The North Face Masters of Snowboarding Finals

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding series came to an end this weekend at Snowbird. Known as the biggest open, big mountain snowboarding competition in the USA, the event was rounded off with a thrilling day in challenging conditions.

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding series came to an end this weekend at Snowbird. Known as the biggest open, big mountain snowboarding competition in the USA, the event was rounded off with a thrilling day in challenging conditions. Shannan Yates and Sammy Luebke took home The North Face Masters of Snowboarding overall titles for the event’s fifth season.

Competition organizers did not have the easy time this year due to low snowfall throughout western USA. Two events were rescheduled and they had to make use of weather days at some events. Even though they faced these difficulties, each stop enjoyed ideal snow conditions, making for an exciting competition. The morning of the final day of the tour at Snowbird started off with a spring storm, but this didn’t affect the mood and the day went off superbly.

The one-run final of The North Face Masters of Snowboarding consisted of a field of thirty-five top big-mountain snowboarders. Shannan Yates of Utah took on North Baldy with boldness, taking a top score of 80.17. Familiar with her home mountain, Yates hit several features down the run. The victory at Snowbird on Saturday, made Yates winner of the overall tour title for the second time. Coming in second place was Beth Weissman, who scored 72.83. She was followed in third place by Cindi Lou Grant with 72.00.

The men’s section of the event was held off for a while due to fog and poor weather. However, things did get underway and talented Sammy Luebke from Squaw Valley won with 85.83, claiming both the Snowbird even and overall title. Luebke’s run consisted of some classy airs, fast powder turns and a final technical drop. In second place was Jamie Rizzuto with 83.33 and in third was Brian Bozack with 78.17.

Another highlight of the day was The North Face Young Gun Overall Series Award, which was presented to nineteen-year-old Blake Paul who won on Day One of the tour. The award is conferred upon riders who show their talent and are headed for greatness in big-mountain snowboarding.

2012 North Face Masters Overall Tour Winners – Men
1st – Sammy Luebke
2nd – Jamie Rizzuto
3rd – Alex Yoder

2012 North Face Masters Over Tour Winners – Women
1st – Shannan Yates
2nd – Casey Lucas
3rd – Laura Dewey