Industry News
Gunstock Mountain Resort in New Hampshire will host the annual eastern version of the popular snowboarding competition, Methodology, starting at 8 a.m. on February 3, 2024. A special park build is underway, specifically for the event, on Gunstock’s Smith Trail. It will feature a banked slalom course and hip feature. This snowboard-only event is open to riders of all ages. Methodology is a speed competition with an added freestyle element. The event is held in an eastern and a western location each winter.
This marks the third consecutive year Gunstock has hosted the eastern event. Riders will be timed as they navigate a challenging bank slalom course before performing their best Method, a classic snowboarding aerial trick where the rider grabs the heel edge of their snowboard while kicking their back leg out and extending it behind them. The maneuver will be judged, and competitors will be rewarded with time subtracted from their slalom time. Two runs are allowed per rider. Winners in various age categories will be announced and will receive prizes during an awards ceremony in Gunstock’s Pistol Pub following the competition. Registration is limited to 150 participants and available online. The first 80 riders to register receive an Avalon7 neck buff.
Gunstock has partnered with Effective Edge, an industry leader in terrain park strategy and operations planning, to create an event that goes beyond competition by enhancing the environment of communities to bring the people in them closer together. Local snowboarding personality Tyler Davis will again emcee the event. Davis lives in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region where he can be found ripping turns at Gunstock and other local mountains. He grew up riding and competing alongside Pat Moore, Chas Guldemond and Danny Garrity – refining a talent that has taken him to resorts around the globe. Gunstock’s Methodology event was recognized nationally as a nominee in Ski Area Magazine’s 2023 Terrain Park Competition.
“Methodology promises to be a highlight of Gunstock’s winter calendar. Snowboarders of all ages and abilities enjoy this fun, but competitive event. It also attracts snowboarding pros who put on a real show for spectators. Proceeds from the event benefit a wonderful cause; Chill has done tremendous work with vulnerable youth. It’s events like these that help Chill provide boardsports to young people in our community.”
—Tom Day, Gunstock President & General Manager
Chill was founded in 1995 by Jake and Donna Carpenter, founders of Burton Snowboards. It has served more than 30,000 young people since the program began, working with more than 2,000 youth annually. Chill partners with social service agencies, mental health agencies, foster care programs, juvenile justice programs, and schools in local communities to engage youth participants. All gear and services necessary to enjoy boardsports are provided to the youth at no cost.
The registration fee for Methodology is $26.05. A Gunstock season pass or lift ticket is required for participation and registered competitors can purchase a lift ticket at a special price of $50, available only through the Methodology website.
The age groups are:
- Boys (13 and under)
- Girls (13 and under)
- Youth Men (14-17)
- Youth Women (14-17)
- Open Men
- Open Women
- Gentlemen (35+)
- Ladies (35+)
Helmets will be required.
Event Schedule (subject to change) for February 3, 2024:
- Check In/Bib Pick-Up 8:00-9:30 AM
- Practice 9:00-10:00 AM
- Rider Meeting, Top of Course 9:45-9:55 AM
- Banked Slalom Race & Hip Method Judging 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- AWARDS and RAFFLE 3:30 PM
