Vermont is losing snowboard U.S. Open

The Open has been at Stratton Mountain for 27 years.

The Burton U.S. Open, established in 1982, is now the longest-running snowboarding competition in the world. It began at Suicide Six in Woodstock, moved to Snow Valley, then settled in Stratton.

Why move now?

“And as we look to the future progression of the U.S. Open, I feel that Vail offers us the ideal venue to host the event,” said Jake Burton of Stowe, founder and CEO of Burton Snowboards. “Vail is an incredible mountain and has been my snowboarding home-away-from-home for over 20 years. I have no doubt that the U.S. Open at Vail will only grow in its legacy as the premier rider-driven event in the world.”

Burton thanked Stratton Mountain for being the long-time host of the Open, and for playing “a pivotal role in making resort riding a reality.”

Burton and Vail still need final U.S. Forest Service approval to relocate Vail’s halfpipe to a more favorable position. Vail plans a 22-foot halfpipe at Golden Peak and a festival-like base area, with free, live music concerts for all riders and spectators.