Congrats on winning the golden ducktape in the LBS this year. You must be pretty stoked on winning that event. You got injured right before though right?
Yep, I dislocated my shoulder about a week before while taking an avy course out in the Central Oregon backcountry. I got a little anxious after a long day of digging pits and dropped into a chute that started off pow and ended up solid blue ice. I looped out backwards and landed hard, popping the shoulder out. I was hurting pretty bad for a while, and I was on the fence about running the race at all. The danger of course, is popping it out again and running the risk of having long term issues with the shoulder. As my arm is my livelihood, it seemed prudent to sit this one out. But, it was feeling pretty good once I got up to Baker, so I decided to run it and just make it a goal to stay on my feet. That seemed to be a good strategy this year, and I couldn’t be more stoked and surprised about how it turned out.

That’s crazy considering you won it! You’ve also done great at the Dirksen Derby in the past. Any specific training you do to prep for these specialty events?
Not really. I try to do some carving, but I figure riding a lot is the best training. I haven’t done anything that compares to how you feel at the finish line of the LBS, it’s hard to prepare for that level of leg burn. The splitboard part of the Dirksen Derby is another story though. When October rolls around, I’ll start a rigorous regimine of field stripping my splitboard 10x nightly, in the dark. Gotta shave those seconds off!

In the dark? Practice makes perfect. Have you done any fun backcountry excursions this year?
I just had a fantastic trip to the Olympic peninsula for a few days of pillow dropping and hut camping with Temple Cummins and Matt Gatsby. That was quite a treat. Their zone there is world class. I’ve been exploring some of the mountains around Bend as well, getting the overnight setup all dialed. Spring is looking good so far, I’m looking forward to a few more trips to eastern Oregon to hunt for late season pow.

What about noboarding? I’ve seen a few pictures of you dropping stuff I wouldn’t even be doing with bindings on.
I love the noboarding! Jake Price got me into it last season. We went out around Bend for a day or two, and then I tagged along on a trip up to BC for the GT Memorial with him. After that I was hooked, but it’s got to be the right conditions for the noboard to shine. Interior BC seems to have the recipe — blower pow and lots of it. I haven’t gotten too crazy on it, no big cliff drops or airs, but it doesn’t take much to have a good time on it. I like to keep it in the car and take it out before the lifts open on deep pow days, it helps curb the ridiculous first chair panic at Bachelor.

So I was drinking a beer the other day and I realized your illustration was on the label. How long have you been doing illustration/design?
About twelve years now. I started off making tee graphics for Adidas, and moved to Bend seven years ago to freelance and live closer to the mountain. It can be hard to find much work locally, but we’ve definitely got our share of brewpubs.

I know you do a few board graphics for Gnu every year as well. Tell me about the process for those as far as concepting ideas, execution, etc?
I’m actually working on three boards right now. The B-Pro and Billygoat are both pro models, so I usually start off exchanging ideas with Temple Cummins and Barrett Christy to determine content, color and direction. Once I’ve got a handle on things, I start sketching at 1/4 scale to determine composition and overall look. Then we move on to color, and final artwork. Execution depends on the style of artwork. Barrett’s board is done in an airbrushed style, so it’s mostly painted on the computer. Temple’s board is a large ink wash drawing that I’ll paint by hand, then scan into the computer for final color. The style and medium differ from year to year, we try to change it up so things don’t get stale.

2011 Altered Genetics graphic for GNU – Medium: Ink, Illustrator

I can’t wait to see those… you seem to have the perfect balance of snowboarding vs. being creative with your art/illustrations. Do those two things ever compete with each other?

Ha! Is that what it looks like? I’m always on the hunt for good balance, but it can be elusive. Snowboarding and art are in constant competition with each other. Of course, there is a little overlap, but I usually have to be in my studio to work. I was just having a little personal struggle this morning. Deadlines are looming, but there’s a few inches of new pow today, what does a guy do? It all comes down to priorities. I’ve found that working as much as I can when the snow isn’t that great helps a lot. But mostly I try to do a few hours of shredding in the morning, and come back and work for the rest of the day and into the evening.

What comes first if you have a project deadline looming, but there’s 3 feet of power at Mt. Bachelor?
If there’s 3 feet of pow at Bachelor, the project will win out, at least in the morning. That’s because Mt. B is flat, and three feet of pow means you won’t be going anywhere fast until there’s some tracks!

Haha… good answer. What kind of projects are you working on recurrently?
Board graphics, a goggle strap for Smith, a book cover, some paintings, and a character illustration for Tekken.

Any big snowboard/splitboard or noboard trips planned coming up?
Big Hoodoo camping trip this weekend! And I’m heading to BC next week for an a little wandering.

For more from Adam Haynes check out his website.

2011/12 winter season was your official launch. How many years of working behind the scenes did it take before you could officially launch HomeSchool and have product in stores?
It’s been a long process for sure. At least 2 1/2 years developing and testing the product. Outerwear can be pretty complex and the lead times are quite long. We also had to build samples and go out there and test the product for a couple seasons. I worked on Homeschoo Snowboading (HSS) during the day and worked a night job for a while. The corporate world wasn’t really where I wanted to be anymore.

Homeschool Snowboarding Founder / Creative Director Daniel Clancey

What experience did you have in outerwear prior to having the crazy idea of starting your own company?
I got a design degree in apparel and then started working for some established brands like Ride and Columbia Sportswear where I learned what it takes to get product made. I learned everything I could. I learned what I liked and what I didn’t like about the process. My Dad ran a successful apparel business for a long time and I grew up around it so entrepreneurship is something to which I’ve always aspired. I have always been interested in the idea that with good outerwear you can be totally comfortable in some pretty gnarly conditions.

Tell me about what makes HSS stand out from other brands technically?
Our approach isn’t really rocket science; it’s bringing the product back to what we think snowboard outerwear should be. Functional, technical and not kooky looking. We are using really high end fabrics, zippers some nice features and a technology that works. No gimmicks. Breathability, durability and a timeless aesthetic is really what this brand is about.

Morgan Hebert, AK

What is the importance of breathability vs. waterproof rating?
It’s super important, and something that has been overlooked for a long time. People are starting to get hip to it and you are going to see a lot of brands jumping on the breathability bandwagon in the coming seasons. It’s something that is obvious when you think about it. It’s about creating an equilibrium between a really high level of waterproofness and breathability. You can’t have one without the other and still be comfortable. It’s worth noting that making something super duper waterproof generally kills breathability. It can be too much of a good thing. When you strike that perfect balance and think of outerwear and base layer as a “system” you then are going to be really comfortable, warm and dry no matter what the conditions are. That’s what, from a technical standpoint, we are bringing to the table.

Why Breathability Matters from Homeschool Snowboarding on Vimeo.

Tell me about the Cocona technology? Are you the first outerwear company to start using this?
We actually were the very first brand in the world ever to start using Xcellerator technology, although because we took our time dialing in the product other brands beat us to market. We are one of the few brands in the world using the Cocona technology as a “system” base layer, mid layer, and shell. And together there is nothing better for keeping you warm and dry. Cocona is not a fiber it’s an activated carbon particle derived from coconut shells. This particle is applied to our fabric laminate adding a huge amount of surface area. This allows the laminate to function MUCH more effectively. In our base layer and mid layer product, the Cocona particle is attached to the fibers making the fabrics dry much faster and moving moisture away from your skin. It also doesn’t stink which is a huge plus.

How did you come up with the Darth Hater Hood idea?
I came up with that one at hood up on vista when I was getting the skin on my face blasted off by a sideways 35mph wind. The raised panels are an example of a simple feature that is there when you need it and when you don’t you don’t really notice it.

I saw some new color ways for 2012/13. Did you make any significant changes for next year, or are things staying pretty similar to this year technically.
We made some refinements to the product and the Cocona Carbon is now a visible “print” on the back of our laminate on our 3.5L stuff so the consumer can actually see the carbon technology on the fabric. We’ve added a Cocona insulation micro puffy jacket that people are digging and made a bunch of other small tweaks that I think people will be stoked on. Our designs are different, and we’ve added a new fabric on our hood series. We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel in our second season, just refine and expand on what works.

Jacket: Anvil 3.5 Layer in Crater /
Airbreather Baselayer

Do you think the lack of overall snowfall in North America has effected sales for you in your first year?
Yeah for sure. It’s made it really tough going in some regions like the east coast and Cali. It makes being new that much harder. If retailers have a hard time they can’t pay us and that makes it a tough go. We are adding a lot of new shops in year two and let’s hope for a better one next year. We have put a lot of hard work into this brand but we also need the snow gods to smile on us a bit..

What shops can people find HSS is this winter?
We’ve got some really great shops on board, US outdoor, Sno-con, Tactics, Salty Peaks, World Boards and others. Our full dealer list is on homeschoolsnowboarding.com . Always buy from a core shop if possible and help support the people who really make snowboarding what it is. We need the little guy in our industry in order for it to thrive! I also want to thank everyone who has supported us this first year and we hope to keep it going.

Dirksen Derby, Joel, photo: drew smalley

To learn more about the brand, check them out online here.

Hey Jonny, how was SkiBowl?
Ski bowl was so sick! I’ve been all over the U.S. this year and still got the best pow of the year at the bowl! Love it.

© Drew Smalley

Yea I rode meadows that same day. It was pretty much all-time. Where do you ride mostly on Mt. Hood?
Ski bowl for the pow, Timberline for the parks…and I try and get into the backcountry as much as I can.

So how long have you been living on Mt. Hood?
This will be my fifth winter here on Hood.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rockford, Michigan. My home hill is Pando, just over a hundred vertical feet. All rope tows, all park.

© Drew Smalley

So then it makes perfect sense that you came out West.
Definitely, I love the year round shred and the beautiful National Forests! But my original plan was Bozeman, Montana. I worked at Big Sky for a while but that wasn’t a good fit for me…and I’m glad of it. Mt. Hood is definitely where I want to be. The vibe is always chill (except for the bro-brahs that come out in the summer). I can definitely see myself raising a family here.

Speaking of family, your a married man right? I actually just got engaged at Meadows that day you were trying to get me to meet you at the bowl. It was too good of an opportunity with 18″ and blue skies. How did you propose?
Congrats to you and your new fiance! So stoked for you! I am married and lovin’ it. I proposed to her by slipping the ring on her finger while she was asleep. She woke up and noticed the ring on her finger, then I asked her to be my wife. It was a very good day.

© CatchFly

Awesome!

You just won the Meadows after dark rail jam. How was that contest?
It was super fun. It was the first jam I’ve ever been to with more than four rails, I think they had like 9 features set up! Everyone was killin it, especially the mini shreds! The DJ was pushin’ dub step a little too hard for my liking, but it was a good time. Plus I got a little extra cash for my backcountry gear fund.

What is in store for you for the remainder of this season? Any big travel plans, etc?
Well, the majority of my winter travel has already happened. I got to spend a good amount of time in Colorado, Tahoe and I just recently got back from Grand Targhee, Wyoming. I’m headed to Vermont this week to coach at the Windells Winter Sessions at Mt. Snow. As far as the rest of the season goes, I’m hoping to get some time in the backcountry with my wife and sled. As for summer, I’ll be coaching at Windells Academy and doing as much camping and rock climbing as I can.

Who are your sponsors?
As of now I ride for Auviq, Niche Snowboards, Pow Gloves, Ilusive Snow Wear, Northwest Brandbase, Mt. Hood 26 Boardshop and Hillcrest Sports.

I’m currently trying to get connected with the guys at Homeschool. I really like the vibe over there. Maybe you can put in a good word for me

The Homeschool snowboarding crew are super cool guys for sure. I’ll make sure they see this, and I’ll put in the good word.

Thanks Landon! Take care and lets shred soon!
ABSOLUTELY JONNY! Thanks for your time.

© Drew Smalley

In fact, if you are a snowboarder anywhere in the United States, chances are you have heard the tales. If you haven’t been to Baker or have no idea what I am talking about, read this now:

This article is a highly recommended recipe for a road trip to Mt. Baker.

Step 1: Gather Friends & Pack Your Bags.
To begin, you will need some of your best friends. This is a key ingredient to the Road-Trip-Soup. Pick friends wisely, remember 2 things:
1.) You’re going to be stuck in a car with these people for hours.
2.) You’re mission is to shred & destroy everything, so bring shredders. (No sissies allowed)

Pack your bags and don’t be afraid to bring extra of everything. Baker is nestled deep in the Northern Cascades and… surprise! It’s wet as shit up there. You will get wet, be prepared. What you bring is up to you.

If Bags are packed for murdering steep pow-lines, move on to step 2.

Step 2: THE Place to Stay.
This step is a little secret of mine that I will now leak to you lovely readers (feel special).
If you’re going to Baker and need a place to stay, stay here: It’s called L&L Vacation Rental and it’s owned by my good friend Lee Clont’s and his wife Laurie (L&L). I’ve had the pleasure of climbing Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams with Lee, he and Laurie are two of the nicest people you’ll meet.

It is located in Maple Falls, WA. (40minutes from Mt. Baker Ski Resort’s parking lot). The lodging is one large room complete with a kitchen, a full bathroom, stove, bed, & foldout futon, the works. There is plenty of floor room to walk around and spread out to relax. Just down the road is a market and gas station for supplies (beers). My friends and I stay there every year for the Legendary Baker Banked Slalom weekend (the coolest event in snowboarding). I am so grateful to L&L for letting us stay there each year, it is a serious good time and the perfect place to stay.

Step 3: Getting There.
If you are interested in staying at the L&L, here is the info:
L&L Vacation Rental
7770 Ambridge Rd.
Deming, WA 98244
P:360.599.2407

I Live in Portland, OR so it takes 6 hours to get to Mt. Baker. The resort is practically in Canada. From Portland Drive North on I-5, pass Seattle, Pass Bellingham, and take exit #255, go strait until you hit the parking lot of Mt. Baker, it is seriously that simple. If you don’t live in Portland, why not plug in the address of L&L Vacation Rental to a GPS and cruise on up? I recommend you stop in Bellingham to stock up on food (and beer) for the trip before you drive the last stretch.

Note: Leaving your entire camera bag in a parking lot in Bellingham while taking photos in front of a sign that says, “Cool Beans” at 11:00pm – not recommended.

Second Note: Leaving Portland at 6:00pm for a 6-hour drive to Baker – Also not recommended.

Step 4: Shred & Destroy
Mt. Baker is an epic Mountain. The resort holds the world record for most snowfall in one season: 1,140 inches.

The chairs are numbered 1-8. From Chair 8 there is amazing back country access, so if you have a avalanche gear (transceiver, probe, etc.) head there. A small hike will allow you to ride amazing terrain. Otherwise, most of Mt. Baker Ski Resort is pretty much back country. The possibilities are endless and the terrain is wild. Chairs 5 & 6 have the most jaw-dropping terrain. If you happen to be there during the Legendary Baker Banked Slalom, you will get to ride Chair 5 with your favorite pros from all over the world. I was Lucky enough to ride the chair and shoot the shit with Travis Rice this year. Hustle to explore as much of the resort as possible in the time you have, it is EPIC.

You will find signs warning you of EXTREME DANGER ZONES. Make sure to read the sign before you pass by it, they are not joking. With that being said, some of the best terrain in the country hides in the EXTREME DANGER ZONES. If you’re not smart you can die, so don’t read this and go off and kill yourself. If you are smart and you are an experienced rider, you can ride huge pillow lines and steep chutes all day long. A true powder day at Baker is a dream to be had. The PNW is prone to big snow dumps throughout March and April, so there is still time to take this trip. Pray to the snow gods.

Note: Riding with a friend- highly recommended.

Step 5: Evidence
To make your friends jealous or to show Uncle Bob how cool you are, bring a camera. Get some evidence of how wild this place really is. The rest is up to you. Ride your heart out and try to get a few days in a row. When you’re done shredding you can check out some local bars in the towns of Glacier or Maple Falls, hopefully catch some live music while you try to collect yourself after an amazing day at Mt Baker.

Take the trip and email us your evidence.
Written by: Jack Hewitt

Jonny Sischo – An Hour At Timberline from Cannon Productions on Vimeo.

One super fun hour with filmer Dave Sischo, shredding Timberline Park… Can’t miss out on sunny days at Timberline. Jonny got done working with the kids at Meadows and decided to head back up the hill to Timberline to get some filming in before the winter storm that’s hitting us now rolled in. Enjoy.

Meteorologist Steve Pierce predicts, “a prolonged period of below normal temperatures and a ton of snow for the Cascades! Just like last February and March, the mountains appear ripe for some great late winter skiing.” I’ll take that to heart and say things are looking pretty decent as we head into spring.

Let’s take a look at the predictions for this coming weekend:

Snowforecast is predicting 16.2 inches between Friday and Sunday.

NOAA is predicting 21-32 inches between Friday and Sunday.

NWB is predicting 20 inches between Friday and Sunday.

Either way, it looks like snow. See you on the hill!

Last years overall winner was Harry Kearney, who had the fastest time of 1:28.07. Something tells me this year people are going to be smoking that time, as conditions are looking to be fast and rippable. So wax your board with $100 graphite, put on your flashy outfits and let’s have ourselves some fun! Hope to see you all there…

Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom
February 10-11-12, 2012
Click here for full event details

Say your prayers…

All Photos © Drew Smalley