hours from doorstep to Donner in the Acura) and Ken McGuire (in the 4x4 with
12 boards, de-lam James and shotgun Keith Cochrane, who checked highway con-
ditions on his cellular phone). Kurt "All Type No Hype" Carlson rolled up in time
for the 9 a.m. lift line accompanied by Ketchikan Mounties Erock Jones and
Chimichanga, lake rat Pat and B-town hardcore Rube-Tech.
Once on the slopes, Art swami Enrico Chandoha searched tirelessly for prime
cornices, while ad manager Lisa Weidman trolled the lower slopes and commented,
"It's fun just hanging out at the bottom of the hill with a drink," before falling
over. Even Thrasher phonemates Denise and Tiffany patrolled the slopes. Together
they almost took out a chairlift. Meanwhile, staff snow pro Brinette Battaglia
thumped every bump in sight.
This was our official Thrasher test team and the purpose of the day was to take
the twelve brand new models we had from the Product Patrol through a rigorous
testing session. RIGHT!
The Burton Pro A-Team is using Donner as a training facility this year, running
gates and perfecting their free (style) technique, so board masters Craig Kelly,
Jeff Brushle, Mike Jacoby, Kelly Jo Legaz, Keith Wallace and Jimi Scott were
there. Bay Areans that came up included Dougie Smith, Brad Boardman, Steve
Caballero and his gal Jill from San Jose. Dick Wagon and Pat Black spearheaded
the Jaks contingent. City girls Debbie and Chrissie were fully bummed when their
Opening Page: Nick
Zappata lifts one out.
Photo: Sean Sullivan.
Clockwise from Below:
Cab and Jill prepare to go
up the hill. Photo: Kevin
J. Thatcher. Official
Thrasher test ride
vehicles await further
abuse. Photo: Bryce
Kanights. The Whomp Out
crew prepares to shave
some Sierra cement.
Heather Mills and Danielle
Bostick in an ancient
alpine ritual. Consummate
carnivore Tom Scott.
Photos: Kevin J. Thatcher.
Noah Salasnek gets all
noodly. Photo: Sean
Sullivan. Spread: A well lit
Donner slope, ready for
midnight madness. Photo:
Bryce Kanights.
bud Emily broke her wrist on her first run. Sacramento sled heads
were well represented by Don Bostick and his wife Danielle, who
is recovering nicely from last year's broken leg. They were joined
by Tristin Simmon. Other ruling Tahoe locals that showed to shred
were Dave Seone, Rob Dufow, Noah Salasnek, Chris and Monte Roach,
IJ Venenzuela and Skeeno-ite Edgar-Edger. Whew. And if that ain't
enough for you, there was Jason, the snow pro at Donner, and a slew
of others who regularly rip the resort, which has always allowed
snowboarding. Of course, none of this would have been possible
without the help of: Donner staffers Sheila, Paul and main man Norm
Sayler; board tuner Marshall at S.F. Snowboard Connection; and high
altitude hospitable host Scooter Scott.