Words/Photos: John Damiano

Legions of sideways standing snow sliders filled the Chair 1 maze at the base of Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. A new era has begun.

Taos has prided itself on holding tough on their strict two-plank policy for 53 years of operation. Over the past 10 years the prevalence of families with young shredders has put pressure on the mountain to “open minds and open the mountain”.

The call of freedom echoed through Taos Ski Valley as hordes of snowboarding barbarians held their boards high in the air and cheered the new spirit of open sharing. In this historic moment, the William Wallace’s inspirational speaker role was filled by non other than, Sherman Poppen, the 78 year old, pioneer and inventor of the Snurfer, as he told the amped riders to go forth and get their shred on.

There was a general feeling of stoke and unity among riders, mountain employees, and crusty old skiers alike. The sentiments among the hordes were, “Finally!” and while everyone was happy to be sharing a historic moment in snow sports history the spring breaking, starter jacket wearing Texans all echoed a unanimous “Huh? What are all these crazy ski-boarders yelling about?”

1 down. 3 to go.