Forty years ago, Woodstock resident Paul Graves, along with his wife, Denise, and his team at Snowboard East, launched a national open competition that would become the longest-running event in snowboarding. It was a first of its kind and a foundational springboard for the sport. This winter, from February 12-14, another chance to carve tracks down the face of Suicide Six Ski Area in Woodstock, VT, can be had at the OG Invitational Competition.

Registration for $65 includes up to three competitions (slopestyle, downhill, and rail jam), a daylong Suicide Six lift pass, and entry to the Red Bull Apres-Board party.

Often called the founding father of snowboarding, Graves has led the industry since its inception as a talented athlete and ardent promoter and consultant for the media, board makers, event organizers, mountains, and some of the biggest names in the business.  He was responsible for product development, prototype testing, and worldwide marketing of the snowboard in its earliest days.

Graves will be joining his friends and ’82 OG’s Chris Karol, Jack Smith, David Alert, along with the General Manager of Suicide Six Recreation Area Tim Reiter to talk about the original ’82 event and the upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebration and Ride.

Check it out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6iYLobhXVY