Colorado’s backcountry snowboarding rally is all about community.
In 2011, when Jason Bushey and John Keffler spearheaded Silverton Splitfest, 35 snowboarders in seek of backcountry turns headed out with them to explore the San Juan’s deeps on long tours. Now, folks come from Vermont to Washington for the fest, and despite it nearing a decade old, the gathering has maintained its grassroots feel and welcoming vibe, thanks to word-of-mouth marketing and an intimate cap of 135 riders.
Since 2017, Venture Snowboards co-founder Lisa Branner, has owned and operated the event, which includes four days of product demos, presentations and courses with Silverton Avalanche School all hosted at Kendall Mountain Recreation Center.
Over the past five seasons, female participation has nearly quadrupled. “Excited, motivated women show up with non-competitive encouragement,” says Friends of Berthoud Pass instructor Rebecca Hedley.
Register for the April 16-19, 2020 Silverton Splitfest ($125 per ticket) at venturesnowboards.com. It will definitely sell out.
