For photographer Andy Wright, today is day two of a five-month-long weekend. His winter of extensive air and land travel, sledding, backcountry trekking, urban delinquency, and all around schlepping of camera gear to shoot the rad names in snowboarding is done and done, again ... for the next 20 plus odd weeks.

Consistently, and annually, he's one of the very first seniors to deliver his select collection of quality images over to TransWorld. This past Wednesday it wrapped like that, like dropping off your final exam before vacation. As the magazine machine restarts itself with new momentum, to put the new issues together, to the wide audience following his established work, the best is yet to develop in front of them. It'll be the highlight to another season that was ... f--kin' A. Wright!


He crashed out on my couch last night in Los Angeles (the same black leather Ikea couch Darrell Mathes has in Oregon, and one Andy was previously familiar with, having been on a helluva tear that lasted July thru August). This morning, both of us slowly recovering from a night downtown, a bit over caffeinated, the genius idea of running a quick interview (via iChat, right) seemed entirely doable. Looking over the transcripts, it might have been stretch. Maybe in a day I'll post that, too.

From the few hours spent with my friend during this quick trip, really, what standouts from a conversation over sushi that truly impressed me, even provided surprise, is that Andy isn't running autopilot, neither over it, nor jaded by a small industry, or by the many years seen documenting the sport. His passion is profound. Peer to the lot of pro players, mentor to a few good kids on the upstart. It's pretty AMAZING, actually. He's doing what he totally loves, fully believes in, and is genuinely, undeniably excited by. While it's not to say there isn't stuff he's cynical about, that goes on questionably, it just doesn't seem to lessen or amount to a hill of beans in contrast to the job he covers. His take on all that is greater in snowboarding, I find resonates, and can inspire.

Photo: Andy Wright (Can't be wrong.)

Seth Huot.

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Check the mailman, or mob the newsstand, another solid issue of frequency is on its way, fast available in your area.

Looks like Publisher Jeff Galbraith and crew has stacked the deck again with stunning snowboard visuals and telling stories for their Spring 2008 publication. It's like there's almost too many features to fathom ... from the way back with Jeff Brushie to a far east glimpse of China's developing scene to an interview study of Mammoth hometown hero Eric Jackson.

The season is cashing out, but it's this editorial collection that should keep it fresh for a long while still.

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It's been forever since I've had any days at Snowbird. Serioulsy, like 12 years. (Park City, The Canyons, way more recently, sure.) Brighton's the natural fun park, but the 'Bird as it is, it is unforgettable. With the latest news of a fully extended season, I still might make a trip this year yet. You might best do the same!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNOWBIRD, UTAH — With more than 11 feet of snow on the ground at mid-mountain, Snowbird announced today it will extend its season into June and possibly beyond.

Snowbird President Bob Bonar said today he feels confident the resort will be able to offer skiing and riding daily through Sunday, May 11, and then Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 1 (including Monday, May 26, Memorial Day).

"With last week's storm and additional precipitation this week it looks like we'll have plenty of snow for great skiing through the last weekend of May, beginning of June," said Bonar. "We will continue to offer skiing and riding as long as the conditions are safe, enjoyable and there's interest."

Snowbird lifts have run as late as July 4 in two previous seasons. Bonar said this week it is too early to know if that's a possibility this year.

Previously not scheduled to operate for the remainder of the spring schedule, the Little Cloud chairlift began operating today and will continue to do so for the remainder of the spring schedule along with Peruvian Express, Mineral Basin Express and Peruvian Tunnel. The resort is open for skiing and riding 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sunday, May 11. Beginning May 16, the hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lift tickets are $59.

The Aerie and Atrium restaurants, both located in the Cliff Lodge, celebrate Mother's Day with brunches beginning at 9 a.m. in the Aerie and 10:30 a.m. in the Atrium. For reservations call (801) 933-2181. Spring vacation packages and additional information about operating days and hours are available at www.snowbird.com..

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Set to stun all this fall: it's blast shields DOWN and GO for Eric Messier who's picked up a signature AIRGOGGLE with AIRBLASTER for 2009. As a wide-field-of-vision goggle, made in Japan, the "Messy Air" is artfully and independently signed on both strap sides (the only one like it in the line). Eric's design concept of scuba diver / squid (pictured) was created by his friend Hunter Longe (who also produced similarly themed graphics for Eric's Technine pro model deck).

The Truckee-based snowboard star—additionally sponsored by Holden, Neff, Ambiguous, Vans, and Squaw—surely has the options inline for some kind of future (and with those brands).

Courtesy: Matt Fong Foto / Airblaster

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Residing a mere two miles from the world famous La Brea Tar Pits, I'm geologically reminded that—if living in Los Angeles today—all Wooly Mammoths, Sabertooth Tigers, and Dinosaurs Will Die. Yet, it would seem the end is not near, luckily, for the snowboard brand of that same name.

As proof to their ongoing, albeit niche, creative existence, I give you a pre-historic first look at DWD's 2008/09 product catalog. While a little "sketchy" in print form, they're hardly small-minded; they're comin' out showing fangs, clawing at the establishment, ready to terrorize on snow for another season. So don't be scared.

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