The undertone was much different this year at the 38th annual Burton U.S. Open in Vail, Colorado. Athletes, spectators and unsuspecting visitors felt the overwhelming spirit of Jake Burton Carpenter’s loss and legacy. The Burton founder and snowboarding pioneer passed away in November 2019.

“I feel like it’s a roller coaster,” said former competitive snowboarder, now TV host, Jack Mitrani.

“There’s moments of emptiness,” he added. “There’s this missing piece of energy. As soon as you start to feel it, it reminds you to live the way Jake would want you to — to the fullest.“

Carpenter lived a full life indeed. His influence on the snowboard world grew and grew. In 1983, he convinced Stratton Mountain ski resort in Vermont to open its slopes to snowboarders. By 1984, Burton Snowboards, the company he started out of a barn, reached $1 million in sales. But he was always a bit of a rule breaker.

“Jake had an affinity for illegal fireworks,” said Donna Carpenter as she took to the stage at Solaris before the firework show in her late husband’s honor. The crowd of thousands, ears peeled, eyes teary, filled Willow Bridge Road for the tribute.

“I think we have a permit tonight,” she joked.

Vail erupted in cheers as light filled the sky.

Another highlight was the 100-plus rider pipe poach during Danny Davis’ second halfpipe finals run in honor of Jake. The poach lasted several minutes with snowboard legends like Shaun White, Danny Kass and Kelly Clark, zig zagging through the pipe. No one fell. No one crashed. The riders ended with a celebration at the bottom of the pipe, holding up their boards, RIDE ON JAKE flags flying.

A Day For Jake

The Open may be over, but the festivities are not. A Day for Jake was announced last Wednesday on the eve of the semi-finals. “The crew at Burton has been working so hard to set a date in stone where all the mountains will let snowboarders ride for free.” Mitrani said.

“We’re seeing the best of the best and the worst of the worst. All these moments of celebrating Jake’s life keep everybody excited.”

On Friday, March, 13, 2019, snowboarders can ride for free at 14 participating global resorts — an initiative Jake would have loved.

For more information of a Day for Jake or to register at one of the participating resorts, go to www.adayforjake.com.

Burton U.S. Open 2020: Jake Rides On