The world of snowsports progresses quickly. Every few years, gear, equipment and mountain culture have a way of reinventing themselves. Terrain parks have transformed in only a few decades. Starting as a counterculture pursuit for snowboard-rebels who carried around shovels and dug their own snow features while avoiding ski patrol, terrain parks are now an infrastructural, mainstream activity with accessibility for all daring enough to try something new.
Once a rarity, today riders and skiers can find a terrain park at most ski areas in the country. Entire crews are sculpting artificial features daily—jumps, berms, rails, rollers and walls—for skiers and riders to attempt tricks, from spins and grabs to flips and grinds, and also catch air. Terrain parks range from small, more progressive and learning-based to large, expert parks with features comparable to the ones seen in the X Games.
Terrain parks are not only more prevalent, but they’re also becoming a priority for mountain resorts. Leading this shift is Woodward, a global action sports experiential company owned by POWDR, the parent company of Mt. Bachelor Resort. Since 2019, Woodward has elevated the terrain park experience at Mt. Bachelor to be one of the highlights of the mountain’s already playground-like terrain.
With more than fifteen dedicated Woodward parks at Mt. Bachelor, ranging from the Start Park to a halfpipe and slopestyle performance venue in West Village, kids and adults alike are empowered to emulate their inner Shaun White on the slopes. Woodward parks are designed intentionally for intuitive progression, allowing skiers and riders—from beginners to experts—to naturally discover their own skill and style, making growth more fun and safer.
The mountain remains fresh and exciting thanks to the hard work of park crew members, who use their creativity to change the layout of each park many times throughout the season. “There is so much variety for all ability levels in our Woodward Mountain Parks that each crew member probably has their own favorite build,” said Dustin Smith, senior slopes manager. “Some love transition features and some are all about rails; everyone’s got their own thing. I personally like Peace Park as I find so much variety in line choices in that terrain park.”
Peace Park—designed in collaboration with Danny Davis (Grand Prix Winner, X Games Gold Medalist and a U.S. Olympic Snowboard athlete) and the Mt. Bachelor terrain park team—uses natural terrain that reinvents freestyle terrain with a focus on transition, creativity, flow and fun. The name comes from Davis’s belief that people doing what they love in the outdoors freely and creatively were as close to peace as one can come.
Despite the inclusivity of terrain parks nowadays, getting in the lineup, calling your drop-in, and taking that first move with all eyes on you can still be quite challenging. “I would focus on features that don’t intimidate you; maybe it’s a small snow hip or roller jump,” Smith said. “Whatever you think will help you gain more board or ski awareness with practice over time. Keep practicing and progressing as you become more comfortable on snow.”
Check out the features you’d like to try and watch others prior to hitting them. Also, consider signing up for a park-specific lesson and learn from an experienced instructor who knows the mountain and parks.
Skiers and riders can enjoy all that Mt. Bachelor has to offer by being respectful out on the slopes. “Be friendly, respect staff across the resort, and be stoked to be out there,” Smith said. “If you have questions or want to connect, stop by and talk to the Woodward Terrain Park crew as there are crews out daily keeping the parks tuned. Skiers and riders should be sure to call your drops and don’t stop on top of any feature, stay clear of landing zones, and always be Park Smart.”
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