Woods Valley SFM Skatepark Rail Jam

Over the last few years I have been lucky to cover some amazing events and tap into the culture, the community and the park vibe in upstate NY. A few stand out as true zeitgeists like the first Berms, Bruises and Beers at Hunt Hollow. In Rome NY one movement is traveling with such velocity that it cannot be ignored.

Woods Valley

The SFM Skatepark Project was born from the tragic passing of Stone Mercurio last April and since then has grown into one of the “most prolific grassroots movements in Rome.” Family and friends quickly organized to honor Stone, a native Roman who loved to shred and loved his city.

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Northampton Ski Park: Opening Weekend

For the past few years the Midwest rope tow scene has been firing off. Some of the best riders flock to these small hills to ride some of the best terrain parks in the country. The rope tows provide a valuable life line to the industry in the form of new skiers and riders. They offer the perfect place to learn without shelling out big bucks for mega passes.

Upper Rope Tow House

I have memories of my own, learning at Brantling in Sodus. Near the city of Rochester there are two rope tows; Powder Mills in Pittsford and Northampton Ski Park (NHP) in Brockport. Both are operated by Swain as learn to ski areas, but a few years ago the NHP started featuring a terrain park.

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Snow Ridge Goon Jam 2

Goon Jam 2 kicked off it’s tour right here in NY at Snow Ridge. Tour stops are at independent resorts across the country, and the focus is on supporting family-owned businesses while spreading the love of snowboarding.

Steezy Method
Steezy Method

Despite the truly $hitty weather over the previous few weeks the Ridge was ready. GM Nick told me the snow we were riding on was made over a month ago. As expected the park setup was on point, after the park crew and Flower Skate Shops boys worked through Friday night getting it ready.The layout was sweet, up top a few corrugated tubes and rails were buried for jibbing and stalling.

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