Burton Snowboards

It’s hard to believe that 28 years have gone by since Burton Snowboards started running the US Open Snowboarding Championships. Through Burton’s ownership, the US Open has grown from a grassroots event to one of the world’s best snowboard contests. The US Open attracts tens of thousands of spectators, top riders and sponsors from all over the globe to Stratton, Vermont.

As the final event in the 09/10 Burton Global Open Series, the US Open is where the male and female Burton Global Open Series Champions will be crowned and awarded $50,000 each.  Second place will walk with $30,000 and third place with $20,000!

Just like its owner, Burton Snowboards, the Open is rider-driven. Snowboarders are involved in every step of the event process, from determining event formats and prize money to planning the legendary late-night parties. At the US Open, Burton holds its biggest public product demo of the year, giving snowboarders their first taste of unreleased 2011 product. Dozens of Burton employees volunteer at the Open, doing everything from guiding spectators and selling t-shirts to setting up tents and distributing competitor credentials.

Burton's non-profit foundation, Chill, is also involved in the event. A favorite charity of many top snowboarders, Chill works to improve the self-esteem, confidence and resilience of at-risk youth by teaching them how to snowboard. Chill selects outstanding members from each of its locations to attend the Open, giving many of the kids their first chance to fly in an airplane and see a major snowboarding contest.

We hope you enjoy watching some of the best riding in the world at this year’s 28th Annual US Open.