We couldn't resist the opportunity to share at least one snowy pic with you. Ramon Mazkiaran's photo of a backcoutry treck inspired us to get out and get after it!

Many thanks to all the photographers who participated this month! If you missed out on this round, there are still five more chances to get a shot at the grand prize – which is a brand spanking new Venture board. Monthly competitions will take place from now through March 2009, with winners entered into a second tier competition, to be judged in early April. The contest theme is "The Mountain Life" and anything goes - lifestyle, action, scenic, humor....as long as it reflects life in the mountains. For details on how to enter, click here.

THINK SNOW!

September Photo Winner!

Our September photo contest winneris Amy Flygare of Benson, Utah. Check out her sweet line...makes you drool, doesn't it?

Amy’s photo won the judges’ approval instantly. “She looks so graceful,” said one. “She’s pointing it like she means business,” commented another. Others approved of the use of shadow and light, and the awesome backcountry setting. The judges’ only complaint was that Amy didn’t share the location of her photo - presumably to keep them from poaching her secret spot!

Congrats Amy! You'll be receiving a bunch of Venture swag in the mail, and your photo will also be entered into the second tier grand prize competition, giving you a one in seven chance of winning a brand spanking new snowboard!

This month's photo contest brought in more than 20 entries from all over North America, including submissions from New Hampshire, Montana, and British Columbia. Subject matter was all over the map. Below are three runners up that the judges felt deserved honorable mention.

Judges agreed that Mike Taormina's photo came with the best story. "This was the view of an early morning inversion atop lone peak in Montana, April of 2007. The best part of the day was that, down below, nobody knew it was a bluebird day up top. Patrol let myself and the other tram operator ride a normally roped off line referred to by them as "Tits Up." Negotiating the rock-lined chutes that took us into the fog you see in this picture was one of the great moments I have had on a board (It was indeed a Venture, which I was sold by Grizzly Outfitters there in Big Sky). Thanks for the great board, which stood up to the scree fields like a champ." Awwww...that made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Tyler Kind got brownie points for including a Venture board in his photo but the backcountry flavor, composition, and scenery are really what got him honorable mention. Here's what Tyler had to say about his submission: "I broke my Arbor A-frame last winter at Silverton and bought a Venture Storm while there to replace it. The board is the best ride on the market and I continually spread the positive word about your amazing boards. This photo is me in the back country near Vail. I look forward to seeing you guys at Silverton once the snow sticks...Thanks for taking my riding to the next level!" You're welcome, Tyler!

Kyle Zimmerman's photo of his friend Brandon was just plain hilarious. It's entitled "Aunt Jemima Jesus," and here's how he describes it: "All you need on a springbreak trip to Silverton is long underwear and syrup...mmmmm." Mmmmm indeed Kyle!

Thanks to all the photographers who participated this month! If you missed out on this round, there are still six more chances to get a shot at the grand prize – which is a brand spanking new Venture board. Monthly competitions will take place from now through March 2009, with winners entered into a second tier competition, to be judged in early April. The contest theme is "The Mountain Life" and anything goes - lifestyle, action, scenic, humor....as long as it reflects life in the mountains. For details on how to enter, click here.

New Lift Installed in Telluride!

I went out with the top T-ride brass on Oct 1st to watch the heli drop the towers for the new lift in Revelation Bowl. For more photos check out http://www.snowboard-mag.com/node/32707

17th Annual Inferno BBQ Sale!

Sept 27th and 28th at Durangos Oldest and Finest Snowboard Shop!

Save up 50% off of last season's snowboard gear from Venture, Burton, Ride, Capita, Forum, Special Blend, Nikita, Bonfire, and more, at our 2876 N. Main Ave location! Free food, and Telluride representatives will be on hand selling season passes.

Also save to 40% off of skateboards, shoes, and apparel, from Vans, Nike SB, Lakai, Matix, RVCA, Baker, Girl, Chocolate, Independent, and more, at our new downtown store at 1001 Main Ave.

Inferno Board Shop
1001 Main Ave (970) 259-8669
2876 Main Ave (970) 259-2818
Durango, CO 81301

Season Kickoff Announced

Mark your calendars - the date for Venture and Ska Brewing's 4th Annual Season Kickoff is set for Saturday, December 6th, 2008. We'll welcome winter with live music from James and the Devil and The Freeman Social, Euphoria Pale Ale drink specials, and lots of free stuff - including a grand prize giveaway of a limited edition Venture/Ska snowboard. More details to come so stay tuned!

First Taste of Winter

Today Old Man Winter visited Silverton for the first time this season! Here are a couple of pics to get your motor running...

"The Mountain Life" Photo Contest Announced

One lucky shutter bug will win a brand new deck. Will it be you?

Venture Snowboards is sponsoring a season-long series of photo competitions this winter with the theme "The Mountain Life." Anything goes - lifestyle, action, scenic, humor... as long as it reflects life in the mountains. So get creative and capture the essence of the mountain life. Extra credit given for shots that include a Venture snowboard!

First tier competitions will take place monthly from September 2008 through March 2009, with t-shirts and other Venture swag as prizes. Monthly winners will be entered into a second tier competition, to be judged in early April. The grand prize for the second tier contest is a brand spanking new Venture snowboard.

The nitty gritty on the competition:

• Submissions are limited to one photo per person per month.

• Monthly submission deadlines are as follows: 9/30/08, 10/31/08, 11/30/08, 12/31/08, 1/31/09, 2/28/09, 3/31/09. Submissions received after these dates will roll over into the next month's competition.

• Results of monthly competitions will be posted on the Venture Snowboards blog early the following month.

• Winning photos will be displayed on the Venture Snowboards website and blog.

• First tier winners will receive Venture t-shirts and other swag as prizes.

• Second tier winner will be announced in early April.

• Second tier winner will receive a new Venture snowboard (splitboards excluded).

• Only original photography will be accepted.

• Employees of Venture Snowboards are ineligible.

• No purchase is necessary.

• This contest is void where prohibited.
  

• By entering the contest, entrant grants Venture Snowboards perpetual, nonexclusive rights to the photo.
  

• Entries will be judged by a panel selected by Venture Snowboards and all decisions are final.

Here's how to enter:

• Email your submission to info@venturesnowboards.com, with the words "Photo Contest" in the subject line.

• Include the following information in the body of your email: Full name, daytime and evening phone numbers, mailing address, description of photo, name(s) of subject(s), and location.

• Photos must be jpg or tif files, no larger than 2 MB. Please name your file using the following convention: yourfirstname_yourlastname_submissionmonth.jpg.

• Incomplete entries will not be judged.

Now grab that camera and get snapping!

Oh How Time Flies...

I used to make this kid clean the toilet at Inferno, now he works at Transworld Snowboarding.

Waiting...

... and patiently at that.

ImageSmith Shares the New Zealand Stoke!!

Headed to New Zealand on Monday... can't stand still and super charged for the trip!!! Set up the board bag last night loaded with my freshly tuned on Storm 165 Venture locked and loaded!!! We'll be sending tons of pix as we can .... the stoke is on!!! near record snow in NZ!
peace
Scott Smith
The ImageSmith

Venture Debuts "The Bomber"

Aaron Brill, founder of the rogue ski area Silverton Mountain, has long dreamed of designing his own snowboard. Now his ideas are becoming reality through a partnership with Venture Snowboards.

Venture has become the ski area’s official snowboard sponsor and maintains a fleet of demo boards at the mountain. In addition, Venture’s founder and design engineer, Klemens Branner, has been collaborating with his counterpart at Silverton Mountain to develop a big mountain deck, influenced by the terrain that is fast making Silverton a legend. “I’m really excited to be working with Aaron and to tap his expertise. Our initial prototypes have performed well, and I think some revolutionary designs will come out of this partnership,” said Branner.

In 06.07, input from Brill was used to develop Venture’s big mountain board, the Storm. For 08.09, they’ve tweaked the Storm’s design by adding a modified swallowtail. “The tail is forked as with any other swallowtail, but it curves upward like a standard board rather than being flat,” says Branner. “This means you can ride switch, which is damn near impossible on a traditional swallowtail, and still have all the powder-specific benefits.” After putting the board through its paces on Silverton Mountain, Brill seems happy with the design: "This board rips all big mountain conditions with no loss of torsional rigidity typically found in other swallowtails, and when it gets extra deep the unique tail kicks in for optimum powder riding and no leg burn."

The limited edition Silverton Mountain Swallowtail features custom Silverton Mountain graphics, and is available exclusively at Silverton Mountain. For more information call Silverton Mountain at 970.387.5706 or visit the mountain's website.

3rd Annual Season Kickoff Party - 12/8/07

Welcome winter in style! Join the Venture crew and the characters from Ska Brewing on Saturday, December 8th for our third annual Season Kickoff Party.

This year's bash features live music from The Freeman Social and In A Day, the release of Ska's winter brew, Euphoria Pale Ale - named after our powder board, of course - and a raffle for a coveted Ska/Venture custom snowboard. We'll have drink specials and tons of giveaways from Bubba's Boards, El Diablo Snowcats, Inferno Snowboard Shop, Kokopelli Bike & Board, Pedal & Powder, Purgatory, Purl Wax, Silverton Mountain, Spark R&D, and Wolf Creek Ski Area, to name a few. All party-goers receive discounted lift tickets at Silverton Mountain on Sunday!

The party gets rockin' at 9 pm at Silverton's Pride of the West Saloon (1323 Greene Street). Cover charge is $5 and this is a 21+ event.

Factory & Showroom Now Open

We're now officially open for business in our new hometown of Silverton, Colorado. Where better to locate a grassroots snowboard company?

Situated at 9,318 feet above sea level, Silverton is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains - Colorado’s largest mountain group. Outside of Alaska, no other mountain range in the U.S. has a higher average elevation. The town of Silverton is also home to the extreme ski area, Silverton Mountain, and its expert only terrain. Combined with the nearly limitless backcountry opportunities, it will serve as an ideal proving ground for our boards.

If you find yourself in our neck of the woods, come on by for a visit. We're located at 951 Greene Street, right next to the laundromat.

Zephyr Named "Most Valuable Product"

We're stoked to announce that our flagship board, the all-mountain Zephyr, has once again been named a Most Valuable Product by Future Snowboarding Magazine.

Future’s 2008 product review included more than 130 boards from 40 manufacturers. The focus of the test was on all-mountain boards – boards that excel regardless of terrain, conditions, or riding style. After being waxed, detuned and covered with a special decal to ensure anonymity, the boards underwent two weeks of rigorous testing at Northstar-at-Tahoe. Only 40 boards emerged with top honors and the prestigious FSMVP rating.

After being put through its paces, Venture’s Zephyr 151 Narrow has again landed in the top ten of the Women's Premium category, taking sixth place for boards in the $400 - $550 price range. Check out the News page on our website to read the review.

Ska Rides Again

Venture Snowboards and the characters at Ska Brewing are once again teaming up to produce a limited edition beer and a small run of custom graphics boards. This year's decks feature Ska's zany comic book characters, along with the distinctive Venture snowflake.

The partnership between Venture and Ska started when the two homegrown businesses came together to talk about how they could collaborate. "We jokingly refer to ourselves as the microbrew of snowboards because we build high quality boards from scratch," explains Venture's Lisa Branner. "Ska takes the same approach in crafting their beer, so teaming up seemed like a natural."

Several limited edition boards will be given away this winter at events across the state. Stay tuned for details - and look out for Euphoria Pale Ale on tap and in bottles throughout the southwest.

Movin' On Up

We're taking our environmental commitment to higher ground with a sustainable snowboard factory in Silverton, Colorado (elevation 9,318 feet). Design plans for our new 4,000 square foot building include passive and active solar features, as well as the use of sustainable, recycled, and reclaimed materials throughout. The building will house Venture's production facility, as well as administrative offices and a small showroom. Groundbreaking is planned for the spring of 2009. In the meantime, you can find us at 951 Greene Street, on Silverton's main drag.